In many parts of the world, including Malaysia, we have the problem of pemimpin dan pembodek (“PdP”). Some of these pembodek are professionals who support a leader in office (or out of office) because of the handouts they receive - the “gravy” train. It is something that even the Roman nobility were fond of- patricians and plebeians. It also transcends political parties. People in civil service, private sector or even religious institutions may testify of the PdP disease.
How do you get it? The disease is when a leader loves adulation and the so-called supporters sense that. For their loyalty and “love” they receive favours or preferential treatment. So many will angkat (praise) the leader with some tangible (or intangible) benefits to be received in due course. Of course, if the benefits stop (or are reduced) the bodek party may lose interest and look for a new leader who could do more.
Source:
https://www.nbcnews.com
What is the life of a pembodek? He or she will meet with the leader frequently (or even daily) to “sing” praises of the leader’s achievements or statements made earlier (or the previous day). And also to report of any “threats” or negative responses made by other leaders/followers. Pembodek have to improve their standing and be at the “top of the heap” if they wish to receive the largesse from their leader. And that can only be done if they have “new” things to report or comment.
In some cases, before a leader, CEO. Head of Department has finished outlining a plan or project, the pembodek may utter setuju (agreed) to the dismay of others. Why do they do that? To ensure no negative comments, to give the leader greater semangat (confidence) or just to enhance their standing with the leader. The late Megat Junid faced this problem – before he could finish his suggestion, his supporter shouted setuju. So, he asked the supporter what motivates you to say “yes” when you have not heard the full text of my speech, “not necessary, boss. All your suggestions are always good” was the supporter’s response.
Leadership can easily get out of touch, if your source of information is from this pembodek group. A good leader will look for more independent views or turun padang (go to the ground) when no one expects it. Many (leaders) will say “no time lah”. That’s what happened to the Rajapaksas in Sri Lanka. It happened to our ex-PM in 2018. That’s what happened to many GLCs heads or private sector CEOs. When you are in a cocoon (or “tempurung”) you have no clue what the undercurrent is like. And by the time you know it, your life (or tenure) may be over.
How do we reduce the PdP disease? It starts with the leader – when you don’t entertain the pembodek and you look for several other sources, pembodek will invariably drop-off; when you don’t want fanfare for events or police outriders to travel, your pembodek may leave you; when you don’t subscribe to full page advertisements in newspapers (or other media) just to acknowledge or thank your presence for an event, the pembodek will be discouraged; when you stop your bounty to the pembodek, you have curtailed the disease.
Leadership requires humility – that is difficult. When a Roman general returns (to Rome) after a victorious battle (against the barbarians) he will be given a victory parade. But in his chariot will be an aide who will constantly whisper “you are a mortal not god” – to keep him firmly rooted on the transient nature of life.
Some of our leaders need honest aides, others need to “open” their eyes (and close their ears?); and still others have to fade away for they will never change – the PdP disease has become terminal for them!
No comments:
Post a Comment