Rainbow Leadership
Do you reflect all 7 colours?
the rainbow phenomenon: 'Most people have never noticed that the sun is always behind you when you face a rainbow... The rain, of course, is in the direction of the rainbow'.
This "light show" impacts us for several reasons. For me it reflects life's greatest truths: transience, technicolour experiences, and hope. With the metaphorical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, we chase not just a "spectacular" sight but a story of hope.
This is also what good leadership is about. A leader brings with him a sense of purpose, shows you the bigger picture and makes you a part of it. He brings with him the rainbow and plays the role of the sun, standing behind you, pushing you forward, letting you absorb the seven-coloured spectrum of beauty.
For me, the VIBGYOR colours of the rainbow reflect the 7 key attributes that help us strive toward becoming better leaders. It could be in small enterprises we run or in big organizations where we are called upon to lead groups of people. Leadership can be demonstrated in any area of our lives.
Values: Leadership is about creating values. Values that reflect who you are and what you stand for. Values that will eventually take you or your organization forward and keep it together for years to come. In India, companies like Tata stand for their commitment to integrity, high standards of excellence and compassion toward the people they are working for and working with. And in every venture, Tata Group companies reflect these very values, without even stating them.
Inclusion: Good leaders are inclusionists – they include new ideas, different people and working styles, and even contrarians. They embrace different points of view, accept shortcomings, and include all in their common mission. The shy guy who doesn't speak up in meetings is as important because his work may reflect something entirely different. In an article Are You Practicing These Seven Additional Inclusive Leadership Behaviors? Simma Lieberman puts it nicely - 'Inclusionist leaders intentionally LBO - Look Beyond the Obvious, to recognize, develop and promote employees that may not fit the traditional mold.' Being inclusive will ultimately help leaders create better group dynamics.
Belief: A famous Walt Disney quote goes, "First think, second believe, third dream, finally dare." Most ventures survive the test of time for one single reason -- that some, if not many, have believed in it. They believe in the beauty of what they are creating, in its importance to the world, to the people who work toward it, and in its ultimate rewards. Like the rainbow's pot of gold, they believe the rewards will come... and in abundance.
Growth: An off-shoot of inclusion, a good leader ensures that everyone involved gets an equal opportunity to grow. For each person growth may have a different meaning: Some may want to see a jump in salary, some may want more creative license and some are driven by recognition. While still others simply want more time with family. A good leader identifies what makes each tick, encouraging growth in that direction. Growth in individuals eventually translates to growth for the organsiation. Entrepreneur Richard Branson of the Virgin Group has often said: "My philosophy is, put your employees first, your customers second and your investors third and, in the end, everyone will be happy."
Youthfulness: Staying connected with the young, displaying youthful energy, listening to ideas from today's youth, all go into making leaders more effective and responsive to today's dynamic markets. From a fitness routine to eating healthy to tuning in to today's acronyms like YOLO (You Only Live Once) and JOMO (Joy in Missing Out), leaders do what it takes to stay abreast of new changes that are sweeping the world. Most successful people are often seen chatting with young people and understanding the current generation's angst. Sometimes this happens by engaging in social media, through teaching stints in schools and colleges or by conducting professional seminars.
Organization: Effective leadership is an outcome of good organizational abilities. Juggling multiple tasks and people is never easy. For this time management is key; optimizing each moment and putting it to good use. Multi-tasking, though considered a myth, is an extremely important tool. Closer home we've all seen our mothers and grandmothers cut fruits or veggies while they watch TV in the background. Doing two complex tasks together may not be possible. But if you can combine two easy tasks, it shouldn't be a problem. What's also a good idea is to build systems that run independent of you. The more you delegate and empower employees, the more productive they will become.
Responsibility: As a child my father always told me, "There is only one captain of the ship and he is fully responsible for what happens to the ship." These words still ring true. The buck in leadership finally stops at the leader. When things go wrong, when projects fail, when decisions seem faulty, a good leader always accepts responsibility. And watching him lead by example, others follow, setting off a whole chain of new leaders!
inspired by Ritika
