LEADERSHIP

India is passing through a phase of development in practically all fields of life, namely; agriculture, manufacturing, commerce & trade, banking & insurance and power. The growth in most of these areas is exponential and requires personnel who are highly trained in their fields of operations. Much development and progress is taking place in the areas of political developments, public administration, judiciary and even defence. The progress in every sector has to keep pace with the international developments and intra-social progress world wide.

The country therefore needs leaders in every field who are not only experts, knowledgeable, good administrator and it is equally vital that they should have vision and foresight, while making plans and chalking out schemes in the areas of their activity. This requires leadership qualities that are not only visionary but also pragmatic and realistic to ensure that their plans are fruitful for the nation and bring about changes that will lead the nation to have an international image and prosperity comparable to the other countries.

Often you will hear leaders are born and not made. This fact, however, is controversial and subject to a view point which itself is questionable. Leadership in different sectors requires different type of qualities though fundamentally the focus would point to operational effectiveness of any and every organization. Leaders in the Army, Navy and Air force have to be bold, courageous, should have a high degree of patriotism and organizing capability combined with the art of man management. Similarly in the other fields a leader should be able to lead and guide by personal example, foresight, and excercise appropriate delegation of authority. Nonetheless a leader can not and should not let the organization to move on its own. It is an incumbent on him to prepare successful second line of leaders/managers, groom them for higher positions so that they can take the organization to higher heights when the need arises. This can be achieved through specialized and focused leadership programmes by training them with the latest and advanced soft skills, interpersonal and interactive learning programmes as well as developing a multifaceted, goal oriented and motivated workforce.

Leaders have certain qualities which are prominent in some but others may possess them in small measures. Leadership is a potent force which can light the path of many and the nation as a whole. But remember there are few qualities that distinguish good leaders from autocrats or dictators. A good leader leads you by making the national goal as your message combined with your values and your aspirations. The good leader must possess vocational integrity and excellence even though he may be physically week. For example Gandhi was a timid and a weak person. Similarly, Mother Terasa was a simple and fragile and humble person. These leaders had a cause which bursts into flames and spread their mission worldwide.
Leaders should be firm and must not compromise with the values they cherish and the principles they promote or the ideals they aim for. Firmness does not mean inflexibility and hard headiness. Therefore the leaders would perform much better if they are firm but flexible.

The leaders generally do not have enough time to the tasks at their hand, but while their busy, they should not forget to communicate with the fellow human beings and should take time to interact with the near and dear ones, enjoy their company or a joke with them.

Some leaders are generally egoistic and arrogant and lack humility. They always impose their authority without giving heed or caring to listen the viewpoint of their subordinates. This quality makes a leader unpopular.

Therefore the success, power and position enjoyed by a leader should on the contrary make him humble, virtuous and in grained with humility which should be his touch stone.

S.M.KHOSLA