Saturday, July 17, 2010

Are we afraid of being a leader?

The word ‘leader’ has wrongly become synonymous with the image of a corrupt politician in the minds of an average Indian. It’s difficult to squarely blame him though; given the fact the country has seen quite a fair share of them in the recent past. But it does raise the all important question … can the average citizen really be a leader? Once again, the common man’s reply would be a firm negative.

Is there a false paranoia or negativity associated with leadership nowadays which gives rise to this belief that it is something beyond the common man? Why such fear and pessimism? Have we really forgotten what leadership really is and that it is neither confined to any institution nor restricted by age, location or time.

Leadership is contextual and definitely a part of our day to day life. Reminds me of a popular ad on TV where all it takes is a single child to lead a dispirited group to remove a roadblock. Yes, we all liked the ad but how many of us would actually do that? Did we realize the sad reality of today’s India or blissfully chose to ignore, falsely assuring ourselves that “Aal Izz Well” with us? Bitter truths are hard to accept.

Take this, a real-life scenario. While waiting for his flight at one of India’s busiest airports, my friend saw one of his co-passenger collapses due to a heart attack. What followed was utter chaos. Even if one were to pardon the atrocious lack of emergency medical care at the airport, what does one make of the passengers, ground staff, police, shop-owners et all? Mere onlookers, all perhaps willing to help, but not a single soul ready to step forward and take the initiative! Isn't it expected of a leader to show courage, responsibility and ownership in times of severe adversity, to give hope when there seems none and show the way inspiring others?

I can proudly say that my friend did not take a step back unlike the ‘crowd’, revived the passenger through CPR and then with some help, saved his life by ensuring earliest possible medical aid amidst all the confusion. Not only that, he has now taken up this issue with the airport and airline authorities to ensure such a crisis never repeats. A common man exhibit leadership without any fear and make a difference. Inspirational, to say the least!

So what was it stopping the others? Was it really a fear of failure or have we become so used to being led that we have forgotten how, where and when to lead? What are we waiting for?
The right time to lead is NOW … let there be no fear!
--By Rajarshi Chatterjee

3 comments:

  1. It is truly genuine that the leaders have the skills and qualities conquering the difficulties. The leadership, in real sense, the name of the quality to look thing with changed angle, leaders look thing past their limits. See more at:- http://www.blanchardinternational.co.in/

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