‘Lead by Example’ -Cllr. Gongloe on JNB, Admonishes Nimba Students

MONROVIA – Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe was last week on speaking expedition in his Nimba County homeland, at a major political function and at an academic environment. He had served as keynote speaker at the convention of the newly established Citizens Movement for Change. Then on Friday, February 28, 2025, he talked to students of Bahn High School, specifically the Student Council government.

At the school program, Gongloe the cautioned the government of Liberia and its arrowhead, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to take cue from the suspension of aid to Liberia and other countries around the world, and institute austerity measures that will not offset the adverse effects of President Trump’s actions, but show Liberians that their President is ready to lead by example.

How President Boakai will show leadership

Delivering a keynote address at the installation of the Bahn High School Student Council Leadership last Friday, Cllr. Gongloe spoke on the theme: “Leadership by Example is the way to lead” where he particularly called on President Boakai to set the pace for exemplary leadership by cutting down unnecessary expenditure in the face of the US Government aid suspension.

“Now, I want to take a moment to address an important issue that also relates to leadership by example—leadership at the highest levels of government. Recently, with the suspension of aid by President Trump to Liberia and other countries around the world, we find ourselves in a moment of national reflection. As we navigate these challenging times, it is more important than ever for our leaders to set an example of fiscal responsibility and humility. I challenge President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to lead by example during this very challenging moment. I urge him to take concrete steps to reduce government expenditure by adjusting whatever his salary is to a more reasonable amount, say US$3,000 and reducing his convoy to a maximum of five vehicles.

“Additionally, I believe he should consider residing at the Executive Mansion to reduce the costs associated with traveling to and from work every day,” the eminent Nimba politician to the students. “I further suggest a reduction in the number of foreign travels, and that when he must travel, he should carry only a low delegation of no more than five individuals, in addition to his wife and the necessary aides. These are not just symbolic acts; they are practical steps that reflect the leadership principles of humility, selflessness, and the true spirit of service. The government, like any leader, must lead by example, showing the nation that resources are meant to be used wisely for the benefit of all, not just a select few,” the outspoken legal luminary said without equivocation.”

Cllr. Gongloe also used the occasion to admonish the Bahn High School Student Council to see leadership as a vehicle to serve, because with such responsibility comes the greatest honor and duty, noting that now holds the torch that will light the way forward.

“But let me be clear: leadership is not about title, applause, or personal gain,” he stressed. “True leadership is about character—about the power of influence, not over others, but for others. It is about serving with humility, acting with integrity, and inspiring others through your example. Leadership is not about what you can get—it is about what you can give, and what you can contribute to the betterment of those around you.”

He added: “So, what does it mean to lead by example? What does it mean to truly be the kind of leader who leaves an enduring impact? Let me share with you some truths that will guide you on this path,” Cllr. Gongloe said, as he led the student council government on a solid lecture about leadership and the inherent responsibility thereof.”

According to Cllr. Gongloe, the first hallmark of a great leader to lead with humility. He told his enraptured audience that a great leader is never too proud to serve, and that leadership is not a crown to wear but a responsibility to carry.

“It means being willing to roll up your sleeves and stand side by side with your team. It means showing, by your actions, that no task is beneath you. Humility means acknowledging that, even in a position of power, you are always learning, always growing, and always striving to be better. Your greatness will never come from making others feel small, but from making them feel seen, heard, and valued”.

Expounding on the other five qualities of a true leader, Cllr. Gongloe told the student body that great leaders must be grounded in honesty and fairness, must be selfless, must be informed and be a good listener, must have vision and focus, and above all else, a good leader must be imbued with empathy, kindness and grace.

Cllr Gongloe said, these are the pillars that sustain trust, telling the students that in every decision, in every word students speak, they must remember honesty is not just telling the truth, it is being transparent, being accountable, and standing firm in their convictions.

Fairness, according to him, means not playing favorites, not allowing one’s decisions to be swayed by personal interest or bias; it means giving everyone a voice, and fighting for a world where everyone has an equal seat at the table.

“When you lead with fairness, you build a community where people feel safe, respected, and empowered,” he said. “Leadership is about lifting others up, even when it requires personal sacrifice. It is about putting the needs of the group ahead of your own. Think of leaders like Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for the freedom of his people, or Kwame Nkrumah, who dedicated his life to the development of his nation.”

Gongloe lectured the students: “Think about the young military leader of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, who is riding a ten-year-old used vehicle while buying 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps for medical doctors in Burkina Faso, buying four hundred tractors for farmers to produce rice and wheat to feed his people, and investing in mobile clinics for his citizens. Think about the leaders of Botswana, whose selfless leadership have made Botswana one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, and to achieve a level of socioeconomic development that surpasses Liberia. These leaders have over the years shown the true meaning of selfless leadership.

“They have demonstrated that true leadership is not measured in accolades, but in the lives you change, the hearts you inspire, and the generations you empower. Leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Seretse Khama, and Nelson Mandela led their countries not for themselves, but for the people they served. This is the leadership you must strive for. Knowledge is the foundation of good decisions. But knowledge alone is not enough; the wisdom to listen to others is what sets you apart. A leader who listens is a leader who understands. Listen to your peers. Understand their struggles, their dreams, their needs. Only then will you make decisions that truly reflect the heart of the community. Leadership is not about you speaking, but about hearing the voices of those you serve and amplifying their concerns, their hopes, and their aspirations.”

He also told the students that a true leader does not chase distractions but keeps his eyes on the prize, and moves towards achieving his goals with unshakable determination.

“To our incoming student leaders, I say to you, challenges will come and you will face obstacles, but it is your clear vision, your unwavering commitment to that vision, that will carry you forward. Never lose sight of your purpose. Stay grounded in what matters. Stay focused on what is best for the people you serve,” the Liberian lawyer added.

“Never let arrogance or anger define you. A great leader is patient, composed, and steadfast, especially in the face of adversity. How you carry yourself in difficult moments will set the tone for those around you. Your actions, your words, your energy will reverberate through the school. Be the kind of leader whose actions speak louder than words. Be the kind of leader whose presence makes others feel safe, valued, and inspired,” Cllr. Gongloe admonished the students.”

“In closing, he urged the Student Council body to remember that their ascendency to leadership is a privilege, not a right,” he asserted. “The power you hold, whether in government or in this student body, is not for your personal benefit. It is a sacred trust—a trust that has been placed in you by your peers, by your teachers, by your school community. You must always ask yourself: am I leading in the best interest of others? Am I serving with integrity? Am I elevating the people around me?”

Gongloe called his audience to also remember the importance of respect; respect for the rules, respect for authority, and, most of all, respect for one another.

He said leadership does not mean doing whatever one wants, but means serving the greater good with dignity, honoring the values that make this school—and this society—strong.

“I want to leave you with this thought from the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Lead with the empathy, kindness, and fairness you would want for yourself. Treat others with respect, and they will follow your lead,” he cautioned the student.

To the newly installed Student Council President and all those who included on the leadership, the human rights advocate said: “Your journey as leaders begins now. It is not just your actions that will define you, but your character. Lead with purpose, with integrity, and with love. Lead by example, and in doing so, inspire others to rise to their full potential”.

He called them to use their leadership to shape the future of this school, something he said without doubt owes the future of Bahn High School and will be bright because it will be shaped by leaders like such as the elected student.

“Go forward, not as individuals seeking glory, but as a united force for positive change. Congratulations, and may your journey be filled with wisdom, compassion, and success. Thank you, and may God bless Bahn High School, its students, and the people of this great city,” Cllr. Gongloe said amid thunderous standing ovation from the students, faculty, parents and well-wishers who graced the auspicious occasion.”