Name: Godfrey Chikura

Title: Doctor

Organisation: Ministry of health and child care

I'm Dr. Godfrey Chikura, employed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care of Zimbabwe as a Director of Epidemiology for the past 2years. I was born on 15 March 1965 in Murewa District, Zimbabwe. I did my primary school at St. Clare's School in Murewa and did my secondary school at Nyatsime College and Goromonzi High and later went to the University of Zimbabwe where I graduated as a doctor in 1992. I like reading and writing. I also like basketball and soccer.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Godfrey's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

I have worked with people of different characters and different walks of life. It is both challenging and sometimes impossible to bring their minds together. It's a challenge really when you want things done and people are hooked up on semantics.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader through years of experience. I never thought I would be a director, let alone in the Epidemiology department. For years, I worked in the epidemiology department but I never went to a formal institute to specialize. It came as a surprise when I was chosen to be a director. But really, I think it's very interesting.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and started preparing my files for the day. I also look at my scheduled meetings and check if I am prepared for the meetings. I then take a shower and have a cup of tea. I pray for God's guidance, then off I go to my work. Starting with the first item on schedule I start working at around 7 am and I work until 5 pm breaking only for lunch.

I'm rather a workaholic, and I always prefer to be working than doing anything else. After work, I go home. I have dinner with my family. I read magazines. I talk to my wife and children. Sometimes we go out for dinner as a family. Then I sleep.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I have learned to be tolerant. I have seen an angry fellow who nearly hit me. He was angry because of an unnecessary delay in the payment of his allowance.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Becoming a Leader by Dr. Myles Munroe. This book taught me how to discover myself as a leader. It taught me to stick to my principles and values and express my passion. I learned to empower others and build up a team. I also learned that to be a good leader, you have to look at the spiritual and moral aspects as well. All this is part of making a successful leader.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

To the young leader, I would say you have to learn more and don't be afraid to face challenges. You need challenges in your leadership path so that you become a finner leader.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One story that sticks to my mind is the biblical story of our Lord Jesus Christ. How his leadership started by the river of Jordan after an encounter with John the Baptist. How the simple man with simple ideas managed to influence many resulting in the worldwide Christian movement we have today. I always want to talk about this man!