The Success of Organizations

According to Jeffrey Pfeffer (1996), the success of organizations comes more from leading and managing people effectively than from attaining large size, operating in a high-growth industry, or becoming lean and mean through downsizing - which, after all, puts many of your most important assets on the street for the competition to employ. In other words, leadership is the main driver that drives organizations to success or failure.

In order for leadership to be effective, the leader must thoroughly understand the relationship between innovation, vision, and mission - which are core factors that when handled succinctly will lead to success. My most effective leader is a historical figure. In fact he did not lead an organization; instead his organization was his society of his day. His name was Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) who later changed his name to Mahatma (The Great Soul).

Gandhi was both one of the most successful Leaders of the century, and, by his own standards, one of the least successful. He was charismatic, but he was also deliberate and analytical.

For Gandhi, Truth was everything, and it was intrinsically linked with the concept of the non-violence and spiritual renewal that was "Satyagraha" and "Swaraj". "Satyagraha" was not just a political method but a moral statement about how to act politically. Unless events were conducted the right way, he would rather not act, and often called off protests or other actions as a result.

Gandhi's life was one of total service to others, and of the unselfish representation of their needs. His spirituality and charisma just added to his plain hard-nosed rationalism in analyzing each issue he faced - to evaluate how best to motivate and therefore lead his followers. Rarely has one man been able to generate such a band of willing followers worldwide.

In all things he did as a Leader, he thus put forward a powerful and appropriate vision to his follower group. He could write the most complex, intellectual work; to be sure his point was understood. Yet, he could express the feelings of his followers in the most simple and eloquent ways. His greatest successes came from empowering people with the methods and the desire for "Satyagraha". When those individuals faced attack or prison, they were both terribly alone, yet totally connected to their fellow protesters. They were free to pursue their goals, yet they had a contract with Gandhi and with each other. He needed to serve them, just as they served him, the cause, and each other.

Yes, he was naturally charismatic. Yes, he had a "feel" for his follower's needs which was uncannily correct. Not surprisingly, I believe that he is