PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT FROM “THIRUKKURAL” (5)

A leader is identified by certain basic characteristics he or she exhibits. .

Some basic characteristics of a leader are:

•      Personal Mastery

•      Self-confidence

•      Imagination

•      Initiative

•      Enterprise

•      Enthusiasm

•      Charisma

•      Team spirit

•      Decision making skills

•      Emotional intelligence

•      Honesty

•      Tolerance

•      Mentoring

•      Value profile

Let us try to analyze the significance of each of the above components.

Personal Mastery:

A leader is expected to be having thorough knowledge of the subjects under his domain and  experience in relevant skills . As he is supposed to guide others, he should be aware of and sensitive to the knowledge dynamics and should be familiar with the universe of his work station. In the absence of contextual knowledge and concurrent skills, he will be sidelined or marginalized by the people under him. The leadership will be always under debate and subject to challenge. Hence, a leader must have deep insight of the subject matter he would be dealing with, much beyond what one has learnt through his formal education. The word “Mastery” calls for authenticity and “credibility” of his knowledge. Further the knowledge and skills of the leader must be inspiring and motivating. Many of these are not awarded by certifications and the personal indulgence of the leader to prove his worth counts.

 Thiruvalluvar says

நுண்ணிய நூல்பல கற்பினும் மற்றுந்தன்

உண்மை அறிவே மிகும்.

(Nunniya nool pala karpinum matrunthan

Unmai arrive migum)

Meaning – ‘even if one has studied advanced books, what remains will be one’s factual knowledge.

He also details the function of the leadership in the following verse:

தெரிதலும்  தேர்ந்து செயலும் ஒருதலையாச்

சொல்லலும் வல்லது அமைச்சு.

(therithalum thernthu seyalum oruthalaiyaach

Chollalum vallathu amaichchu)

Meaning – The duty of leadership is to know, to analyze and  mentor, and to speak out courageously

Leaders with personal mastery only can go in search of real knowledge and will be able to mentor and speak courageously.

The kurals of Thiruvalluvar written several centuries before reflect concepts which are true for any time.