Lead Now

Tag: books

  • Mastering the Inner Game of Leadership

    Our minds are often consumed by incessant chatter. Past experiences, future anxieties, and ingrained biases constantly collide in this stream of self-talk. Unfortunately, much of this chatter tends to skew negative—a result of our biological programming. Early humans had to prioritize survival, evading danger at every turn. The principle of “better safe than sorry” is deeply embedded in our genetic makeup.

    For leaders, this internal noise can pose a significant challenge. They are required to make decisions constantly, and any negative self-talk or bias can lead to flawed judgments.

    In the 1960s and 1970s, tennis player and coach Timothy Gallwey introduced the concept of the “inner game.” According to Gallwey, every game operates on two levels: the outer game and the inner game. The outer game takes place on the court, competing against an opponent. The inner game, however, unfolds within the mind, wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, and self-criticism. It is this inner game that can cloud judgment and hinder excellence.

    Humans navigate life with two minds: the conscious and the unconscious. Their interaction, mediated by intricate neural circuits, plays a critical role in determining success.

    By applying the principles of the inner game, leaders can elevate their performance. This involves cultivating a state of relaxed concentration—trusting the subconscious in moments of uncertainty, observing without judgment, being more aware and honing the ability to listen and learn. Abraham Maslow describes this state as “relatively egoless, fully functioning, and in the groove.”

    Operating from this mental space enables leaders to make sound decisions, even in the face of ambiguity, limited information, and rapid change.

  • Character – Root of leadership

    John Wooden, the legendary coach, once said: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

    Character refers to the distinctive set of qualities and attributes that define a person. It is a blend of positive and negative traits, shaped by instinctive behaviors and experiences accumulated over time. At a deeper level, our thoughts, feelings, instincts, and formative childhood experiences play a crucial role in shaping character.

    Certain universal human values guide the foundation of strong character. Someone with a solid moral compass recognizes these values and strives to align their behavior accordingly. This alignment forms the first step in building character.

    For leaders, maintaining an acute awareness of character is essential. Humans are inherently flawed, often biologically wired to prioritize self-interest, which may conflict with the expectations of leadership. Ego and hubris—particularly prevalent in driven individuals—can further complicate decision-making. Additionally, blind spots and unrecognized flaws pose challenges. Leaders must work to overcome these pitfalls by prioritizing the greater good over personal gain.

    Leadership is defined by core elements like drive, purpose, attitude, competence, and integrity. These elements, together, form the bedrock of character. Traits such as passion, courage, humility, resilience, steadfastness, and empathy and more are vital components of strong character, each contributing in its unique way.

    Developing character requires ongoing reflection and a willingness to seek and accept feedback. Leaders with strong character learn not only from their own experiences but also from observing others and understanding the subtle dynamics within society.

    Ultimately, building character is a lifelong journey, requiring continuous growth and self-awareness.

  • Achilles’ Heel

    Achilles, the legendary warrior of the Greek epic Iliad, is known for his extraordinary strength and skill in battle. He joins the Trojan War with unmatched ferocity after the death of his companion, Patroclus. Born of the goddess Thetis, Achilles was made nearly invincible when his mother dipped him into the river Styx. However, the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable, ultimately becoming his undoing.

    In modern terms, the “Achilles heel” symbolizes a flaw in our character or personality that has the potential to cause our downfall. Often, this weakness is a blind spot—a negative trait invisible to us but evident to others.

    For many ambitious individuals, their Achilles heel is excessive ambition or greed. Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos serves as a stark example: her insatiable drive to achieve success led her to fabricate results, culminating in her downfall. Similarly, Jack Welch’s legacy was tarnished by his relentless pursuit of short-term gains through aggressive financialization, which ultimately destabilized General Electric.

    Even idealistic traits can act as Achilles heels in certain contexts. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, faced criticism for his handling of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and his deep belief in the state’s capacity to address complex societal issues—a perspective that, while noble, proved limiting in practical terms.

    Self-awareness plays a crucial role in identifying and managing our own Achilles heels. By acknowledging and addressing these vulnerabilities, we can mitigate their impact and avoid the pitfalls that could otherwise derail our aspirations.