大象传媒

Good morning

Perhaps it was a genius move to call a snap election at the same time as the Euros. I for one welcome the distraction they offer from the current norm 鈥� of TV debates where people speak over each other, politicians avoid scrutiny, angry attacks are made online, and everyone seems to think they can do better than Gareth Southgate.

I been looking again at the Nolan Principles, brought together in 1995 and named after Lord Nolan, the Chair at the time for the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Selflessness 鈥� Integrity 鈥� Objectivity 鈥� Accountability 鈥� Openness 鈥� Honesty 鈥� Leadership.

How obvious they seem and yet how far removed from what we often see in public life. The last one, leadership, should encompass all of the others.

I鈥檝e been reading John Adair鈥檚 book, the Leadership of Muhammad. Adair is known as the world鈥檚 first Professor of Leadership, initially developing his ideas while serving with a Bedouin regiment in the Arab legion. He shares his insights into Muhammad鈥檚 life by drawing out examples from the prophet鈥檚 own Bedouin lifestyle, - living his early years in a tent and being a shepherd as a boy. Adair helps the reader make connections between Mohammed鈥檚 leadership style and contemporary theories and ideas. A colleague of his, Nabeel Al Azami lists the hallmarks of the prophet鈥檚 leadership as courage, compassion, and servanthood.

But the prophet didn鈥檛 take to leadership undaunted 鈥� when he received his first revelation from God in a cave outside Mecca, he was frightened and confused. He was worried that people wouldn鈥檛 believe him, that they would not listen. He felt the weight of the duty of leadership upon him.

He ran to his wife Khadijah for comfort and reassurance. She told him 鈥淕od will not desert you because you are kind to your family, you help the needy, you make guests welcome, you support the weak and the oppressed鈥�. She reminded him that he was known by everyone as 鈥淎l Amin鈥� the trustworthy. Qualities that he would continue to embody throughout his life, as a statesman and powerful leader. He remained humble. He never moved far from his simple lifestyle.

Muhammad taught that even on a journey of three people one of them must be appointed as the leader. A simple but profound idea encouraging those capable and worthy of leadership to take responsibility; reminding others to respect the authority. Throughout his life Muhammad taught and demonstrated that the leader of the people is their servant.

Something for everyone to remember 鈥� parents, England managers, and politicians alike.

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