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Showing posts from January, 2022

Leadership Series - The How of Leadership - Values and Culture

  https://www.edexlive.com/opinion/2021/dec/29/e-canteen-fundas-learning-to-chalk-out-team-values-to-achieve-leadershipgoals-26563.html E-Canteen Fundas: Learning to chalk out team values to achieve #LeadershipGoals ‘We looked at the Why of  leadership  last week, bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘We set our team’s vision and have a common purpose. But our team’s behaviour is scattered and not the most efficient in terms of achieving our purpose. I don’t know what to do.’ ‘True,’ said Rahul. ‘Everyone has their own ideas and it's getting in each other’s way.’ ‘It’s time to discuss the How of leadership,’ said Rakesh. ‘How to get our team members aligned so they behave in a manner that’s best for the team, that shows what the team stands for.’ ‘How do we do that, bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku. ‘First, we must establish team values,’ said Rakesh. ‘These are simply what the team values most. For example, some teams value winning at any cost, while some teams value fair play more than winning. You, as th

Leadership Series - Unleash the Why, Set a Vision

   https://www.edexlive.com/opinion/2021/dec/22/e-canteen-fundas-unleashing-a-vision-that-will-help-the-team-aim-high-and-score-high-26415.html E-Canteen Fundas: Unleashing a vision that will help the team aim high and score high ‘I’m excited about setting the vision for our group this coming year,’ said Rinku. ‘The Why. Our purpose.’ ‘You’ve already set your vision, right?’ said Rahul. ‘You said you wanted your Red group to win.’ ‘I did,’ said Rinku. ‘But should a vision have something more?’ ‘Good question,’ said Rakesh. ‘Your vision should explore the full potential of what your group can achieve, the biggest version of what the group can be. Something long-lasting, big enough to excite everyone.’ ‘But if my  vision  is too big would it not appear impractical and demotivating?’ asked Rinku. ‘Our vision is something to aspire for, that helps us grow to our greatest possibilities,’ said Rakesh.  ‘Most of us have great potential but we don’t explore it because we do not challenge ourse

Leadership Series - How to Lead 101 - Why, How, What and Who

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https://www.edexlive.com/opinion/2021/dec/16/e-canteen-fundas-exploring-thewhy-how-what-and-who-of-effective-leadership-26279.html E-Canteen Fundas: Exploring the Why, How, What and Who of effective leadership ‘I’ve been made the group captain at college and I have no clue what to do,’ said Rinku. ‘I need a crash course in  leadership . Please help.’ ‘You’re the boss,’ said Rahul. ‘So do whatever.’ ‘Not like that,’ said Rinku. ‘I want to do a good job. And I need some pointers on where to start.’ ‘It’s true,’ said Rakesh. ‘Though leadership is such a critical and important aspect, one that can make or break a team, it’s still a nebulous area. Most times we are thrust into leadership positions without any training, which can harm the team. So, let’s take a look at a basic version of leadership to get you started. I call it my leadership black box.’ ‘What’s in it, bhaiyya?’ said Rahul. ‘Four basic things you need to have some clarity about to lead well,’ said Rakesh. ‘What are they?’ ask

Leadership Series - Leaders are Made Not Born

  https://www.edexlive.com/opinion/2021/nov/25/e-canteen-fundas-no-ones-born-a-leader-so-heres-how-you-can-become-one-25841.html E-Canteen Fundas: No one's born a leader. So here's how you can become one ‘I feel we need good  leaders  if we have to prosper as a society,’ said Rahul. ‘We have very few.’ ‘Why don’t you become one then?’ asked Rakesh. ‘Is it that simple?’ asked Rinku. ‘I believe leaders are born and not made. They have certain innate qualities that make them born leaders. Charisma, oratory skills and initiative.’ ‘You mean one cannot develop those qualities even if one wanted to?’ asked Rahul. ‘Should we always be followers? Never leaders?’ ‘How can we suddenly become charismatic leaders?’ asked Rinku. ‘I cannot see myself as a leader.’ ‘We definitely can be good leaders,’ said Rakesh. ‘Like Rahul said we need good leaders, not just charismatic leaders. Leadership, like any other skill, can be learned. Becoming a good leader is simply a matter of practice. Anyone

Leadership Series - Leaders are About Action, Not Words

E-Canteen Fundas: Why it is your actions, not your words, that will always count more ‘Rahul, you were talking on your phone while riding your bike,’ said Rinku. ‘That was irresponsible and dangerous.’ ‘It was an urgent call,’ said Rahul. ‘I don’t otherwise. I just spoke for a minute. You know I don’t break rules. I am a good citizen.’ ‘You set a wrong example even if it’s for a minute,’ said Rinku. ‘And you’re our class secretary and captain of the basketball team. You have to be more aware as a leader.’ ‘These small things don’t matter, Rinku,’ said Rahul. ‘Everyone knows I mean well and am not careless like others. I only do it when necessary. So there’s nothing to worry about. I can explain and they will understand.’ ‘I have to disagree, Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘Good leadership is about having your thoughts and words and actions in alignment. You cannot say, ‘I follow rules’, on one hand, and break rules on the other when it is convenient to you. Everyone who is out there talking on t

Leadership Series - How to Identify a Good Leader - Results not Intentions

  https://www.edexlive.com/opinion/2021/dec/08/e-canteen-fundas-distinguish-true-blue-leader-someone-who-is-all-fluff-and-puff-26130.html ‘I have to write an essay about good leadership,’ said Rahul. ‘But how do I identify a good leader?’ ‘Assess by popularity,’ said Rinku. ‘The leaders that come to mind immediately should be the good ones, right?’ ‘Good question to think about,’ said Rakesh. ‘Are leaders who are more visible good? Visibility can come through promoting oneself, can come from making dramatic, populist and sensational statements. But being popular may not be the same thing as being a good or a great leader. We all remember Hitler and Stalin as well as we remember Gandhi or Mandela, right?’ ‘That’s true,’ said Rinku. ‘So, what indicates good leadership?’ ‘You tell me,’ smiled Rakesh. ‘Let’s try and figure this out.’ ‘Someone charismatic and energetic,’ said Rahul. ‘Somehow full of action, ideas and who promises great futures. Someone decisive and firm. Someone who inspire