An ability to remain calm (whatever you are feeling
underneath) and to see things clear are the most important
traits
Julia Middleton, founder and chief executive of Common
Purpose International discusses the personality traits a leader
should be equipped with
1) What are the skill-sets and personality traits a
leader should be equipped with in order to face the challenges of
the slowdown head-on?
An ability to remain calm (whatever you are feeling underneath)
and to see things clear (however chaotic it all seems) and to focus
down on the things that matter and at the very same time, look
outwards to spot the trends so that, when the time comes, you can
accelerate out of the problems before others are the most important
traits.
2) How can leaders start to operate beyond their own
spheres of control, during the ongoing current times?
During such times, it is even more important not to waste
resources or efforts. So leaders will, by necessity, be
collaborating with others so as to reduce waste, stretch resources
and achieve more. Production people will have to work better with
sales and finance with HR because organisations cannot operate in
silos during hard times or they are bound to collapse.
3) Which are the challenges the leaders of India Inc will
face and have to overcome in the near future?
a) The challenge of working across traditional divides - across
sectors and communities - so that the complex problems that spread
across them can be addressed, b) finding ways to deliver
sustainable and inclusive growth and c) learning to lead in new
ways that inspire the next generation in India.
4) What mistakes do organisations make while picking
leaders?
a) Not getting the timing right, b) making able leaders wait too
long before they are given the next job, or throwing others in too
early to sink and c) not appreciating breadth in leaders and as a
result, the ability to communicate and to lead through
influence.
5) How can organisations identify leaders within the
organisation?
By assessing their leaders according to their ability to spot,
develop, nurture and inspire the next generation, is the only way
through which organisations can identify good leaders. Leaders who
can inspire others to give their best in a constantly changing
world, is the leader of tomorrow.
