Yekepa, Nimba, Liberia: Jallah Selmah, General Manager for Mines at ArcelorMittal Liberia, believes that effective leadership doesn’t simply happen; it is cultivated through the development of key qualities and consistent behavior.
Selmah, who rose through the ranks from Assistant Mine Manager to his current role earlier this year, is widely respected by his team for his approachable leadership style and consistent ability to meet production targets. His journey, marked by dedication and a collaborative spirit, was a central focus during his presentation at the company’s recent Learning Week program.
Speaking on the topic “Leadership in Action,” Selmah outlined several core attributes essential to strong leadership: building trust, resolving and avoiding conflicts, equipping teams with the right resources, clear and effective communication, humility, compassion, and honesty.
“Leadership is not a position, it’s a behavior,” he emphasized. “No one is born with the title of ‘leader.’ When you joined ArcelorMittal, your letter may have said ‘manager’ or ‘supervisor,’ but not ‘leader.’ You become a leader when you earn the respect and trust of your team, when they choose to follow you, not because of your title, but because of your actions.”
Reflecting on his path, Selmah shared that he joined the company in 2008 as a contractor and steadily worked his way up through dedication and results-driven performance. “My growth wasn’t by chance,” he said. “I carried out my duties faithfully and brought my team along on the journey. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.”
Even in his current leadership role, Selmah remains grounded. “This position is not just mine, it’s a shared achievement. I owe it to all of you,” he told the audience.
He concluded by encouraging those in supervisory or managerial roles to lead with influence rather than authority. “To truly lead, you must be persuasive, build strong relationships, and inspire your team. Otherwise, they may follow the rules, but not you.”
