The comment passed by Greg chappell that ' India cannot produce leader quality material" in cricket, is to quite an extent true.
Most of us in the professional circuit, or the sports arena always seem to be lost and grope around for some one who they can bank on or is ready to lend his shoulder for some one else to fire the gun.Qualities like Decision making, team building,determination, positive attitude,leading by example,go getters,courageous and spirited,and last but not least, those who inspire are leaders.We struggle to decide even if we are asked 'aap kya khaoge"?Anything is the reply.The question was " what would you like to eat and anything is certainly not a dish on the menu.From such trivial things to life saving decisions, we ,barring a few exceptions lack that killer instinct.Lets admit.In cricket we get a Dhoni, we have Dhirubhai Ambani ,Ratan Tata and Azim Premji on the professional circuits.They know the ground realities having come up the ladder and can equate and take big decisions that swing many a fortunes either ways while chatting on the streets or in board rooms ,The sharp awareness and risk taking appetite is something to watch.
If we create these abilities in school right from start by allowing our children to explore and experience the ways of life rather than grind in the class rooms, it would help them deliver better as an adult, in my opinion.If the teacher or guru is a good leader he will inspire his team and create new leaders.If you keep sheltering the children under your wings all through they will never be able to Inspire anybody else as they themselves will look up to some guidance always.Lets introduce such lessons at the early stages than at the MBA levels as it becomes more practical and the child can be moulded better when young.Would you Bungee jump? Would you sky dive?Would you walk into the forest when its a no moon day?Get the fear out of your mind and try to explore these avenues to start building up your mental resilience and aptitude.This will define your altitude in life.
The dependency in our social system stems from the value we attach to listening to the elders in the family which we carry to the other set ups where seniority breeds unquestionable authority. This restricts and discourages the practice of independent decision making for a good many years of most people. In the western culture, children's decisions are asked from an early age and respected which is a value in itself. They get out of the family at an early age of 16-18 years and have to fend for themselves which cultivates a lot of independence of thinking feeling and willing. This instills a good amount of practice of independent decision making. This is basically a cultural difference between the east and the west.
ReplyDeleteBut if you observe this in work env - whether Western or Indian, no one is willing to put a stake in the ground and be a firm leader! everyone wants to share Accountability & Responsibility only when things are going great. At crucial times when we look to a leader to make a decision, the gutless and spineless often dilly-dally and go with "whatever" the majority wants. It is by far my biggest pet peeve that the leadership texture is missing - and it starts at young age too. Ask people where or what would they like to go eat and even these simple answers are so hard to fish for. Making kids aware from a young age of the implications of these wishy-washy behv will help in chiseling their leadership face to show up. Until then we are covered with layers and layers of unfounded fears and the leadership quality always remains a latent talent waiting to be discovered under some other optimal circumstances. Identify your talents early on and avoid this pothole!
ReplyDeleteWell said.active participation in school fest,sports,stage debates,camps,trips and say boy scouts,ncc,etc may start these initial steps.we at work need to takw up such opportunities and demonstrate what every person has in him or her.if we own something even our work we must take those decisions.management may be top down autocratic or team led open door policy called consultative management where we play safe and not put all eggs in one basket,thereby reducing the risks or fear of failure.i want to assure that all of us have it in us and must exercise these talents at all possible places and situations.especially when no one wants to take charge.dont wait.
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