5 Things Gandhi Can Teach Us About Leadership
"Fear has its use, but cowardice has none" - Mahatma Gandhi
The leadership style of Mahatma Gandhi lends many opportunities for growth and prosperity our work and personal lives. The manner in which he treated others, both those with whom he agreed or disagreed, is a model for each of us today, especially in dealing with change and growth within an organization We can use our fear to maintain balance but must not allow ourselves to shy away from those things that are difficult or unpleasant.
The tenants of Gandhi's leadership can be found in five basic characteristics.
Humility
Humility sends a message to a team that the leader may not have all of the answers, is willing to listen, and will lead in a direction that he or she believes contributes to the greater good of the cause. Humility allows a leader to mirror their team as a whole, instead of placing a wall of authoritarianism between themselves and those being led. Leadership often means "getting out of the way" by putting oneself outside of the situation and leading with the heart of the facts and the support through consensus of a group.
"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err."
Consistency
The most successful leaders establish a pattern of consistency in how they address issues, individuals and endeavors. Integrity in a leader's decisions makes it easy for others to follow their guidance, and gives a team a sense of fairness and openness.
"I had always heard the merchants say that truth was not possible in business. I did not think so then nor do I do now."
Accountability
In a consistent environment, team members are more willing to accept larger responsibilities and understand the accountability that decentralization of powers brings.
"It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one's acts."
Self-Assuredness
Consistency also speaks to a leader's self-assuredness in a positive way. The security that the leader brings to the team is derived from maintaining integrity in all areas of work and a self-imposed accountability for not only their own actions, but also the performance of the team as a whole.
"They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them."
Vulnerability
The one quality often overlooked in a great leader is one most often recognized first in Gandhi - vulnerability. Leaders who embrace their own vulnerability have the greatest opportunity for growth and achievement within a team, because their honesty and openness compel others to action and establish individual investment in endeavors. Often confused as weakness, vulnerability is actually a strength in which individuals reject a natural tendency of cowardice, and instead use their own fear to grow.
"Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it."
Understanding that leadership is not about the individual, but is about the effect that the individual has on others is key to mimicking these in an effective and productive manner.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
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