My faith played a big part in my preparation as a leader - Godfrey Yogarajah

National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

CEO/General Secretary of National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) Deshamanya Godfrey Yogarajah completes 30 years at the helm of the institution, providing leadership towards serving the people. He speaks of his experiences, challenges, and how they helped him become a good leader.

  Q    You have been at the helm of the NCEASL for 30 years. How did you start at this institution? 

I joined in 1990. I was the only staff member at that time. Even though the NCEASL started in 1952, after the initial active years it had slid into a period of inactivity. In the 1983 riots, the NCEASL office premises was burnt down along with its library, one of its most valuable assets. All our records were lost as well. I joined the NCEASL straight from University and was asked by the board to rebuild the organisation and its ministry. Today, we have more than 80 staff members and regional offices all over Sri Lanka.

  Q    What do you think has shaped you to be who you are today? 

I think the education I got from my school days at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and my tertiary education in India gave me an important foundation.
Also, at the initial stage, I did everything in the organisation from banking, accounting, events, fundraising and project management. That is why I tell my staff that every single aspect of the work they do I have done and that I can identify with their struggles. Also, I had deep faith in God and felt my work was more a vocation than a job. It 
was a calling on my life.

  Q    What made you realise that you can be a good leader? When did you realize that you were capable of leadership? When and what made you believe that you were capable of undertaking a leadership role?

Leaders are not born but made.  This is good news as leadership can be learned. From my younger days in school, I was given the opportunity to be in leadership. In school I was president of many societies. I also held leadership positions in interschool movements as well. Later in University, I served as a student union leader.

  Q    What were some of the initial challenges you faced as a leader? How did you face it and what approach did you take to overcome it? 

As a young leader, to be taken seriously by the older leaders was a challenge. This was especially true when it came to our board. Getting a new idea to be accepted was not very easy. Building resources and raising finances was another challenge. I had to prove myself before I was given more authority and responsibility. Leadership, I realised was not an entitlement. It was something you gained through your accomplishments and acceptance and respect earned from the seniors. Early in my career, I realised 
friend-raising is fundraising; building relationships was key to opening a door.

  Q    If the same challenges were placed before you today, would you have tackled it differently?

In retrospect, I guess I would have done so. But at that time, with the given facts available, that was the way I tackled the challenges.
Reflecting on the past, I think I would now be more patient, less impulsive and also be more consultative in the way I made decisions. The older I have become, the more I have realised how little I knew. Also, with age, my convictions are now stronger but, at the same time, I have also become more tolerant with the convictions of others.

  Q    How do you think you have evolved as a leader? 

I think I have a lot more to learn and a lot more to grow. I strongly believe in inter-generational leadership. Both senior leaders and young leaders are needed for the organisation. The experience, maturity and the wisdom of the senior leaders should be fused with the entrepreneurship, zeal and enthusiasm of the younger leaders. There should be mentoring and coaching by the senior leaders. The passing of the baton needs to be done as you grow older. Developing younger leaders is a passion for me. I want that to be my legacy.

  Q    If there is one thing which you could have changed five years ago, what would that be?

I think it would be my impatience with people and giving some the second chance they needed. I was a driven person wanting to prove myself. Perhaps, these are some things I would have changed.

  Q    How has your faith in Christ helped in being a good leader? Has it complemented the corporate lessons you learnt? Or is it the other way about?

Yes, my faith played a big part in my preparation as a leader. Loving God and loving my neighbour (people) was what I learnt from my faith. My ethics, worldview and philosophy of life all stem from my faith. Also, I learned the importance of engaging with the community and genuinely caring for the vulnerable, the less privileged and the marginalised. That’s why the human worth and dignity of man is very important in all our work whether it’s our rights-based work, advocacy or relief and development. Leadership is not just a privilege but a responsibility. It must be employed in the service of others. That’s why I consider servant leadership as being pivotal factor if we are to impact our community. Christ washed the feet of his disciples. To be a true servant leader, we must have the same attitude of having the willingness to serve others and wash the dust of their feet so that they could walk with dignity and respect.
As in the words of Christ, “The son of God came not to be served but to serve and give his life as ransom to many.” That is the attitude a Christian leader must have.