Are you afraid of your greatness? Do you know you are a born leader? Leadership: Module 3: Strengths-Based Leadership

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." (Act II, Scene v; although Malvolio says this, he does so while reading from the letter that Maria wrote). William Shakespeare's comedy, Twelfth Night.

In my 43 years of working life with the Indian Army and the United Nations, I learnt only three aspects of leadership which I always carry with me: Lead by Example, Discern the Criticality, and Streak of Ruthlessness. Besides these three, I mostly switched off during the leadership training and lectures. Why was it so boring? Why this subject is so drab? I have discovered the cause. In almost all leadership related training or exercises, we are dealing with the leadership traits, qualities and principles followed by someone else. Never your leadership qualities are discussed. When I went to the primary school, teacher talked about Chhatrpati Shivaji, Bhagat Singh, Jhansi Ki Rani, Maharana Pratap and many more. When I joined Sainik (Military) School, the talks changed to Alexander, Caesar, Hannibal, Napoleon and others. Later in the Military Academies and schools it changed to campaigns by the great warriors and generals. Leadership and Officer like qualities were generally judged on the sports fields. Points were laid down for participations. But nowhere I got an opportunity to know my intrinsic strengths, potential and or values till I took StrengthsFinder Test in August 2015. Then only I realised that I have Learner, Achiever, Strategic, Arranger and Input as my signature themes.

It was a great challenge to me as how to design the exercise on Leadership for the UG students of the Christ University. We made progress on the Environmental Support System of a SMART City… carry forward from PANCHTATVA. The exercise was named as CHAMTKAR (means Miracle). Initially many of my colleagues with whom I discussed this exercise, expressed their reservations that the UG Students will not be able to comprehend leadership.

The exercise started with a very short presentation (Without PPT), on how a leader should bring about the Trust, Compassion, Stability and Hope within his/her team. These were to be achieved by the interplay of his/her Strengths, already discovered during Modules 1 and 2. It took some time to make them understand, but they all caught on. 

The exercise commenced with the Eisenhower Quadrant. Each team was given a long list of relevant to do list including their domestic issues. They were required to put these under logically thought out Quadrants. They did a wonderful job. They understood the utility of the Eisenhower Quadrants.

            The Second and the final part was more challenging, interesting and time consuming. They studied the book “Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. They were guided to study the chapters pertaining to their five themes “Leading with Your Strengths”. Later they prepared Charts as how to lead with one of their Signature Themes for achieving Trust, Compassion, Stability and Trust of the team. On the flip side of the chart, they also prepared as how to achieve, above four aspects considering at least one of the themes of a team member. Later each student was give 3 Minutes to present their plans to the class.

Coming back to the greatness, everyone is born great, everyone is a leader provided he/she knows her/his strengths and leverage these to achieve their desired goals.

In conclusion, I would like to present the comments from Students about the Personality Development Programme.

Solomon Joshua

Strategic, Intellection, Learner, Relator, Restorative

Today has been one more day which was added to my stage fear removing process. Already my fears are gone and today was a bonus point added. Also, sir, throughout the class it was so interesting, motivating. I have taken my logical thinking to a whole new level after these sessions.

Simran P Nayak

Includer, Restorative, Woo, Connectedness, Positivity

These days I feel I am connected to this course. It's just not a mere course that the University has made and I'm just doing for the University, but it means a lot to me. Personally, I believe it's the best course one can ever take. Thank you sir, it's you and your enthusiasm which made students like me, like it and love it. There is an improvement in my personality.

Shwetha R

Restorative, Ideation, Relator, Empathy, Responsibility

Thank you so much. Really frankly this was the 1st time I spoke in front of everyone for a long time, people applauded me, and really got to know how a leader is, how to become. You really made me identify my strengths and made my goal more interesting to succeed it.

Shruthi Nair

Includer, Adaptability, Communication, Connectedness, Responsibility

The last week was indeed a productive one. The book Strengths Based Leadership has opened my eyes to quite a few facts about myself based on my five themes. The team I was a part of was also good. And even this week I have made a number of people as my friends. Most importantly, I was able to realise my calibre in terms of Communication.  The environment in class was very calm and supportive.

Shriyam Srivastava

CONNECTEDNESS, HARMONY, ADAPTABILITY, EMPATHY, DELIBERATIVE

This week it was presentation on my theme about how I will lead an organisation. Though, it was for one theme, I read about all my five themes and I think I have a fair idea on how to lead a group of people.

Prinitha VP

Includer, Adaptability, Relator, Restorative, Positivity

I really enjoyed the sessions that we had sir. The sessions were fun and we didn't even feel like we were having education thrust upon us. The best part of this open elective is the team work. That made the learning process actually much more enjoyable. I had a great time with you sir. You are the very first teacher after my family who has actually taught me lessons of life and my strengths. Thank you a lot sir. I assure you that I will follow all your teachings in my life.

Meghna Deka

EMPATHY, ADAPTABILITY, RESTORATIVE, HARMONY, DEVELOPER

This week we learnt about leadership; its importance, components and application. I'm very weak in public speaking but I managed to give the presentation after rehearsing for it. This has really helped me. I'm honestly loving the classes and I hope to learn more from you. You have helped me to improve.

Ayush Param

CONTEXT, ANALYTICAL, INPUT, STRATEGIC, ACTIVATOR

It is impossible to emulate every single commendable quality of every leader ever. Attempting to do so is a fool's errand. I learned this from reading the book we were assigned. The four qualities of Trust, Hope, and Compassion & Stability are vital, but, given my way, I would replace compassion with Justice. I believe that a just leader is more important than a loving or caring leader. Just my personal opinion - I am aware that it is not supported by the data.

Aakriti Shrestha

Restorative, Deliberative, Harmony, Relator, Adaptability

Leadership is one quality I have been longing to achieve. To be honest, I am really weak at public speaking but after this week's session I not only had to speak in front of the people but also was the first speaker. This particular activity taught me to be ready for any challenge at any time. Apart from this week's session overall I have noticed the change in me. I have improved a lot and changed my attitude. Thank you so much sir for everything! I will miss you!