The Hindu Business Line : Leaders should be intelligent decision-makers

A leader by definition must be ahead of his or her followers. To acquire this edge, the most important qualities a leader must possess are intelligence and the ability to take quick and informed decisions. A leader can survive only if his or her actions inspires others.

A recent incident that was demonstrative of great leadership was Ratan Tata’s conceptualisation and development of the Nano car in the face of great adversity. The project was derided as impossible and as a pipedream by the so-called experts. He faced tremendous resistance from all quarters. However, with his determination, Tata brought together Tata Motors’ employees, external suppliers and other stakeholders and galvanised them into action, to produce the lowest cost car despite constraints of time and resources. The Nano is a tribute to his exemplary leadership qualities.

Two or three ways in which you think young managers can develop leadership skills?

A few ways in which young managers can develop leadership is by:

Studying best practices followed by leaders that may work within their professional or personal lives, and emulating these practices

Consciously avoiding the bad practices of the leaders that one interacts with on a daily basis, and

Taking charge in times of crisis

Who is your leadership idol in the corporate world - India or global?

Ratan Tata is one of my leadership idols for the qualities he has displayed through such incidents as the development of the Nano, the acquisition of Corus and several landmark hotel properties across the globe. — Nikhil Shah, Executive Director, Elbee Express Pvt Ltd

More Stories on : Management | People | Leader Speak

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Pay attention to details

A compass, an anchor and a telescope

Leaders should be intelligent decision-makers

B-Schools face faculty shortage

Icfai University signs MoU to set up Adelaide campus

People — the lifeblood of an organisation

What do the vacant looks of your staff say?