Gandhi on Zoom

Mahatma Gandhi knew he wasn't perfect. But he practiced a series of leadership principles which remain valid to this day. If you're a team leader, manager or running a project - learn how Gandhi would have handled today's business communications on Zoom.

1. Let your team know that you are always learning 

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

People look up to leaders who admit they don't know it all, and are searching for answers - just like they are. On your next zoom call, resist telling everyone what to research and instead, reveal what you want to learn. By committing to continuous learning and improvement, you're setting an example for others to never stand still. And, just as importantly, you're admitting that you're human - not above learning a thing or two from your team. They'll respect you for that. 

2. Passionately articulate a clear vision of where you want things to go, then set an example by acting upon that vision

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Your vision comes from the heart. You need to let people know what success looks like when it's achieved. That next video call: be passionate. Then, do the things and say the things needed to make the vision a reality. Only when you commit will your team also commit. 

3. Use your people skills, not your position

I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.

Gandhi viewed the human spirit as infinitely more powerful than the deadliest weapons on earth. Just as he used non-violent means to achieve his goals, today's leaders will be far more effective if they rely on their people skills, and not their position, to influence others and cause change. The best boss, on zoom or in person, is someone who never has to say "Listen to me because I'm the boss." It is not your title that will make your team listen. It's your character, integrity and ability to care.

4. Listen twice as much as you talk

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.

In business, I still see many managers doing nothing but talk. Because they feel that they know it all. Online meetings start with the boss's view on everything - often turning into an endless tirade. Talk, talk and more talk as people feel helpless and tune out (with speakers turned off). These managers occasionally ask what we think, cut us off quickly, and then keep going as though we said nothing.

A real leader spends most of her or his zoom time listening - to the concerns of the team, their views, ideas and problems. Build a digital reputation for listening. No, you don't know everything. You'll be amazed at how much more influential listening is, compared to talk.

5. Get rid of the serious face

Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.

Too many of us take ourselves way too seriously. In person and online. Gandhi was not afraid to be human. Look into the camera, get rid of "serious face" and put on a smile, be hopeful, and most importantly, be yourself. Not some fake person who is pretending to be important. The effective leader is authentic.

6. Make the "doing" of work interesting and meaningful

Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.

One of the biggest challenges of anyone running a team is to make the work meaningful, fun and interesting. Even the most menial tasks can be more engaging if you turn work into a game. Set targets with rewards. Set aside zoom time to explain the "why" of work so people can connect what they're doing with the final result. They need to know that they are important - and what they are doing is contributing to the common good.

The Gandhi brand of leadership - with its quiet persuasion - is needed now more than ever.

Viewed as a saint and perfect leader the world over, Gandhi was also human, with all the imperfections and contradictions that entails. The legacy of Gandhi in his home country of India is one which is not without controversy and mixed feelings. The public Gandhi and the private Gandhi were not necessarily one in the same. Some who knew him said he was vain (which Gandhi agreed with, admitting his human shortcomings). Others viewed him as racist. Still others saw him as naive. However history will ultimately judge him, there is no doubt that Gandhi's brand of persuasive leadership is worthy of emulating.