SEMARANG – Leaders can be likened to a factory, not a warehouse. The factory produces something. Adding value to objects and goods. While the function of the warehouse is only to store, not to change it.
“Beams that enter the factory come out into tables, chairs, and other items. Meanwhile, the incoming and outgoing beams remain as beams," said Head of the State Harkat Institute (IHN), Sudirman Said when he was the sole speaker at the thematic seminar entitled The Role of Students in Efforts to Strengthen the Nation's Integrity, Tuesday (14/11) at the Semarang State Polytechnic Campus (Polines). ).
The highest achievement of a leader, according to Sudirman, is when he succeeds in bringing about change for the better. Provide added value that is beneficial to the community they lead.
Sudirman explained that the ancient leaders in politics were meant to give. Contribute to the progress of the nation.
"Now we have politics to fight over. Struggling for power is not for the benefit of the community at large, but for personal and group interests. Even though politicians have now been facilitated, they have had enough. But they are still looking for gaps to enrich themselves," Sudirman added.
In Sudirman's view, leadership is a matter of behavior. Not because of the position or position then called a leader. "If it's because of the position and position, it's called a leader, not a leader," he said again.
The main leader's behavior is integrity. A leader must have high integrity. "Without the integrity of the leader it is nothing, nothing," he said.
In addition to integrity, leaders must have competence. Have the ability, expertise, and understanding of the organization and work. With competence, a leader can make the right decisions.
To hundreds of students who came from various universities in Semarang, Sudirman advised to maintain integrity, train competence, and expand networks so that one day they are ready to become future leaders.