Our lives shape and influence who we become. Our past is never the past; it gets carried to the present context, which in turn shapes our tomorrow. In Indic Wisdom, leadership is seen as a journey, not a destination. The leaders ‘keep walking’ saying always, ‘neti – neti Anivikshi’ in which he learns from the present, but recognises that he needs to look beyond, what is.
Leadership conditioning is an intricate process that shapes individuals into effective leaders through a combination of experiences, education, and personal reflection. At its core, leadership conditioning involves a deliberate effort to develop qualities and skills that enable a person to inspire, guide, and influence others. This process is neither innate nor static; it is dynamic, requiring continuous growth and adaptation. Leadership is taking the present moment, then adding to it ‘creativity and context’ and contemporizing the present, making it ever relevant.
In the same way that shampoo and conditioner work in tandem to cleanse and nourish hair, leadership shampoo and conditioner symbolise the complementary processes of developing leadership qualities, in which management strategy is blended with strategic leadership. In this, he responds to ‘Winning today’, yet ‘Building Tomorrow.’ Here, the leaders also value diversity and inspire with purpose.
Leadership shampoo could represent the foundational aspects of leadership development, such as acquiring knowledge, skills, and self-awareness through education and experience, but most consolidating all these with heightened purpose. It prepares the leader by removing obstacles and refining their capabilities. Leadership conditioner, on the other hand, would symbolise the enhancement and maintenance of these qualities, focusing on emotional intelligence, ethical grounding, continuous learning, and resilience. It nurtures and strengthens the leader, ensuring they can inspire and sustain their team effectively.
One of the foundational elements of leadership conditioning is self-awareness. Leaders must first understand their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. This self-knowledge acts as a compass, guiding their decisions and actions. Without a clear understanding of oneself, it is challenging to lead others effectively. Self-awareness is cultivated through introspection, feedback from others, and a willingness to confront personal biases and limitations. Leaders who are self-aware can navigate complex situations with clarity and confidence, making informed decisions that align with their core values.
Another critical aspect of leadership conditioning is the development of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence involves the intelligent ability to recognise, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships, manage conflict, and create a positive organisational culture. This skill is developed through empathy, active listening, and the practice of mindfulness. In this he has to be accommodative, at times avoiding, at time collaborative, at times competitive and at times compromising. The real skill is knowing in which condition and context to do what.
Experience plays a vital role in leadership conditioning. Practical, hands-on experiences allow aspiring leaders to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These experiences can range from managing a project to leading a team through a crisis. Each situation presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, contributing to the leader’s growth. Reflecting on these experiences is equally important. Reflection enables leaders to learn from their successes and mistakes, developing a deeper understanding of what works and what does not. This reflective practice can be enhanced through mentorship and coaching, where seasoned leaders provide guidance and perspective.
Leadership conditioning also involves a commitment to continuous learning. The landscape of leadership is ever evolving, influenced by changes in society, technology, and the global economy. Leaders must stay informed about new trends, theories, and practices. This can be achieved through formal education, such as advanced degrees and executive training programmes, as well as informal methods like reading, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks.
Moreover, ethical grounding is essential in leadership conditioning. Leaders wield significant influence and must exercise their power responsibly. Ethical leadership is characterised by integrity, courage, accountability, authenticity and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Leaders must be role models, demonstrating ethical behaviour in all their actions and decisions. This builds trust and credibility, essential components of effective leadership.
Communication skills are also paramount in leadership conditioning. Leaders must be able to articulate their vision, goals, and expectations clearly and persuasively. Effective communication involves not only speaking and writing but also listening. Leaders who listen to their team members foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Finally, resilience is a crucial component of leadership conditioning. Leaders often face setbacks, failures, and criticism. Resilience enables them to persevere through these challenges, maintaining their focus and motivation. Resilient leaders are adaptable, able to navigate change and uncertainty with a positive attitude. This quality is developed through a combination of mindset, support systems, and coping strategies.
Leadership needs conditioning for sure, as it enables individuals to refine their skills, develop emotional intelligence, and build the resilience required to navigate the complexities of guiding others. Without this continuous process of growth and adaptation, even the most naturally gifted leaders may struggle to maintain their effectiveness and inspire their teams.
Columnist
Strategic counsel for over 27 years, with leading corporates across diverse sectors. Independent Director across multiple sectors. Advises organisations on the intersection of finance, digital, consumption economy, GEMZ (Gig Economy, Millennials, gen Z) & ESG. Coaches & mentors senior leaders. Active engagement across industry-growth policy conversations & public policy issues. Visiting faculty at various management schools and with regulatory learning centres. Prolific media columnist across topics he works with. He is also the Editor and co-author of ‘Time for Bharat’ (book on public governance). Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. Posts all published work at https://srinath.blog
Columnist
The author is Executive Coach and OD Consultant
