WHEN LEADERS BUILD WITH ONE HAND AND DESTROY WITH THE OTHER
✓ A reflection on how leaders who lack integrity, ignore wise counsel, foster toxic environments and pursue short-term gains may unknowingly undermine the very institutions, people and legacies they seek to build.
By Amb. CC Leaticia
AGP News
Dated: 11 March, 2026
INTRODUCTION
Leadership is often described as the ability to build, build people, organisations, communities and nations. A good leader establishes systems that nurture growth, inspire others and stand the test of time.
However, a troubling reality sometimes emerges in leadership: a leader may appear to be building something significant while simultaneously, and often unknowingly, destroying it.
This occurs when a leader’s actions contradict their mission. Like a builder who carefully lays bricks during the day but secretly removes them at night, the structure will never stand strong.
THE ILLUSION OF BUILDING
Some leaders proudly announce new projects, policies and grand visions. They speak about progress, development and success. On the surface, it may appear that they are constructing something powerful.
But genuine building is not merely about launching projects or making promises. It is about laying a solid and enduring foundation. If the foundation is weak, everything constructed upon it will eventually collapse.
A leader can unknowingly undermine their own efforts through certain behaviours.
Example 1: Lack of Integrity
Integrity is the bedrock of leadership. When leaders say one thing but do another, trust begins to erode.
For instance, if a leader speaks about honesty yet engages in corrupt practices, the organisation gradually weakens. Staff lose motivation, respect for leadership fades, and the very system the leader sought to build becomes unstable.
Example 2: Ignoring Wise Counsel
Strong leaders value advice. They surround themselves with knowledgeable individuals who can question, refine and strengthen their ideas.
However, when leaders refuse to listen and assume they know everything, poor decisions often follow. Ignoring wise counsel can lead to costly mistakes that undermine the organisation’s progress.
Example 3: Creating a Toxic Environment
A leader who constantly criticises, humiliates or intimidates their team gradually destroys morale. Even if the leader possesses excellent plans, people will not perform at their best in a hostile environment.
Over time, talented individuals leave, productivity declines and the organisation becomes weaker.
Example 4: Focusing Only on Short-Term Success
Some leaders pursue quick victories rather than long-term stability. They may cut critical investments, neglect development or take shortcuts.
Although such decisions may produce temporary gains, they slowly weaken the future of the organisation.
The Lesson for Leaders
True leadership requires alignment between vision and behaviour. A leader must ensure that every action strengthens the structure they are trying to build.
Great leaders:
✓ Practise integrity
✓ Listen to wise counsel
✓ Support and develop their people
✓ Focus on long-term growth
When these qualities are present, the structure becomes strong and enduring.
Conclusion
Leadership is much like constructing a building. Every action is a brick that either strengthens or weakens the structure. A leader who builds wisely creates something that can stand for generations. But a leader whose actions contradict their mission may unknowingly destroy the very thing they are striving to build.
True leadership is not merely about building big, it is about building right.
Biblical Examples of Leaders Who Destroyed What They Built
- King Saul
Story:
King Saul began his reign as a humble leader chosen by God to guide Israel. He built a formidable kingdom and earned the respect of the people.
However, Saul began to destroy what he had built by:
✓ Disobeying God
✓ Becoming jealous of David
✓ Making emotional and reckless decisions
Rather than strengthening Israel, his jealousy and disobedience weakened his leadership. Eventually, Saul lost his kingdom.
Lesson: Pride and jealousy can destroy leadership.
- King Solomon
Solomon built one of the greatest kingdoms in Israel’s history. He constructed the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem and became renowned for his wisdom and wealth.
However, later in life:
✓ He turned away from God
✓ Married many foreign wives who influenced him
✓ Allowed idol worship in Israel
Because of these actions, the kingdom he built was eventually divided after his death.
Lesson: Even wise leaders can destroy their legacy if they abandon their principles.
- Samson
Samson was endowed with extraordinary strength by God to defeat Israel’s enemies.
However, he repeatedly:
✓ Ignored God’s instructions
✓ Allowed his weakness for Delilah to betray him
Because of his choices, Samson lost both his strength and his freedom.
Lesson: Personal weaknesses can destroy great potential.
