It is John C. Maxwell, a widely acclaimed expert on the topic of leadership who said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership”. So important is the role of leadership in our society today that everywhere people are gathered, there is someone responsible for leading the group to success. How then do we define this all important role called “leadership”?

Leadership is simply the art of coordinating resources (both human and material) toward achieving the goals and objectives of an organization. We expect so much from leaders, hence the reason we go to great lengths to have highly qualified persons occupying such positions.

Leaders are pivotal to the success of any organization, and as a result are duly appreciated for their roles in demonstrating excellence and producing outstanding results in their fields.

The Global Leadership Awards

It is a globally accepted practice to reward innovation, commitment, excellence in leadership, and outstanding results in different endeavors, be it sports, business, religious, academic, social or political.

Recognizing excellent leadership through the presentation of leadership awards tends to encourage the leaders to do more while inspiring the would-be leaders to strive for something beyond themselves.

Some leadership awards may seem more prestigious than others, however, they all serve to recognize the role played by the recipients in bringing repute to the organizations they represent.

Some Leadership Awards around the World

Below are some notable leadership awards around the world, listed in no particular order:

1. Global Leadership Awards 2020
2. Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards
3. European Leadership Awards
4. Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

Their Requirements

As with every globally recognized leadership award, participants are required to meet certain requirements before the invitation can be extended to them. For our above listed, here are their requirements:

1. Global Leadership Awards

The Global Leadership Awards is an event put together to recognize and showcase the highest levels of global leaders representing the diplomatic, business, government, philanthropic, media, celebrity and social sectors. It is organized by The Leaders Online, a leading online news portal.

Upon requests, participation for this event is extended to global renowned leaders through the Chambers of Commerce of their nations. Those who are honored are leaders who have gone forward despite adversities while setting examples for others to follow.

Also crafted are various categories to recognize leaders who have been in the industry for less than 3 years, with the objective of providing space for next generation leaders. The judging will be based on all past achievements and performance.

2. Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards

The Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards honors groundbreaking women leaders who are working in the fields of human rights, economic empowerment, or political reform. It is an annual event organized by Vital Voices Global Partnership, a non-profit, non-governmental organization headquartered in Washington, DC.

Categories of their awards include Leadership in Public Life Award, Human Rights Award, Economic Empowerment Award, Fern Holland Award, Rising Voices Award, and 10,000 Women Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.

To qualify as an honoree for the awards, one must be an “extraordinary” woman who has proven exceptional leadership in the way they have tackled challenging issues, turning them into opportunities for their communities.

3. European Leadership Awards

The European Leadership Awards is a prestigious and reputable awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding achievements in business, politics, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It was jointly established by Euronews and the European Business Summit (EBS).

Categories of the awards include European personality of the year, European leader of the year, European Entrepreneur of the year, European corporate Social initiative of the year, and European innovator of the year.

The selection of nominees is done by a jury composed of renowned figures from a variety of backgrounds.

4. Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

The Ibrahim Prize celebrates excellence in African leadership. It is awarded to a former Executive Head of State or Government by an independent Prize Committee composed of eminent figures.

Prize criteria include:

• Former African executive head of state or government
• Left office in the last 3 years
• Democratically elected
• Served his/her constitutionally mandated term
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership

Value of Leadership Awards

It has been proven that humans thrive best under the most favorable and supportive conditions. So it is with leadership, appreciate leaders and they are encouraged to do more. Some values derived from Leadership Awards are:

• Recognize leaders who have been outstanding in their fields of endeavor
• Bring to the fore individuals and projects that are relatively unknown, yet important to the wellbeing of society
• Inspire leaders to do more
• Encourage other leaders and followers to aspire for greatness, seeing that their efforts will never go unrewarded and unappreciated

The Nigerian Leadership Award

Nigerian leaders have distinguished themselves both in the continent of Africa and indeed globally. Our lives have been affected positively by those who have taken hold of difficult challenges and made them into opportunities for greatness.

We see these leaders holding sway in sports, politics, business, academics and entertainment. There are a host of leadership awards organized within Nigeria and for Nigerians, to recognize and appreciate these outstanding individuals. Notable are:

• Business Day Nigerian Business Leadership Awards
• Leadership Award – SPE Nigeria
• Leadership Awards by Leadership Newspaper

Who Should Apply

For the above mentioned, anyone can apply. Provided there is proof of results to show your accomplishments in your stated field.

It has been widely debated by different schools of thought about the making of great leaders, while some hold the view that great leaders are born, others are of the opinion that leaders are made. Whichever side of the divide you happen to find yourself, it is a surety that great leaders should be recognized and rewarded. What better way to go about this than through Leadership Awards.