‘U’ a leader?

Everyone is a potential leader and that potential within you is like the gods who inspire, lead and guide you and those with you. No one is a born leader. Leaders are sculpted by the circumstances and the challenges they face in life. Though we may say one is a born leader, s/he is as much a product of the times and the circumstances coupled with one’s own abilities and struggles. Personal charisma has certainly a great role in determining how great a leader one becomes. The environment and circumstance will provide and equip the enterprising persons with additional tools.

Leadership qualities are required not only for those who are in political and social life; it is needed in all walks of life, and its scope extends to home, school, religion, business and any other field. A good leader will have clear idea about his target and knows the way to success. A realistic leader has foresights and insight. S/he is able to read the signs of the times and senses trends and tendencies which are at work in his/her surroundings. Prof Sherene Aftab in the cover story this month explains how Mahatma Gandhi became the undisputed leader of the Indian freedom struggle and influenced millions of people with his simplicity, humility, honesty, truthfulness and empathetic nature. She challenges you teens to use your education, knowledge and the skills you acquire in school and college days to pave the way for a bright and better future.

Everyone is called to be a leader. A good leader, as a role model, will have positive attitudes and will be disciplined. S/he values human resources and will empower others constantly and act as a mentor, persuading others by his/her words and deeds, and at the same time also being assertive when necessary. Developing leadership qualities is a lifelong process; it does not happen overnight.

To become a great leader you need to make sure that your intentions are pure, your words and actions are appropriate and they are applied at the right time, in the right manner and with the right persons. If you are a good listener you will elicit the cooperation of others and reap the benefits of networking. Humility to learn from ones mistakes and willingness to learn from others will enable you to make sound judgements. Humility and sincerity to accept responsibility, accountability and transparency will generate trust among your followers. A good leader will have the ability to manage relationships, build rapport, provide emotional, intellectual or physical support when needed, manage time creatively and be dependable and consistent. It is the capacity to cultivate and build up their skills that distinguishes leaders from the followers. Discover your inner resources and strive to be a good leader.