Why Grand Gedeh Association Should Change Leadership On May 24th

Introduction: On May 24, 2009, the great people of Grand Gedeh County in the Americas will assemble in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for their annual convention. This convention promises to be a crowd puller for two primary reasons: First, Pennsylvania and its neighbors host the highest amount of Grand Gedeans in the Americas. Second, this year’s convention will elect a president and other executive officers who will run the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas for the next two years. Already, the Association’s Elections Commission has cleared candidates for the various positions – president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and chaplain. Maryland-based current President Henry Kohn Glay, seeking a second term, is being challenged by Pennsylvania-based Martha A. Kannah, referred to by supporters as the Association’s “Iron Lady.” Following a thorough research into the lives and community activities of the two presidential candidates, coupled with a careful analysis of their campaign platforms, the Sloh Information Service, the world’s fastest and most accurate media outlet, endorses “Iron Lady” Matha Aldolphine Kannah for the presidency of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

Always composed in any situation: Martha, seen here, is poised to restore lost confidence and credibility in the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas. She tells the truth consistently.
Why Kannah, and not Glay: There are times when people look at someone in society and say, “He or she is a born leader.” This statement is usually based on certain characteristics found in the person that naturally make others see him/her as a leader. Whether a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. However, there are some clear characteristics that identify good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of one’s personality. Below are few of such qualities that informed our endorsement of Mrs. Kannah:

Honesty and integrity: A leader must be trusted and be known to live their life with honesty and integrity. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads. Martha is a good leader with an exemplary character. She is trustworthy to lead others. She is a good leader who “walks the talk” and, in doing so, earns the right to have responsibility for others.

Enthusiasm, passion, and dedication: Good leaders are enthusiastic about their works, causes, and roles. People respond more openly to a leader of passion and dedication. A leader must be a source of inspiration. S/he must be a motivator towards the required action or cause. The responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different from others, but the leader must be seen as part of the team working towards the goal. Martha is enthusiastic about any assignment she is given. She has a history of working with passion and dedication. She leads by example. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get dirty.

Confidence: A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor. Martha has proven to be a leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective and inspires the best effort from team members.

Tolerance and composure: Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Martha is the kind of leader who takes storms, emotions, and crises as part of the journey and keeps a cool head.

Focus and analytical skills: A good leader keeps the main goal in focus, and is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is also able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. Not only does Martha keep her goals in full view, she equally breaks them down into manageable steps and makes progress towards them.

Conclusion: A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas. The above characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role. This is where Martha Kannah is always at her best. And, based on the information above, we urge the people of Grand Gedeh County to lift their great organization above the fray by voting for a change that helps both their organization and its people back home in Liberia.