Learning leadership

In his introduction author Prof Faredoon Kapa­dia, mentions "po­tential leaders also need to recognize that along with the role comes responsibility. Taking charge is never easy and effective leadership requires considerable effort.”
A consultant with 20 years’ experience in the banking sector, the bearded author states succinctly, "seven areas are essential for successful leadership” such as developing awareness; understanding people; power and authority; communication; decision making; creating a vision and taking charge. Through work grids, the author helps document the skill one is trying to hone. Kapadia recommends developing awareness, by having self-awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Defining creating a vision as "a distant light which gives direction to any effort,” Kapadia introduces this skill with a quote: "Kindness and courtesy can make an average person superior; indifference and lack of concern can make a superior person average.”
The second step of "Understanding People,” mentions psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for self motivation which can be done after the lowest need of food, clothing and shelter are fulfilled. Kapadia recommends that to achieve goals the leader must understand the team’s ambition and assertion.
His third step, "Power and Authority” and jumping to the seventh "Taking Charge” seem similar. The teacher discusses some types of power exerted — designated, expert, charismatic and information; and styles of leadership — democratic, autocratic and permissive.
"Most communication behavior is learned by absorption and copying rather than by conscious choice.” In decision making, he offers a tally sheet to check one’s skill.
Kapadia details development plans, a quiz and a questionnaire on whether one is a natural leader. Messages, recommendations, training program modules he conducts and advertisements of well-wishers feature in the last 40 pages. Dr Indu Shahani, the Sheriff of Bombay at the time, has written a message for the book.

Prof Faredoon Kapadia: documenting skills