24/09/2020
THE RELUCTANT LEADER : This very first post of ‘The Thought Catalyst’ series is inspired by the words of Albus Dumbledore, one of my favourite characters from possibly the most beloved book series on the planet – J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter Books. Here Dumbledore posits that individuals who rise to the occasion in times of desperate crisis and need, are the ones destined for true greatness.
It is these so called ‘Reluctant’ leaders that embody the hallmarks of great leadership – qualities of humility, integrity, universal ethics, compassion, proactive action, collaboration and courage ! Such leaders are also often oblivious to the siren call of the ‘vices’ that often (though not always) accompany individuals who aggressively and strategically strive for power and positions of leadership.
Driven by a higher and noble purpose, ‘Reluctant’ Leaders are more often than not insulated from the toxic extremes of excessive ambition – greed, need to control and the lust for power. They step up to the plate (albeit reluctantly) when they see that they are urgently needed to win the day, to rally the troops and if required sacrifice their personal interests. And in their quest to serve the greater good, they often discover that they have within a natural and surprising affinity for leadership.
Rarely, if ever, driven by self interest, or goals of personal glory and ascendancy, Reluctant Leaders end up serendipitously emerging as the greatest leaders of all !
Manisha Shaikh - CatalystFC