November 5, 2001	Monday	haba’an 18, 1422

THIS burning issue has become as indispensable as sunshine not only in society but also in corporate world. The Sept 11 crisis has left the world economy in recession.

Thousands of people have thrown out of jobs. The recent crisis in Swissair has opened a new chapter in the leadership of corporate epoch. Globally, people are looking up to strong leaders to take them out of crises. The whole airline industry was in a state of shock when the bankruptcy news spread like a fire. Chairman Union Bank of Switzerland Marcel Ospel and Chairman Credit Suisse First Boston came to the rescue and provided credit to the cash-strapped airline to make it functional again. It was considered to be one of the most reputed and best airlines in the corporate world with strong leadership. But the question arose about the leadership? How can an effective leader handle the situation?

Putting a label to someone as a leader, gives the person an ultimate satisfaction. As the saying goes “Praising is warm and desirable. But is an earned thing. It has to be deserved like a hug from a child”.

People have different perception about leadership. According to some leaders are born and according to some, they are made. Both notions are true. The later can be acquired by learning different tools that effective leaders have used over the years. The qualities you too can acquire to become an effective leader. Following traits of leadership are considered to be very important in today’s corporate world that can make a person an effective leader.

Credibility: Leaders are those whose credibility is known to all and sundry. A quality that people can reply on. Leaders are always watched and observed by their followers. Most leaders are judged by their commitment and promises that they keep and make. Integrity and sincerity of the leader are the two most essential elements for a leader. One person who was really appreciated and looked upto was Chairman GE Jack Welch. His vision was strategic, strong and performance-oriented in his approach. His credibility was quoted by most of his fellow-staff member. Another person who really inspired his staff was Chairman Merrill Lynch Daniel P. Tully. His credibility was par excellence. Locally, we have people like Shaukat Tarin and currently, the chairman of Union Bank and late Mr. Shaukat Mirza CEO of the Pakistan State Oil and Engro.

Impeccable manners: Leaders have excellent debonair. Their dress, style and behaviour are simply fabulous. Leaders are known best for having pressed wardrobe and showing others that they mean business and personality counts a lot in the corporate world. Steve Jobs CEO Apple computers was very sloppy in his approach. Their colleagues around them did not appreciate their leader having sloppy attire and carefree attitude. Steve Jobs, had to change his style and working of his work. The change brought about a good omen in the corporate culture at Apple Computer. President Habib Bank Limited — Mr. Zakir Mahmood, is widely regarded as a through gentleman in the banking circle. Recently, he is awarded the highest Civil Award from the French Government.

Knowledge is power: Leaders think that sound knowledge about any subject or field can take them ahead. Competence galvanises people and will make them look to leader for guidance and direction.

A true leader is an erudite,not a dunce person. Mr. Lee Knew, Senior Minister of the Singapore government, transformed his country through his knowledge and expertise, although he is not an economist but a lawyer by profession. Knowledge is power provided it is implemented. Implementation is more conspicuous than having it in your pocket. Knowledge kept to it self is just like, “You are winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.”

Giving credit: Leaders are in the habit of giving credit at appropriate time that makes the other person feels good about him or herself. Praising someone not only raises the person’s ego, prestige and importance but also give him or her the required impetus for being more productive and efficient in the work place. At workplace, people are looking for encouragement from their leaders. Credit can be given in two forms either in writing or verbal. It differs from person to person. But it works wonders for the person. Bill Gates Chairman Microsoft is a very energetic and motivational leader. He inspires creativity and productivity at work place encouraging his employees. 3M is another innovative organization that appreciates and recognises creativity. It has got 64000 products in the market.

Obstacles are opportunities: Leaders believe that problems are opportunities. Obstacles are god-sent opportunities for anyone to show his or their potential. It is only during the crises situation that leaders are tested and their patience, perseverance is determined. The true colours of leaders are seen and observed at that time. Mr. Gorge Soros [the greatest strategist of the 21st century] and the editor of alchemy of Finance is people who faced many obstacles in his life and conquered them.

Failure not a crime: In the lexicon of a leader, there is no such word as failure, in fact it’s learning a process. Learning makes a man fit in a company for himself. A true leader is someone who encourage his people to commit mistakes and makes learning a habit. Chairman Citibank once said, “Failure is not a crime but failure to learn from failure is definitely a crime”. It is definitely true, experience is a wonderful thing, it gives you the test first and lessons afterwards.

Strategic thinker: Leadership is all about thinking long term and for the benefit of his people. It has been observed that leaders have got a very strategic mind. Their strategy, action-plan, planning, execution and implementation are really impressive. They are always thinking ahead of others.

They make their plans that are achievable, measurable and time measured. It is not something out of thin air. Their command and control systems are perfect. While planning their strategy and implementation, they make sure that everyone is aware of the plan so that most people can take part and become the member of the strategic team. Mr. Asif Bajwa [former country manager ABN Amro Bank, Pakistan], now heading Consumer-Banking Division at ABN Amro Singapore is one such example. Few people knew about ABN in the 90’s. Now, it is one the top foreign banks in Pakistan. There is no iota of doubt. The bank grew under his leadership and increased its presence felt in the corporate sector.

We have great corporate leaders like Mr. Yousuf Shirazi, chairman Altas Honda Ltd, Mr. Syed Babar Ali, chairman Packages and many others are widely regarded as strategic leaders of this time. One leader that cannot be forgotten is late Hakim Mohammad Said, chairman Hamdard. He was one of the greatest marketing gurus, strategic and visionary leader of the 19th century.

Enthusiasm: Leaders are enthusiastic not only about themselves but also about others. They will push their ardent followers to go beyond limits and to catch the welkins. Leaders who are enthusiastic, energetic and staunch are most likely to succeed in the corporate hierarchy than leaders who are pusillanimous, indecisive, spineless, and directionless.

In nutshell, leadership is more about credibility, direction, competence, faith, cognizance and enthusiasm. Extravagant gatherings, throwing lavish parties and advertisement of money are not leadership traits.

A lead is best when people barely know that he exists, says, Witter Bynner.