One of the most impactful African words that I have ever come across is the North Sotho word “seriti”, which refers to a person’s “presence” or the shadow that is cast by the character and personality of the person. People, with shadows that are influential, are people who take responsibility, don’t blame, are positive and make choices based on principles. Leaders behave themselves into their respective shadows. Good rhetoric, on its own, doesn’t develop a shadow – real influence is developed through consistency of character, integrity, vision, proactivity, servanthood and selflessness. Leaders with significant shadows are influential and leave a legacy.
