In a recent interview, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in replying to a question, said that he is a ‘transformational’ leader. This is a non-fitting description.

You don't label yourself as a person or leader, it is something that others compliment you on seeing your actions and values. It is not the cause per say but more of the results.

Sure, you must have a desire or aim to transform something whether for an organization, a nation, a product or service but you don't tell your people or your team, ‘I'm a transformational leader/CEO’.

You would surely share the vision, the mission and be involved from the ideas stage to the execution and to delivery. Only then, when the people see the results of ‘putting the visionary and transformational ideas into action’ will say that our you are a transformational leader.

Most importantly, the end results must be better or far better than before.

‘He/she is a transformational chief.’ is something that others say after seeing the ideas, planning, execution and finally the end result of your efforts.

Even more importantly, the ‘heart’ of a great leader is the foundation of all transformations. A leader that upholds integrity, is noble and who always puts others before himself will bring forth all the ideas, plans, creativity and innovativeness to achieve all things for the betterment of others.

Look at all the great leaders, inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs who have achieved their mark and you will see a consistent pattern of these great and noble people always putting others before themselves.

They lead, create, innovate, plan and work for the greater vision and mission to improve the lives of others in this world.

The values and beliefs of a great leader are the foundation of all transformations. And the values and beliefs lie in the heart. ‘Who we are in our hearts is who we are on the outside.’

That is why, for our country of Malaysia to break away from the ‘developing nation’ level, the secret lies in the hearts of our leaders.

We must have hearts that uphold integrity and a selfless cause to transform this blessed nation of our into a great nation that gives hope and opportunities to all its people as well as to inspire others.