It is certainly not by chance that a leader possesses unique qualities, which help him lead large teams in an organisation. It is a result of continuous practice and dominance of good over bad traits. The Leadership Odyssey (Sage) by Pritam Singh, Asha Bhandarker and Snigdha Rai holds insights into different facets of leadership explained through case studies and roadmaps. The book helps understand the crisis of leadership in the contemporary world where spiritual and ethical values are inadequate and the number of exemplary leaders is shrinking.
The authors also analyses toxic and virtuous characteristics of leaders. They say that a true leaders should be authentic and reliable be able to circumvent ‘toxicity’, a core challenge while leading an organisation. The authors say that the exploration of leadership is like diving into deep inner space. There will be inevitable adventures, painful events, joys, sorrows, triumphs and defeats during the voyage.
The studies show the contrasting phenomena placed at two extremes of the leadership – ‘toxic’ versus ‘virtuous’. The authors have tried to typify both sides of a coin, equal attention is given on the darker characteristics of leadership, exposing the wrong doings and bringing it to the surface for reconciliations. The case studies help identify the difference between the two models of leadership. The book is meant for aspiring managers or students in pursuit of leading organisations.
