By Mrs Appolonia Odiah
Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with romantic affection. In leadership, love does not imply emotional indulgence or favoritism but is a deeper, more enduring principle that shapes individuals within institutions, strengthens governance through policies, and transforms organizations.
While examining the place of love in the relationship between leaders and the led, one can argue that love, expressed through respect, responsibility, accountability, and compassion, is not a weakness in leadership but a strategic and ethical necessity.
Love in Leadership is theoretically rooted in Servant Leadership (Robert K. Greenleaf), Transformational Leadership (James MacGregor Burns / Bernard Bass) and Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman).
Here is to the leaders:
Leaders must not neglect love in the face of hardship rather hold fast to compassion and continue to “guide their people through the storm without losing sight of the light.” A reminder that challenges and opposition are inevitable, but love is the anchor that prevents leadership from turning into rancour.
Here is to the followers: Those who choose to stand as clogs in the wheels of progress must remember that history does not honor obstruction but celebrates those who move humanity forward.” It’s a reminder that resistance to growth and unity only delays the inevitable march of progress, while true legacy belongs to those who embrace change and contribute to collective advancement.
In Leadership context, Love reflects: genuine concern for the well-being of others, commitment to others’ growth and development, fairness and justice in decision-making, courage to act in their best interest and accountability to shared values and purpose, hence, Love in leadership is best understood as responsible care anchored in integrity.
One Love.
*Mrs Odiah, is the Chairperson, Nigerian Institute of Management, Maitama Abuja Chapter
