Beyond the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons from Unlikely Sources

by Sairam Bollapragada (Prof.)

Leadership isn't confined to traditional business settings. The world around us is filled with extraordinary individuals who, through unwavering discipline and commitment, achieved excellence in leadership across diverse fields. Studying their approaches can provide valuable insights for the corporate world, driving increased efficiency, efficacy, and team engagement.

1. Building Trust: Verghese Kurien

Verghese Kurien, the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, understood the power of trust. His disciplined approach to building Amul, a dairy cooperative that empowered millions of milk producers, emphasized transparency, ethical conduct, and aligning actions with values. This earned him the trust of countless farmers and stakeholders, leading to a successful and sustainable organization.

Actionable Takeaway: Practice transparency and open communication with your team. Prioritize ethical conduct and consistently demonstrate your alignment with the company's values with discipline. Foster a culture of trust and respect where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, questions, and concerns.

2. Empowering Others: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the "Missile Man of India" and former president, was renowned for empowering his team and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. His disciplined approach to delegating tasks, providing guidance, and mentoring individuals created a collaborative environment where his team could excel. Leaders can learn from his example by prioritizing empowerment, delegating effectively, and fostering a culture where individuals feel motivated, invested, and capable of significant contributions.

Key takeaway: Dr Kalam fostered the “let’s conquer together as a team” while ensuring people felt integrated part of the teams with enhanced feeling of ownership and belonging spelling larger success in the missions.

3. Effective Communication: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, is known for his exceptional communication style and disciplined approach to leadership. His ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly and concisely while providing tactical guidance, and inspire confidence in his team are hallmarks of his approach. Leaders can emulate his approach by honing their communication skills, fostering clarity, and practicing active listening while exercising discipline in their communication style.

Key Takeaway: Cultivate disciplined communication like MS Dhoni. Hone your communication skills for clarity and conciseness. Ensure your message is well-organized and easy to understand. Practice active listening and demonstrate that you understand others' perspectives. Maintain composure under pressure to communicate clearly and thoughtfully.

4. The Power of Grit: Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and South Africa's first black president, embodied extraordinary grit and discipline. Despite facing 27 years of imprisonment, he maintained unwavering focus, continuously studying and preparing himself for the challenges ahead. His leadership teaches us the importance of persevering through challenges with discipline, maintaining a long-term perspective, and never giving up on our goals, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Actionable Takeaway: Foster a growth mindset within your team, encouraging them to learn from setbacks and persevere with determination and discipline. Create a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to overcome challenges.

5. Building a Shared Vision: JRD Tata

JRD Tata, a visionary industrialist and philanthropist, is known for his dedication to building a better future for India. His well-defined, long-term vision, coupled with a disciplined approach to ethical business practices and social responsibility, inspired generations of entrepreneurs and leaders. His leadership serves as a reminder of the importance of setting a compelling and inspiring vision while adhering to ethical principles.

Actionable Takeaway: Articulate a clear and inspiring vision for the company's future that extends beyond profits. Communicate this vision effectively to all stakeholders. Align individual goals with the company's broader vision to create a sense of shared purpose and drive long-term success.

6. Adaptability and Innovation: Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Laureate poet and a polymath, was a master of adaptability, innovation, and disciplined pursuit of creative expression. His works bridged different artistic disciplines, constantly explored new themes, mediums, and defied traditional boundaries. Leaders can learn from his ability to think outside the box, embrace change with discipline, and foster a continuous drive to innovate and redefine possibilities.

Actionable Takeaway: Encourage creativity and calculated risk-taking within your team. Create a culture of experimentation, where new ideas are welcomed and rewarded. Implement agile processes that allow for adaptability and rapid decision-making in response to changing market conditions.

7. Leading by Example: Mary Kom

Mary Kom, a six-time World Boxing Champion, exemplifies the power of leading by example. Her relentless work ethic, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to excellence are all underpinned by exceptional discipline. Her leadership style emphasizes setting high standards, demonstrating passion for your work, and consistently striving for improvement through discipline.

Actionable Takeaway: Regularly showcase your commitment and passion for the company's mission and values with discipline. Invest in your personal and professional development, and encourage your team members to do the same. Promote a culture that rewards dedication, continuous growth, and the pursuit of excellence through discipline.