Consider the human development likened to a tree that consists of the main trunk, the branches, and the fruit. The trunk represents knowledge from which the extended branches represent the skillsets developed throughout the years. Typically, the fruits from the tree are the ones attracting the eyes. With regard to human development, the fruit is the Akhlaq, Adaab, and the leadership qualities that encompass excellent characteristics of oneself. While many might overlook the trunk and branches—our knowledge and skill sets—they are just as essential and must be well-developed for the fruits to be harvested.
The seeds from the fruit, though, is in fact the most important. They are hidden but extremely valuable. Our students are the seeds of the fruit, bare and yet to be developed. These seeds have the potential to be planted elsewhere – either local or abroad – for the benefit of humankind. If we are the bad fruit ourselves (that is, we fail in leading at least ourselves and fail at becoming fruitful to others), how are we going to produce the best seeds? More likely than not, bad seeds will be cultivated.
Now, to produce excellent leaders, we ourselves must show exemplary leadership. It starts from within via personal leadership. How do we take charge of personal worldly affairs, take responsibility for our own decisions, and perform as the servant of God by obeying His commands as shown by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the level best? This is where my leadership strength lies – on the personal level. Moving forward, this common goal of planting the seed of leadership (through students) throughout the globe needs to be shared with students. Students need to carry such mindset for their future undertakings here in this world and in the hereafter.
Then, there is the leadership role within the scope of an organization. This is an area I need to improve. Accepting a leadership role is not my utmost fear. However, overcoming the challenges of learning something new to fulfill the leadership role remains a hurdle. Further, understanding the expected level of leadership within the context of a given task is something learned through experience, which will hopefully be attained through time. These are the branches of the tree that need further development on my part before the first fruit of this ‘grander’ tree can be harvested.