“One Litre of Brightness”

There are some people who lead the path. And then there are others who go where there is no path and leave a trail.

The inspiring story of ‘Solar Demi’ definitely fits into the latter. A trailblazer who has worked relentlessly to bring light to hundreds of dark homes in poor neighbourhoods in Sitio Malagaya, Philippines, with an innovative replacement for a light bulb – a simple ‘solar bottle’ using the principles of refraction!

Oddly, when we think of leadership, we often end up thinking of famous leaders? Yet in my lifetime,more often than not, I have witnessed leadership – true and authentic leadership – in people who do not technically qualify as leaders. People like Solar Demi.

If these are not perceived to be leaders, who are?

When we in business, consider values and behaviours that underpin leadership, we often study the personal leadership styles of well-known ‘leaders’. We opt for a charismatic leadership style like John F. Kennedy or a quietly decisive leadership style like Nelson Mandela. Or perhaps something in between?

As a student, I too had studied the styles of well known corporate leaders. However, as I found myself propelled into leadership roles along my professional path, I quickly realized that there was no such thing as a leadership template.

I found myself drawn towards authentic leadership, like that displayed by regular folk like Demi – people who are just being true to their beliefs.

Authentic leadership is a natural extension of our core values and must always feel true to who we are.So, figuring out who we are and who we are not is the most important stepping stone to developing an authentic leadership style.

I believe people are much more likely to respond to a leader who comes across as “real,” who is perceived as a flesh-and-blood individual, complete with flaws and even some doubts or fears. I am an open book so I tried to stay true to my nature and followed a transparent leadership style. Yet at the same time, I wondered: Can a leader be completely candid?

There were times when I hesitated, when I was cautioned against doing so. But years later, I am glad I set aside these reservations and stayed true to the person I was. As a CEO today, I feel richer in experience by sharing organizational problems openly with all employees; seeking their inputs in solving them; seeking to transfer the ownership of change to employees in the value zone; and aiming to dismantle the office of the CEO. Today, these are some of the fundamental tenets of our Employee First philosophy.

Authentic leadership is personal and unique to every leader. It does not follow any cookie cutter leadership method. It draws upon your experiences and life’s lessons to form a practical representation of your principles and beliefs as a person. And each story is inimitable as it is inspiring. I have been discussing this intriguing subject at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of New Champions in Dalian, China, this week. I truly believe that it is an idea whose time has come.

Don’t you think so? I would love to hear your experiences with authentic leadership here.