On October 2, India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti to honour the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. However, often overlooked is Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of independent India, who shares Gandhi’s birthday and played a pivotal role in India’s growth story.
Shastri led India through the challenging Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 with remarkable courage and determination. His introduction of the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer) underscored the importance of self-sufficiency and agriculture for building a strong nation.
Shastri’s visionary strategies for the Green Revolution laid the groundwork for boosting agricultural output, which were later implemented by Indira Gandhi. His legacy as a dedicated leader and his contributions to India’s progress continue to inspire generations.
Beyond sharing their birthdays, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri were revered leaders renowned for their similar qualities. Gandhi, a former barrister, abandoned his career to champion India’s freedom, deeply moved by the nation’s struggles. Shastri, on the other hand, stepped into the leadership void left by Nehru, known for his emphasis on accountability and responsibility.
Gandhi as a CEO!
Imagine Gandhi as a CEO! Could the father of the nation lead a modern business? Alan Axelrod, in his book “Gandhi, CEO: 14 Principles to Guide & Inspire Modern Leaders,” argues that Gandhi’s moral and spiritual qualities, combined with his pragmatic management skills, make him a model for contemporary leaders.
Axelrod posits that Gandhi’s people-centric approach is essential for business success. Like a visionary CEO, Gandhi viewed every challenge as a human problem, prioritizing employee needs while making decisions with far-reaching consequences. Axelrod highlights that Gandhi’s non-violent resistance, rather than direct confrontation with the British government, ultimately forced them to yield. This demonstrates the power of doing the right thing and appealing to humanity at large.
Mahatma Gandhi, a global icon and one of India’s most influential leaders, achieved remarkable success without ever holding a formal position of authority. Through a strategy of peaceful protest and innovative initiatives, he led India to independence from British rule.
While Gandhi’s leadership style may not have been entirely unconventional, his persistence was truly exceptional. Building a successful business requires a similar level of perseverance. To achieve their goals, both employers and employees must remain committed to their dreams, even in the face of challenges. Adhering to a well-defined plan is crucial for businesses to stay focused and make progress toward their aspirations.
Gandhi’s leadership style was methodical and captivating. He was not only a politician but also a renowned writer and intellectual. Despite his complex personality, Gandhi believed in simple principles. His strategy of passive resistance, which he adopted as a means of combating violence, earned him global recognition.
Gandhi imbibed a firm value system from which all his activities deflected. He was known for taking a stand on issues.
He said, “A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” In business, saying ‘No’ is often desirable, particularly in an era of overwhelming workloads.
The lessons
In a business context, Gandhi’s leadership approach would focus on empowering employees at all levels, enabling them to recognize their contributions to the organization’s broader goals. By connecting employees to the company’s mission, he would inspire them to believe in themselves and their potential, even in the face of challenges. Gandhi’s leadership style was defined by his unwavering self-belief and his ability to inspire others. His commitment to his principles was evident in his simple lifestyle, from his handwoven clothing to his down-to-earth demeanour. Despite India’s diverse population, Gandhi’s leadership fostered a sense of unity and respect among people from all walks of life.
A company led by Gandhi would prioritize trust, transparency, and continuous learning for both customers and employees. As CEO, Gandhi would have invested heavily in training and development, fostering a culture of innovation and research. His organization would have been a forward-thinking company that embraced new ideas and sought to differentiate itself from competitors. These values are highly sought after by businesses worldwide.
Gandhi is followed not only as a politician but as a moralist who appealed to the universal conscience of mankind. And he changed the world.
Gandhi’s dedication to his cause led him to abandon his law practice and embrace a simple life among the impoverished during India’s independence struggle. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, Gandhi’s philosophy of being the change you wish to see would be invaluable. Although his ideals were shaped by a different era, their relevance to modern-day corporations operating in competitive environments cannot be overstated.
Both Shastri and Gandhi were committed to resolving conflict and making the world a better place. Their leadership lessons offer valuable insights for business leaders and managers seeking to navigate today’s complex challenges.