Essential Leadership Mantras

“True leadership is not about wielding power but about empowering others. Leadership is more about influence than authority. Effective leaders inspire, motivate, and guide their teams towards a shared vision,” writes Aval Sethi in his book titled Leadership Matters- Perspectives on Leadership.

A dynamic leader and senior management professional himself, Sethi has a wealth of experience in multi-disciplinary areas of Business Management. He has numerous awards and accomplishments to his credit and has also been recognized globally as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Procurement among others. He originally started his career in the Indian Army where he served the nation and then transitioned to the corporate world. He has also been an alumni of prestigious institutes of international repute like the Indian School of Business and the National University of Singapore.

His debut book, Leadership Matters- Perspectives on Leadership is a thought-provoking collection of articles that examines what it means to lead in today’s world. It explores leadership from fundamental principles to forward-thinking ideas tailored for the digital age. Its strength lies in its ability to blend conventional wisdom with modern strategies.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the psychological aspects of leadership. Specifically, the chapters “The Psychology of Leadership” and “The Crushing Weight of Indecision” are two instances that provide insights into the emotional and mental challenges that frequent leaders. This is what makes the book different from more technical leadership guides.

There is an emphasis on the human dimension of leadership with discussions on emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness. It serves as a potent reminder that leadership doesn’t just involve managing others but also oneself.

Another striking feature of the book is that it doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of leadership. The author also highlights myriad of problems associated with toxic leadership like authoritarianism, manipulation, discrimination, micromanagement and a general lack of empathy. The author further states that organisations can mitigate the impact of toxicity and create a more positive and productive work environment by promoting accountability, encouraging feedback and dialogue, and rewarding positive leadership role models within the organization. The chapter dedicated to toxic leadership serves as a sobering but necessary addition.

Another, very interesting Chapter of the book which makes it different from the myriad of leadership books available in the market is the part where the author discusses the ‘colours of leadership’. This chapter talks about how leaders can distinctively categorize themselves with the leadership qualities associated with a particular colour. It helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses. It further helps leaders understand the different styles of leadership and helps them learn and adapt the different approaches for an effective, balanced and healthy ecosystem in their organisation.

Its forward-looking stance, particularly in the context of leadership in digital and interconnected environments, equips aspiring leaders to navigate the future. The dedicated chapters on AI, Large Language models, and Web3 are manifestations of this forward-looking approach.

The book is a compelling and insightful resource that offers a thorough exploration of leadership in all its forms. Its blend of theoretical and practical insights, along with its attention to both traditional and emerging leadership challenges, makes it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding leadership.

In an era where strong, effective leadership is more critical than ever, Leadership Matters provides the tools and inspiration needed to lead with vision, integrity, and impact. True leadership can be summed up in the following words of the author,

“The journey to becoming an amazing leader is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a commitment to continuous self-improvement and a deep connection to one’s values."