Dear all,
On one of the WA groups of HRs, Administrator of the groups, Mr Rajaram Thorve, has raised the following topic for discussion:
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude and taking ownership?
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
I have given replies to the questions. These are as below:
+++++
Dear Mr Rajaram Thorve,
The replies to your questions are as below:
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude and taking ownership?
Reply: - The statement is 100% true about leadership. Nevertheless, major part of behaviour or attitude is taking initiative. Leaders take initiative in taking corrective action. They do not take things lying down. They fight the adversity. They do not bother about whether anyone will support them or not. Notwithstanding risks, they stick their neck out.
Though he had valid railway ticket, in Jun 1893, Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was thrown out from stagecoach reserved for Europeans. This happened in South Africa. This incident along with other incidents of discrimination were turning point in the life of Barrister Gandhi. Now the question arises why Barrister Gandhi felt to fight against discrimination and not other Indians in general or Gujratis in particular? For the sake of his career, why he did not swallow insults? Why did he give up lucrative path?
In 1879, after obtaining his L.L.B. degree Bal Gangadhar Tilak could have practised law. With his communication skills, he could have become successful lawyer. Rather he chose to fight against British and went to the jail several times.
Therefore, leaders are undeterred by the hardships. They give up comforts of cosy life and this exactly is manifested in their behaviour and attitude. However, both these qualities result in taking initiative.
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Reply: - The essential characteristic of leadership lies in developing followers. However, people do not become followers readily. Unless their thinking is influenced, winning their minds is impossible. Once the minds of the supporters are won, they follow the directions that leaders give. Diehard supporters become ready to face hardships for the sake of their leaders.
Mere influencing is not sufficient. Leaders must influence so that their supporters take path of ethical conduct. But to do this, leaders must demonstrate unimpeachable integrity.
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
Reply: - There can be only one leader amongst several followers. However, in personal life, everyone can show the leadership. In the business organisations, one both, leader as well as follower. Nevertheless, becoming leader is not everyone’s cup of tea. Few persons prefer personal comfort over hardship. They cede ground to others.
In the business organisations, attributes like education qualification, length of service etc. few persons acquire higher level positions. Whether they want it or not, whether they like it or not, they are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities since their position demands it. However, many times, such persons use their authority to influence the minds of the subordinates. Therefore, equation is forced-followership for forced-leadership. But then the force of authority may not motivate the juniors. This is the universal truth!
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
7881On one of the WA groups of HRs, Administrator of the groups, Mr Rajaram Thorve, has raised the following topic for discussion:
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude and taking ownership?
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
I have given replies to the questions. These are as below:
+++++
Dear Mr Rajaram Thorve,
The replies to your questions are as below:
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude and taking ownership?
Reply: - The statement is 100% true about leadership. Nevertheless, major part of behaviour or attitude is taking initiative. Leaders take initiative in taking corrective action. They do not take things lying down. They fight the adversity. They do not bother about whether anyone will support them or not. Notwithstanding risks, they stick their neck out.
Though he had valid railway ticket, in Jun 1893, Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was thrown out from stagecoach reserved for Europeans. This happened in South Africa. This incident along with other incidents of discrimination were turning point in the life of Barrister Gandhi. Now the question arises why Barrister Gandhi felt to fight against discrimination and not other Indians in general or Gujratis in particular? For the sake of his career, why he did not swallow insults? Why did he give up lucrative path?
In 1879, after obtaining his L.L.B. degree Bal Gangadhar Tilak could have practised law. With his communication skills, he could have become successful lawyer. Rather he chose to fight against British and went to the jail several times.
Therefore, leaders are undeterred by the hardships. They give up comforts of cosy life and this exactly is manifested in their behaviour and attitude. However, both these qualities result in taking initiative.
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Reply: - The essential characteristic of leadership lies in developing followers. However, people do not become followers readily. Unless their thinking is influenced, winning their minds is impossible. Once the minds of the supporters are won, they follow the directions that leaders give. Diehard supporters become ready to face hardships for the sake of their leaders.
Mere influencing is not sufficient. Leaders must influence so that their supporters take path of ethical conduct. But to do this, leaders must demonstrate unimpeachable integrity.
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
Reply: - There can be only one leader amongst several followers. However, in personal life, everyone can show the leadership. In the business organisations, one both, leader as well as follower. Nevertheless, becoming leader is not everyone’s cup of tea. Few persons prefer personal comfort over hardship. They cede ground to others.
In the business organisations, attributes like education qualification, length of service etc. few persons acquire higher level positions. Whether they want it or not, whether they like it or not, they are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities since their position demands it. However, many times, such persons use their authority to influence the minds of the subordinates. Therefore, equation is forced-followership for forced-leadership. But then the force of authority may not motivate the juniors. This is the universal truth!
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude and taking ownership?
Leaders lead.
100% commitment to the cause, people and taking positive action to lead, face problems in all ways possible.
The buck stops with the leader.
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Yes.
Leaders should be able to mould people to a way of thinking which helps achieve team, company, national objectives.
Recent example is Croatian President dealing with a situation where their team lost.
The leader set an example of humility, love for the nation and total humility which is making waves in the world.
That is leadership by extreme example and inspirational also.
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
Yes,In personal life, in daily conduct ,in business dealings and as a citizen also.
From India, Pune
Leaders lead.
100% commitment to the cause, people and taking positive action to lead, face problems in all ways possible.
The buck stops with the leader.
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking?
Yes.
Leaders should be able to mould people to a way of thinking which helps achieve team, company, national objectives.
Recent example is Croatian President dealing with a situation where their team lost.
The leader set an example of humility, love for the nation and total humility which is making waves in the world.
That is leadership by extreme example and inspirational also.
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence how we would like to live?
Yes,In personal life, in daily conduct ,in business dealings and as a citizen also.
From India, Pune
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