We need more Role Models in the Times of Crisis.

I have always been fascinated by the term leadership and the views people have got around the world about this topic. In fact today, this is one of the most talked about and googled words on the internet. Even 80% of the webinars that I attend today is on Leadership.

Some experts say Leadership is about giving direction, guiding people, inspiring them, being situational, ability to see things differently and so on. To me, Leadership is timeless & ageless. It’s about doing more, setting high standards, leading by example, uplifting others who can do better than you have done, irrespective of your power or position…

There are theories and principles followed by people around the world to demonstrate leadership. However, very few become role models.

When it’s a competitive situation, we need leaders to navigate the way, guide us, coach us and help us to perform better to achieve. But in tough times and in crisis, people in general may be clueless, fearful, lack confidence, and may lose in the process. That is the time when we need more of leaders who can lead by example- inspire, influence, challenge and become Role Models in the process.

The world has seen some amazing leaders who have made a huge impact in their respective fields. Think about two of any leaders from any profession. And ask yourself- who do you admire the most and why? Who would you want your next generation to follow? You may have your vote for someone who has not only shown great leadership traits, but has also led by example by setting high standards and inspired many in the process.

Even when you have all the resources, best of the team members- in difficult times they may struggle. When people are in a survival mode, it’s difficult for all to be at the top of their game and achieve peak performance. Being a leader, delegation and motivating your people with some words of encouragement is just not enough.

In tough times, people want to follow you, they look up to you, they watch your actions more than words, they expect their leaders to perform by setting high standards and create wonders by contributing the maximum.

When people see you doing more; being self-driven, setting high standards, asking for support but not complaining if others are unable to contribute, driving the common goal with sense of self-discipline, fearlessly – You are just not a leader anymore- you become their role model.

Leaders who are role models have a few things in common ( irrespective of their position)

– They set high standards by outperforming themselves each time

– They work harder than others. They believe older you get, harder you work

– Their actions inspire people more than their words. Words of encouragement, motivational speeches are fine, but people get inspired when they do it and show others the way it’s done for better

– They take everyone along the way and stand beside others in times of crisis

– They demonstrate high level of energy to energize others, show resilience to bounce back, demonstrate passion to ignite desire and aspirations in others, and show empathy to collaborate better

– They experiment in the process, have high level of agility, don’t give any excuses and avoid being bias

– And they create the ecosystem by leading from the front

When the markets are stables, economies are clocking double digits, things become friendlier, you can manage to gain or optimize. But to sail in rough waters, with no clear direction, it’s not that easy to inspire others and take them along. This is the time, when you can choose to do more, get better at what you do, try new things, outsmart yourself, and in all lead yourself better than you have ever done.

This is the time you can be the Role Model. So are you ready?

Stay Strong & Safe!

Kaushik Das