Explore the Leader within You!

Leadership is like gravity. You know it is there, you know it exists. Still we find it difficult to define and understand it. We all have seen leaders in different roles in action. For example, Parents, Teachers, Managers, Entrepreneurs, Social Reformers, Politicians, etc. We have experienced leaders with many different styles. Some have been effective or caring. Some have been divisive or even ruthless. Some have been great role models, others big disappointments.
So what leadership is all about? Is it something which provokes the will for super action? Or it makes the happening of the super action look simple and easy. Is it like finding a simple solution for a complex problem? Parents universally hope that their children develop leadership qualities. Because leaders are the people who are effective in whatever they do, are respected by others, and rewarded for those skills in a variety of ways. It is in these formative years that, through our parents, we first see leadership as desirable and important. As young people we look up to people around us that motivate and listen to us, people that seem like "real-life" heroes. We consider these people as leaders. As we grow we begin to relate leaders to their jobs - ministers, teachers, senior colleagues, and later, Managing Directors, Presidents, and the CEO's. As we grow, all these thoughts and experiences define why we think leaders have desirable traits and play roles we admire. All these experiences and thoughts help us define why leadership matters. It matters because leaders make a difference and can shape the future. It matters because leaders are valued and valuable.
In our childhood, we have been told stories of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his heroics. Let us have a look as to why these stories were told to us. From a management student’s point of view, have a look at the qualities he had as a leader. Shivaji was brave, intelligent and inspiring. He was a rebel at the core and had the ability to question the contemporary practices. . He had set a definite goal and had tremendous confidence and an unflinching conviction to the cause. He knew he had limited resources. He knew his only strength was his young, physically strong and aggressive soldiers. He had a small army which was inexperienced and much under equipped than the enemy. But Shivaji was a master strategist. He knew that he was not capable of declaring an organized war so he took the enemy by surprise. He devised guerilla tactics which were superbly suited to the rugged mountains and valleys of the region. His guerilla attacks were meticulously planned and executed with precision. This element of surprise gave him a tremendous advantage of attacking an unprepared, unsuspecting and extemporary enemy. Apart from wartime tactics, Shivaji was also known for his peacetime diplomacy. He had a fatherly attitude towards his subjects. He encouraged all socio-economic groups to participate in the ongoing political changes. To this day he is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. Shivaji brought revolutionary changes in military, fort architecture, society and politics.

Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible. Leaders deliver maximum productivity making optimum utilization of the available resources. How to imbibe leadership qualities in yourself? Here are some tips for you. Understand the need of the hour and be pro-active. Communicate with others. Be honest and fair. Make decisions with inputs from others. Have consistency in your actions. Give others the information they need to do their jobs. Keep focused through follow up. Listen to feedback and ask questions. Show loyalty to the team members. Create an atmosphere for growth and have a vision. Appreciate and give recognition. Criticize constructively and address problems. Set goals and develop plans. Have tolerance, flexibility and assertiveness. Treat others with respect and dignity. Make yourself available and accessible.
It's healthy for you to question, evaluate, and consult with others when making decisions. However, once a decision is made, it's also important to go forward with confidence and conviction. The best way to learn is to do, making some minor errors along the way and learning from them. Have perseverance. In this fast-paced, short-attention-span world, it's challenging to stick things out. But good leaders stay on track, make adjustments along the way if necessary, and get to completion. Have a lifestyle that will give you personal space and time, which you can spend for yourself, with your family and friends. Remember, no job is worth losing touch with your family, getting sick, or dying.
Now that you've developed a concept of what it takes to be a leader, you can put those ideas into practice, whether that means seeking leadership positions or simply demonstrating these qualities day-to-day. Many opportunities exist for students to hone their leadership skills. Start by being a leader every day in the classroom. As your skills progress, participate actively in student activities, college functions, social work etc. Working to implement the principles of effective leadership will set you on your way to becoming a leader of tomorrow.