There are certain relationships which are unique in their predictable nature. Typically the mother in law and daughter in law balance of power and the boss and subordinate balance. Predictably because more often than not, the balance in these relationships is missing. And whenever there is some semblance of order, we call it exceptional. But does it need to be that way or are we driven by some kind of a momentum and are experiencing a state of inertia. In this context one needs to look at the Indian cricket team ( for that matter any sport). But for the sake of this argument we will look at the Indian cricket team. On paper Dhoni is the skipper. He represents the team to all stakeholders. He goes up to the Dias in the post match award ceremonies. Hence to draw an analogy from the corporate world he is the boss. Perhaps the undisputed boss going by his recent performance as captain of the team. The question I would like friends to introspect is whether the relationship between Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar ( a much experienced talent and one the best players of the game) is similar to the boss subordinate balance that we see in most organizations. I doubt it could be anywhere close to our typical notion of the relationship. We say a unit operates as a team when the boss moves away from being a typical "know it all" bully and turns into a well caring mentor and guide. Thus Dhoni must be a friend to a Tendulkar rather than a boss. Why just Tendulkar he perhaps is a friend guide for all team members. One thing is certain the team would have not been performing so well if they were emotionally unbalanced by any sort of high handedness. Surely that is not the kind of relationship that MSD have with his colleagues. Therefore being a boss / leader is a tough job. While you are expected to lead and direct you are also expected to do it in a manner which is motivating and keeps the balance intact. Some points that appears from this kind of leadership is as follows:-
1) Boss should have empathy: If he does not like to get screamed at he should ensure that he too does not use the tool.
2) He should lead from the front. He should add value by individual performance.
3) He should know to "Let Go". He should be hands on only to a certain extent. While he should be in a position to direct and guide he should let go of the execution part. If the subordinate has the ability to think through and drive the project he should let go even earlier. The better he manages this the better he will be respected.
4) He should front his people whenever possible and allow them to unleash their potential. Hence he should be a secured person. He should understand that if his people are doing well he is on course
5)He should be firmly rooted to the ground. He must understand that nothing is permanent and he is playing a transitory role. Perhaps this is the most important learning to succeed. He needs to understand that today he is the boss but he cannot continue till eternity. His life will change course which means he could move up or even drift away with time. He should learn to accept this truth. Hence he should give and pass learning with enthusiasm. His success is in building a team and adding value to the system.
I am sure there are many more traits that can help a boss to be a good leader and mentor which can be googled. These were some fertile thoughts which I wanted to set free for common learning. I will be glad to see reactions / counter points. Nothing mentioned above is proven and gospel truth. It is more experiential in nature
1) Boss should have empathy: If he does not like to get screamed at he should ensure that he too does not use the tool.
2) He should lead from the front. He should add value by individual performance.
3) He should know to "Let Go". He should be hands on only to a certain extent. While he should be in a position to direct and guide he should let go of the execution part. If the subordinate has the ability to think through and drive the project he should let go even earlier. The better he manages this the better he will be respected.
4) He should front his people whenever possible and allow them to unleash their potential. Hence he should be a secured person. He should understand that if his people are doing well he is on course
5)He should be firmly rooted to the ground. He must understand that nothing is permanent and he is playing a transitory role. Perhaps this is the most important learning to succeed. He needs to understand that today he is the boss but he cannot continue till eternity. His life will change course which means he could move up or even drift away with time. He should learn to accept this truth. Hence he should give and pass learning with enthusiasm. His success is in building a team and adding value to the system.
I am sure there are many more traits that can help a boss to be a good leader and mentor which can be googled. These were some fertile thoughts which I wanted to set free for common learning. I will be glad to see reactions / counter points. Nothing mentioned above is proven and gospel truth. It is more experiential in nature
