Unveiling the Power of 'Why': The Key to Leadership Excellence

Introduction

Since our early years, many of us have pondered over the reasons why certain individuals, organizations, or brands are considered superior, excellent, inspiring, or the best, even when their education, family background, and physical attributes are similar to ours. We wonder why someone like Dhoni becomes the captain of the Indian cricket team or why a particular college or institute, such as IIT, becomes highly sought-after despite offering the same courses and education. We question why a leader like Narendra Modi gains popularity and respect despite possessing similar communication skills and visions.

There must be something beyond the measurable qualities that leads to this distinction, prompting us to ask, "Why them and not others?" This common question and accompanying anxiety require an explanation, an answer, or some clarification.?

As we delve deeper into exploration and introspection, we draw closer to comprehending the underlying reasons for such distinctions. In my perspective, the answer lies in achieving clarity regarding the fundamental question of "Why."

The concept of "why" is a process of introspection, a thought process that is clearly explained and understood. It becomes inspiring and generates a following and followers. This chain reaction transforms an individual, an organization, a brand, or a politician into a leadership figure with a perpetual growth of followers.

With this in mind, we will attempt to explain the parameters and how they contribute to the development of leadership, whether it is at the personal, corporate, or brand level.

The definition of “Why”

As described in Merriam Webster Dictionary, “Why” is defined as “for what cause, reason, or purpose”

The essence of "Why" lies in the initiation of a questioning process to seek reasons or explanations about a particular subject or phenomenon. For instance, "Why is the sky blue?" or "Why is Virat Kohli considered the number one master blaster?" We can also inquire about why Apple stands as the best and most favored phone brand or why Google is acclaimed as the world's top search engine.

To grow and thrive in the realm of leadership, it is crucial to identify and cultivate your “why” - your purpose and reason for being. This process of development can be achieved through the following steps:

1. Engage in self-reflection and introspection, searching within yourself for clarity.
2. Prioritize your purpose above mere goals, ensuring that your actions align with your larger mission.
3. Recognize and pursue activities that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment.
4. Craft and articulate your personal life vision statement, defining your aspirations and guiding principles.
5. Discover your true needs and cultivate a growth mindset to facilitate continuous personal and professional development.

As a leader, in developing clarity around why behind your corporations, or brands, some of the guiding questions may include:

1. What core belief does your business exist to uphold?
2. How does your company strive to serve its customers better than anyone else?
3. Why does your company truly matter in the grand scheme of things?
4. In what ways does your business contribute to helping customers achieve their own purposes or goals?

By addressing these inquiries and embracing a clear sense of purpose, leaders can navigate the path to success and make a meaningful impact in the respective domain.

Leadership skills and qualities in building clarity around “Why”

The following skills and qualities are crucial for leaders as they establish trust and inspire others with clear “Why”:

• Strategic critical thinking: The ability to think strategically and make sound decisions based on analysis and foresight.
• Credibility through Innovations with beliefs innovate to dominate: Being credible by fostering innovation and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Flexibility by developing agility and adaptability: Being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and being open to new ideas and approaches.
• Effective communication for long-term relationship building: Being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, to build strong and lasting relationships with followers.
• Authority through Collective management and decision-making: Exercising authority by involving others in the decision-making process and fostering a collective management approach.

Factors that contribute to the distinction of IITs and IIMs (renowned educational institutes in India) can be attributed to the following "WHY" factors:

• Mission to create world-class engineers and managers: These institutes have a clear mission to nurture and develop highly skilled professionals in their respective fields.
• Best faculties with expertise: They boast of exceptional faculty members who excel not only in classroom teachings but also possess practical experience in relevant industries.
• Rigorous selection process: The institutes employ a stringent selection process involving entry tests and personal interviews to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are admitted.
• Preferred by top corporations and industries: IITs and IIMs are the preferred choices for leading corporations and industries, offering abundant employment opportunities for their graduates.
• Proven track record of successful alumni: Graduates from these institutes have reached top positions in the corporate world as well as in politics, showcasing the institutions' ability to produce exceptional leaders.
• Sense of pride and association: Being associated with IITs and IIMs instills a sense of pride among students and alumni, recognizing the reputation and legacy of these institutes.

The "Why" factors of IITs and IIMs revolve around trust, commitment, mission, beliefs, and a proven merit-based system that has established their prominent status in the education landscape.

Conclusion

It has been unequivocally proven that in order to attain a successful leadership status or become an accomplished leader, the concept of "Why" holds paramount significance. Once achieved, it acts as a catalyst for perpetual growth.

In reality, the notion of "Why" sets the pace in the race for leadership, emerging as the pinnacle for leaders across various domains, including individuals, corporations, brands, educational institutes, and political figures.

UKJ