What makes a good leader?
The content explores the essence of good leadership, reflecting on historical perspectives from both ancient India and significant global events. The narrative highlights the life of Chanakya, an esteemed teacher and author, who believed in governance adhering to “Dharma” and the importance of ethical leadership. It illustrates how leaders should prioritize communal well-being, embodying integrity, wisdom, and courage. As societies evolved, so did the need for a structured governance system led by representatives focused on public interests. The text emphasizes that effective leaders must be self-disciplined, communicative, and capable of critical thinking to serve their people and face adversities.
Humiliated and dejected, the man was furious and agitated. An average-height person with a long crest on his tonsured head, he wore a long white linen wrapped around his waist, a part of which covered his chest and body. Other than that, a pale-yellow cotton string hung across his shoulder declaring that he was a Brahmin, and his demeanour was that of a teacher.
“Bow to thee, teacher,” some young student passersby said and bowed respectfully before the man. He did not respond. His mind was becoming stormy. He was humiliated by the members of the royal family in the castle where he had gone to attend a ceremony. He had taken an oath not to tie his crest until he annihilated the royal Nand dynasty and their arrogance.
The ugly-looking black Brahmin was the famous teacher of his time Chanakya. Born in 375 BCE, he was a great teacher and a scholar. A person of iron will, determination, and resolve, he authored a book, “Arthshastra”, on governance, leadership qualities and a good king. A short-tempered, Chanakya believed that governance should be according to “Dharma” and that the autocratic king needed to be dethroned because of his autocracy and “Adharma”.
Since the dawn of society, humans strived to have a good leader to look after their problems, save them from enemies and punish the wrongdoers. They would let this work do to a person who, they thought, delivered the goods. The designated person was termed a “Sardaar” or chieftain of the clan. With increasing complexities in social structures, expanding trade and commerce compel them to evolve a system of governance with the power to make decisions, enter into treaties and save society from external aggression. This would have led to the concept of country and government. The ruler was to raise an army with trained soldiers and arsenals. To meet the expenses, a tax system had also evolved. The members of society or citizens of a country were obligated to pay taxes for the larger advantage of the country or society.
It took long, very long to develop into a strong and impenetrable system of governance. It kept on evolving with different kings, monarchs or emperors in different Era. This system of chieftain was predominant which gradually became subordinates of monarchs and emperors.
History testifies that many autocrats and high-headed, cruel monarchs who did not properly serve the purpose of public welfare were overthrown after an armed coup and at the same time were killed ruthlessly. The French Revolution of 1789 and the Bolshevik Revolution of Russia in 1917 are apt examples of the revolutionary overthrow of autocratic monarchs. The “Glorious Revolution” and Magna Carta of the UK was a major shift from absolute monarchy to democracy.
The setup of “Divine Rights of King” was fast losing its sheen. The king, who was supposed to be the representative of God was not responsible for anything done wrong. The principle and the immunity to the King under this had lost its stronghold. The inequality and deprivation were no longer a God’s curse but were due to inequality and exploitation by a handful of wealthy and resourceful persons. The monarchy as a system of governance was gradually being challenged.
In ancient India, a system of a democratic republic was prevalent, monarchy had been an acceptable form of governance. In the ancient period, which was predominantly rural, a system of “Sabha” and “Samiti” was prevalent. Experienced learned people would periodically congregate to debate and discuss various things of common interest to improve the quality of life. The Gupta Period of ancient India was at its zenith of art, culture, craft and democratic values. The period saw a golden time of administrative decentralization.
A system of rural justice and development without the involvement of outsiders was in practice as “Gram Panchayat” headed by a village “Serpanch”. The decision was collective and after giving a deep thought on the issue. It had the Supreme authority and was binding on every member of the village community.
The democratic system requires representatives who gather to discuss matters of public interest. These representatives are elected from among a small segment of a larger population or region. Initially, they were chosen through consensus or by the majority of votes, but this process was later formalized into an established system. Over time, it has become a vital and integral part of democracy. As societies have grown more complex and populations have merged—bringing together people with similar or closely related cultures, traditions, and customs—these representatives have emerged as a crucial organization within the country.
A representative, thus, is a spokesperson of the population s/he stands for. S/he must have some outstanding qualities. First and foremost is the quality of the missionary zeal. Only a dedicated person with strong character can fight for the rights of the people he embodies. He is a leader because he leads his people to happiness, prosperity and a bright future. He addresses the issues faced by the people.
A leader must exemplify the highest standards, prioritize issues, and be willing to sacrifice personal comforts and amenities. The happiness, goodwill, and concerns of the people should be his top priority.
As has been discussed above, Chanakya was a firm believer in effective leadership. He emphasised that wisdom, integrity, courage and empathy are the basic leadership qualities. A leader must have organizational quality and the ability to keep joining different sections of society into a single formidable force to combat adversities and evil forces.
A leader needs to have control over self. He must be self-disciplined and keep on learning to keep himself abreast with changing times and requirements. A leader needs to be capable of critical thinking, keeping every aspect in mind, and making the right decision at the right time.
A leader must also have the ability to communicate clearly and express his expectations clearly. He needs to spell out priorities and preferences and evoke a sense of togetherness among his people. He should be capable of thinking twice before deciding about anything if it is worth it; asking questions and evaluating the results and probability of success are among the essential qualities of a leader.
After the annihilation of Ravan, Lord Ram returned to His kingdom, Ayodhya and started serving His subjects in a manner best suited to his people. Days after His resumption of power Lord Ram established a system of governance where everyone was equal before the law. Poverty elevation, development and welfare of the people were of paramount importance for Him. He spelt out His priorities and preferences before people, who were not His subjects but like their children.
It sounds utopian. Absolute is not possible but a near absolute is attainable. Long ago, when Plato gave the concept of “Philosopher King”, it did not get much accolades. A Philosopher King was an ideal concept which collapsed on the rough surface of reality.
In the modern world, when the distance, languages and customs have shrunk distinctly, and all have become connected, countries need more selfless and dedicated leaders. Selfish, timid and pusillanimous are harmful elements that not only compromise with the country’s interest but hurt the sentiments of people. The self-centred, pervicacious and sybaritic ruin the tapestry of the nation’s diversity and unity for their parochial motives.
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