An organization significantly reflects the character of its leader. To ensure continuous expansion, leaders within an organization must undergo continual growth. Each leader, through their distinctive style of leadership, shapes a culture that establishes the standards for individuals, processes, products, and practices including permissions and injunctions.
Leadership can be succinctly or can be encapsulated in a single word – 'Influence”. As such, leadership represents a profound responsibility to exert a positive influence on both individuals and outcomes.
Symbolic Leadership The Concept
Symbolic leadership is a compelling concept that underscores the positive impact leaders have on an organization or team through their own actions, consistent behaviours, and expressions, sculpting its culture and values. Contrary to its name, symbolic leadership is not about mere symbolism; rather, it involves becoming a symbol of certain principles.
This is achieved in reality through consistent adherence to specific values and effective communication. Leaders, by consistently embodying certain behaviours, establish unwritten yet widely understood codes of conduct relentlessly, within their teams – a phenomenon simply known as "Symbolic Leadership."
Understanding Symbolic Leadership
A pivotal moment occurred on meeting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he confidently declared, "I assure you, I am not going to be defeated." This unwavering determination became a symbol of his leadership, imparting confidence in his troops. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of military leaders and soldiers across nations.
R. Thyagarajan, the Founder of the Shriram Group is another great example of a leader demonstrating effectiveness through their actions, their words, and the environment they cultivate around themselves. Shriram Group. R. Thyagarajan's decision to distribute a significant sum of 6,000 crores to his employees while not allocating shares to his sons is a clear demonstration of his commitment to meritocracy, recognition of outstanding contributions, and his philosophy of inclusive leadership along with succession planning.
His strong belief in rewarding talent, dedication, and high performance, regardless of familial connections underscores his ability to foster a culture of fairness, meritocracy and equal opportunities. A combination of remarkable factors that define his leadership style such as action, words and environment
Subhash Chandra Bose stands out as an iconic leader, symbolizing remarkable qualities such as bravery, unwavering determination, and profound patriotism. His legacy serves as a source of inspiration, resonating across generations and leaving an indelible mark on the ideals of courage, resilience, and love for one's country.
Bose's leadership during pivotal moments in history, coupled with his commitment to freedom and justice, establishes him as a symbol of valor and national pride, influencing and motivating people for years to come.
T N Seshan personifies unyielding integrity, professionalism, and audacity in his leadership approach, leaving an enduring legacy of electoral reforms and upholding the highest standards of ethics.
Similarly E Sreedharan, often referred to as the "Metro Man," symbolizes professionalism, meritocracy, and effective execution, setting a standard for excellence in infrastructure development. Their leadership exemplifies steadfast commitment, influencing and guiding others to emulate principles of integrity, professionalism, and excellence in their respective domains.
N. R. Narayana Murthy is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to work ethics. He exemplifies diligence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in his approach to work. His leadership underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism, dignity and integrity in all his business endeavours.
Humility, determination, and integrity collectively contribute to Ratan Tata's leadership legacy, making him a revered symbol not only within the business world but also as a philanthropic figure committed to making a positive impact on society.
Each of these leaders, known to you and me, embody a unique perception in the eyes of the people, shaping the narrative of true symbolic leadership .
Influence through Authenticity: Symbolic Leadership
Symbolic leadership reaches its pinnacle when a leader's actions align authentically with their words. Followers keenly observe and respond positively to leaders whose behaviours consistently mirror their communicated values, establishing an environment built on mutual trust and alignment.
In leadership, good communication isn't just about words; it includes the powerful language of actions. Symbolic leaders, who are smart and perceptive, understand the strong messages in their choices, how they interact with others, and how they handle challenges. These leaders skilfully shape the understanding and commitment of their followers toward the organization's goals.
Conclusion
As a leader, consider the symbolism you embody. Recognize as you shape a culture of shared purpose and commitment within your team. Contemplate the behaviours you actively and consciously encourage.
Ask yourself:
- What values do you hold that are most significant for you and are they evident in your daily conduct?
- How do you choose to acknowledge and reward your team members for their positive actions?
- Additionally, are there specific behaviours that you find unacceptable, and do you hold yourself to the same standards that you expect from others, regardless of the circumstances?
- What do you symbolise?
- What symbol defines you?
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