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| Tuesday, 18 January 2005 |
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Dynamic leadership, need of the hour for nation rebuilding by Prasanna Perera, Marketing and Management Consultant, Chartered Marketer, CIM, UK Sri Lanka has just faced a major catastrophe, probably it's the greatest. Many innocent lives and property have been lost to the deadly tsunami waves. The only way for Sri Lanka is to put this tragedy behind us move ahead with steadfast resolve and determination. In this scenario, the most vital ingredient is astute leadership. We have read and experienced many a situation in the past, where leadership has been provided in difficult circumstances. Names such as Roosevelt, Churchill, Kennedy, Mandela and Giuliani the Mayor of New York who provided leadership in the aftermath of the 9/11 calamity come into mind. What Sri Lanka needs is dynamic leadership on all fronts i.e. political, social and economic. Leadership - one more time? Leadership as a concept is very difficult to define and many points of view have been expressed by renowned management gurus, too numerous to mention. For the sake of defining leadership, let me provide some conceptual definitions. "Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of managements says is possible." (Major Colin Powell) "Leadership does not simply happen. It can be taught, learned, developed. Leaders have to control their emotions under pressure, and cannot be paralysed by any situation. It's about balance, when dealing with a crisis". (Rudolph Giuliani, Mayor of New York) Let us briefly reflect on these two definitions and examine their appropriateness to Sri Lanka's current situation. We have not faced a mere crisis but a catastrophe of gigantic proportions. In these trying times, the people of Sri Lanka are looking for direction, guidance, motivation, sympathy and reassurance. Rudolph Giuliani who provided courageous leadership to the people of New York in the aftermath of 9/11 said that leaders have to learn to control their emotions and not be paralysed by any crisis, whatever the magnitude. How true indeed in Sri Lanka's current predicament. Keep economy ticking Sri Lanka requires leadership from the business front as well. Socially, many problems will be faced by the country in the years to come. Children orphaned, single parental families, single survivors, traumatised individuals and individuals with social class and status destroyed. All these individuals will require leadership from a social perspective to help them get on their feet and life. They will require inspiration, courage, understanding and patience. Names of social leaders specially from different religions and doctrines come into mind. The time is now right for religious leaders and social group leaders to exercise their skills to bring mental and spiritual relief to the affected masses of this country. From a business perspective, the governing bodies such as the Chambers and other business organisations must take the lead and provide direction to the business community of this country. We must remember the golden saying "within adversity lies opportunity." In other words, "every dark cloud has a silver lining." The business leaders would do well to keep the economy ticking, or else the economic cost to the country would become simply unmanageable. Inspiration Let us take inspiration from Jack Welch, acknowledged as arguably the greatest business leader of our times. According to Welch, it is great people and not great strategies alone that is important for success. Can we Sri Lankans unite as a nation in its hour of need. There will be no greater time than this for unity and a Sri Lankan identity. Welch also talks about making tough-minded decisions, as a prerequisite to talk about soft values. What Sri Lanka needs right now are tough-minded decisions in the best interest of the country. It will not be possible to satisfy everyone in this crisis situation. Taking responsibility for people (followers) is also important as stated by Jack Welch. The people of Sri Lanka are looking forward to be given some degree of protection in this difficult situation. Hence, the leadership would do well to give due consideration to this aspect. Acting decisively on people and investments was also sighted by Welch as crucial for leadership success. Decision-making, with speed and foresight is the need for Sri Lanka at the moment. Populist decisions cannot be made at this juncture, since they will be detrimental to the overall needs of the country and its people. Need to "walk the talk" In the art of leadership, effective communication has been identified as a prerequisite. This is indeed true. However, great leaders not only talk about doing but also walk the talk. As Sri Lankans we are quite fond of talking about doing various things, on different fronts. However, we are not the greatest 'doers'. In this crisis situation, we have simply no choice i.e. do it or perish. Let us resolve to take bold decisions and make these decisions happen. Certain decisions may not always be right or sweet for everyone, but decisions we must make and act. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" (Anonymous) "Tough times never last, but tough people do" (Robert Schuller) "When you have exhausted all possibilities remember this; You haven't!" (Robert Schuller) Let us take inspiration from these sayings and resolve to re-build our motherland, for the benefit of generations to come. This is our prime responsibility. (Cometh the moment, cometh the man). |
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