Who is a true leader?
Rajesh Mathrani
Throughout my life, I have always been fascinated by the question - “Who is a true leader ?” The answers have helped me to become a better person. What follows are my reflections.
A leader is someone who has followers. One cannot be a true leader without possessing qualities, traits, behaviours or values that are worth emulating. Take our leaders such as Gandhi, Churchill, Einstein. These leaders had followers across nations, continents and cultures.
A leader is someone who embodies taking “risks” and is “fearless”. These people take paths less travelled, they fight for a large cause or lead revolutions. Take the example of Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi. They took risks that many of us would run away from. They left a lasting legacy on mankind and now their stories are fables and taught in schools and colleges
A leader is someone who is “authentic”. You cannot fake leadership. The authenticity comes across when your words, actions, behaviors, beliefs and values are aligned. You live your deeply held convictions 7x24 hours and there are no exceptions.
A leader is someone who takes goals larger than his “personal needs or is selfless”. He/She makes an impact that is way beyond what a normal person does. Take for example leaders such as Chuck Yager (who helped navigate the skies and broke the sound barrier) or Neil Armstrong (who stepped on the moon). Another example is Elon Musk, a leader and visionary who has changed the Electric car industry and Space travel.
A leader has traits that are “extraordinary” which have made him or her reach rare milestones. My favorite example is Roger Federer in the world of tennis. He has established world records in terms of grand slams trophies. He continues to play at a mature age compared to other players. His focus on health, technique and skills is par excellent.
A leader leaves a “legacy”. Take for example Winston Churchill who led his country during very difficult times of World war II. He stood up against Nazi Germany and brough in the cooperation of allies for a successful victory and submission by Germany. His legacy is still reflected via history books, movies and lectures by leadership Guru’s.
A leader is committed to “lifelong giving”. My hero is Justice Ruth Baden Ginsberg who was a supreme court Judge and was deliberating on cases even a week before she died. She was committed to standing up for the causes she believed in and influencing laws right till the last day of her life.
My hope is that the above will spark interest in you to become a better leader! Good luck!!