For managers who dream of becoming leaders, there are many role models out there – across business, media, politics etc…whom they can emulate. But this is easier said than done. It calls for consciously understanding the mindset, achievements and traits of the role model and then deciding which one to imbibe. The managers themselves will have to change their approach to learning, managing and communicating. It calls for not only changing professionally but personally. Most managers would fall into the Gatekeepers category. They guard their own beliefs, authority and responsibilities so zealously, that it is difficult for them to be flexible about adapting to new circumstances.
They thus become Gatekeepers –, skills, change and thus, growth. They get stuck in a dreary routine and become adept at exercising just maintaining the status quo: keeping out new experiences whatever role they have. But they do not grow as professionals or managers – they may get material and career growth but otherwise, they are caught up in the routine. They remain gate-keepers.
Globally there are few leaders who have made as significant an impact as Gill gates. There’s a very strong chance that a founder who has register pvt ltd company in India may also admire him the same way Gates inspires a founder in the valley. And this is because the man who built up the giant Microsoft is an exemplary leader who has some very basic traits which can be emulated. Studying and then emulating some of these habits of Bill Gates can help aspiring managers to grow into responsible and capable leaders.
Let’s look at some of Bill Gates’ basic habits that managers can emulate:
Form The Learning Habit:
For many of us it may come as a surprise that a man as busy as Bill Gates has been a life-long learner. He is extremely devoted to reading, finishing a book per week. When in college, he would often attend classes he had not signed up for – getting double education. In his personal blog, every year, Bill recommends his favourite books and goals for the next year. If a legend like Mark Zuckerberg can pick up from Bill’s habit and recommend their favourite books of the year, aspiring managers can surely learn from this. They should become life-long learners.
Giving Credit:
A common trait amongst many leaders is taking credit. But Bill Gates is an exception to this. Though he is amongst the richest men in the world and entrepreneur genius, Bill very simply gives credit where it is due. He has been vocal and extremely appreciative of his co-founder Paul Allen. Fittingly, Allen also speaks appreciatively about his colleagues, partners and employees. This policy of giving credit builds positivity and motivation, driving engagement and transforming managers into leaders. Both Bill and Allen firmly believe that appreciating talent over the years has contributed greatly to their success by setting an example of Effective Leadership through Empowerment. Aspiring managers should instil this trait in themselves.
Learn from Setbacks:
As Bill said once, success is a lousy teacher. It misleads you and you end up believing that you cannot lose. Nothing could be further than the truth. Anyone can lose – for those who want to take risks, failure is a given. And more than once – often. These failures serve as an opportunity to learn, redirect and focus on the right course of action. Bill often credits some of Microsoft’s success to his team’s ability to identify and resolve shortcomings. Learning from mistakes and failures improves the problem-solving skills. Most importantly, it also helps to establish a culture in the organization where people are not afraid to take risks.
Having faith in your judgement:
When Bill had proposed the idea of Microsoft in the 1970s, it was criticized by investors as something that was just not feasible – impractical and outrageous. But Bill was stubborn and had faith in his own vision. He was clear about what he wanted to do and had an overview of the larger picture in mind. Prepared to suffer small setbacks, he went ahead with his idea and built Microsoft. This is a trait aspiring managers can learn from. Having clarity of vision, faith in one’s own self and not giving up.
Have you been inspired by any global icon? Do share your experiences with us.
