If there is one thing that is the most critical element of
success in any profession, it is “leadership”. Due to the
importance of leadership, successful business firms invest
enormous amount of resources in identifying and grooming future
leaders who can sustain the success of the firm. The same goes
to any other field. But, the debate on who is a leader and what
characteristics define leadership is an ongoing one. Mr. Babu
Vincent’s article on Manmohan Singh in IndiaSpecial adds to that
debate. What matters more for a leader- style or substance?
Nobody will disagree that “substance” is essential for the
sustained success of a leader. However, it is the leadership
“style” that is a matter of disagreement. As Mr. Babu Vincent
pointed out in his comments, there are broadly two “leadership
styles” Charismatic, larger than life, aggressive, extroverted –
examples include Winston Churchill, Jack Welch of GE and Lee
Iococca of Chrysler. Down to earth, shy, introverted, non-
noticeable – examples include Abraham Lin