Leadership is more than popularity and influence, says author

SHAH ALAM: Gaining public trust and bringing people together may be seen as hallmarks of good leadership, but the true test of a leader comes when they have to make decisions that not everyone agrees with, says Dr Mohd Fauzi Shaffie.

His latest book, DUCK Leadership, explores the responsibilities that come with making such decisions, particularly when competing interests, uncertainty and unpredictable consequences leave leaders facing difficult choices.

Drawing on more than four decades of thought and observation, the book brings together ideas Dr Fauzi first developed while studying in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s, which were subsequently refined through his experience in business, education, executive development and organisational leadership.

The book argues that leadership should not be measured solely by a person’s ability to command loyalty, inspire followers or unite people behind a common goal.

“While these qualities may be valuable, they are not enough. A leader may be capable of inspiring thousands of people but still lead an organisation in the wrong direction.

“A leader may also succeed in uniting people behind a cause without adequately considering the consequences of their actions,” he said.

The book outlines four interconnected leadership responsibilities through the DUCK framework: Direction, Unity, Connection and Keystone.

Direction refers to the purpose behind leadership decisions, while Unity examines how individuals with differing interests can work together.
Connection focuses on relationships and those affected by decisions, while Keystone addresses integrity, boundaries and accountability.

The framework places particular emphasis on the responsibilities leaders must shoulder when making difficult decisions, especially when competing demands and interests cannot be accommodated simultaneously.

The issue extends beyond organisational management. In institutions where decisions affect employees, communities and the wider public, the ability to unite people means little if those in authority are unwilling to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

The book was launched by former director-general of education Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom. It also examines leadership challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, economic uncertainty and changing public expectations.

While drawing on existing leadership theories, Dr Fauzi does not present DUCK as a replacement for established approaches.

Instead, he offers the framework as a way to assess the different responsibilities leaders must balance, particularly when those responsibilities come into conflict.

The book does not prescribe answers to every leadership dilemma. Rather, it aims to heighten leaders’ awareness of the considerations and responsibilities they must take into account before making decisions.

“DUCK does not tell leaders what decisions to make. Instead, it helps them understand what they need to confront in every decision,” he said.

Dr Fauzi is chairman of MZR Group Sdn Bhd and a trustee of the Malaysian Research and Education Foundation.

His experience spans executive development, education, training and organisational leadership.
DUCK Leadership is priced at RM69, excluding delivery charges, and is available at store.sorient.my.