Leadership and Development

By Johanne R. Macob

I WAS reading one of my course modules when I came to think about what really constitutes development. The reference material says development is multidimensional, as it has social, economic, political, and other dimensions; it is multidisciplinary because it touches on the discipline of science, arts, etc., and interdisciplinary and integrative, because of the interrelations among these disciplines. That definition gave me a little “nose-bleed” and it needs a lot more reading to be able to completely digest the idea. So instead, let me just talk about that which caught my attention most regarding development.

The reading suggested that true development must be people-centered, more than being production-centered. It concerns humanity. Velasco, et al (1999) said that people-centered development “relies on individuals, households, and communities as main deliverers” while a production-centered development is solely concerned with the economic side, the business.

People-centered development is the participatory type. It involves people from the planning up to the implementation, and even until the evaluation of the program. It engages the ideas of those people to whom the program is made for. I believe the main ideals of a people-centered development refers to what good leadership should be, as well, engaging the people from the top posts down to the rank-and-files.

Recently, I witnessed the team building for the third batch of the provincial hospitals’ staff. I was happy and somehow envious of the fact that the employees’ efforts were recognized. They were made to feel that they, indeed, play an important role in their respective departments. They were reminded that they are each a part of the effective “unified whole” hospitals staff, by no less than Governor Amado Espino Jr.

Different activities were held during the team-building. Undoubtedly, the self-esteem of each of the staff has been raised to a higher level. Team-building activities s are doing a lot of good for the employees. Yes, the provincial hospitals are doing well, as proven not only by the province government itself but also by other provinces as Cebu, Bohol, and Oriental Mindoro.

“This (team building) is for all of is so that we will know where we were and where we are right now…to inspire us to achieve more,” I remember the Governor telling the employees.

In the same vein, I have heard the Governor reiterating that human resource is the most important asset of the province.

If only all our leaders aim at being people-centered development and work on participatory leadership, all else will follow as envisioned.

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