So you want to be a political leader? – 123rf.com
IT is wrong to assume that we would all want to stand for elections should the opportunity present itself. It takes a certain type of personality and zeal to do that.
An ideal politician is one who is motivated by equality, social justice and care for others. Almost all politicians have intrinsic “power values”, which is the wish to control resources and to take charge of others. Some may also have narcissistic qualities of wanting to be noticed and admired.
Politicians are not a homogenised group. Not all are good, but neither are they all bad.
The world is full of people with political ambitions but not all have the integrity and accountability to be a good leader.
Strong leadership requires a mixture of charm and honesty, and the ability to quickly evaluate a situation and decide what would be best for the people rather than for themselves.
Sadly, politicians all over the world tend to have a bad reputation and are often the butt of jokes and derision. However, it cannot be denied that good politicians are vital and can have a major impact on the nation and citizens’ wellbeing.
As hardy as they come, politicians too can buckle under the psychological strain of public life.
In Britain, they have a competency-based selection for Parliament candidacy. In Indonesia, those vying for senior government positions are required to undergo psychological screening before they can be appointed. Many years ago, one potential Cabinet minister did not make the grade because she reportedly scored poorly in the screening.
Qualities of a good leader
Good leaders must have good communication skills to make others feel motivated to join their cause, and they must convey their vision convincingly. They would also need to hold on to their principles and lead by example.
In this world where anyone with a laptop can turn into a super sleuth, politicians who aspire to be election candidates need to make sure they are squeaky clean, otherwise their past will inevitably catch up with them .
A leader also should know how to make the right decision at the right time and think quickly in times of crises. He needs to demonstrate qualities of being a leader and not a mere follower.
A responsible and far-sighted leader also knows how to delegate responsibility and tasks, with the intention of empowering others and planning for succession.
A great leader will espouse a bold vision no matter how idealistic it may be perceived to be. A clever politician can sell a dream, the not so clever one just wants to sell a product.
Addiction to power, status
Power is intoxicating . The desire to control others releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, in the same reward pathway in the brain that operates in addictions. That is why once power is tasted, it is often difficult to let it go, particularly when narcissistic qualities seep in.
This dopamine rush can have some benefits. It heightens cognitive functions and make leaders sharp and watchful, and also gives them the courage required to be a tough leader. However it can also lead to poor judgment, narcissism and subtle brutality in trying to be a “no nonsense” leader.
Power is difficult to let go of, and people are often determined to hang on to it at all costs. A sudden withdrawal of power, like drugs, can cause withdrawal symptoms and cause intense cravings. Some are unlikely to give it up willingly without extracting a reward or causing material loss to others.
Absolute power can cause high levels of dopamine release which can cause paranoia. This was the case with Adolph Hitler during World War II. Some might think their leadership is a divine duty -- one former US president was said to have declared that God told him to invade Iraq.
Dictators thrive in a state of high dopamine when the system does not have checks and balances. That is why in a consensus-based situation, gradual withdrawal of power becomes a more acceptable transition for those having to relinquish their positions.
Addiction is not limited to a specific age group but the vulnerability it causes may be different in young people and adults. In the case of substance use, young people are more vulnerable to developing a dependence on the substance of abuse. However, if it concerns losing power or status, adults are more vulnerable in the context of power being addictive.What holding power does
Obviously, power and status bring with them the ability to provide leadership and make meaningful changes in society. They can bring out the best in leaders who aspire to be statesmen rather than mere politicians.
However, they can also involve long hours and single-minded dedication to the cause. This can be tiring and cause lethargy and even burn out.
Being in a position of authority also causes the constant temptation to abuse one’s position or to resort to corrupt practices either to enrich oneself or to consolidate power.
However, using public office to bring about social changes for the good of all can be a truly fulfilling journey in life.
Having power and status also subjects one’s life – public and private – to the scrutiny of all. Aspiring leaders must be prepared for this invasion of their privacy.
Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist and Malaysian Mental Health Association president. The views expressed here are solely the writer's own.
