“Good leadership starts with good communication.” Author unknown
To understand out the meaning of leadership, we have an excellent
comparison. This comparison is that between a leader and a manager. A manager
just manages to get work done using his resources, including human beings,
effectively and profitably. However, a leader is more that than. A leader
inspires and motivates his colleagues to perform and “leads from the front.” A
leader is an example for others to follow.
History is full of examples of leaders who have made a mark in
shaping the future and destiny of those who look up to them. Mahatma Gandhi is,
perhaps, the most shining example of a leader who can change the lives of
millions. Other examples are Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln.
The corporate world is also full of examples of leaders who make a
mark in their organisations and guide, inspire others and get the best out of
them. Narayana Murthy of Infosys, Shikha Sharma of Axis bank, K V Kamath and
Chanda Kochhar of ICICI Bank and Sunil Bhatia Mitta of Aortal are but few of
the wide array of leaders our country has produced.
What makes a leader so special? What makes her or him stand taller
than the rest? Leaders dream and they dream big. They have a vision and know
what they want to achieve and where they want to go. They have a vision for the
organisation or the country and with that as a goal; they inspire their
colleagues or countrymen to excel. During this process they are faced with the
challenges of change and how to manage it. They are also required to innovate
to cope with change.
Some of the qualities that produce leaders are:
-
Good communication and ability
to influence people
-
Decision making ability
-
Risk taking ability
-
Honesty and integrity
-
Expertise in their profession
Above all, a leader motivates his people. He is able to bring out
the best from them and takes them along with him on his journey. Leading from
the front means leading by example, being proactive and anticipating the future
turn of events. The leader does all that. Being among his men the leader stands
tall.
