Leadership Skills For Islamic Leadership

PART IIndividual Skills

• Public Speaking• Writing• Nasiha (Advice)• Communication• Time Management

PART IIGroup Skills

• Forming a Committee• Chairing a Committee• Arranging a Meeting• Chairing a Meeting• Using Audiovisuals• Talking to the Media• Establishing Local Organization

INDIVIDUAL SKILLSPublic Speaking

Towards Effective Public Speaking

• Planning and Preparation of Content• Delivery Techniques• Questions and Answers: Challenge and

Opportunity• Models of Effective Public Speaking• Public Speaking Checklist

I-Planning and Preparation of Contents

A-Step by Step Approach: a. Know the audience-Come early and leave

late and know your allies and adversariesb. Establish credibility: Prophet (S) gathered

Mekkans and asked “If I tell you that an army is about to come from the foot of this mountain, will you believe me.” They replied, "Yes.”

2- How to Structure the Speech

a. State the subjectb. Analyze the subjectc. Report previous solutionsd. Diagnose and suggest solutionse. Conclude

B-Increase Effectiveness

1. Continuity- Speech should flow smoothly. Transition could be – Rhetorical or vocal

2. Diction-Use mature language.3. Notes- It is best not to stray away from notes Do not read continuously from notes Notes indicate that we prepared the talk and all points are covered.

II-Delivery Techniques

• Dua of Prophet Musa (A): Taha,20:25-28

II-Delivery Techniques

A. Practice- for effective delivery. Record the speech and then listen to evaluate

B. Body language, voice and visual contact1-Body Position:• Gesturing- Rehearse in front of mirror using

different gestures• Standing- Appear confident, feel free to move

around, do not pace the floor. Less distance to audience gives impression of intimacy.

2-Visual Contact

• Look people in the eyes• Not to fix gaze on opposite sex• Do not focus on people’s head or stare on

faces• Faraway gaze indicates we are not in touch

with them• Public speaking requires more volume• Try to speak to each area of audience

3-Voice

a. Volume- Raise the voice to be clearly heardb. Pitch- Monotone is tiring Patterned pitch, which goes up and down at regular intervalsc- Rate- Talk fast without stumbling and be clear.d- Pause- at important points and at critical points.

C-End of talk

• A brief capitulation of main points can be useful

• Impromptu rambling summary with many repetitions of “Finally” or in “conclusion” can ruin a talk.

• To safeguard against this, plan a definite beginning and ending.

D-The Speaker’s Self

• Speaker must possess and project qualities that earn him the respect

• Sincerity, affability and energy• Communicate a feeling of excitement, interest

and enthusiasm• If we are not enthusiastic about the subject,

audience quickly loses interest and turns itself off to the speech.

III-Questions and Answers

• Challenging opportunity to accomplish remaining goals.

• To neutralize hostility restate the question• Normally answers should be short• If opportunity is to offer new information then

do so.

IV-Models of Effective Public Speaking

• Prophet’s speech to the Ansar after the campaigns of Hunayn and Ta’if.

• Prophet’s last sermon at Hajjatul Wada• Speech of Jafar Ibn Abi Talib (R) in the court of

Najjashi, King of Abyssinia. • Speech of Khalifa Abu Bakr (R) after he took

oath of office.

Towards Better Writing

I. PurposeII. ProblemsIII. The Writing Process A-Planning B-Drafting C-Revising D-ProofreadingIV-Writer’s BlockV-Tips

I-Purpose

• Ideas and information to be made permanent and easily accessible

• Motivate others to act according to message• Free up time of writer when his ideas are replicated and

distributed to wider readers• Guide and direct others with new ideas• Establishing credibility and authority of writer• Increase chances of success by permanently spelling out

choices of course of action• Be an effective means of Dawah

II-Problems

• Researching too little or too much data• Poor organization of subject matter• Failing to revise the first draft• Using too long sentences or words• Expressing writer-centered point of view• Directing the writing to wrong audience• Mistakes of grammar and style

III-Writing Process

A. Planning- What can be written about the subject. Jot down the points and ideas.

B. Drafting- Prepare first draft in concise form.C. -Revising- Weed out un important details.

Eliminate anything confusing. D. Proof reading- Check for grammar, spelling

and punctuation errors.

IV-Writer’s Block

• This means writer is stuck and can’t think of another word to write.

• Force oneself to keep writing. One idea leads to another and one gets back to the subject

• Talk to someone about the block and get new leads or ways to approach the subject

• Leave the writing aside and come back to it latter with a fresh outlook.

V-Some tips on writing

• Base your prose on facts• Avoid business jargon, over used phrases• Edit for a leaner and crisper style• Strengthen prose by using more verbs• Use the active voice and let subjects do actions• Avoid repetitions and use synonyms instead• Prophet (S) said, "The best of words are those

that are precise and concise.”

NASIHAH

Nasihah (Advice)

I. The Nature of NasihahII. Nasihah as FeedbackIII. Nasihah as an ObligationIV. Nasihah in Action A-From Generalities to Specifics B-From Knowledge to Behavior

Learning Objectives

• Identify the elements of advice giving process• Give advice in Islamically recommended way• Receive advice in an Islamically accepted

manner.

I-The Nature of Nasihah

• Prophet (S) said, “Religion is sincere advice.”• Prophet (S) took pledge from Jarir Bin Abdullah on 3

things; establishing Salah, paying Zakah and offering Nasiha to every Muslim( including ruler and the ruled.

• If we love our fellow Muslims, then one measure of this love is how much sincere advice we give him.

• Giving Nasihah was always the mission of the Prophets. (7:68,7:93)

II-Nasihah as a Feedback

• As humans we can’t observe our actions. Our brothers and sisters are to observe these and correct us.

• Prophet (S) said,” A believer is a mirror to his brother” Mirror is to reflect exact image-nothing more and nothing less.

• Omar (R) said,”May Allah have mercy on him who sends my faults to me as a gift.”

Nasihah Feedback

• Advisor must be patient, tactful, use proper words and choose proper atmosphere

• One who is advised must welcome it with open heart, open mind and smiling face. He should then act to improvement.

• Advisor must express love and sincerity. Tone must not show superiority, ridicule or censure

• Communicate advice in private first.• While we welcome advice yet we must guard against

being deceived. (7:21, 12:11)

III-Nasihah as an Obligation

• Advice must be offered for the sake of Allah• Prophet (S) said,” Nations before were destroyed

due to neglect of advice.”• We should not be put off by those who are not

receptive to our advice.• We must realize that our opinion may be in error.

So, we advice should not turn into a vain debate. It should be brotherly discussion.

• Advice is sometimes not well received.(7:79)

IV-Nasihah in ActionA-Generalities to Specifics

• And remind, surely reminding benefits the believers. 51:55

• Reminding is not educating. Knowledge is there but we tend to forget or be unaware of our behavior.

• Allah has prescribed 2 solutions: 1-Continuous remembrance of Allah through Zikr (3:191) 2-Reminder by mirror believers in pointing out mistakes and correcting them.

B-From Knowledge to Behavior

• In the fieldwork , we must point our specific behavior mistakes and correct these.

• This practice springs out of our love and care for others. Others must reciprocate it.

• Prophet (S) said, “You shall not attain Iman until you love for others what you love for yourself.

• This is in contrast to materialist socieities.

COMMUNICATION

CommunicationI. What is communication A- Judgment and Interpretation B-The Prophetic Way C-Please make me feel importantII-Ways to Communicate A-Tips on Communicating B-Do you say what you mean and mean what you say?III-Cross Checking of InformationIV-Communication Check Lists A-Communicating Without Words B-Do’s and Don’ts of Communication

I-What is Communication?

• To let people know and allow them to come to mutual understanding with you.

• A-Pre-Judgement and Interpretation- It is a major obstacle in dealing with people. We should replace it with description of behavior

• B-The Prophetic Way- Receive people with love and accept them as they are. Treat them with care, gentleness and encouragement. Be sensitive to their needs and show sympathy and affection.

C- Please make me feel important

• Everyone is borne with this sign on their forehead.

• Prophet (S) used to address everyone turning his body towards the addressee

• When people do not get response to their phone calls or e mails, you are telling them, "You do not exist.

II-Ways to Communicate• A-Tips on Communicating:1. Do not try to seek power over people.2. Interact with everyone3. Spend each break period in a meeting with someone different.4. Do not wait for latecomers in a meeting5. Paraphrase the message you hear to ensure proper reception6. More we understand, more we manage. Less we understand,

more we manipulate7. Prophet (S) teaches us to find over 70 excuses for other’s bad

behavior

B- Do you say what you mean?

• Words do not have meanings, people do. • Words are just symbols, not realities• Words are not absolute, they are learned in a

certain context. • Meanings can be hidden or buried. • Words reflect cultural and personal

dimensions.

Words To Forget

• I should, I have to• I shall try to do it• Someday• But (negates previous

statement)• Risk• Problem• Too difficult• Worried• I am sorry• Why (stopper, attack)• I feel helpless• That is just the way I am• I need you to• You (it is blameful, accusative)

Words To Remember

• I want to , I choose to• I will do it, in sha Allah• Today, now• And

• Opportunity• Challenge, opportunity• Challenging• Interested• Excuse me, I regret• Help me understand• I would like your help• My potential for change is• I want you• I(honest, responsible)

III-Cross-Checking of Information

• We hear often,” It is a problem of communication.” Response should be, “Fix it”.

• We trust our brothers and sisters but put the news in the hold mode till you confirm it.

• It is useful to repeat instructions loudly to assure correct transmission and reception

• Intention is to get to the truth and not accusing others of purposely misleading.

IV-Communication Check List

• A-Communicating without words:• Body-Head position Face Eyes Shoulders Posture Movements Actions and Gestures Dress

Communicating without Words

• Voice- Tone Softness Speed• Space-Distance, Marking, Changing• Touch-Shaking hands Hands on shoulders Holding hands Hug Kiss

Do’s • Make eye contact (same

gender only) when listening• Check for understanding

and use of paraphrase• Affirm with nods and

gestures• Share laughter with people• Share feeling of sadness• Get others involved in the

conversation• Graciously accept opinions

which are different• Compliment other people

Don’t’s• Interrupt when having a

point to make• Ridicule what others say,

even if it seems silly.• Give personal opinion on

isses. • Ask why all the time• Carry the conversation

single handed.• Criticize other’s ideas

without being asked to do so.

Words of Importance

6 most important words• 5 most important words• 4 most important words• 3 most important words• 2 most important words• 1 most important word• The least important word

I appreciate you and your efforts

• I am proud of you• What is your opinion• Would you please• Thank you• We• I

SMILEIT HELPS TO COMMUNICATE

• Your smile in the face of your brother is an act of charity (Sadaqah). Sunan Al Tirmidhi.

How to manage your time?

I. The Nature of TimeII. The Use of TimeIII. Lost Time A-One Day at a Time B-The Meaning of TimeIV. How the Time PassesV. Some Hints for Saving Time A-Take Time B-Time Well SpentVII. A Case Study; What does a minute cost?

Learning Objectives

• Identify and minimize major time wasting habits

• Identify and cultivate time saving habits• Do more in the time available• Lead a more productive work and personal

life.

I. The Nature of Time

• What is the longest, yet the shortest;• The swiftest, yet the slowest; (happy,

suffering)• All of us neglect it , and then we regret it;• Nothing can be done without it;• It swallows up all that is small; (i.e., unworthy)• It builds up all that is great.

II- The Use of Time

• Two categories of people: 1- Unfortunate, procrastinators- Always going to start something tomorrow2-Fortunate-Ready to go right now. For them there is no tomorrowKilling Time: It is crime like murder“I don’t have time.” This phrase means there are other things more important to me.

A-One Day at a Time

• The Prophet (S) tells us:Not a single dawn breaks out without two angels calling out: “Oh! Son of Adam! I am a new day and I witness your actions, so make the best out of me because I will never come back till the Day of Judgment.”(Al Ma’thur of the Prophet)

B-The Meaning of Time 3 Concepts

• 1-Moment when the opportunity is the highest• 2-A measure of seconds, minutes, hours and years.

This is the shallowest concept. It destroys initiative and creative impulses

• 3-Time is not imprisoned by the clock. They commit their hearts to a task/mission they love which is blazing with purpose. Success is governed by spirit of dedication and sacrifice.

Getting people to organize their time is the most difficult task

III-Spare Time

What could you do with your unused time?• Quran and Hadith could be memorized• Books can be written• Degrees could be earnedSpare time can be lot when calculated:15 minutes a day= 11 days a year30 minutes a day=22 days a yearTime=MoneyWe do not let anyone steal our money but we doTime= our life

IV-How Time Passes

• Time passes fast• You will have to plan and program actions into

your busy schedule to accomplish things• Set aside a certain time each day for things to

achieve and stick to it• Regret for time wasted can be good for the time

remaining. • Time remaining is enough if we will only stop the

waste.

V-Some Hints for Saving Time

• Jot down things to do each morning• Never visit someone without informing• Always jot down plans and ideas in spare time• Plan rest time and match them with prayers• Utilize spare time by reading, memorizing• When you make appointment with someone, make

sure both parties understand time• Adjust travelling time to reach in time• Have all items at hand when doing any thing

Hints for Saving Time

• Avoid people who are selfish enough to steal your time• Do not make a trip if you can accomplish the same

with phone, e mail or conference call• Fill your car with gas whenever you pass by your

favorite gas station• Keep proper change for tolls or parking meters• Before shopping , make a list.• Take time off periodically to pray, meditate,

contemplate and charge the batteries of faith.

VI- Things to Remember About Time

• A- Take Time-• To think, it is the source of power• To play, it is the cistern of perpetual youth• To read, it is the foundation of wisdom• To pray, it is the greatest power on earth• To love and be loved, iman is love and hate• To be friendly, it is the road to happiness• To laugh, it is the best medicine• To give, life is too short to be selfish• To work, it is the price for success

B-Time Well Spent

• Prophet (S) said, "He whose two days are equal (in accomplishments) is a sure loser.” Sunan al Daylami.

• Great minds discuss ideas• Small minds discuss people• Very small minds discuss themselves

Two Time TamersThe Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

• Theory- • The significant items in a given group constitute a

relatively small portion of the total items in the group.

• Application-• List all items you must act on. • Recognize the 20% of the items that are likely to

yield 80% of the desired results. • Act on them first

Parkinson’s Law

• Theory-• Work expands to fill the time available for its

completion• Applications-• Set a deadline to each task and stick to that

deadline.

Questions for Discussion

• 1- Why is time today more valuable than tomorrow?• 2-How do people who succeed differ in their use of

time from those who fail?• 3- How do you calculate the monetary value of time?

Give an example.• 4- Why is making schedules necessary for good time

management?• 5-What are three common major time wasting actions?• 6-How do you guard your time against them?