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LEADERSHIP REDEFINED

Whenever we think of a Leader or leadership we conjure up an image of super human being who can get the things done single handed. We have vast literature on Leaders and leadership which is sometimes confusing. Many books and management gurus eulogize the great leaders for their capability to turnaround the things. I find this quite amusing. Can one person make all the things happen? I find many of the American or European leaders and leadership as cult if not autocratic. They are cult figures who usurp the credit which should legitimately belongs to everyone. Followers only make a leader and it is the followers who can make leader successful. As the Japanese saying goes “issho ho narite bankotsu koru” which means a general’s success is built on bones of ten thousand soldiers. Top person can be successful while everyone working under him become exhausted.

There is no denying fact that we need Leaders. What defines leader or leadership is an important issue.

Personal Philosophy: Personal philosophy of a leader will have lot of bearing on organizational philosophy. Leader should enunciate philosophy and it should be simple and relevant enough that every employee of the organization is able identify with it and work for the success of the organization. Leader should be simple, humble, approachable and able to communicate his philosophy to one and all. Leader should create such an environment that employees feel that the organization is theirs and it is their moral responsibility to ensure success. Every employees should feel important and respected.

Character: Leader’s character plays an important role in organization. He should be role model. Employees look at him for guidance and inspiration and he should be able to provide them. He should be simple human being he should always feel what is right and do the same thing. He should practice what he preach. Perhaps that is the reason why Mahatma Gandhi become such a great leader.

Role: Leader is supposed to play an important role in providing direction and aligning the mind sets of employees to philosophy that is enunciated or direction that is given. He should be mentor, coach, guide and friend. His role should to make everyone part of the goal attaining mission. He should be first among the equals.

There is no denying fact the Leaders plays important role making things happen in more humane way. Followers are willing do anything and everything for the leader because leader identify those things which are dear to followers. Even if they don’t identify also, they do it for the sake of the Leader. But generally leaders are humble, down to earth, helping and problem solvers. They play the role of catalyst and ensure process gets done.

Written by:
Subramanyam Degala
Professor at International School of Business & Media
Published • 6y