We previously discussed how my Indian mentees often ask me why Indian managers struggle to inspire and motivate their teams. In effect, be good leaders.
As an Indian myself, I can reflect on my own journey. In the early stages of my career, I was intensely focused on delivering results. Results which I was handsomely rewarded for.
What I learnt in the process was that I was laying waste to the people in my path. It was only after taking on global roles that exposed me to the meaning of life that I began to incorporate the best elements of the various "leaders" I had encountered. This allowed me to refocus my efforts from being an individual contributor who can deliver results to a leader who can unify and mobilize teams to deliver results.
As an Indian, I realized that I had been conditioned to believe that success was measured by external markers:
➡️ Pursue a prestigious profession like engineering, medicine, or business
➡️ Land a high-ranking title
➡️ Occupy a corner office on a high floor
➡️ Manage a large team
➡️ Drive a luxury car, like a BMW or Mercedes
➡️ Own a grand house
➡️ Wear expensive watches and clothes
Why was I driven to achieve these status symbols? So my parents could proudly showcase my accomplishments, secure a desirable marriage, and brand me as successful.
This mindset, rooted in self-promotion and material wealth, is fundamentally at odds with leadership principles. It's a culture that prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of others. When you're raised in such an environment, it's natural to wonder: will you genuinely care about your employees, or will you be consumed by your own self-interest?
To inspire, motivate, unify and mobilize teams - you need emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is critical for building strong relationships with your team members. When you can understand and empathize with your team's emotions, you can create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Emotional intelligence helps you to:
➡️ Communicate effectively with your team
➡️ Build trust and rapport with your team members
➡️ Manage conflicts and difficult situations
➡️ Motivate and inspire your team to achieve their goals
➡️ Create a positive and inclusive work culture
Emotional intelligence is the missing link in Indian leadership. It's the key to building strong relationships with your team members, creating a positive work environment, and driving business success. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, Indian leaders can unlock their full potential and become the inspiring, motivating, and empowering forces that their teams need.
