What Makes a Leader Worth Following

By Paul Yung

Strong and weak leadership are not always obvious at first glance. Many times, weak leadership hides behind charisma, authority, or even popularity. But when uncertainty strikes, when resources are thin and morale is tested, the difference becomes crystal clear.

Strong leaders create clarity, while weak leaders create confusion. In business, politics and family life, uncertainty is a given. A strong leader doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but they communicate a vision and direction that helps people focus.

Weak leaders change course at the first sign of trouble, spreading doubt and mistrust. I’ve seen organisations where the “strategy of the month” changes so often that the team doesn’t bother remembering the latest direction. That’s not leadership, that’s noise.

Strong leaders take responsibility, weak leaders place blame.

When things go wrong, strong leaders look in the mirror first. They ask, “What could I have done differently? How can I grow from this?”

Weak leaders, meanwhile, look out the window, pointing fingers at employees, market conditions, or competitors.

The best leaders are not the ones with perfect track records, but those who bounce back quickly because they treat mistakes as tuition fees, not career-ending disasters.

Strong leaders build people; weak leaders use people. At PM International, one philosophy I hold close is to believe in someone before they believe in themselves. That belief, when genuine, is contagious. I’ve watched ordinary individuals grow into extraordinary leaders because someone took the time to develop them. Weak leaders don’t invest in people; they only take what they need in the moment. And when that person leaves, so does the goodwill, experience, and potential they could have contributed.

Strong leaders see challenges as privileges; weak leaders see them as burdens. As our responsibilities grow, so do the challenges. It’s easy to complain about the stress of managing bigger teams, more projects, or heavier expectations. But it’s a privilege to lead. Many people would love to be in that position, trusted with responsibility. Weak leaders shrink from that weight; strong leaders rise with it, knowing growth rarely comes from comfort.

Strong leaders play to win; weak leaders play not to lose. Playing to win requires courage, risk-taking, and humility to accept setbacks along the way. Weak leaders focus only on survival, avoiding mistakes at all costs, and in doing so, avoid opportunities too. The leaders I admire most are those bold enough to make decisions that may not be popular today, but will stand the test of time tomorrow.

The truth is, all of us have both strong and weak tendencies. There are days when I catch myself playing safe, coddling people, hesitating to delegate, or blaming circumstances.

The difference lies in how quickly we shift back to strength. Leadership is not a permanent title; it is a daily choice.

In Subang Jaya, we see both strong and weak leadership in action, in councils, schools, and neighbourhood committees. The leaders who inspire us are those who listen, serve, and act with consistency. They don’t just hold positions; they hold trust. And trust is the ultimate currency of leadership.

As we celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day, it’s worth reflecting on the kind of leaders we want shaping our homes, our businesses, and our nation. Do we give people clarity or confusion? Do we build people up or use them up? Do we see challenges as burdens or privileges? Do we have the courage to speak up for what’s right?

The answers to these questions will decide not just our own success, but the Malaysia we leave for the next generation. My hope is that more of us will rise as strong leaders, not because we are flawless, but because we are willing to be responsible, courageous, and united. After all, Malaysia deserves nothing less. Here’s wishing you a successful September!