WINNING people’s confidence and bringing them together may be seen as hallmarks of good leadership, but the real test comes when leaders have to make decisions that not everyone will agree with - Dr Mohd Fauzi Shaffie argued.
His new book, DUCK Leadership, examines the responsibilities that come with such decisions, particularly when competing interests, uncertain circumstances and difficult consequences leave leaders with no easy options.
Drawing on more than four decades of reflection, the book traces ideas Dr Fauzi first developed during his student years in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s, which were subsequently shaped by his experience in business, education, executive development and organisational leadership.
Its central argument is that leadership cannot be measured simply by a person’s ability to command loyalty, inspire followers or unite people behind a common cause.
“These qualities may be valuable, but they are not sufficient. A leader may inspire thousands and still take the organisation in the wrong direction.”
“A leader may unite people around a cause without adequately considering its consequences,” he said.
The book sets out four interconnected responsibilities under the DUCK framework: Direction, Unity, Connection and Keystone.
Direction concerns the purpose behind leadership decisions, while Unity examines how people with differing interests can work together.
Connection focuses on relationships and those affected by decisions, while Keystone deals with integrity, boundaries and accountability.
The framework places particular emphasis on the obligations leaders must uphold when their decisions are difficult and competing demands cannot all be satisfied.
That is a question with implications beyond organisational management.
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In institutions where decisions affect employees, communities and the wider public, the ability to bring people together means little if those in authority are unwilling to account for the consequences of their actions.
Launched by former director-general of education Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom, the book also considers the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, economic uncertainty and changing public expectations.
While drawing on established leadership theories, Dr Fauzi does not present DUCK as a replacement for existing approaches.
Instead, he offers it as a framework for examining the different responsibilities leaders must balance, particularly when they come into conflict.
The book does not prescribe answers to every leadership dilemma. Its stated aim is to make leaders more conscious of the considerations and obligations behind their decisions.
“DUCK does not tell leaders what to decide. It helps them see what their decisions must confront,” he said.
Dr Fauzi is chairman of MZR Group Sdn Bhd and Sorient Sdn Bhd, and a trustee of the Malaysian Research and Education Foundation.
His experience spans executive development, education, training and organisational leadership.
DUCK Leadership is priced at RM69, excluding postage, and is available through store.sorient.my. - November 4, 2026
