Spirit of Islam · CREATIVE LEADERSHIP — Discovering Opportunities Amidst Problems

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP — Discovering Opportunities Amidst Problems

Spirit of Islam, Aug 2014, p. 10

By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP Discovering Opportunities Amidst Problems H UMAN life is full of problems. Any leadership that emerges, is bound to emerge amidst problems. Also, every leadership shares the common claim of aiming to solve problems. But there is a difference. One kind of leadership only exacerbates the problem, while the other kind either solves the problem or at least reduces the magnitude of the problem. Only the second kind of leadership can be called creative leadership. Why is there a difference in the results of these two kinds of leadership? The basic reason is that uncreative leadership is the outcome of reaction; it begins with protests and ends with protests. In such a situation another title for uncreative leadership is protestant leadership. Life and problems are inseparable from each other. With every problem, there are opportunities. In contrast, creative leadership always reaches some kind of positive result. Its beginning is positive and its end is also positive. In terms of results, uncreative leadership is a curse for mankind, while creative leadership is a blessing for mankind. Why is there such a difference? The reason is that uncreative leadership sees things at face value, so it knows of nothing except problems. It begins with complaints and protests and also ends with complaints and protests. On the other hand, creative leadership is able to see what is beneath the surface. It is able to discover an opportunity amidst the jungle of problems. The method of creative leadership involves avoiding problems and trying to avail all opportunities. This is the wisdom of life. Due to this difference, uncreative leadership always fails, while creative leadership always achieves success. The wisdom behind this state of affairs is that problems are a part of life. Both life and problems are inseparable from each other. This is a law of nature. But, there is another aspect of the law of nature, which may be formulated in these words: ‘With every problem, there

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