Among many types of leaders, this type is important but generally gets neglected. The reason is that they perform better than others, specially in unusual, difficult situations or emergencies.
It is easy to find them. Go to any place where an emergency situation is there, major breakdown, strike about to erupt, train accident, fire in factory, belly landing of aircraft etc. You will find someone doing the work, rescuing, getting them out, using the fire equipment etc as if it was routine.
They keep their cool, don’t wait for instructions, take the initiative, organize things. They give simple instructions to people who automatically follow them, do successfully what is needed, and is generally the last to leave the drowning ship. They even make the thing look simple. And importantly, do not claim anything special, only “did my job”. Only people with deep knowledge can appreciate the work done.
They are not liked, as in normal times others are rated high, the good presentation wala’s, the glib talkers etc. HR also cannot do much as their performance evaluation is not built around unusual conditions.
Bhopal gas tragedy could have been avoided if he was around. He was possibly removed by the management due to poor presentation skills.
Let us give them their due, like those in the Taj Hotel attack. Catch the natural leaders, train them and give them more responsibilities. They are important.
Ratnakar Misra
Patna Chapter, NHRDN, www.National HRD.org
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