Are you a leader or a follower?
The text discusses the distinction between leaders and followers, emphasizing the qualities that define effective leadership, including initiative, empathy, and decisiveness. It traces the evolution of leadership from collective decision-making in ancient times to modern representations, highlighting various leaders across fields, including social reformers like Ishwar Chand Vidya Sagar and political figures like Narendra Modi. The narrative suggests that while not everyone possesses leadership qualities, they can be developed through experience. It concludes by cautioning about blindly chasing ideals or figures, advocating for critical thinking and personal evaluation in one’s pursuits and beliefs.
In one of my writings, “Understanding Idealism: The Flaws in Adoring Public Figures”, while discussing whether an ideal person is a practical concept, the types and qualities of a leader and followers were discussed at length. Certain qualities are commonly grouped into “Leadership Qualities” that differentiate a person based on the criteria. A leader takes initiative, can organise and motivate people. Such a person “Leads” masses and encourages them to take up a task of mass welfare. A good leader is like a ladder which helps in the emancipation of his people for good.
In the ancient world, the process of decision-making was a collective task. City dwelling was not very common, and people used to live in rural areas. The governance was collective. They would congregate in a predestined place known as “Sabha” to discuss the issues and means to handle them. With an increasing population, the participation of every person became difficult. This necessitated a people’s representative. People would choose a person from among them to send him to the “Sabha” to show their woes and issues on their behalf. It was the start of leadership.
A leader needs to be well-versed in the people’s issues and problems. He was expected to empathise with the people and take up the issue before the Sabha for consideration, debate and discussion. This system worked well as the designated person was easily accessible to common people. Such people were selected by consensus of the people, but sometimes voting becomes necessary. It was when the number of candidates was large, and the consensus appeared fragmented. Thus, a system of leadership was born.
A human, thus, with some bold and imposing traits, became a leader who is strong enough to lead his men and work for their welfare. A leader has vision, commitment, missionary zeal and love for his people. He knows what is good for his people, how to save them from hardships, and in case of external aggression, fortify them for their safety. He is a strong-willed person who does not yield to undue pressure, makes decisions and sticks to them.
Leadership qualities are not universally applicable; they are selective. A learned gentleman who is well-versed in his field may lack leadership qualities. Yet, these qualities can be cultivated through proper training and practice.
A leader is also a social reformer. He endures pain and, through his efforts, seeks to refine society. Ishwar Chand Vidya Sagar was one such philanthropist, social reformer and leader. On the same token, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent leader who fought against “Sati Pratha”, a heinous and inhuman tradition in which a woman had to immolate herself with her dead husband.
Leaders should not be compartmentalised. They can be in any field. Generally, people attach a leader to political activity. Though by and large, this perception is true, leadership can be in any walk of life, like a spiritual, social, or organisational field. A group of factory workers or employees can have a leader or two. This is a workable solution because it is the leader who works as a bridge between management and the workers. It is not possible to listen to a mass of workers; management interacts with them through their representatives or leaders. The leader pleads about the woes of workers and presents their case like a solicitor to help his colleagues.
A pioneer is also a leader who invents, deciphers, and discovers anything for the first time. Thomas Alba Edison pioneered the invention of the electric bulb, and Volta invented the electric cell. The great scientists, inventors and innovators tirelessly work and discover a thing, principle or doctrine for the welfare of humanity.
Swami Vivekananda was a great spiritual leader who spread the light of Indian philosophy and thoughts far and wide across the globe. The illustrious persons were of extraordinary calibre and exceptional qualities.
In modern times, the current Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi, is one such political leader who has become larger than life and attained the status of a world leader. Although he is not the only leader, he possesses exceptional qualities that distinguish him from others. It is clear from what he has done for India and its people. India is now a power both economically and militarily. Many hate him, akin to other leaders of the past. Yet, one can either hate or love him, but can’t ignore him. He comes from a very humble family, and he is an honest and dedicated leader.
The world has many strong leaders with outstanding qualities. Except for a few, these leaders try to do good for their people. Some go overboard but, in overenthusiasm, commit blunders. This creates a difficult situation the world over.
Apart from the leader community, all other individuals can be treated as general. They may be academicians, lawyers, doctors, writers, filmmakers, et cetera. The categories of people listed above are not comprehensive but indicative. People of that category are illustrious and blazing personalities, but may not have leadership qualities. A film actress, for example, acts in films, but if she is elected by people in the Parliament election to become an M.P., it does not mean that she becomes a leader. She will work under the guidance of a leader. With time, after accumulating experience and public exposure, she learns the intricacies of leadership to become a leader.
The remaining persons are common people, not affiliated with a particular group, ideology or sect. They are prone to attract a particular group, individual or leader. The common people are petty and struggle to make ends meet. He is always seen lugging the weight of many things. His aspirations, dreams and desires are small, but because of the meagre salary, he has to work hard for survival.
Being an inseparable part of society, no one is immune to being either a leader or a follower. If not a leader, one is a follower, or a supercilious person not affected by the aura of others. The indifferent persons test everything to test and logic before accepting or rejecting things, thoughts or persons. Appear as sceptical, such persons apply prudence and do fact-check before disseminating further. In the current world when fake and artificial things have become frequent and it is difficult to differentiate between the two, fact-check and application of mind has become very necessary.
Pursuing an idea or a person, a celebrity, or a sect is natural. Anything can impress anyone positively or negatively at first sight. A deep cogitation would reveal an entirely different aspect affecting the thought process and thus changing the mindset. A thing which was very dear and appeared close to the heart became a source of disdain and pain. Such a situation is harmful and causes emotional trauma, hence, it needs to be avoided.
The discussion above suggests that pursuing goals may not always be wise. Engaging in such pursuits can sometimes lead to frustration, which is best avoided when possible. Thus, the decision to pursue something or not is a subjective process that requires careful consideration and a thoughtful application of the mind.
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