India’s new Prime Minister who won the 2014 elections by a landslide victory, Narendra Modi, is a very interesting and not-to-be-ignored kind of person. He is by far the best candidate on the horizon who appears to be capable of leading India to greater heights in these modern times. Unlike his predecessors, Modi is a technologically savvy, up-to-date leader with his finger on the pulse of young India. Here are some pointers to learn from India’s most promising leader to date, which would be helpful for writers and others as well.
1. Master the art of communication
Communication is key in leading a team, a company or a country. The best leaders know how to communicate effectively with many types of persons in many different ways. Modi has definitely mastered the art of communication and used it in a very clever manner to reach the public and woo the voters.
From using the right mode of communication for the occasion (Twitter, speeches and even 3D projections), to choosing the right topic for a particular group of people (a rural college in India, or Madison Square Garden in USA), Modi has nailed it and managed to say just the right thing at the right time. For writers whose livelihood depends on their ability to communicate, Modi is a great example of effective communication.
2. Have a vision
Starting off on any venture without a clear vision rarely leads to the desired outcome, regardless of the talent or hard work put in. Modi approached his Chief Minister position in Gujarat with a clear vision to transform the state into an industrialized and efficient state, and went about doing so systematically, and successfully. He appears to have the same focus and vision for leading India, and has made sensible and realistic plans for progress.
3. Plan carefully
Modi is an organized and careful planner, which is apparent in his policies, speeches and other communications. He appears to do the due research and arm himself with all the information required to make his point clearly and effectively. In order to be a good orator, writer or leader, proper planning and organization of your thoughts, ideas and policies is very important.
4. Be accessible and involve your team
Indian politicians have traditionally operated in a sort of superior secluded bubble, and excluded the rest of the country during decision making (except during election campaigns). Involvement of the common man in their plans and actions was not a thought to be considered. Modi has changed all that, and reminded the civil officials that they are hired to serve the common people. He has made himself and other government officials accessible through social media, radio programs, etc. and openly discussed the next steps and plans. He has even requested all Indians to provide suggestions for improvement which he would then discuss at an open forum.
5. A good leader leads by example
Modi has realized that practicing what he preaches and leading from the front is the best way to earn his team’s and country’s respect. He is known to have worked for 20 hour days and already proved his competence through his successful transformation of Gujarat state. Modi demands a lot from his team, in order to bring his vision to life. But he has always led by example and put in as much or more effort than other members of his team. As a writer you are also a leader, and your readers are your followers. Share your views and stories with your readers to positively influence and entertain them, so that their lives are better after having come in contact with you.
Image credit: Maryland GovPics on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0