Africa-Press – Eswatini. Dr. Mteto Nyati, the Chairperson of the Eskom Board, asserts that transformative leadership starts with self-mastery.
Speaking at a Business Gala Dinner hosted by Eswatini Bank at the Royal Swazi Sun Convention Centre last evening, Dr. Nyati strongly urged the private sector to prioritize leaders who are accountable, self-aware, and disciplined, individuals who can tackle tough situations with honesty and conviction.
Nyati Calls for a New Breed of Leaders
Drawing on a career rich with leadership experiences at MTN, Altron, IBM, and now Eskom, Dr. Nyati stressed that Africa’s advancement hinges on significantly improving the caliber of its leaders.
He encouraged businesses to reinforce accountability, provide frank feedback, and invest in leadership philosophies that are fundamentally anchored in integrity.
Leadership Starts with Knowing Yourself
Dr. Nyati thoroughly explored the idea of personal mastery, pressing leaders to truly understand who they are, what they excel at, and where their limits lie.
He recalled a pivotal moment when the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa asked him to take on the role of Eskom CEO. Because he possessed a sharp understanding of his own strengths, he respectfully declined, opting instead to serve in a capacity where he could guarantee a meaningful impact.
Upgrading Personal Values
Using a powerful analogy, he likened personal values to software that ultimately shapes behavior. He highlighted how cultural norms from his rural background, particularly the habit of silence, once limited his visibility in professional environments.
Diversity Catalyzes Stronger Teams
Nyati underscored that leaders must avoid surrounding themselves with conformists, people who think exactly the same way. As an introvert, he personally learned that varied viewpoints are essential for tackling complex problems.
Courage: The Driving Force of Progress
He emphasized courage as a crucial element of leadership. This means having the courage to speak the truth, challenge the established norms, and actively propel transformation forward.
A Challenge to African Leaders
Nyati concluded by imploring leaders to clearly define their organizational direction.
“If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there,” he cautioned, advocating for purpose-driven leadership that is truly capable of building enduring institutions.
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