Rubies Technologies’ Fest Week wasn’t just about fun, it was an inspiring journey filled with valuable lessons. One standout session was a talk on leadership by Joseph Idahosa, Team Lead at Civic Hive. He shared insights into the qualities that define a true leader, leaving our team both reflective and motivated to re-evaluate their own leadership styles
Joseph kicked off the session with an eye-opening statement: leadership isn’t about titles or authority. It’s not about barking orders from the top or having a fancy title next to your name. Instead, true leadership is about influence, integrity, and service”. His message is clear,If you’re in such for the position or the power, you’re not truly leading.
What Makes a True Leader?
In his insightful talk, Joseph Idahosa emphasized that true leadership extends far beyond surface appearances. It is a delicate balance of character and skill, rooted in six essential qualities that every great leader should embody. First, he highlighted the importance of being mission-driven, where a leader prioritizes the greater good over personal agendas and consistently keeps the mission at the forefront of all decisions. Equally vital is morale building, as leaders are responsible for inspiring and uplifting their teams, especially during challenging times, ensuring spirits remain high and momentum is sustained.
Loyalty to the team is another hallmark of effective leadership, but it goes beyond mere agreement; it involves genuinely supporting team members and helping them grow as individuals. Ethical decision-making also stood out as a cornerstone of leadership, with Joseph likening integrity to a compass that provides direction—without it, leadership becomes rudderless. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of a leader’s reputation for trustworthiness, pointing out that trust, while slowly earned, can be lost in an instant and is built through consistently honoring commitments. Finally, he underscored the necessity of consistency in actions, where a leader’s words align with their deeds, creating a foundation of trust and respect.
Joseph’s delivery was not just theoretical, he brought these qualities to life with relatable examples, stories, and even a few witty jabs. “If you have to remind people you’re their leader every five minutes, you’re probably not leading,” he said, getting a good laugh from the audience, but also making them reflect on the truth in his words.
He also spoke on leadership styles. He mentioned that participatory leadership style is one in which the leader invites and encourages the team members to play an important role in decision making, though the ultimate decision-making power rests with the leader. This led us to reflect on what kind of leadership style is currently practiced in our organisation.
Leadership in Action
Joseph did not downplay the reality of leadership. He spoke honestly about the challenges that come with leading: making tough calls, resolving conflicts, and balancing the needs of the team with the demands of the mission. Leadership, he said, is about being willing to face the tough stuff head-on.
One of the most powerful moments of his talk was when he said, “Leadership is about owning your decisions, good or bad. The best leaders don’t shy away from accountability; they embrace it.” That line hit home for many in the room, reminding us that true leaders don’t run from mistakes; they own them and use them as opportunities for growth. To further buttress his point, we had a breakout session where we were to show practicable examples of leadership.
The breakout session provided a collaborative platform to explore the impact of leadership qualities on organizational success, particularly within Rubies Technologies. Participants formed small groups to discuss real-life scenarios where leadership naturally emerged and examined the traits that made such leadership effective. By sharing personal experiences, attendees gained deeper insights into fostering leadership within teams. The facilitator played an active role in guiding discussions, ensuring meaningful engagement and reflection. This interactive approach emphasized the connection between strong leadership and organizational effectiveness.
The Ripple Effect of Good Leadership
Joseph also spoke of Nelson Mandela’s profound leadership legacy. Mandela, whose leadership was shaped by his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, demonstrated the true power of leadership. It wasn’t just about wielding power, it was about using influence for the greater good, and remaining humble and dedicated even in the face of adversity. He mentioned Mandela’s core principles: “Passion produces perseverance,” “Expect change to be messy”, “End Right vs. Being Right”, and “Change begins from the inside out.” These ideas were the foundation of Mandela’s leadership and serve as a powerful reminder that real change starts within. Mandela’s ability to inspire millions, while always staying true to his principles, is a shining example of how leadership should be about service to others, not self-interest.
Final Thoughts
Joseph Idahosa’s session was more than just an exploration of leadership qualities, it was a call to action. His message was clear: leadership isn’t about where you are, it’s about who you are and how you approach the world. It’s a journey that anyone can embark on, and it requires intention, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference.
As Rubies Technologies continues to grow and evolve, the lessons shared during Fest Week will surely resonate for a long time to come. If there’s one takeaway from Joseph’s talk, it’s that leadership is not defined by a position, but by the impact you have on those around you. So, are you ready to lead with purpose, just like Mandela did?
