7 Star Effective Leadership-SEISMIC Leadership

The question that ‘Leadership is innate or can be developed as a skill ?’ is open to debate but certain characteristics are common to great leaders around the world. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader, however some of these characteristics can be developed and strengthened. The greatness of any leader is measured simply by the number of followers he ar she has. John Maxwell, author of “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” defines leadership as “influence, nothing more, nothing less”. He goes on to say: “He who thinks he leads but has no-one following him, is simply taking a walk.” But Hitler also had many followers in his time, does that makes Hitler a great leader. The answer is no because true leadership has to governed by moral imperatives. Effective Leadership has to be rooted in the moral authenticity. The Bhagwat Gita emphasizes that “The real strength of a person or group lies not in the quality and variety of skills possessed by them rather on the pursued ideals, motives, principles and character”.  Effective leadership has to follow the principle of Dharma or Righteousness in thought, action and deed.

In my opinion Effective leadership has to make positive ripples in the society and mankind that is why I call effective leadership as SEISMIC Leadership. The traits of effective SEISMIC leadership are as follows-

1.    Sacrosanct – Sacrosanct leadership is based on moral and humanity imperatives. The bond between the leader and the followers has to be based on the trust and commitment.

2.    Extroversion – Communication is the most important tool of the leader to influence the people.

3.    Introversion- It is very important for the leader to articulate his ideals and principles after proper analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the people he is following. Introspection and meditation are one of the most important traits of an effective leader.

4.    Situational – Leadership is primarily situational and contextual.

5.    Motivational – Effective leader should be able to lead the people from the front and make use of the strengths of the team.

6.    Institutional- Ultimately leadership has to build institutions so that there is continuity and legacy.

7.    Consistent – Leaders have to be consistent, if you fail even once your leadership is under attack.

Butler, D., & Herman, R. (1999). Effective Ministerial Leadership Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 9 (3), 229-239 DOI:10.1002/nml.9302

Bush, R. (2002). Effective Nonprofit Management: The Leadership Factor Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 12 (3), 327-333 DOI: 10.1002/nml.12308