Role of fatherhood in cultivating strong leaders for national development

The huge responsibility placed on fathers as the heads of homes has for years demanded performance beyond just being there for their children and wives, but also being responsible father figures in society.

Hence, this article aims to explore the intricate relationship between fatherhood and leadership.

This exploration will delve into the multifaceted aspects of fatherhood and leadership, highlighting how the experiences and responsibilities associated with fatherhood can significantly contribute to the development of effective leadership skills.

One of the many scholars whose work I found insightful in the preparation of this paper is Brad Harrington, an Executive Director and Research Professor at the Boston College Center for Work & Family, Boston University, Winchester, Massachusetts, United States.

Harrington’s notable scholarly article on fatherhood and leadership development, entitled “The New Dad: Navigating Fatherhood in a Modern World,” is a masterpiece.

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In his article, Harrington opens minds to the changing role of fathers and explores how fatherhood experiences can shape leadership development in men. This is very profound.

Another great work on fatherhood and leadership was done by Stewart D. Friedman, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Friedman examines how fatherhood can shape men’s leadership approaches.

He suggests that fathers may develop a more empathetic, compassionate, and collaborative leadership style as they draw from their experiences in parenting.

Friedman highlights the importance of integrating personal and professional values, fostering a supportive work culture, and promoting gender equality in leadership.

Another great research work stems from a series of insightful interviews I conducted with three eminent fathers in Nigeria: former Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Western Region Governor Major General (RTD) David Jemibewon, and former Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Ambassador Joe Keshi.

Drawing inspiration from the renowned documentary “Cradles of Eminence,” these interviews aimed to unravel the role of intentionality, sincerity, dedication, and integrity in shaping the fortune of a nation for the better.

The dialogues with these influential figures provided a unique perspective on the intersection of fatherhood and national development.

The interviewees were carefully selected based on their notable contributions to various fields of leadership, including literature, media, business, politics, academia, and social activism.

Some of them have authored autobiographies.

The structured interviews were conducted in person, ensuring a conducive environment for open and candid conversations.

The questions were designed to elicit reflections on their personal experiences as fathers and leaders and to understand how these experiences may contribute to the broader narrative of national progress.

These were the findings which I encourage fatherhood coaches and family practitioners to pay attention to: they all emphasized the pivotal role of fathers in instilling a sense of responsibility and work ethic in their children.

They highlighted how these values, when consistently upheld, can contribute to the economic prosperity of a nation.

According to them, fathers who lead by example set the stage for a future generation of industrious and ethical leaders.

As fatherhood coaches, there are several steps you can take to ensure that the role of fatherhood in leadership development is firmly rooted in society, and I have a few recommendations below:

1. Raising Awareness: Start by raising awareness about the importance of fatherhood in leadership development. Host workshops, seminars, or public talks to educate individuals, organizations, and communities about the positive impact that involved fatherhood can have on leadership qualities.
2. Providing Education and Resources: Offer educational resources and materials to fathers to help them navigate their roles as parents and leaders. This could include parenting classes, leadership training programs tailored for fathers, online resources, and literature on fatherhood and leadership.
3. Offering Support and Guidance: Provide individual coaching and support to fathers seeking to enhance their leadership skills while balancing their family responsibilities. Offer guidance on time management, setting priorities, communication strategies, and conflict resolution techniques relevant to both parenting and leadership roles.
4. Promoting Work-Life Integration: Encourage fathers in society to adopt a holistic approach to work and life by promoting work-life integration rather than strict separation. Help fathers identify ways to integrate their parenting responsibilities with their professional goals and aspirations, fostering a supportive environment where fatherhood is valued and respected.
5. Advocating for Family-Friendly Policies: Advocate for family-friendly policies in workplaces and communities that support fathers in their dual roles as parents and leaders. This could include policies such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, on-site childcare facilities, and mentoring programs for fathers.

Implementing these steps can bring a range of benefits:

1. Building Stronger Leadership Quality: Fathers who are supported in balancing their parenting responsibilities with their professional roles are likely to develop stronger leadership qualities. They may demonstrate enhanced empathy, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively, which are essential for effective leadership.
2. Improved Work-Life Balance: By promoting work-life integration and offering support and resources for fathers, organizations can help fathers achieve better work-life balance. This can lead to reduced stress, improved job satisfaction, and higher levels of productivity and performance both at work and at home.
3. Increased Employee Engagement and Loyalty: Organizations that prioritize family-friendly policies and support for fathers are likely to see increased employee engagement and loyalty. Fathers who feel valued and supported by their employers are more likely to be committed to their jobs and loyal to their organizations.
4. Enhanced Organizational Culture: Creating a supportive environment where fatherhood is valued and respected can contribute to a positive organizational culture. This can lead to higher levels of morale, teamwork, and employee satisfaction, as well as reduced turnover and absenteeism.
5. Positive Societal Impact: Promoting involved fatherhood and supporting fathers in their dual roles as parents and leaders can have a positive impact on society as a whole. Children benefit from having actively engaged fathers, and communities benefit from having strong, compassionate, and effective leaders who prioritize family and community well-being.

In conclusion, the constant pursuit by fatherhood coaches in recognizing and supporting the role of fatherhood in leadership development will bring benefits not only to individual fathers and their families but also to organizations, communities, and society as a whole. I strongly believe that family is the building block of society.

Akinropo Akinola is the visionary founder of Parenmark Consulting, a pioneering parenting and fatherhood initiative based in Lagos, Nigeria. As a leader in private field research, Akinola is driven by a passion to revolutionize the art of parenting and nurturing African children. Through Parenmark Consulting, he is dedicated to enhancing the quality of parenting and family life by providing expert education and guidance for parenting and family life coaches across Nigeria and Africa.