Q&A : If world leaders introspect, there would be lesser wars and greater collaboration to solve the critical problems that we face like climate emergency – Anil Sachdev

In a world that constantly urges us to search for answers from elusive role models, what if the insights we seek already reside within us? Each of us has been blessed with a life-giving force capable of huge potential – but how do we tap this to create positive impact and lead happier and more fulfilling lives?
Through seven thoughtfully crafted practices, The Inspired Leader offers a roadmap to accessing and experiencing this vital power, allowing ordinary people to achieve extraordinary impact.

In a candid interview Anil Sachdev talks about his latest book, leadership and much more.

Excerpts :

Q :  The Title of your book The Inspired Leader is intriguing? Was it at back of your mind influenced by someone to go for this heading-

A: Motivation is a term generally used for extrinsic motivation. Setting goals, aligning people, recognition and rewards make this happen. Inspiration is from within. Intrinsic motivation speaks to this aspect. Purpose, Values and the joy of finding meaning in what we do are all related to inspiration. You source inspiration from within and you seek motivation from the context. Inspired Leadership does not depend on the state of the world. It is your inner state that enables you to create positive impact. That is why the title.

Q : The first chapter of the book has a provocative heading Two biggest lies ? Can you explain further why this blunt rude take?

A: We all know that leaders are not born and yet we keep blaming the context for not taking responsibility for learning and developing ourselves. There are so many examples in which people born with abundance lost their way and there are many stories of those who had highly challenging childhoods and emerged as great leaders.

I also write about why leadership is about leading yourself- leading with stories we tell our selves about ourselves, appreciating our gifts, learning consciously, thinking with the whole mind, building trusting relationships, acting on our intentions, sourcing strength from our Purpose and values and invoking the inner witness to overcome our limiting beliefs to become better versions of ourselves. When we embrace these seven practices, we become Inspired Leaders. Others may choose to come along with us if it serves their interests. Therefore leadership is never about leading others but leading ourselves in ways that creates positive impact.

Q: Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa inspire us a great deal . But in today’s challenging times courtesy of a Complex geopolitical scenario how tough is leadership for those at the helm of affairs? 

A: The greater the complexity, the greater the need to source inspiration. We cannot change the world. We can only change the way we lead ourselves in the face of such challenges.

Q: How important does upbringing  play in delivering  leadership like you mentioned Ajay Banga and Vindhi Banga. and several others you talk about

A : Upbringing plays a huge role. Parents are our first teachers. We learn from what they do and not what they say. The stories we hear, the rituals we observe, the interest teachers take in our development, the impact of positive practices in the community like the Indian Army as experienced by the Banga brothers- all play a role.

 Q: We are in an age where the shadow of AI looms large in the days ahead . How will this modern technology challenge leadership skills? 

A: AI will provide tools to reduce time, increase speed and give access to knowledge at our fingertips. Leadership will enable us to ask the right questions, use discernment to exercise judgement and source empathy and compassion to build a better world. The more we use technology, the more we would need to create strong human connections so that we use AI in an ethical way to serve the wellbeing of all.

 Q:  How vital in a leadership role is the need to introspect, reflect one’s action for a better tomorrow ? 

A: This is the key to consciously learn. Investing time in introspection for development is the key to recognize and realize our potential. Learning involves making mistakes and introspection is the key. If world leaders introspect, there would be lesser wars and greater collaboration to solve the critical problems that we face like climate emergency.

Q: Developing the capacity to think is surely one of the ways . But  in the era of social media and several other distractions for the Gen Next . Do you think this attribute faces an acid test 

A: Fake news, social media and over reliance on AI can harm the capacity to think. It is the duty of wise teachers, parents and mentors to prevent this.

 Q: For a successful leadership how important is to have camaraderie and building relationships of trust so as to deliver . If there is someone as unpredictable as US President Donald Trump, how does one go ahead ?

A : Learning to dialogue across differences, observing our won biases and transparency are all important. Trust is also earned through competence, honoring commitments and being fair to all. Without trust, execution is flawed.

Q: What is the message you want to give to the audience with your book The Inspired Leader. 

A: No matter what our circumstances and the past, if we awaken to the leader within us, we can manifest all our dreams. Inspiration is the key. The Seven Practices are the path.

Q:  Fifty three interviews i mean are huge you mention while writing this book . What was the experience like? Must have been huge, enriching and learning one for sure.  How much did you enjoy writing this ?
A: The journey was exhilarating. The interviews enabled me to reflect on my own life and source valuable insights. Many of these 53 leaders are those I had worked with and so I had a deeper understanding of what they shared.I feel blessed.