“I Know More Than You” Mentality – The Silent Enemies of Community Progress

(OPINION/Muto Thomas Lo’Buda) – Across many community associations today, especially among groups striving for unity and development such as the Kakuwa and Woti communities, there exists a silent but powerful force that hinders progress. This force is not a lack of resources or vision. It is the creeping influence of internal politics and the toxic belief that “I know better than you.”

When a group of dedicated individuals rise with genuine passion to drive change, mobilise people and build institutions that strengthen the community, their efforts should naturally inspire collective progress.

However, too often, instead of support, they face resistance, not from external challenges, but from within their own circles. What should be collaboration turns into competition. what should be mentorship becomes rivalry. When ego and politics take centre stage, the community inevitably suffers.

 The Great Divider

Politics within community associations often starts subtly. It may begin as harmless disagreements about leadership or direction, but gradually, it becomes personal.

Instead of focusing on what unites us, our shared heritage, aspirations and goals, we start to concentrate on who holds the title, who receives the credit, or whose voice is loudest.

This culture of political manoeuvring replaces teamwork with suspicion, turning a once vibrant organisation into a field of mistrust. The result is projects stalling, meetings losing purpose and the community’s confidence in its leaders fading.

The “I Know More Than You” Syndrome

Equally destructive is the “I know more than you” attitude. When individuals believe their opinions are superior and dismiss others’ ideas, they kill innovation.

Progress in any community depends on collective wisdom, not individual pride. Leadership is not about displaying intelligence but about harnessing the energy and ideas of all members.

A true leader listens. They understand that every person, whether educated or not, rich or poor, carries wisdom shaped by experience. Ignoring that wisdom silences the very voices that could offer vital solutions.

A Call for Humility and Unity

For our communities to move forward, humility and cooperation must take root. Let us appreciate those among us who have talents in mobilisation, organisation and leadership.

Instead of pulling them down with jealousy or political competition, we should support and strengthen them. When one of us shines, the whole community benefits.

It is time to rise above small politics and personal pride. True leadership is not measured by the power one holds but by the progress one inspires. Our communities can only advance when we shift from “I know better than you” to “We can do better together.”

If we can overcome these internal barriers of politics and ego, we will unlock our full potential as a people. Then, the dream of genuine, sustainable community development will no longer be distant but a living reality.

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