Nation-building: The Crucial Role of Emotional Intelligence (III)

By TPP Tribe
October 15, 2024
7:43 am
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Community-Centric Communication

This aspect of emotional intelligence deploys key social skills in bridging the gap in very polarized polities. Sometimes, the optics of handling a situation go a long way than even the hard-lifting for the same situation. Using tools that shore up the emotions of a people genuinely connects and allows more fluidity in previously hard-line positions. After 9/11, President George Bush Jr stood on the wreckage in central Manhattan with a first responder and promised that the United States would deliver a righteous response to those who cowardly attacked the beacon of freedom, the city on a hill.

It didn’t matter so much what he said or didn’t say, images of a sitting president with arms around a first responder, representing a group of people who often do a thankless job went viral and the consensus amongst the citizens was that the president was with then in the trenches and would follow through with his word of going after those attackers. Even though Osama Bin Laden would later be taken out by elite forces during the Obama era, President Bush laid the groundwork for a patriotic response to terrorism on the homeland. 

When individuals and institutions take responsibility for their emotional responses and actions, they foster a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration, which is the foundation for sustainable growth. Whether through citizens engaging in community service or leaders practicing transparency, the application of emotional intelligence creates an environment where everyone is invested in the nation’s progress. The power of emotional intelligence in nation-building therefore lies in its capacity to enhance both personal and collective responsibility. Let’s examine a few notable rankings below:

Citizens Taking Responsibility

Citizens have a key role in nation-building by exercising emotional intelligence in their daily lives. By taking responsibility for their emotions, especially in diverse and potentially divisive settings, citizens can foster harmony and reduce social tensions. Through empathy, they can build stronger communities by understanding the perspectives of others, be it across ethnic, religious, or cultural lines. Taking responsibility for civic duties, such as voting, participating in community initiatives, and promoting peace, further contributes to a collective national identity and progress.

An exemplary initiative is the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement, which gained momentum in 2016. Led by a coalition of young Nigerians, this movement aimed to promote youth participation in politics and governance. It mobilized citizens, organized advocacy campaigns, and pressured the government to reduce the age limits for political officeholders. The movement ultimately achieved success in 2018, with the National Assembly passing a bill that lowered the minimum age for running for office. This change empowered young Nigerians and demonstrated how collective action can lead to political reform, encouraging more citizens to engage actively in the democratic process. The movement’s success signifies a shift toward a more inclusive political landscape, critical for the nation’s progress.

Nigerians have also displayed remarkable resilience in the face of crises, as seen during the #EndSARS movement in 2020. Sparked by widespread allegations of police brutality, especially against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the movement brought together thousands of citizens who organized protests demanding accountability and reform within the police force. What began as a spontaneous reaction to injustices evolved into a substantial call for better governance, transparency, and respect for human rights. The movement showcased the ability of citizens to unite for a common cause, reflecting a deep-rooted desire for a better nation governed by justice and equity.

 Leaders Taking Responsibility

Leaders, whether in government or other spheres, are pivotal in shaping a nation’s future. Applying emotional intelligence allows leaders to manage their emotions, practice empathy, and communicate effectively with the people they serve. Leaders who take responsibility for their emotional responses can make decisions that prioritize the welfare of the nation over personal or political gain. By leading with emotional intelligence, they can inspire trust, build inclusive policies, and manage conflicts in ways that unite rather than divide the country.

Leadership plays a crucial role in nation-building, and Nigeria has seen several instances where leaders took responsibility to promote progress and unity. One notable instance is the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon during Nigeria’s Civil War (1967-1970) which exemplified responsible leadership. After the conflict, Gowon implemented policies aimed at reconciliation and rebuilding a nation fractured by war. His famous slogan, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done,” reflected a commitment to unity. His establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973 fostered inter-ethnic understanding and collaboration among young Nigerians, strengthening the fabric of national identity.

Another significant example is Her Excellency Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who demonstrated commitment to nation-building during her tenure. She played a vital role in negotiating debt relief for Nigeria and implementing policies that aimed to improve economic stability. Her advocacy for transparency and accountability in public finance set a precedent for responsible governance, inspiring future leaders.

About Dr. Abiola Salami

Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp and The Peak PerformerTM Festival He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms. 

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