Otherwise, the world will have a much smaller reservoir of real leaders. Bill Gates brilliance showed from a very young age and he enjoyed strong parental support. (I have not heard or read that he was into team sports in any significant way.) The worlds richest man ever, and the worlds most successful college drop-out ever, in addition to natural or self-taught technical excellence, displayed unique leadership from his early twenties. I think that for all practical purposes, he had earned his doctorate by the time he finished high school.
One is not referring to academic brilliance alone. At twenty-three, he started Microsoft with the tremendous and clear vision of a computer on every desk and every home. He was among the first people who recognised that in this Information Age, software will become more powerful than hardware. (Or, if I may say so, hardware is now softer than software). Bills crystal ball told him of the speed of the coming software explosion. Bill foresaw very early how software could magnify mankinds brainpower. He could not afford to finish college or get work experience before starting Microsoft because someone else would grab the initiative. In fact, its no exaggeration to say that he was and is one of the worlds prime accelerators of software development and application. Bills leadership also shows that he is not nervous about hiring the best brains in the business. He enjoys associating with very smart people; he does not feel threatened or intimidated by them. In fact, unfortunately, many founders or pioneers, because of ego, do not like their lieutenants to be very brilliant. While they desire competence, they give more importance to personal loyalty.
Another sign of Gates leadership is his statement, "My greatest strength is my ability to transfer my enthusiasm to my people"- a sign of great team builder. Furthermore, Bill or Microsoft has made many more employees millionaires than probably any other company in history. Bill, in my mind was and is of the born leader type in a very original way. One does hope that he and the authorities can resolve the antitrust issues for the benefit of Microsoft industry, and the consumer. This calls for a sort of mercantile statesmanship on his part and less paranoia on the part of his competitors. As Peter Drucker says, no firm can remain a dominant monopoly for long in the free world. Bill Gates grossly underestimated the power of the Internet and missed the bus in this huge area of opportunity. However, based on what we know of Bill, he will not allow himself to be left far behind.
Michael Dell, the dynamic and visionary creator of Dell Computer Company is to me a great symbol of a born leader. He has truly revolutionized how personal computers can be customized, and yet sold by mail order, in surprisingly short time frames.
Andy Grove of Intel, and Time Magazines Man of the Year - 1997, is another icon who shows great vision and leadership. The company, under his technical and people leadership, has achieved such a strong market position and reputation, that most computer manufacturers are proud to advertise INTEL INSIDE. People like Bill Gates and Andy Grove have enriched their colleagues and shareholders and enriched the concept of leadership - tough but great examples to emulate!
Muhammad Yunus is an outstanding example of humanness, vision, dedication, commitment, organization and leadership skills, all rolled into one person. An economist by qualification, he was deeply touched by the plight of the poorest of the poor in a village called Jobra in his country, Bangladesh. While still a youth, he was deeply saddened that even those who tried to do some work like small farming, or handicrafts like making bamboo stools, baskets, etc, were exploited by loan sharks or blood suckers who charged interest as high as 10% per week! Yunus sill an economics student managed to lend the equivalent of $35 to forty two artisans including many women, on a repayable when able basis. Just imagine that by lending an average of 83 cents he was able to help so many, otherwise helpless peasants!
This little effort was the seed that germinated and branched into a highly successful and model rural financial institution called Grameen Bank or village bank. Today, this bank has over 1,100 (small) branches. Through this unique institution, Yunus has given direct employment to over 12,000 staffers at the bank itself and helped raise the living standard and dignity of several hundred thousand villagers in Bangladesh. Whats also most remarkable is that Grameen Bank claims to have less than a 2% default rate, in spite of the fact that the vast majority of the loans are unsecured, not collateralised!! Citibank, Deutsche Bank, BNP, Tokyo Mitsubishi, ABN-Amro, HSBC, please take note.... Probably you already have. This story also proves that poor people want to make an honest living, if we give them a chance. They dont want pity from us - just timely start-up help. I salute you, Mr. Yunus for blending business and welfare so beautifully. You have earned international admiration and our plaudits. You have real charisma. The Nobel Academy should have a special combined award for Economics, Peace and Nobility for such a fine all-rounder.
Anybody wishes to guess as to which category of leadership Richard Branson of Virgin fame belongs? You got it! This maverick, daredevil, un-conventional dynamo of a businessman, is a dyed-in-the-wool born leader. Ask the venerable British Airways and American Airlines about this competitor! When I was at Heathrow, London Airport in 1997, Everybody was tickled to read this huge slogan painted across Virgins jumbo jet: NO WAY BA-AA". Richard certainly lives up to his lion-hearted name! One needs to make a special mention of the attribute of bonding power. Whether it is a family unit, military unit, business unit or a sports team, the leader must have the ability to hold the team together. He/she must be the cement to hold the human bricks together and keep the relationship structure cordial, strong and motivated. To be a leader, one has to have followers and supporters.
To be a great leader, the leader has to be able to hold his people together under a worthwhile common cause.
In the corporate world, there have been several mega-mergers, including:
· Swiss Bank Corporation merges with Union Bank of Switzerland to form United Bank of Switzerland
· Ciba-Geigy merges with Sandoz to form Novartis
· Bank of America merges with Nations Bank
· Citicorp merges with Chrysler to form Daimler-Chrysler
· Daimler-Benz merges with Travellers to from Citigroup
· Exxon merges with Mobil
· British Petroleum merges with Amoco to form BP Amoco and BP Amoco Buys Atlantic Richfield
· Renault bought the controlling 35% stake in Nissan Motors
· Hyundai Electronics merges with LG Semi-Conductor
· America Online (AOL) has acquired Netscape
· HSBC acquires Republic Bank
The leaders of these merged companies, in addition to their grand visions, must have the ability to mesh or bond the merging entities and cultures for the common good of the whole. They should act fairly and sincerely in giving key positions to the concerned executives, without showing favoritism. Otherwise, many good people will leave or will lose their motivation, which would hurt the overall objective. The bonding power of key executives can help to minimise post-merger blues. Readers who follow M & As would recall the spate of acquisitions of merchant banks and stock brokers by leading banks in the run-up to the Big Bang in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of those acquisitions, where insufficient attention had been given to the human side, suffered from hangovers or indigestion, depending on what they drank and ate during the courtship and early honeymoon celebrations. (Gee, I cant stay serious for long.) In those cases of poor bonding, acquired employees jumped ship en masse, and all parties involved suffered, except the sellers who cashed out with handsome premia (premiums).
Here, one wishes to list some historic examples of great leaders (generals and politicians) with the unique bonding ability to build and maintain energized unity among their people, even in adverse situations or against heavy odds:
Leonidas leading his small Spartan force against the huge numerical superiority of the invading Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae;
Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar against the mighty Spanish Armada;
Joan of Arc in leading the relief of Orleans, in support of Charles VII; George Washington leading the American War of Independence;
Abraham Lincoln leading the Union during the American Civil War;
Mahatma Gandhi who was able to unite and energise Indias diverse ethnic and religious groups, rich and poor, in the peaceful and successful struggle for independence.
At this stage, one would like to make specific comments on a few more recognised heroes, who will also be remembered by future generations:
Nelson Mandela, during the transition from Apartheid to relatively peaceful democracy in South Africa. About twenty-seven years of his best years were spent in prison. Yet, he has not shown bitterness against the rich, white minority. He has been statesmanlike, with a focus on nation building. He has presided over a much more stable and ethnically tolerant South Africa that is respected in the community of nations and enjoys great influence in the African continent. It is no surprise that Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize. Now, he richly deserves a "Nobel peace prize for unselfishness" by not hanging on the presidency.
Colin Powell: One believes that General Colin Powel is a fine example of a born leader, whose potential was fortunately recognised by his superiors in good time. We should also give credit to his mentors, who helped groom him into an outstanding leader. It is worth quoting Powells simple rules:
1. It aint as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Dont let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You cant make someone elses choices. You shouldnt let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Dont take counsel of your fears or naysayers. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Winston Churchill (1874-1965): Although Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill kept flunking Latin in school, he was truly a brilliant man of destiny whose impact was felt around the world for several decades. From his young days Churchill displayed leadership. He belonged to a line of famous Dukes. After his initial grooming at the famous Harrow Public School, he attended the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. Quite soon he showed his fearless qualities in the battlefields of colonial India and the Sudan. Later, in 1898, as a war reporter in the Boer Wars, the Boers captured him. But, this spirited man escaped and returned to London to a heros welcome. It is an achievement for anyone to become a legend in his still youthful years. To cut a long story short, Churchill became Prime Minister of Britain twice in its most critical periods. His cigar chomping personality was always present to rise the morale of his people whether they were soldiers, nurses or civilians. I would like to quote one of his oft-quoted speeches that revealed the great leader in him: "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be - We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the fields and the streets, we shall fight on the hills, we shall never surrender." Churchill was made a Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and was later awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in recognition of his fine books and great speeches. Churchill had great intellect, a deep understanding of history, a personal feel for the life on the battle fronts, a tremendous patriotic spirit, a great sense of humour, capped with his inspiring personality. He was able to put this charisma to good use, especially during the World War II, while the Nazis were bombing Britain, before America joined the war. While Churchill is one of the finest examples of a born leader, I hasten to add that environmental factors and historic challenges of monumental proportions worked to heighten his legendary leadership skills. (This comes back to the earlier debate of whether leaders are born or made - it must be a combination of both factors, while the weightage may defer from person to person.)
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), could be described as largely a courageous, conformist leader, with principles. As a member of the English Parliament, he was strongly opposed to the tyrant King Charles Is move to abolish major rights of the Parliament. Cromwells belief in the principles of power through Parliament made him join the Civil War against his own king. As a result of this backlash, the tyrant king was forced to flee from London. Crowells character was such that his belief was firm in religion, firm in government and powerful in battle. Due to Cromwells military exploits, discipline and fair governing principles, he was subsequently named Lord Protector of the Commonwealth covering England, Scotland and Ireland. He was respected throughout the western hemisphere, and loved and admired at home. Cromwell is, in my mind, one of the great and historic examples of power, people and principles. He had the rare courage of conviction and leadership to unite common people to preserve those principles and exposed himself to personal peril for his great causes. He was also flexible at critical times, which may also be sometimes deemed as compromising his ideals. John Bucham delicately but aptly describes the enigmatic Cromwell as follows: "A Devotee of law, he was forced to be often lawless; a civilian to the core, he had to maintain himself by the sword; with a passion to construct, his task was chiefly to destroy..." This kind of description earned him the appellation man for all seasons.
People like Bill Gates and Andy Grove have enriched their colleagues and shareholders and enriched the concept of leadership - tough but great examples to emulate!
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a born genius and principled leader. Franklin became a colonial leader to protect the British colonies in North America against the French, who were supported by some (Red) Indian tribes. Subsequently, he was sent as a representative of Pennsylvania to the Mother Country, England, to argue for fair tax payments from (rich) people who lived in England but inherited huge land holdings in Pennsylvania. These taxes were needed urgently for the defense of Britains colonies in America. The British respected him for his scientific work, humour and principles, and his mission was successful. Some years later, following the Boston Tea Party thirteen of the colonies wanted to break away from Britain, for which they could only turn to the French for help. Again, Franklin was the one entrusted with the job to elicit support in France. It was his great character, personality and principles that ultimately helped him win French support, in what became the America War of Independence. The final testimony to this man, one of the greatest sons of America, is that he is the only person to have been involved intimately in drafting and signing the four most important documents in American history: (i) the Declaration of Independence in 1776, (ii) the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, (iii) the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and (iv) the American Constitution in 1787.
In essence, one would say that this man was so richly endowed with intellectual power; a burning desire for freedom with responsibility; a profound belief in God, balanced with a sense of secularism; adherence to fair play and equal opportunity, and sincere preference for peaceful negotiations, instead of war. It is difficult to imagine that one human being could have all these coveted qualities and enjoy such genuine charisma, popularity and public trust. History acknowledges that Franklins principle based leadership is a very, very unique and a tough act to follow. Small wonder that his face appears on American $100 bills (notes). If we were to rate Churchill, Cromwell and Franklin, we would, indeed, give them all very, very high marks. However, in ones humble opinion, Franklin scores somewhat higher points due to his humane spirit.
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