Narendra Modi's rise in the political landscape of the country offers a few insights into what it takes to break the clutter and make a mark for oneself in the leadership space...
Depending on which side of the political spectrum you belong to, you may either be a staunch supporter or a critic of Narendra Damodardas Modi, the BJP’s official PM candidate for 2014 general elections. Cliché it may sound, while you might love him or hate him, but you certainly can’t ignore him. So much so that even his detractors would agree that Modi is a perfect blend of an astute politician and a shrewd businessman. His decisiveness, clarity of thought, personal integrity and missionary zeal, is beyond doubt. It needs no mention that, it is because of these unique selling propositions that the party decided to ignore a few well-reasoned opposition to his elevation.
Leaving aside the internal party dynamics, a recent survey of 100 chief executives conducted by Nielsen for The Economic Times revealed that 80 percent want Modi to become prime minister. What is it that makes Modi the leaders of masses as well as classes? What are the lessons that business leaders can learn from him?
The very reason why Modi scored a hat-trick in 2012 Gujarat elections is due to his extraordinary leadership skills. The charismatic leader possesses a number of leadership traits, and business leaders could well learn a few lessons from him and implement them too. A few take-aways
The Art & Science of Communication
Modi has mastered the art of communication. He is one of the few politicians who has used technology to connect with his people. So be it Google+ hangouts, projected 3D public speeches or for that matter twitter, he's virtually left no stone unturned in using the current technology. It is his novel delivery mechanism that has forced leaders of India Inc as well as foreign diplomats, who once shunned him as a political bezonian, to seek a minute of his indulgence now.
Seen in an organizational perspective, while one-to-one interaction with each and every employee may be impossible (and more so because of a global workforce), leaders need to be aware of the current trends in technology and use it to their advantage. A technologically naive person can never work for the betterment of his/her organization. Be it a small or big organization, or a huge economy; wise and correct use of technology can invariable help reach out to a larger employee base and bridge the communication gap.
Identify opportunities and take risks
As a business leader, it is important to see opportunities when they knock on the door and grab them. Undoubtedly, opportunities come with a few risks, but it is the bigger picture that needs to be considered. Many were left wondering when Modi offered a red carpet to Tata. They couldn't figure out what Modi had envisioned when he invited Tata to shift his plant to Sanand. By providing land to industry at throw away prices, as he is accused of, Modi invested in a long term profit. Post this event, Modi became a business darling and investments poured in to Gujarat regularly after that.
While making decisions, leaders besides keeping the present in mind need to have foresight. They need to envision the future and take decisions that are in sync with future goals.
Quick decision making
When Tata's decided to relocate their dream project, Modi moved with Usain Bolt-like speed and got the MoU inked within 96 hours of Tata's announcement to quit Singur. It is said that Modi makes it a point to return the call of large businessmen within 24 hours. For urgent calls, the response comes within three hours. If something cannot be done, Modi says so without beating around the bush. It’s a well known fact now that it is primarily the speed and the single-window clearance of Modi that make investors in India and abroad flock to Gujarat.
In a competitive business environment, it is not only about identifying opportunities, but a lot also depends on the speed with which decisions are taken. Procrastination should be the last word when it comes to decision making.
Be confident and play to your strengths
Modi is never low on confidence and that is probably one reason why he is able to inspire confidence in the electorate. Be it his rally in Hyderabad or for that matter his address on August 15, he exuded confidence and despite chinks in his armor he focussed on his strength - his development card. It is rare to see a political leader who unfailingly hard sells his state as an investor friendly destination, and in doing so he minces no words.
As a business leader it is important to be confident about one's organization, product, and project and let it pass on to the target audience. For the success of the brand / organization, it is equally important to hard sell and never let go an opportunity.
Set an example
If a leader wants his /her team to be honest, hardworking, and sincere; it goes without saying that it must begin with him. The leader needs to be honest, hardworking, sincere, set an example and make the first sacrifice. It is this track record of Modi in office that is the envy of his adversaries. He has been equally successful in selling ideas to both the masses and the classes. He firmly believes in letting his work do the talk. The biennial Vibrant Gujarat - brain child of Modi-and its success is a point in case. Likewise a true business leader too needs action.
Have a team
No one is bestowed upon with all the qualities needed to a successful leader. In fact, a leader is but the representative of his/her team at disposal. A team has members with complementing qualities and it is up to the leader as to how to leverage the talent in the team. And that’s what makes all the difference! It's worth learning a lesson or two here, from Modi. His extravagant use of technology in the 2012 election is well known. Did Modi have all knowledge about it? No! He employed right people who helped him plan out his entire campaign strategically and innovatively. And did that work? Well...
Good Thought, shared !
ReplyDeletevery good analysis
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