In the realm of leadership, particularly in politics, the significance of goodwill cannot be overemphasized. Political leaders are often seen as the custodians of the people’s trust, responsible for the welfare of the masses. Yet, many political figures overlook the importance of nurturing this trust, focusing more on power, control, and self-serving interests. In this context, the proverb “Receiving a small prayer is better than getting a big curse” serves as a powerful lesson.
The Power of Goodwill in Leadership. A simple prayer is often a reflection of goodwill—an act of gratitude from those who feel they have been genuinely served. For political leaders, earning the goodwill of their constituents, no matter how small, is a treasure far more valuable than any display of authority. The small prayer may come from a single individual, but its power is rooted in sincerity, a symbol of genuine appreciation.
On the other hand, a leader who accumulates curses from the people risks a far greater consequence. Curses are often the result of broken promises, unfulfilled expectations, or outright neglect of duty. They represent the anguish of a people let down by those who were entrusted with their future. In leadership, no curse is small; it carries the weight of discontent and disillusionment. Over time, this can erode even the most powerful regimes.
Political Leaders and the Danger of Disregarding the People: In the political landscape, many leaders fall into the trap of dismissing the voices of their constituents. They often believe that power and control can silence dissatisfaction. However, history has shown that the resentment of the people, even when subtle at first, can grow into an unstoppable force. A big curse, in political terms, often translates into massive unrest, the loss of political power, or damage to a leader’s legacy.
The Nigerian political environment is rife with examples of leaders who, despite wielding enormous influence, have been brought down by the collective outcry of the people. These are leaders who ignored the significance of small gestures of goodwill in favor of building a legacy of control. They forget that the smallest prayer—a sign of a grateful and satisfied populace—holds the power to cement a leader’s place in history.
Leadership Is Built on the Trust of the People: For political leaders, the lesson is simple: pay attention to the small prayers. Ensure that your leadership reflects service, humility, and genuine concern for the people’s welfare. It is not always about grand gestures or monumental achievements; sometimes, the most significant impact comes from the everyday actions that earn the silent prayers of gratitude from the people you serve.
Receiving these small prayers comes from showing kindness, keeping promises, and being accessible to the people. This is where the true strength of leadership lies—in the quiet, positive sentiments of those who trust you to lead them. These prayers are intangible, yet they build an enduring foundation that sustains leadership through turbulent times.
A Big Curse Is the Result of Leadership Failure Conversely:
Leaders who ignore the importance of goodwill and focus solely on personal gain or power will eventually attract curses. A big curse, unlike the small prayer, is loud, public, and destructive. It signals a leadership failure, a disconnection from the people, and an inevitable downfall. The curse often comes when leaders become arrogant, self-serving, and fail to address the needs of those who trusted them.
The Ripple Effect of a Leader’s Actions: What many leaders fail to realize is that their actions carry a ripple effect. A small prayer, rooted in gratitude, can spread positivity and inspire others within the community to emulate good leadership. It reinforces a cycle of trust and loyalty. On the contrary, a big curse can have disastrous consequences, not just for the leader but for society at large. A curse carries negative energy, triggering discontent, division, and, eventually, revolt. When a leader disregards this, they run the risk of creating a legacy marred by infamy rather than honor.
The Weight of Humility and Accountability: Leaders must understand that humility is a cornerstone of successful leadership. Political leaders who exercise humility, even in the face of immense power, tend to attract prayers from the people. They show accountability, transparency, and a readiness to listen, traits that endear them to the masses. In contrast, arrogant leaders who act without regard for the people’s well-being often find themselves surrounded by negativity. No leader, no matter how powerful, can thrive on the weight of curses.
Leaders must remember that curses, though seemingly invisible, carry weight and consequence. They affect both the spiritual and political realms, manifesting in ways that strip leaders of authority, influence, and respect.
A Small Prayer: A Leader’s Shield Against Opposition: In times of political turmoil, public dissatisfaction, or even intense opposition, a leader who has accumulated goodwill through small prayers will find themselves more resilient. That simple prayer of goodwill can act as a shield, offering protection against external attacks and internal discontent. It is the unseen force that strengthens a leader’s position when everything else seems to fall apart.
In conclusion, political leaders must strive to earn the small prayers of those they lead. A small prayer may seem insignificant, but its power is profound—it is the seed of goodwill that grows into lasting support. A big curse, however, is the culmination of disappointment and betrayal, capable of ruining not just a leader’s career, but also the future of an entire community. True leadership is about avoiding the curses and earning the prayers, no matter how small they may seem.
Leadership is not just about holding office—it is about serving the people and creating a legacy of goodwill.
Comr. Olagboye Stephen Akinlolu (Ipakan) writes from Ara, Egbedore local government area of Osun state
