MAY GOD GRANT US, MORE TALL LEADERS..SAY AMEN

Over the course of the past two electoral seasons in Ghana, discussions have intensified on a lighter scale and arguably taken centre-stage at one time or the other, between Party faithfuls or foot soldiers at the Palm Wine Joint or the local school park, on the issue of whether physical height is essential and relevant in the selection and subsequently, the success of leaders in the 21st century.

The responses to this issue have often varied and differed depending on one's political penchant or cultural inclination. But for me, if you are an African or a person well acquainted with African traditional history of our kings, then the subject of considering physical height in the selection of leaders shouldn't be surprising. This is because; our ancestors lived in kingdoms that were established through wars and battles. This therefore, necessitated that the leaders of the various tribes be strong and stout men who could commandeer and lead the people to the battle front. Dr. Gregg Murray, a psychologist at the TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY and his colleagues conducted a survey to determine the physical looks of leader as perceived by the people/voters)…This, he did by asking them to make a visual depiction of their ideal 'national leader' alongside 'a typical citizen'. Almost two-thirds, representing 64% of the participants drew leaders who were taller than the average citizen. The leaders were on the average, 12% taller than the citizens or their subjects.

Dr. Murray then made a beautiful allusion to the past by saying “Our ancestors engaged in conflicts that were resolved through physical violence. If you are in a group and the enemy hordes are coming over the hill, you want them to see the big person upfront, so they know they face a tough battle”

This principle seems more universal than cultural. Such that, all over the world, a visual depiction of a leader and their people is likely to show a leader standing tall above his subordinates and subjects though he might be short in reality. Such is how our history has shaped the minds of our people, not just in Ghana or Africa but every corner of the world. Some aspects of history and evolution continue to manifest themselves in our body politics today. Though it looks trivial, it plays a key role in the selection of leaders. Tall people are naturally suitable for leadership positions. They more often than not, inspire awe and are commanding. A tall leader can always delegate some functions on the lower ground to those who are relatively shorter whilst he attend to other pertinent issues 'up there'. Tall leaders see beyond what the short man sees. He is visionary. Tall leaders can always sight potentials, far from where they are, pounce on them, to better the lives of their people with those opportunities. Tall people can reach out to things of greater height that the short man cannot access. With height, comes a bigger heart, a heart full of kindness, generosity and forgiveness. Again, imagine the short leader who gets lost in the crowd, among those he leads. A tall leader is easily seen before those he leads. He “stands out” of the crowd, far above any other. And so if any danger is to come to the organization, it hits him first and the rest are saved.

Height, as well, comes with bigger ears that are good for listening. Good leaders listen more and talk less. This and more, I believe are the reasons why some people take height into consideration whilst choosing their leaders. Its therefore no sheer coincidence that even if you ask your little siblings in Kindergarten to make a picture of the nuclear family or may be make a visual depiction of their class, they are likely to come up with a picture showing Daddy or the Teacher being relatively taller than the other family or the students, respectively.

IS THAT ALL?????
No! And Never!!! The height here is only an allusion to the depth of knowledge, skills, character, attitude and the demeanor needed to lead people. A Successful leader must be tall in all the positive qualities aforementioned and even more. Leaders with great depth of knowledge, skills, the right attitude, and positive demeanor are more generous, visionary, revered and usually successful, because they listen, do more and talk less. These are the features we need to critically assess before making choices of people to lead us. Let's not vote on trivialities but on issues. Especially in our local college, university, Labour and Trade Union elections. May God grant us more TALL Leaders in this generation. Say Amen

By Ahmed Salim Nuhu
ECONOMICS III, KNUST
[email protected]