A True Leader Inspires Through Actions, Not Just Words

Today, as I took a short break and relaxed on the couch outside the ODC, I had an unexpected yet memorable encounter. One of the top leaders from our business unit passed by. While I was casually scrolling through my mobile, he greeted me with a warm and cheerful "Hi, how are you?"

The kindness in his tone and the genuine warmth in his gesture instantly lit up my day. I smiled, greeted him back, and couldn’t help but feel deeply inspired. Despite being one of the most recognized leaders in our organization, his humility and ability to connect with a junior employee like me left a profound impression.

This wasn’t the first time I’d encountered him. On both occasions, his down-to-earth attitude and warm demeanor have exemplified what true leadership is all about. He is the epitome of a next-generation leader—one who isn’t defined by titles or hierarchy but by the genuine respect and inspiration he evokes in others.

A true leader is someone who connects with everyone, regardless of their position, and carries the same passion while welcoming clients or speaking to team members. It’s this ability to make people feel valued that makes him loved by all generations.

This experience brought back fond memories from my childhood. I recalled the evenings spent in my village, where all my cousins would gather around our grandfather (He was a Union leader in Choudwar Mill, Cuttack), listening to their stories. Just like those cherished tales filled with lessons, leaders like him narrate their values not through words but through actions that inspire everyone around them.

As I reflected on this experience, my grandfather’s timeless words came to mind: "If you want to rule like a king, you must first work like a worker."

My grandfather always emphasized the importance of learning to do everything on our own, no matter how small or menial the task may seem. He believed that a true leader is not someone who stands above others but someone who understands and experiences life at every level—someone who connects with the ground reality before rising to lead.

This leader I met today embodies that philosophy. His ability to make even the smallest interactions meaningful demonstrates that leadership isn’t about commanding authority; it’s about earning respect through humility, empathy, and genuine care for others.

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where interactions can often feel transactional, leaders like him stand out. They remind us that leadership isn’t just about managing tasks or driving results—it’s about uplifting others, inspiring them to be better, and building connections that transcend roles and hierarchies.

One day, I aspire to embody these qualities and lead with the same humility, kindness, and passion that he demonstrates every day.

Thank you

Swati Lekha Nayak, Bangalore (Author)