Leadership Beyond Tools

In the film John Wick 1, Viggo Tarasov, a powerful Russian crime lord, tells his son that he made a mistake choosing John Wick as his enemy because Viggo knows that John Wick is a very skilled assassin. This fear arises from the fact that he knows John Wick once killed his enemy using only a pencil. This scene reminded me of a phrase I learned during my Master's degree in International Relations at the University of Indonesia: "It's not what the weapon is, but who wields it." This phrase was conveyed by my lecturer, Andy Widjajanto, a military expert and lecturer in International Relations at the University of Indonesia.

According to Mr. Andy, it is not important what weapon is used, but what is important is who controls the weapon. Nuclear power, for example. In the hands of a wise leader, he will make the best use of it. If necessary, not use it at all because he knows the impact it will have. But in the hands of a psychopath, there is a possibility that he will use nuclear power recklessly.

Or, it is also possible that with makeshift weaponry and not a large number of troops, one can defeat a fully armed force with a larger number of troops, as happened in the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated the English troops under King Edward II, who were better armed and had more troops. From this, I then tried to apply this phrase to leadership in the working world.

The Essence of Effective Leadership

Leadership is often mistaken for the accumulation of tools, technologies, and strategies. Companies invest heavily in cutting-edge software, advanced methodologies, and the latest gadgets, hoping these will pave the way to success. However, the Indonesian proverb reminds us that the true determinant of success is not the tools themselves but the people who utilize them.

Effective leaders understand that their role goes beyond simply possessing resources. They must inspire, guide, and empower their teams to leverage these tools to their fullest potential. A well-led team can turn even the most modest resources into powerful instruments of success, whereas poor leadership can render the most advanced tools ineffective.

The Human Element in the Workplace

At the heart of any organization are its people. Leaders who recognize the value of their team members and invest in their growth and development cultivate an environment where innovation and productivity thrive. These leaders are not just managers of resources but enablers of potential.

Consider a scenario where a company adopts a new project management tool. Without the right leadership, employees might struggle to adapt, leading to frustration and inefficiency. Conversely, a leader who provides adequate training, support, and motivation can transform this tool into a catalyst for enhanced collaboration and productivity. The key difference lies in who wields the tool and how they guide its use.

Leading by Example

The proverb also underscores the importance of leading by example. A leader's actions set the tone for the entire organization. When leaders demonstrate competence, integrity, and resilience, they inspire their teams to embody these same qualities. This creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

For instance, during challenging times, a leader's response can make or break team morale. Leaders who face adversity with a calm, strategic approach can motivate their teams to tackle problems head-on. Their ability to wield their leadership "weapon" effectively instills confidence and drives collective success.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of working life, the Indonesian saying "Bukan apa senjatanya, tapi siapa yang memegang kendalinya" serves as a powerful reminder. Tools and resources, while important, are secondary to the people who use them. Effective leadership is about harnessing the potential of individuals, guiding them towards a common goal, and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

Ultimately, the true strength of an organization lies not in its arsenal of tools but in the hands of those who lead. By embracing this wisdom, leaders can unlock unparalleled potential and drive their organizations to new heights of achievement.