Prof. Laban Ayiro Launches a Book on Leadership
By Dr. Lydia Radoli-Daystar University School of Communication
I have read the book from chapter to chapter and the nuggets of wisdom linger on.
Each chapter is encapsulated by thought provoking quotes which stimulates the reader to grasp on energetic thesis statements, critical views, and guidelines. A sort of; ‘how to do leadership’.
The book strives to unleash potential in excellency and transformational leadership.
Without pursuing excellence, life will remain bland, very ordinary, and lukewarm at best (Revelations 3:15-16). The quest for excellence fuels our fire and keeps us from just drifting downstream gathering debris” (Ayiro, 2021. p. 138).
It is not only in the context of institutional management and leadership that the book evokes attention, but the viewpoints can also be applied in a many social and spiritual situations.
Using his personal experiences, profound spiritual, and biblical teachings derived from the Judeo- Christian perspectives, the book nourishes inter-faith approaches. He espouses: “Leaders have a responsibility before God, constantly getting better, and one of the most reliable ways to do so is to read often” (p. 132).
Prof. Ayiro pens a poignant text that lunges into strategies in leadership stringed through an emphasis on emotional intelligence and a deeper delve into spiritual guidance
the ladder of institutional leadership as an Acting Vice Chancellor at Moi University and currently, Vice Chancellor at Daystar University.
Titled: The Art of Institutional Leadership: Unleashing the Potential of Emotional Intelligence, the book is rooted in leadership principles that have guided the Professor of Statistics and Research Methods for almost 40 years.
The narrative on leadership experience trails his early beginnings as a High School Principal in Kegoye, then Lubinu, later leading the prestigious Sunshine High School, a Presidential School.
It is at Sunshine that he horns his leadership skills and demonstrates great potential that inspires growth and performance propelling the school to emerge top six, among Certificate of Secondary School Examination giants. Later, he would work in various capacities in the government and climb
On his first encounter with the Second President, the Late Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, he narrates: “Despite donning a faded suit, a headmaster from the rural area who had just landed in Nairobi, I tried to portray an amiable demeanor, to bring out the best of my personality”.
It is his endearing personality, welcoming all and sundry, listening and seeing potential even in the barren ground, that the servant leadership attributes are truly demonstrated. For those fortunate to work close to him, these attributes mentor, inspire courage and resolve to succeed. He sits his practice on moral values and personal emotive examples that encourage leaders to tackle hurdles in a manner that those they lead can relate to.
His ease with language intrigues, with springles of Swahili and Luhya translated snippets, song, and poetry, Prof. Ayiro leaves your mind occupied in journey of leadership across the country, internationally and back home to his context. The illusions are real, the journey is worthwhile.
He has a tough call on leaders and demands their commitment, presence, and responsibility in executing both difficult and soft matters.
Touching souls of people within the institution, from the level of senior managers, directors, faculty, teachers and cleaners, Prof. Ayiro endearment and personal presence shows a leader devoted to the course. One who has feelings for those in the community. Work becomes service, and institutions a place to call home. He picks the broom to sweep.
His execution of strategy through communication skills, oratory, and big asks to duty, creates room for all voices to come on board. It doesn’t matter if you are a young faculty or a seasoned professor, to Prof. Ayiro, all have a place at the table, and it’s through this communication strategy that work gets done.
The commitment to transformation is entailed in his execution of projects, some seemingly white elephants. His resolve to succeed thus embraces the embodiment of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Transformative Leadership (TL). It is a worthy read!
