Leaders by example Vs Leaders by default

‘I have a dream’ – such a simple line, yet it moved millions to act like never before. When Martin Luther King uttered these famous words, he announced to the world that he was their visionary leader who saw a better future and would therefore lead by example to that end. He inspired his followers to dream with him and turned them into believers who would go on to realise this dream collectively. He didn’t say ‘I have a plan’ – to quote Simon Sinek. Think about it. How many leaders can you recollect coming across who have ‘led by example’ and were not leaders ‘by default’?

What then goes into making a good leader? There are some traits that a leader must have to be able to lead his/her team effectively towards success. Let’s look at these qualities as personal and professional traits.

Personal traits

Confidence: A must-have since only a person who has confidence in his/her abilities can help others know their true worth and perform well. It’s the confidence that helps a leader fight problems and come out of them successfully.

Honesty: A good leader will always be honest and straightforward. It’s this honesty that gains the respect and trust of others. Success is always a team effort and it cannot be possible if the team members do not trust the leader’s abilities and respect his/her judgment.

Will power: Resilience or will power is what makes or breaks a leader. A true leader will always have that extra source of will power to dig in and never give up in spite of troubles.

Professional traits

Person-focus: No two ways about it – it is the team that gets the work done and a lot depends on them. Team members look up to a leader who has a person-focus and not only goal-focus. A leader needs to be able to be a part of the team progress, understand problems and give solutions.

Motivating: A good leader is one who constantly keeps the team motivated in spite of all the troubles and is able to derive performance out of them. But for that, one needs to be motivated oneself in order to lead form the front.

Visionary: A good leader must be able to see the future and decide what needs to be done to realise that vision. This leader thinks out of the box and sees opportunities that others do not. He/she creates plans that work and makes everyone believe in the power of cohesive-thinking.

Disciplined: A true leader will always be disciplined and will know what has to be done and how it has to be done, be it personal or professional. This is what makes him/ her stand out – being equipped with the right mixture of personal qualities and professional skills that are hallmarks of a true leader.

Wanted: Inspirational Leaders

Now more than ever, employees are starving for a sense of feeling connected to a higher purpose than just meeting this month’s sales and profit figures. An inspirational leader can really make the difference in improving the confidence of people, who will in turn enhance the organization’s performance.

This seems to be the perfect time to bring more personal meaning to the team’s work and inspire to shine, despite difficult business conditions. This effort doesn’t cost money and will certainly lead to better long-term results. So how can one become an inspirational leader?

The key is to look within. Inspirational leadership is a fundamental shift in one’s state of mind. It is not a cheerleading exercise but an effort to activate the inner passion of people. Everyone has something within them that serves as a personal motivation for their own level of success and satisfaction. Inspirational Leaders can tap into that source of energy and unleash the full potential of individuals and teams.

We must constantly remind ourselves that everybody wants to feel like they are part of a movement, rather than merely cogs in a wheel. Whether they are in accounting, information systems, human resources, sales, or operations, people who understand the holistic goal of the organization can quickly see how their work is connected to the ultimate outcome. It is not difficult to see that leaders who can establish this type of emotional connection to goals are invaluable to the organization.

Last but not the least, as a leader, it is imperative that one encourages full participation and ensures that all voices are heard. Traditionally there are a handful of people who are comfortable with being very outgoing and such individuals will clearly contribute. Yet the quietest people often have some of the most insightful suggestions. Inspirational leaders have the ability to bring out the best from all types of people. Yes – the old debate about extroverts and introverts resurfaces again! But we must remember that everyone is different and as leaders we must be the ones to adapt styles to produce the best results.

Now comes the best part – celebration and recognition! People need to understand how they are doing. Recognition is very important because once people are inspired towards a common goal they will want to be informed about progress. Inspirational leaders know how important personal appreciation and recognition is to maintaining a motivated work force. Small celebrations when key milestones are achieved are great tools to help them team reflect on the journey and correct the course where necessary. These celebrations allow leaders to not only acknowledge the people who have crossed another great hurdle, but to share best practices so others may benefit from the learning along the way.

That also brings setbacks into the picture. Inspirational Leaders who motivate teams also know how to deal with setbacks. They use such situations to show visible support for team members who may have taken a large risk and fallen a bit short. More importantly, they use setbacks for key teaching moments so as to minimize future shortcomings.

In the end it comes down to a few choices that separates leaders from inspirational leaders. Can we embrace the mind-set that we will bring out the best in people? Can we take the disparate actions of many and create a common cause greater than the sum of the parts? Only then will the organization benefit in a truly wholesome manner thanks to a culture committed to developing people who will accelerate performance.

So go ahead – Lead by example by choosing to be an inspirational leader and converting work into purpose.

Source: Article by Jerry S.Wilson, senior vice-president of the Coca-Cola Co., where he serves as chief customer and commercial officer. He is a personal branding expert and co-author of Managing Brand YOU: 7 Steps to Creating Your Most Successful Self.

Before we sign off, here’s something that is straight out of our dreams of an ideal leader! Till next time, happy reading and happy leading!

Pressure Points

“Run, run, run, run
You better make your face up in your favourite disguise
With your button down lips and your roller blind eyes
With your empty smile and your hungry heart
Feel the bile rising from your guilty past
With your nerves in tatters as the cockleshell shatters
And the hammers batter down your door
You better run” – Pink Floyd

When the cult British band wrote these lyrics for one of their most famous anthems, you can judge that they were referring to the manic lifestyles of modern society. Read it again and you will perhaps see a hint at behavioural patterns that stem from having to deal with that relentlessly demanding friend most of us can live without – peer pressure.

It all seems to start at a very young age with the obligation of having a flaunt-worthy social circle considered a status symbol today. Youngsters are inevitably driven towards doing things that can help them secure more ‘friends’ and please their ‘peers’ than ever before. The fear of being ostracised if the unwritten rules of ‘friendship’ are not followed, burdens most youngsters to follow peer actions as the call of the day. From dressing styles to career decisions, to life-choices, the youth tend to adhere to the trends set by their peers or perhaps even doubt their own judgement.
Cases of youngsters succumbing to underage drinking and smoking due to peer pressure are not uncommon. In fact, a study by the Indian Journal of Community Medicine revealed that 70 per cent of the students quoted peer pressure as the reason for initiation into tobacco chewing. It’s also a known fact that students in their early teens feel the need to own luxury goods when they see their friends flaunting them. Thankfully, there are some who stand out of this whirlpool of negativity, are grounded and can think practically about priorities.

It is everywhere
Peer pressure makes its presence felt in the life of students from all economic classes. Whether it’s the rich kids, who try to outshine the richer ones, or the not-so-fortunate ones who struggle to match standards with them, those who can’t afford the luxuries or privileges enjoyed by those born with them, might start suffering from an inferiority complex, which affects their self-confidence.
What is more alarming is that peer pressure may also distort the academic vision and life-goals of a youngster. Despite a large number of career options available, youth tend to opt for the most popular course rather than pursuing their dreams and end up regretting their career decisions. Imagine the consequences?

What about work-spaces? Are they free of this malice? Of course not. ‘Cubicle-Pressure’ is perhaps one of the major reasons for our young professionals suffering from ‘Blood Pressure’ related ailments. The outstanding performer in the team or the boss’ blue-eyed stooge is guaranteed to cause hair-loss, stress and anxiety, lack of sleep and discontent. Ambition blinds reason and peers become enemies to be vanquished at any cost. It doesn’t help that these peers exert subtle pressure through politicking and it then becomes a game of rapid chess played in between running a marathon at speed.

Before we know it a decade or two has passed. It is all a blur of faked performances and half-hearted attempts at excellence. It is all I, Me and Myself against the so-called group of well-wishers whose only aim in life is apparently to sow seeds of doubt and negativity. It is a flash of masked happiness dominated by moments of despair and incompleteness that were compensated for by materialistic indulgences.

Eventually it becomes a race against time, against instinct, against self-will and against sustained joy. It is akin to the dog chasing his tail. Round and round the whirlpool of discontent, spiralling down towards a life full of regrets. And then when the protagonist is tired of chasing the mirage, realisation is bound to set in of lost identity. The urge to rewind and restart the journey afresh with a clear purpose shutting out all those voices of influence comes bursting form within. We crave for another chance to follow our own dreams and desires that come from deep within and create a wholesome life that we can proudly call our own.

Can it be a good thing? 
Peer pressure is not always negative. Healthy academic and work-place competition among students and colleagues is beneficial and symbiotic. A good educational institution or work-place therefore encourages individuality and healthy competition in the right mix.

The fact that one’s peers are notching up better, encourages one to perform better. When we have a good circle of friends during student life, they help us understand our strengths and weaknesses and offer heartfelt suggestions. We feel inspired to match their excellence but will also feel genuinely happy with their successes and vice versa. More importantly, this ‘inner-circle of growth-promoters’ is always supportive of our independent decision-making and each member feeds off the other to make the best career-choices. Similarly, a good set of colleagues help bring out the best in us in terms of skills, innovation, team-play and overall growth.

The over-arching endeavour has to be to ensure wholesome oneness in action, where individual brilliance feeds into collective excellence because there are always a few encouraging words to spare and a helping hand to extend to fellow mates. That is when there is no depreciating difference in perspective and there is a feeling of abundance, love, skill and purpose.

Sadly, the negative influence of peer pressure right now seems to be overbearing and the positive side of the story is still abridged by it. Whatever the case may be, in the battle between peer pressure and one’s own inclinations and interests, the one who acts according to his own needs and capabilities, and not that of others, will emerge the winner. The key of course is to identify, engage with and revel in that ‘inner-circle of growth-promoters’ at home, at institutions, at work-spaces and preferably, all stages of life.

On a lighter note, here’s a satirical video on how to deal with the dreaded 2Ps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz8NSbdN7aE&feature=fvsr

Faking News: Dare to be Original

Imagine a mirror that shows you not just your face but your thoughts, feelings, desires, ambitions, fears, strengths and everything else that defines the person behind the mask. Now imagine looking into this mirror, every day, every moment of your life. At home, at work, at play – everywhere, reflecting the exact truth about your existence back to you, reminding you of many things you’d ideally not want to acknowledge. Scary thought right?

But why is it so? Why does it seem so difficult for most of us to accept who we really are, what our true persona is? What we do well now and are comfortably habituated with is to dig into a cupboard full of masks that we rely on for different situations life throws us into. We put that specific mask on and suddenly we’re all geared up for battle, the confidence is high and its action time. Pretend to be someone, conform or blend in and the world is an easy place to thrive in. Put simply – just fake it! And all will be well.

But look inside; dig deep within and there is a tiny voice that keeps telling you that this is not right. That this is not the real YOU – that this entire game of self-deceit is self-destructive. You’ve heard it many times but you’ve also quickly smothered it too. Now try and recollect that one person you admired so much for just being himself/ herself and happily so – that confidence-personified winner who always seemed to have people, circumstances and good tidings ready to oblige. And you promised to yourself you’d be that persona one day, come what may.

Well, guess what? That day has come, the time is right and it is NOW. We’re living in a time when originality is being recognised, respected and rewarded like never before in history, sans prejudice, bias or forced constraints. Look around and you will find more and more examples of original, unorthodox thinkers who’re flaunting their uniqueness and using it to achieve success much to an appreciative world’s applause.

So what does it take to be original and why does it seem so difficult? For starts, when you dare to be an original, you are in essence daring to be “yourself” and everything that encompasses who you really are. To many of us, that can be a scary and daunting proposition because we’re conditioned to be everything else but that.

And why is that? Because it means putting ourselves on the line. It means subjecting ourselves to scrutiny, judgment and possible ridicule. It means exposure and vulnerability. Certainly there is more comfort to be found in conformity, lying low, and blending in with the crowd.

But it takes courage and self-confidence to dare to be an original – to reveal your uniqueness and to show that you’re one of a kind. However, as with any frightening endeavour, the rewards of overcoming obstacles and prevailing far outweigh the consequences of not venturing forth.

As Steve Jobs noted in his speech at a Stanford University graduation commencement:

“Your time is limited; so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

It’s true. Life is too short to live it trying to be anything other than your true, original self. Be who you are, and be it the best way you know how. Celebrate your individuality and uniqueness. Stop faking it and dare to be an original!

Here are some tips that could help you to be an original or your true self:

Know who you are.

Before you can be yourself, you must know who that is, and then be true to that self. Centuries ago Socrates wisely observed that self-knowledge is the pillar of all virtue. Without it nothing else is genuine.

Trust your intuition and instincts.

Part of knowing who you are is trusting your intuition and instincts. We all have an inner gauge that guides us along our most fulfilling path. Look deep within to find the answers to your life. No one is better at knowing what you need and want from life than you. Of course, it is prudent to listen to the advice of family, friends and professionals, but you are the ultimate authority on you. You are unique and original and no one but you can make your decisions for you. To go against that intuition is to go against your fundamental nature and source of satisfaction.

Express yourself by cultivating your own style, tastes and personality.

Stop trying to copy others and lose yourself in the process. Much time is wasted in such pursuits and the results are disillusionment and feelings of failure. Work on cultivating your own style, tastes and personality and you’ll discover that you’re more interesting and attractive to others. Let go of fear and embrace your uniqueness. Make your life an expression of who you are. As Steve Jobs said, have the courage to follow your heart. If you desire to be an artist, don’t settle for being an accountant because your parents want you to be, or because you can make more money at it. In the end you will lose out because the money won’t matter if you’re unhappy, unmotivated or depressed.

Believe in yourself and don’t worry about what others think.

When you choose the right path for yourself do not allow the opinions of others to distract you. People are good at offering well-intentioned, unsolicited opinions, however only you know what’s best for you. Don’t let a lack of self-confidence or self-doubt prevent you from pursuing what you know is best for you. Let go of your personal insecurities. If you strive to be someone you’re not, you will never be happy. Be yourself. Be proud of who you are. People who have a more positive view of themselves live better, healthier lives.

Benefits of being an original:

- You are true to yourself, therefore derive greater personal satisfaction and fulfillment.

-You are more noticed, interesting, and attractive to others.

-You are willing to take risks, think originally and be creative, therefore are open to greater career opportunities and advancement.

-Due to a willingness to let go of convention, you live life to the fullest and on your terms.

-Whether in your career, the arts, or in your community, you offer a fresh, new, diverse perspective.

-You are usually a trailblazer, set new trends and discover new ways of doing things.

Before we sign off, here’s the full speech made by one of the greatest ‘Original’ champions of our times – Steve Jobs at the Stanford University Graduation Commencement.

Talk less. Say more.

The fool talks. The wise man listens. So goes the adage. What it tells us is that there is much more to learn by listening and observing than expressing. How many times have we met that one odd person who just listened wholeheartedly and made us feel so nice as we did all the talking?

So the first step to a good conversation is to be able to listen with undivided attention, to make the other person express thoughts freely, to be able to paraphrase and grasp the exact essence of the communique. Once this is achieved, we’re most likely to enjoy and purposeful, enjoyable and energizing conversation ourselves.

Then comes the actual communicating bit. Is it all about a fabulous vocabulary, accent or the unique gestures that go with speech? In our digital age, is communication primarily about sending that topical email or that cryptic sms that is hip and with the times? And is it all worth it if it doesn’t touch the recipient at the heart?

The key therefore is to communicate from the heart to the heart. And there is more to it than just words. The things we tell the world when we don’t say a word are perhaps more informative than when we do. Ever heard of the term ‘silent communication’?

A frown tells the world you’re concerned, arched eyebrows announce that you’re ready for a fight, the stiff upper lip (apparently perfected by the British) would flaunt your superiority and stoicism, while a firm chin can convince the world of your determination. And that’s just the face we’re talking about mind you!

Drooping shoulders, sweaty palms/ fidgety hands, folded arms, shaking legs… the list can go on and they all say a lot to the other person don’t they? It is popularly called body language and it makes or breaks opportunities than anything else we’ve ever known.

In fact, studies have shown that communication is one of the biggest challenges facing the modern world despite the advancement in the tools for communicating. More friendships are broken, more families are torn apart, more jobs are lost and more deals come unstuck because of incorrect/lack of communication. The challenges are far greater within the workspace than anywhere else because of differences in culture, language, religions, perspectives, hierarchies etc But it is not separate from what happens outside. We carry the habits and experiences of our family/ social lives to work and vice-versa. That’s why it is all the more important to consciously practice our learnings at every moment, irrespective of the situation or audience.

After all, communication brings life into relationships and brings people closer. It helps rebuild broken bonds just like it creates new ones while throwing up opportunities. Relationships need investing in. And that investment comes though communication, be it sharing a thought or listening to feedback, opinions and perspectives. It is never truer than in the context of leadership where one needs to constantly communicate to various audiences using various means. A lack of communication leads to a breakdown in relationship which leads to a loss of leadership.

That is why if you want to make any organization work, communication is key. How information and feedback is passed around matters more than most other things because information affects the way people act and behave. Eventually it affects the way they work and hence the way the organization grows.

Communicate from the heart – that is the foundation of wholesome leadership. As a sign off, here’s an example of the power of words http://bit.ly/fFcKeB

Exit: Managers Enter: Intrapreneurs

Circa recent past: You’re an efficient Manager at a reputed enterprise. You enter office at 9a.m in full corporate armoury. You fasten your seat belt, focus on deliverables and get cracking. Before you know it, the clock has struck 5p.m. You shut shop and ride back home. This happens sometimes. Most other times, you’re clocking 10 to 12 hrs a day. And yet you hear the one thing you don’t want to hear your boss say – Give me newer ideas and innovations. You feel like chucking it all away and wish like hell that you were an entrepreneur.

Cut to the near future: You’re an Intrapreneur at a reputed enterprise. You enter office at a time of your convenience. You have two-three ideas for new products/ services. You’ve been given the financial backing, the tools and the team. More importantly, you’ve been given the freedom and autonomy to see your ideas through to fruition as though you were your own boss. And yet, you’re still an employee at a reputed enterprise and happily so.

Wondering what this is all about? Well, you just read about the latest phenomenon that is promising to revolutionize the way India Inc functions. We’re talking about Intra-Entrepreneurs, stylishly called Intrapreneurs. Who are they? An intrapreneur is any enterprising, passionate and driven employee who is full of ideas and result-oriented innovation. But that’s just the cake. The icing is the fact that this entrepreneurial employee is backed and supported by his employers to innovate and realise ideas for the enterprise.

Think that this a fantastic development? We think so too. Now take a moment and imagine the happy repercussions of this welcome change. Attrition rates will probably fall to negligible levels. Innovation will no longer remain on the wish-list of companies but become a way of life. Hierarchies will be dismantled to usher in open work-systems and banish that dreaded word –Silo from corporate jargon. And not to forget, the utopian idea of a work-life balance will become an enjoyable truth. The list of course is endless.

Why did we choose this topic as our very first blogpost? That is because at Pragati Leadership, it is our mission to transform organisations through wholesome leadership. It has been so for the past 25 years during which time some of the biggest Leaders have come to us for developing leaders within the organisation. Not because they’re in positions of power by circumstance or default but because they are there to lead by example. And they believe in what we’ve believed all this while – that every individual, team, organisation, society and civilization has infinite potential. Our purpose is to help in the expansion of that very potential in order to create a wholesome world.

 

Hello world!

We’re Pragati Leadership. We’re here to make a difference. A tangible, sustainable difference to the way leaders lead themselves, their teams, their organisations, society and their country. We believe in working our way roots upwards so that transformation embraces every stakeholder in the tree of wholesome development. We believe that will lead to stronger, sustainable and equitable growth. We believe in the concept of One-wholesome-world. Where there is abundance of talent, potential, creativity and goodwill. Where this usually untapped creative potential is encouraged to blossom and transform everything around it into something beautiful.

We happen to have some of the best, proven interventions for organizations, teams and individuals across levels and for specific needs.

We’re Pragati Leadership and we’re here to make the difference.