Lead by example, not by title

Modern leadership research shows that when leaders “walk the walk” and model the behavior they expect-hard work, integrity, respect—trust and engagement rise, and people willingly follow. When words and actions don’t match, morale collapses and people lose respect, no matter what formal authority the leader holds.

The Promised Messiah^(as) said Takleef se takmeel hoti hai.It is through difficulty that one reaches completion or Perfection is achieved through hardship. A true leader must labor with greater devotion and endurance than those they lead.

Compassion and understanding weaknesses

In Islam, the Prophet^(sa) is presented as a merciful and gentle leader whose heart was deeply affected by the suffering of his community. The Qur’an (3:160) highlights that his softness and mercy kept people close; if he had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have turned away. It is derived from this that a true leader understands people’s weaknesses, overlooks mistakes where possible, and treats failures as opportunities for growth rather than humiliation.

Communication, consultation, and clarity

A good leader communicates clearly, listens, and involves people in consultation rather than issuing blind commands. Islam emphasize shūrā (consultation) as part of prophetic leadership: forgiving others, seeking their input, then placing trust in Allah once a course is chosen (3:160). This style makes followers feel valued and responsible, instead of treated like replaceable tools.

Praying for the people and seeking God’s help

There is a strong ethic that leaders should pray for those they lead and ask Allah to guide them to what benefits the community. Discussions of Islamic leadership frequently stress that guidance (hidāyah) and tawfīq (ability) come from Allah; a leader who recognizes his dependence on God is more likely to remain humble, just, and self-correcting.

Avoiding toxic leadership

Psychology and management studies repeatedly show that toxic leadership, harshness, humiliation, manipulation, or abuse of power, produces stress, anxiety, burnout, and high turnover. Such leaders might get short-term compliance, but they destroy trust, damage health, and weaken the very “pack” they are supposed to protect and guide. In contrast, compassionate, just, example-driven leadership sustains both spiritual and organizational well-being over the long term.

To rethink how we lead is to return to prophetic mercy, embrace shūrā, carry the heaviest load ourselves, and walk so closely with Allah that our character, not our position, is what makes people follow. Leadership perfected is service in motion, driven by integrity, tempered by mercy, and anchored in prayer.

“Leadership is not a role or a position to be had, its a service to be given”

“Be the leader you wish you had”