What makes a leader effective today? That was the central question in a recent Goodmorning BSN! session led by Oluwatosin Bolaji, Regional HR Manager at IHS Towers. As part of BSN’s Responsible Leadership pillar, the conversation centred on the internal qualities leaders must cultivate to navigate modern challenges. In a world of increasing complexity, the right mindset isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Rethinking Leadership Starts Within
Oluwatosin opened by challenging the assumption that leadership is simply about seniority or title. Instead, he stressed the importance of self-leadership: the ability to lead oneself before attempting to lead others. This, he explained, means cultivating intentionality, self-awareness, and emotional discipline.
“To influence others positively, you must first influence yourself,” he said. This insight laid the groundwork for a broader discussion about the character traits that underpin responsible leadership.
Why the Leader’s Mindset Requires Empathy and Execution
One of the most compelling takeaways from the session was the importance of balancing empathy with execution. Oluwatosin shared examples of leaders who leaned too far in one direction – either overly focused on results at the cost of team wellbeing, or so focused on empathy that performance suffered.
Responsible leaders, he argued, must master the art of holding both. They must understand their team members deeply, while also ensuring accountability and clarity of goals. It’s not a binary choice, but a leadership muscle that must be developed with intention.
Practising the Leader’s Mindset: Clarity, Consistency, Curiosity
The conversation also highlighted three traits that responsible leaders must practice consistently: clarity, consistency, and curiosity. Clarity ensures that people understand their roles and expectations. Consistency builds trust. And curiosity – the willingness to ask questions and listen – keeps leaders open to learning and growth.
These are not just soft skills; they are strategic tools. As Oluwatosin put it, “Leadership is not a title. It’s a behaviour.”
Reflection on Growth and Resilience
Reflecting on Oluwatosin’s insights, BSN Nigeria CEO Lere Baale added that leadership is a process of continuous reflection and growth. Responsible leaders must routinely evaluate not just what they do, but who they are becoming.
Real leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, adapting to the moment, and leading with both head and heart.
The leader’s mindset isn’t just about strategy or management style. It’s about character. As organisations face increasing uncertainty, it’s this inner foundation – anchored in empathy, clarity, and responsibility – that will define leadership success. Reflecting on Oluwatosin’s insights, BSN Nigeria CEO Lere Baale added that leadership is a process of continuous reflection and growth. Responsible leaders must routinely evaluate not just what they do, but who they are becoming.
Real leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, adapting to the moment, and leading with both head and heart.
The leader’s mindset isn’t just about strategy or management style. It’s about character. As organisations face increasing uncertainty, it’s this inner foundation – anchored in empathy, clarity, and responsibility – that will define leadership success.
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