Bala Sir on Academic Leadership-11

??LEADER AND LEADERSHIP

You may be familiar with the name of Neil Armstrong – the first man who landed on the moon. His name has been carved in the human developmental history in golden letters. But are you familiar with the name of Michael Collins??You may not be. He was none other than the person who piloted the space craft which landed on the moon. Yes, there were three astronauts in the same space craft and the responsibility of Michael Collins was to pilot the aircraft while Neil stepped on the moon. Let us see how Michael Collins reacts to the situation. In his book “Carrying the fire: An Astronauts Journey”, he writes:

?“I know I would be a liar or a fool if I said that I have been the best of the three Apollo 11 seats, but I can say with truth and equanimity that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I have. This venture has been structured for three men and I consider my third to be as necessary as either of the other two.” The statement is an index of the humility of Michael.??

Well, there are many occasions when we play a similar role in our organization. We might play a vital role which, however, does not attract public attention or we feel marginalized before another member of the team. We feel depressed, de-motivated and think that we don’t get what we are due. The above episode clearly illustrates the need for a paradigm shift in our thinking. We need to understand that we are a part of a leadership and we have contributed significantly to the development of the leadership.?

We should learn to go ahead, to work as a team –respecting differences, acknowledging potentials, accepting the result. In the bargain if you find another person has gained from you, then remember what Benjamin Disraeli said:

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”

?Can we help someone to find his own riches??

G. Balasubramanian

G.Balasubramanian, is the Chair of the Advisory Council at CLLE. A thought leader in education, he was the Former Director (Academics) of CBSE, Delhi. He is a passionate teacher, teacher-trainer, curriculum designer, and mentor for various educational institutions and leaders across the world. He has to his credit a few hundred plus articles on various subjects published across several magazines. He has authored a number of books for teachers, educational administrators, and school leaders. He has served on several committees on education both at the national and international levels. Currently, he is the chairperson of the Board of Advisors of the International Council for School Leadership, Delhi; consultant to Grey Caps and The Teacher Tribe. World. He brings his extensive experience and wisdom to propel various learning partnerships and initiatives at CLLE.