What makes a good business leader

Four of Ghana’s finest business moguls believe the true business leader is one who is able to create a vision; articulate that vision; carry people along to execute that vision and more importantly have the welfare of the followers or employees at heart at all times.

MTN’s Michael Ikpoki, Progeny Ventures’ Kofi Amoah, UT Bank’s Kofi Amoabeng and Jude Bucknor of Bucknor and Associates were eloquent and with a touch of humour took business executives, entrepreneurs, senior management professionals and government officials through stimulating, thought provoking session in the 5th MTN Business World Executive Breakfast Meeting.

In a seamless, fluid two hour conversation themed “Being an effective leader in business” David Ampofo- of time with David fame- skillfully elicited from the moguls, the traits of a good leader; what makes a bad leader; are leaders born or trained; and other key related topics of interest.

The men did not fail to intersperse their submissions with the fascinating stories of their personal lives, their beliefs and attitudes, work ethics all of which have made each one of them outstanding in their field of expertise.

Kofi Amoabeng said his anger and frustrations with banks for their failure to lend monies to business men and small scale enterprises led him to start the UT Financial Services.That dream with all its challenges metamorphosed into the UT Bank and has now won the Bank of the year 2011.

Amoabeng said every good leader must be able to have a “fine balance between how to manage with your mind and lead with your heart.” He went on say “to start a business and stay in it, you must love the service you are providing and you must have love for people who are providing the service.”

Answering a question on the challenges leaders face, Amoabeng was unequivocal stating poverty, family and societal pressures make leaders lose focus. He cited instances where he was pressured into employing family members but vehemently resisted and was called names as a result.

Mike Ikpoki said a leader must be able to replicate and churn out more leaders through constant communication. He said there must be value creation at all times and counseled young leaders to spend more time to understand the businesses they run.

Kofi Amoah said leaders must “show compassion for the welfare of their employees,” and must be creative at all times.

Jude Bucknor, said a young business leader must know where he will be in five years. That leader must be straight forward, and say what he means and mean what he says.

He said the leader must tell it as it is and not be shy about who is involved.

On the controversial issue about whether a leader is born or trained, Bucknor was unequivocal, some are truly born leaders. He said the qualities of Dr Kwame Nkrumah can only come from a born leader.

Kofi Amoabeng however disagreed. For him, nobody is born a leader. He explained leaders are trained and from experiences and socialization processes they acquire the traits of leadership.

All the men were also unanimous in the indispensable role women in leadership positions. Some participants who spoke to Myjoyonline.com were impressed with meeting and looked forward to the next.