In more than a decade of my involvement with the professional world, I have had the opportunity of working in various multinational organisations. These opportunities brought me face to face with various aspects of leadership. Herein I have tried capturing four key lessons on leadership which my experience has taught me. These are not attributes specific to one organisation but transcends corporations.
Mutual Respect –Many aspire to be a leader! But one thing that demarcates a true leader from namesakes is mutual respect. Respecting people requires empathy and understanding. Especially in scenarios where the globe is shrinking and organisations are becoming a cultural kaleidoscope, respect becomes the soul of collaboration. Respect helps to connect and get the best out of people.
Two ears and one mouth – Leaders do well when they use the hearing and speaking capabilities in the proportion in which human beings are blessed with these senses. While it is important to understand that leaders cannot practically consider everyone’s opinions, it would be suicidal to ignore them completely. I have always felt that everyone has a gem or two worth of ideas. Harnessing them does have the potential to change the dynamics of the game.
Giving credit where it is due – Great leaders love celebrating their team members’ achievement unequivocally. It is the secret of keeping a set of high performing individuals motivated and invested in common goals. Recognition helps the individual feel valued and builds loyalty. For an employee who spends a third of his life working for an organisation, recognition does become a key happiness factor. Again, it is important that individual’s specific contributions are recognised rather than passing a generic comment for a job well-done.
Standing up for your people – Great leaders back every individual who is relentlessly and passionately trying to deliver on organisational goals. Leadership – I would hope, would put people on the forefront when a game is won and have their back when the results are not favourable. Putting blame on others and trying to get a scapegoat in trying times undermines the essence of true leadership.
Leadership is not a destination but a journey. It offers constant opportunities to evolve, grow and become better. Each of us has a potential to be a leader, these attributes should go a long way in realising that potential.
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour, but without folly.” Jim Rohn
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