Time and again the leadership question crops up to find out what is the right mix of leader qualities. Yet, the issue fails to be resolved. In other words, people are not consistent in their views. This is true not only for nations but also organisations. However, in the case of organisations the people do not have as much say as is the case of nations, particularly in the democracies. But the essential question remains the same — the transient nature of perception of the people about the leader. Why do people get disillusioned with the leader they once admired? Management theorists and political scientists, psychologists, and sociologists have all tried to give prescriptions for effective leadership, only to realise that the said effectiveness fails to last long. Does it mean that attempts to find out consistent qualities of effective leaders are futile? But it does call for some serious thinking. Interestingly, evolution of leadership theories have passed through all these stages in the last over hundred years, though inconclusively. Still, there is a need to examine the issue afresh because leadership is one of the most talked about subjects in management literature. As experts galore try to broach over the subject, an old Indian story is worth recapitulating. Once, Lord Shiva and Parvati decided to visit the world along with their ox. The God was disguised as an old man, whereas Parvati wore her natural young and beautiful look. As they took to the streets people would gaze at this odd couple of an old man and a young woman. On the way, Lord asked Parvati to ride the ox while he chose to walk alongside. As they were travelling they heard comments disapproving the young lady riding the animal while the old man is made to walk. Hearing this, Parvati asked Shiva that since people disliked this it will be good if the Lord rides the ox and Parvati walks along side. The God agreed and acted accordingly. Now Shiva was riding and Parvati walking. They had travelled a little distance when another set of people started murmuring sarcastically saying that how mean it was for the old man to enjoy riding the ox while the young lady is being made to walk. The God then changed his mind and asked Parvati to also sit on the ox so that people do not comment. They both were now riding the ox. But barely had they travelled a short distance that another group of people commented that how inhuman the couple was to ride and torture the dumb and poor animal. Shiva again changed his mind. They dismounted the bullock and started walking alongside the animal. But after travelling some distance they found a group of people ridiculing their foolishness on having an ox, yet choosing to walk. The Lord could now realise that no matter what you do there will be people to criticise you. Moral of the story — do not try to please everybody. No matter what you do or how noble your intentions are, people will find fault. Perhaps, this may give some clue as to why people’s perception about leaders is fickle. The course open for leaders is to have an agenda with noble intentions and pursue the path with dedication, without aiming to satisfy all the people all the time. Leadership is not about being politically correct. It is about being just correct. Let the conscience be the judge.

Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com