Dear all, On one of the WA groups of HRs, the Administrator of the group, Mr. Rajaram Thorve, has raised the following topic for discussion:
Is it true that the leader is a title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude, and taking ownership?
Reply: The statement is 100% true about leadership. Nevertheless, a 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 adversity. They do not bother about whether anyone will support them or not. Notwithstanding risks, they stick their neck out.
Though he had a valid railway ticket, in June 1893, Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was thrown out of a stagecoach reserved for Europeans. This happened in South Africa. This incident, along with other incidents of discrimination, was a turning point in the life of Barrister Gandhi. Now the question arises: why did Barrister Gandhi feel the need to fight against discrimination and not other Indians in general or Gujaratis in particular? For the sake of his career, why did he not swallow insults? Why did he give up a 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 a successful lawyer. Rather, he chose to fight against the British and went to jail several times.
Therefore, leaders are undeterred by hardships. They give up the comforts of a cosy life, and this exactly is manifested in their behaviour and attitude. However, both these qualities result in taking initiative.
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 the path of ethical conduct. But to do this, leaders must demonstrate unimpeachable integrity.
Is leadership an essence of how we would like to live?
Reply: There can be only one leader amongst several followers. However, in personal life, everyone can show leadership. In business organisations, one can be both a leader as well as a follower. Nevertheless, becoming a leader is not everyone’s cup of tea. Few persons prefer personal comfort over hardship. They cede ground to others.
In business organisations, attributes like educational qualification, length of service, etc., help a 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, the 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
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8072Is it true that the leader is a title whereas leadership is about behaviour, attitude, and taking ownership?
Reply: The statement is 100% true about leadership. Nevertheless, a 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 adversity. They do not bother about whether anyone will support them or not. Notwithstanding risks, they stick their neck out.
Though he had a valid railway ticket, in June 1893, Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was thrown out of a stagecoach reserved for Europeans. This happened in South Africa. This incident, along with other incidents of discrimination, was a turning point in the life of Barrister Gandhi. Now the question arises: why did Barrister Gandhi feel the need to fight against discrimination and not other Indians in general or Gujaratis in particular? For the sake of his career, why did he not swallow insults? Why did he give up a 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 a successful lawyer. Rather, he chose to fight against the British and went to jail several times.
Therefore, leaders are undeterred by hardships. They give up the comforts of a cosy life, and this exactly is manifested in their behaviour and attitude. However, both these qualities result in taking initiative.
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 the path of ethical conduct. But to do this, leaders must demonstrate unimpeachable integrity.
Is leadership an essence of how we would like to live?
Reply: There can be only one leader amongst several followers. However, in personal life, everyone can show leadership. In business organisations, one can be both a leader as well as a follower. Nevertheless, becoming a leader is not everyone’s cup of tea. Few persons prefer personal comfort over hardship. They cede ground to others.
In business organisations, attributes like educational qualification, length of service, etc., help a 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, the 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
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
Leadership and Titles
Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is a title whereas leadership is about behavior, attitude, and taking ownership? Leaders lead with 100% commitment to the cause, people, and taking positive action to face problems in all possible ways. The buck stops with the leader.
Influence of Leadership
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking? Yes. Leaders should be able to mold people into a way of thinking that helps achieve team, company, and national objectives. A recent example is the 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 is also inspirational.
Leadership as a Way of Life
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence of how we would like to live? Yes, in personal life, in daily conduct, in business dealings, and as a citizen.
From India, Pune
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Q. 1 Is it true that the leader is a title whereas leadership is about behavior, attitude, and taking ownership? Leaders lead with 100% commitment to the cause, people, and taking positive action to face problems in all possible ways. The buck stops with the leader.
Influence of Leadership
Q. 2 Should leadership influence people's thinking? Yes. Leaders should be able to mold people into a way of thinking that helps achieve team, company, and national objectives. A recent example is the 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 is also inspirational.
Leadership as a Way of Life
Q. 3 Is leadership an essence of how we would like to live? Yes, in personal life, in daily conduct, in business dealings, and as a citizen.
From India, Pune
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