
Most Influential to Follow in





Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.





Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
Narratives that strike a chord and steer with an inspiring hand delineate the line between ordinary and exceptional leadership.
Greatmanagersarecommon,butleaderswhotrulyinspirearerare.
Whatsetsthesespecialleadersapartistheirmixofbigideas,a senseofpurpose,andastrongmoralcompass.They'redrivento maketheworldbetter.
Theseinspiringleadersfeeladeepcallingtomakearealdifference.It'snot justajobforthem-it'stheirmission.Theysticktowhattheybelievein,even whenit'stough.Thismightnotmakethemthemostpopular,butitdoesearn themsomethingbetter:theirteam'strustandrespect.
Beinghonestandtruetotheirwordissuperimportanttotheseleaders.They knowtheirteamisalwayswatchingwhattheydo.Hence,theyactwithhonor andstaytruetothemselves.Whenaleaderwalksthetalklikethis,itbuilds trustandmakeseveryonewanttostepuptheirgame.
Teamsledbytheseinspiringfolksshareastrongsenseofpurposeand teamwork.Theyworktogether,sharewhattheyknow,anduseeachother's strengthstoreachtheirgoals.Thisteamspiritmakespeoplefeellikethey belongandbringseveryonecloser.Itgetspeoplemoreexcitedabouttheir workandhelpsthewholecompanydobetter
Initslatestedition, “Most Influential Leader to Follow in 2024” Insights Successshowcasesthestoryofavisionaryleaderwhoisdrivinginnovation anddirecringthefutureofthemodernindustrywithhisexceptional leadershiptraits.
Asyouflipthroughthepagesofthisedition,you'llencounterataleof resilience,determination,andboldnessinthefaceofadversity.You'lllearn howthisleaderovercamechallenges,seizedopportunities,andultimately transformedtheirorganizationsandindustriesforthebetter
So,diveinandletyourselfbeinspiredbythestoryofthisremarkableleader whoismakingwavesintheworldofbusiness.Hisjourneyandhis commitmenttoexcellenceandpassionforinnovationissuretoleavea lastingimpression.
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- Roy T. Bennett
Most Influen al Leader to Follow in 2024
,Manoranjan is actively involved in industry associations and forums relevant to nance and accounting, which provide access to resources, forums, and events that facilitate knowledge sharing and professional development within the industry.
Empowering Individuals through Fair, Transparent, and Socially Responsible Financial Planning!
eallfacedifficultiesand setbacksinourlivesand work.Thepathisnevera straight,unobstructedroadtoour goals.Therearealwayscurveballs, roadblocks,andmomentswhenit wouldbeeasiertojustgiveup.But thosewhocanpivot,adapt,and reframethosechallengesas opportunitytiesaretheoneswhokeep makingprogress.
(Dr.) Manoranjan Mohanty Chairman
“Whatinspiredmewasnotjust financialsuccess,buttransforming challengesintoopportunities."This powerfulstatementfromFCA(Dr.) ManoranjanMohantyprovidesa windowintothedrivingforcebehind hissuccessfulcareerasafinancial leaderandtheChairmanofATD GROUP.
,Forhim,thepathtofoundinghis companywasaboutmuchmorethan justmakingmoney.Itwasabout creatinganinstitutionthatcould providefair,transparentfinancial serviceswhileembodyingthevaluesof resilience,innovation,andempathy thathefeltwereoftenlackinginthe sector.
"Irealizedtheimportanceofcultivatingacultureofinventivenessand empathyinbusiness,"Manoranjan explains."Iwantedtobuildacompany thatprioritizesintegrity,transparency, andgenuinecareforthefinancialwellbeingofcommonpeople."
Withthatvision,ATDFinancial ServicesPvt.Ltd.(NBFC)wasbornas analarmforremarkableleadership exemplifyingfairness,respect,anda simplifiedapproachtofinancial servicesforall.Underhisguidance, thecompanyhasstreamlinedloan approvals,elevatedcustomerservice standards,andprovidedregulated lendingoptionstopreventexploitation throughexcessiveinterestrates.
Buthiscommitmentgoesevenfurther, infusingATDFinancialServicesPvt. Ltd.'s(NBFC)DNAwithanethosof meticulousadherencetoregulatory standardsandsafeguardingcustomer privacy.Hepromotesaworkplace culturethatvaluesemotionalintelligenceasmuchasfinancialacumen.
"Iprioritizeemotionalintelligenceand positivequalitiesinmyteam," Manoranjanstates."Truesuccesslies inthecollectiveeffortsofadiverseand dedicatedgroupofinnovativethinkers andempatheticindividuals."
A culture that values continuous learning and development enables employees to grow, adapt, and thrive. Organizations should invest in learning opportunities, skill development programs, and career advancement pathways to support employee growth and retention.
It'sthathuman-centricapproachthat distinguisheshimasaleader.Rather thanjustchasingprofits,heisfocused ondevelopinganewgenerationof financialprofessionalsdrivenby creativity,integrity,andcompassion. Hisvisionredefineswhatitmeansto beanaccountantinthemodernage.By transforminghiscompanyintoa platformforpositivechange,FCA (Dr.)Manoranjanhasprovenyoucan achieveremarkablebusinesssuccess whileholdingtoyourvalues.It'sa powerfulexampleofconscious capitalism—succeedingwhiledoing good.
Let us explore his journey:
InspiringJourney
Asafinanceprofessionalwitha passionforempoweringindividuals throughfinancialsolutions,Dr. Manoranjan'sjourneyhasbeenguided bybothpersonalexperiencesanda passionformakingapositiveimpact. Bornoutofhumblebeginningsand fueledbyarelentlessdrivetoovercomeadversity,hefoundhimself drawntotheworldoffinanceasa meanstocreateopportunitieswhere therewereonceobstacles.
Reflectingonhisearlyyearsafter completinghisM.Com.in1987,he facednumerousrejectionsfrom organizationsforevenminoraccountingpositions.Thesesetbackscould haveeasilydeterredhim,butinstead, drivenbyanunwaveringresolve,he embarkedonthechallengingjourney ofpursuingaCAcourseinCuttack, Odisha.Thisservedasacatalystfor
hisdeterminationtoforgehispath.
Therejectionandhardshipshefaced earlyinhiscareerservedasacatalyst forhiminhisentrepreneurialjourney, motivatinghimtocreateabusiness thatnotonlyservesthefinancialneeds ofindividualsbutalsooperateswitha deepsenseofintegrityandcompassion.ThroughATDGroup,heaimsto makeagenuine,meaningfulimpactby providingregulatedloansandexceptionalcustomerservice,thuscontributingtothefinancialwell-beingof commonpeople.
Despitefacingfinancialhardshipsand startingwithonly1200rupeesinhand, ManoranjanrelocatedtoDelhiin1989, fueledbyavisionofabrighterfuture. Thejourneywashard,withmonths passingbyonameagerstipendof750 rupees.Yet,witheachpassingday,he learnedvaluablelessonsandhonedhis skills,drawingstrengthfromthe challengesheencountered.Ashe managedthroughtheupsanddownsof life,herealizedthatrejectionoften servesasaprecursortogreater opportunities.Thisrealizationbecame thecornerstoneofhisentrepreneurial journey,asheventuredintothefinance sectorwithafocusoncreatinga platformthatwouldempowerindividualsandcommunitiesalike.
Manoranjan,recountingthegenesisof thecompany,sharedthattheinception storyofATDGrouporiginatesfromhis journeyoftriumphingoverchallenges
andtransformingadversityinto opportunities.Rootedinaprofound aspirationtoempowerindividualswith fairandtransparentfinancialsolutions, ATDGrouptranscendsbeingmerelya businessendeavor;itembodiesa visionofinclusivegrowthandsocietal impact.Guidedbythecorevaluesof integrity,transparency,andreliability, ATDGroupaimstoredefineconventionalfinancesectornormsbyplacing theneedsandwelfareofitscustomers aboveallelse.
Thecompanycommenceditsjourney withamodestyetambitiousobjective: toestablishaplatformwhereindividualscouldaccessfinancialservicesthat werenotonlydependableandefficient butalsoethicalandcompassionate. Drawingfromabackgroundinfinance andpersonalencounterswithrejection andfinancialhardshipsearlyinhis career,ManoranjanenvisionedATD Groupasabeaconofexceptional leadershipandgenuineconcernforthe financialwell-beingofordinary people.Centraltothecompany'sethos isthebeliefthateveryonedeserves accesstofairandregulatedloans, devoidofexploitationandexorbitant interestrates.
Fromitshumblebeginnings,ATD Grouphasevolvedintoareputable financialinstitution,cateringtoa diverseclientelewithvariedfinancial requirements.Thecompany'sdedicationtocustomersatisfactionand adherencetoregulatorystandards haveestablishedareputationfor brillianceanddependabilitywithin theindustry
ATDGroupisbuiltarounda teamofdedicatedprofessionals whohaveacommongoalof bringingaboutconstructive socialchange.Theorganizationembraceseachteam member'suniquetalentsand viewpointsandpromotes aninnovative,creative,and empathy-basedculture.As ATDGroupgrowsand
innovates,itsobjectiveremains unchanged:toenablepeople,businesses,andcommunitiesthrough ethicalandtransparentfinancial solutions.
Whetherspeedingloanapprovals, providinggreatcustomerservice,or participatinginsocialprojects,ATD Groupremainscommittedtomakinga true,impactfuldifferenceinthelives ofitscustomersandthecommunitiesit serves.
Qualitycontrolinfinancialworkisnot justapriorityforATDGroup, accordingtoManoranjan;rather,itisa corecomponentofthecompany's cultureandamajorfactorinits success.ATDGroup'sand Manoranjan'sprofessionalpathshave beengreatlyimpactedbythephilosophy,whichcentersonupholdingthe higheststandardsofintegrity,transparency,anddependabilityinallactivities.
ATDGroupprioritizesregulatory complianceandadherencetoindustry standards,investinginrobustsystems andprocessestomeetorexceed regulatoryrequirements.Thiscommitmentsafeguardstheinterestsof customersandstakeholders,establishingcredibilityandtrustworthinesswith clients.
Thecompanyplacesastrongemphasis oncontinuousimprovementand innovation,activelyseekingnew technologies,methodologies,andbest practicestoenhancetheefficiencyand effectivenessoffinancialservices.By embracinginnovationandstaying currentwithindustrydevelopments, ATDGroupcanbetteraddress evolvingcustomerneedsanddeliver exceptionalvalue.
ATDGroupfocusesoncustomer satisfaction,viewingeachclient interactionasanopportunitytoexceed expectationsandbuildlastingrelation-
shipsbasedontrustandmutual respect.Throughpersonalizedservice andtransparentcommunication,the companyensurescustomersfeel valuedandsupportedthroughouttheir financialjourney
Theorganizationfostersacultureof accountabilityandcontinuouslearning, encouragingopendialogue,constructivefeedback,andacollaborative problem-solvingapproach.This empowersteammemberstotake ownershipoftheirwork,strivefor excellence,andcontributetoquality outcomes..
Maintainingstrongrelationshipswith clientsacrossdiverseindustriesisnot justaprofessionalobligationfor Manoranjan;it'sadeeplyingrained commitmentthatstemsfromhis genuinepassionforservingothersand makingapositiveimpact.Several factorsmotivatehimtoprioritizeand nurturetheserelationships.
Hebelievesinthepowerofcollaborationandpartnership.Heviewseach clientasavaluedcollaborator,andhe isgenuinelyinvestedintheirsuccess andwell-being.Byforgingstrong relationshipsbuiltontrust,transparency,andmutualrespect,Manoranjan canbetterunderstandtheirunique needs,challenges,andaspirations,and tailorhisservicestomeettheirspecific requirementseffectively
Furthermore,heisdrivenbyagenuine desiretomakeameaningfuldifference inthelivesofothers.Whetherit's helpingasmallbusinessownerachieve theirentrepreneurialdreams,supportinganonprofitorganizationin fulfillingitsmission,orassistinga multinationalcorporationindirecting complexfinancialchallenges,hefinds immensefulfillmentinbeingableto contributepositivelytothesuccessand growthofhisclientsacrossdiverse industries.
Additionally,heismotivatedbythe opportunitytolearnandgrowfrom eachclientinteraction.Everyindustry presentsitsownsetofuniquechallenges,opportunities,andperspectives, andbyengagingwithclientsfrom diversebackgrounds,heisconstantly expandinghisknowledge,honinghis skills,andbroadeninghisunderstandingoftheintricaciesofdifferent sectors.
Furthermore,herecognizesthatstrong relationshipswithclientsareessential forlong-termsuccessand sustainability.Byfosteringopen communication,proactiveengagement, andresponsivesupport,hecanbuild lastingpartnershipsthattranscend individualtransactionsandendure changingmarketconditionsand economicuncertainties.
Inthefinancesector,Manoranjan approacheschallengeswithaproactive mindsetandastrategicapproach. Whenfacedwithobstacles,hebelieves infirstunderstandingtherootcauseof theproblemandassessingthesituation objectively Thisinvolvesgathering relevantdata,analyzingmarkettrends, andconsultingwithkeystakeholders togainacomprehensiveunderstanding ofthechallengeathand.
Oncehehasaclearunderstandingof thechallenge,hedevisesastrategic planofactiontoaddressiteffectively. Thismayinvolveimplementing innovativesolutions,leveraging technology,orrestructuringexisting processestoimproveefficiencyand effectiveness.Healsoprioritizes communicationandcollaboration, workingcloselywithhisteamand otherstakeholderstoensurealignment andbuy-infortheproposedstrategies.
Furthermore,heacknowledgesa mindsetofcontinuouslearningand adaptation.Intherapidlyprogressing industryofthefinancesector,staying
aheadofthecurverequiresawillingnesstoembracechange,experiment withnewideas,andlearnfromboth successesandfailures.Byremaining agileandadaptable,hecannavigate challengesmoreeffectivelyand capitalizeonemergingopportunities.
Inhisextensiveexperience, Manoranjan'sprofoundunderstanding offinancehasbeeninstrumentalin contributingtothesuccessofthe organizationshehasworkedwithin severalkeyways.Firstly,hisdeep knowledgeoffinanceallowshimto effectivelyanalyzefinancialdata, identifytrends,andmakeinformed decisionsthatoptimizefinancial performance.Byleveragingadvanced financialanalysistechniquesand progressivetools,hecanprovide valuableinsightsandrecommendations thatenableorganizationstoallocate resourcesmoreefficiently,manage riskseffectively,andmaximize profitability
Secondly,hisexpertiseinfinance enableshimtodevelopandimplement soundfinancialstrategiesthatalign withtheorganization'sgoalsand objectives.Whetherit'soptimizing capitalstructure,managingcashflow, orevaluatinginvestmentopportunities, hecandesigntailoredfinancialplans thatsupportlong-termgrowthand sustainability.Byleveraginghis comprehensiveunderstandingof financialprinciplesandbestpractices, hecanguideorganizationsinmanagingthecomplexfinancialindustryand makingstrategicdecisionsthatdrive theirsuccess.
Furthermore,hisunderstandingof financeallowshimtonavigate complexregulatoryenvironmentsand ensurecompliancewithrelevantlaws andregulations.Bystayingabreastof changingregulatoryrequirementsand industrystandards,hecanhelp organizationsmitigatelegaland
regulatoryrisksandmaintaintheir reputationandcredibilityinthe marketplace.Hisabilitytoanticipate andaddresspotentialcompliance issuesproactivelyisavaluableassetin today'sversatilebusinesslandscape.
Additionally,Manoranjan'sabilityto communicatefinancialconceptsand findingsinaclearandconcisemanner facilitateseffectivedecision-making andcollaborationacrossalllevelsof theorganization.Whetherit'spresentingfinancialreportstosenior management,negotiatingwith stakeholders,oradvisingcolleagueson financialmatters,hecanconvey complexinformationinawaythatis easilyunderstandableandactionable. Thisskillenableshimtobridgethegap betweenfinancialexpertiseand operationaldecision-making,cultivatingasharedunderstandingand alignmentwithintheorganization.
Buildingapositiveandresult-oriented organizationalculturerequiresa comprehensivestrategythataddresses severalkeyfactors.Manoranjan outlinestheessentialelementsthat organizationsshouldconsidertofoster athrivingandresilientworkplace.
Leadership:Strongleadershipsetsthe tonefortheorganizationalculture. Leadersshouldexemplifyvaluessuch asintegrity,transparency,andaccountability,andactivelypromoteaculture ofrespect,collaboration,andinnovation.Byembodyingthesequalities, leaderscaninspireandguidetheir teamstowardsasharedvision.
ClearVisionandValues:Aclearvision andsetofvaluesprovideaunifying purposeandframeworkfordecisionmaking.Whenemployeesunderstand andalignwiththeorganization'svision andvalues,theyaremoremotivated andempoweredtocontributetoits success.Establishingasharedsenseof purposecandrivecollectiveefforts towardscommongoals.
Communication:Openandtransparent communicationiscrucialforfostering trust,enhancingcollaboration,and ensuringalignmenttowardsorganizationalobjectives.Leadersshould encouragetwo-waycommunication channelsthatallowforfeedback, dialogue,andtheexchangeofideasat alllevelsoftheorganization.This promotesacultureoftransparencyand mutualunderstanding.
EmployeeEngagementandRecognition:Engagedemployeesaremore committed,productive,andsatisfied withtheirwork.Organizationsshould investininitiativestofosteremployee engagement,suchastrainingand developmentprograms,mentorship opportunities,andrecognition programsthatacknowledgeand celebrateachievements.Byvaluing andempoweringtheirworkforce, organizationscancultivateapositive andresult-orientedculture.
EmpowermentandAutonomy: Providingemployeeswithautonomy anddecision-makingauthority empowersthemtotakeownershipof theirworkandcontributetheirunique perspectivesandideas.Thisfostersa senseofownership,accountability,and innovationwithintheorganization, enablingittoadaptandthriveina rapidlychangingenvironment.
ContinuousLearningandDevelopment:Aculturethatvaluescontinuous learninganddevelopmentenables employeestogrow,adapt,andthrive. Organizationsshouldinvestinlearning opportunities,skilldevelopment programs,andcareeradvancement pathwaystosupportemployeegrowth andretention.Thisnotonlybenefits individualemployeesbutalsostrengthenstheorganization'soverallcapabilities.
Results-orientedPerformanceManagement:Settingcleargoals,objectives, andperformancemetricsensures accountabilityanddrivesresults. Organizationsshouldimplement
performancemanagementsystemsthat provideregularfeedback,recognition, andrewardsbasedonmeritand achievement.Thisalignsindividual andteameffortswiththeorganization's strategicpriorities.
DiversityandInclusion:Embracing diversityandinclusionfosters creativity,innovation,andabroader perspectivewithintheorganization. Organizationsshouldstrivetocreatea culturethatvaluesandrespects diversityinallitsformsandpromotes equalopportunitiesforallemployees. Bycultivatinganinclusiveenvironment,organizationscanharnessthe uniquestrengthsandperspectivesof theirworkforce.
Byfocusingonthesekeyfactorsand creatingaculturethatprioritizes positivity,collaboration,accountability, andresults,organizationscanbuilda thrivingandresilientworkplacethat drivessuccessandgrowthinthelong term.
tive
Tomaintainacompetitiveedgeinthe versatilefinanceandaccountingsector, itisessentialtostayinformedabout thelatesttrendsanddevelopments. Manoranjanhasdevelopedamultifacetedapproachtoensureheremainsat theforefrontofindustrychanges, therebydeliveringvaluetoclientsand stakeholders.
ContinuousLearningandProfessional Development:Hisdevotionto continuouslearningisevidentinhis activepursuitofopportunitiesto expandhisknowledgeandexpertise. Heattendsindustryconferences, seminars,workshops,andwebinars, andparticipatesinprofessional developmentprogramsandcourses offeredbyreputableinstitutionsand organizations.
NetworkingandThoughtLeadership: Herecognizestheimportanceof
networkinginstayinginformedabout industrytrendsanddevelopments.He engageswithpeers,colleagues,and industryexpertsthroughprofessional associations,discussionforums,and networkingevents,allowinghimto exchangeideas,shareinsights,and gainvaluableperspectives.Additionally,heactivelyparticipatesinthought leadershipactivitiessuchaswriting articles,blogs,andwhitepapers,and participatesinpaneldiscussions, podcasts,andspeakingengagements, therebysharinghisexpertiseand contributingtoindustryconversations.
IndustryAssociationsand Collaboration:Manoranjanisactively involvedinindustryassociationsand forumsrelevanttofinanceand accounting,whichprovideaccessto resources,forums,andeventsthat facilitateknowledgesharingand professionaldevelopmentwithinthe industry.Healsocollaborateswith colleaguesandexpertswithinand outsidehisorganizationtoexchange insights,discussindustrytrends,and sharebestpractices,leveraging collectiveexpertiseandstaying updatedonthelatestdevelopmentsin thefield.
LeveragingTechnologyand InformationSources:Heleverages technology,tools,andresourcessuch asfinancialnewswebsites,industryspecificapps,andonlineforumsto accessreal-timeupdates,market analyses,andexpertopinionson relevanttopicsinfinanceand accounting.Thisenableshimtostay informedandmakedata-driven decisionsinarapidlyevolving landscape.
Byadoptingtheseproactivestrategies andstayingengagedwiththelatest trendsanddevelopmentsinthefinance andaccountingindustry,hecan enhancehisskills,knowledge,and professionalacumen,anddeliver value-addedsolutionstoclientsand stakeholderseffectively.
Exemplifying its standing within the industry, ATD Group has the honor of winning the prestigious SKOCH AWARD twice. Mr. Mohanty, as the chairman of the Group, has been recognized as the undisputed winner of both the DELHI GAURAV AWARD and the NATIONAL GAURAV AWARD, further solidifying the company’s reputation for excellence
Recent accolades, including the Atal Samman Award, International Excellence Award, and the DIVYA BHARAT AWARD 2023, highlight ATD Group’s continued success and recognition on both national and international stages. These recognitions fuel the journey of ATD Group with the same vigor and enthusiasm that characterized its inception, propelling it toward continued success and recognition in the industry.
Intheadvancingeraof developmentsinthe21stcentury, technologicaladvancementshave becomeadrivingforceinreshaping variousfacetsoforganizational leadership.Astechnologycontinuesto evolveatanunprecedentedpace,ithas significantlyinfluencedleadership styles,decision-makingprocesses, communicationmethods,andstrategic planning.Thisarticleexploreshow technologicaladvancementshave transformedleadership,emphasizing thepositiveimpactswithoutdelving intoassociatedchallenges.
Oneofthemostprofoundimpactsof technologyonleadershipisthe enhancementofdecision-making processesthroughdataanalytics. Leaderstodayhaveaccesstovast amountsofdatageneratedbydigital platforms,socialmedia,andInternetof Things(IoT)devices.Advanceddata analyticstoolsenableleadersto analyzethisdata,extractvaluable
insights,andmakeinformeddecisions. Byleveragingpredictiveanalytics, leaderscananticipatemarkettrends, understandcustomerbehavior,and optimizeoperationalefficiencies.This data-drivenapproachnotonly enhancestheaccuracyofdecisionsbut alsoenablesproactiveandstrategic planning.
Technologicaladvancementshave revolutionizedcommunicationwithin organizations.Toolssuchasvideo conferencing,instantmessaging,and collaborativeplatformslikeSlackand MicrosoftTeamshavebridged geographicalgaps,enablingseamless communicationamongteammembers regardlessoftheirlocation.Leaders cannowcommunicatewiththeirteams inrealtime,fosteringamore connectedandengagedworkforce. Furthermore,thesetoolsfacilitate
collaborativeworkenvironments whereideascanbesharedfreely, enhancingcreativityandinnovation. Leaderscaneffectivelymanageremote teams,ensuringthatallmembersare alignedwithorganizationalgoalsand objectives.
Automationtechnologieshave streamlinedvariousoperational processes,allowingleaderstofocuson strategicinitiativesratherthanroutine tasks.RoboticProcessAutomation (RPA),ArtificialIntelligence(AI),and MachineLearning(ML)arebeing utilizedtoautomaterepetitivetasks, suchasdataentry,customerservice, andinventorymanagement.Thisnot onlyincreasesoperationalefficiency butalsoreducesthelikelihoodof humanerror.Leaderscanallocate resourcesmoreeffectively,dedicating timeandefforttoareasthatrequire humanexpertiseandstrategic oversight.
Thedigitalagehastransformedhow leadersengagewithcustomers. TechnologicaltoolssuchasCustomer RelationshipManagement(CRM) systems,socialmediaplatforms,and AI-drivenchatbotshaveenabled leaderstointeractwithcustomersin morepersonalizedandmeaningful ways.CRMsystemsallowleadersto trackcustomerinteractions, preferences,andfeedback,facilitating adeeperunderstandingofcustomer needs.Socialmediaplatformsprovide adirectchannelforcommunication, enablingleaderstorespondto customerinquiries,addressconcerns, andbuildbrandloyalty.AI-driven chatbotsofferinstantcustomersupport, ensuringaseamlessandsatisfying customerexperience.These technologiesempowerleadersto
cultivatestrongcustomerrelationships, drivingbusinessgrowthandloyalty
Innovationandagilityhavebecome crucialcomponentsofsuccessful leadershipinthetechnology-driven world.Technologicaladvancements provideleaderswiththetoolstofoster acultureofinnovationwithintheir organizations.Byleveragingideation platformsanddigitalworkspaces, leaderscanencourageemployeesto shareinnovativeideasandcollaborate onprojects.Additionally,technology enablesleaderstoimplementagile methodologies,allowingforrapid prototyping,testing,anditerationof newproductsandservices.Thisagility ensuresthatorganizationscanquickly adapttomarketchangesandemerging opportunities,maintaininga competitiveedge.
Technologyhasalsoplayedapivotal roleinemployeedevelopmentand engagement.E-learningplatforms, virtualtrainingsessions,anddigital mentorshipprogramshave revolutionizedthewayleaders approachemployeedevelopment. Thesetechnologiesprovideemployees withaccesstocontinuouslearning opportunities,enhancingtheirskills andknowledge.Leaderscantrack employeeprogressthroughLearning ManagementSystems(LMS),ensuring thattrainingprogramsalignwith organizationalgoals.Furthermore, technology-drivenemployee engagementplatformsallowleadersto gatherfeedback,recognize achievements,andpromoteapositive workculture.Engagedandwelldevelopedemployeesaremorelikely tocontributetoorganizationalsuccess andinnovation.
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)is transformingvariousaspectsof leadershipbyprovidingadvancedtools forstrategicplanninganddecisionmaking.AI-poweredanalyticscan processlargedatasetstouncover patternsandtrendsthathumananalysis mightoverlook.Leaderscanusethese insightstoformulatestrategiesthatare data-drivenandevidence-based.AI alsoenablespredictivemodeling, helpingleadersanticipatefuture scenariosandmakeproactive decisions.Inareassuchasmarketing, supplychainmanagement,andhuman resources,AIprovides recommendationsthatenhance efficiencyandeffectiveness.By integratingAIintotheirstrategic toolkit,leaderscandriveinnovation andstayaheadofthecompetition.
Technologicaladvancementshave profoundlyinfluencedleadership, usheringinaneweraofdata-driven decision-making,enhanced communication,operationalefficiency, customerengagement,innovation, employeedevelopment,andstrategic planning.Leaderswhoembracethese technologiescancultivateamoreagile, innovative,andcompetitive organization.Astechnologycontinues toevolve,itsimpactonleadershipwill onlygrow,offeringnewopportunities forleaderstodrivesuccessandachieve organizationalexcellence.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
Inthefast-pacedandcommercially drivendynamicsofthecurrent market,manyleadersoften neglecttheroleemotionalintelligence playsinleadershipsuccess.Most individualsinleadershiprolesare exclusivelyresult-orientedandfocus onnumbersalone;thoughadatadriventhoughtprocessisanabsolute mustforanyorganisationtosucceed andreducebias,itisimportantto factoremotionalintelligenceintothe organisationalculturetostayrelevant intoday’sself-motivatedlandscape. Manytendtoviewempathyand emotionalintelligenceasasubjective factorindecision-makingasopposed tothemoreobjectiveelementslike dataandreports.However,itis importanttomeasureemotional intelligenceandfactoritintodatato ensurea360viewpoint.
WhatisEmotionalIntelligence?
EmotionalIntelligence(EI)or EmotionalQuotient(EQ)depictsone’s aptitudetomanageandcomprehend
theemotionsofoneselfandthoseof theindividualsaroundthem.Froman organisationalperspective,it encompassestheabilitytoview, understandandreadtheemotionsof teammemberswhileensuringthat theirownemotionsareregulatedinan appropriatemanner.Therearefive categoriesofemotionalintelligenceto focuson,whichincludeSelfAwareness,Self-Regulation,Empathy, MotivationandSocialSkills.These categoriesareofteninterconnected whiledealingwithemployeesona regularbasis.
Whyisitimportanttopromote EmotionalIntelligence?
Post-COVID-19era:hasmarkeda significantshiftinthemind-setof employeesacrosstheglobe. Individualsarenolongerhappyto aimlesslycontributetheireffortsin exchangeofpaychecksalone.Thereis ademandtobeassociatedwithan organisationthathasgoodculture
promotingfairnessandethics,safe environmentsubsidizingtowardsbetter health(bothphysicalandmental),and tobeheardandvaluedfortheirwork, experiencesandpointofviews.
GenZenteringthejobmarket: noteworthychangesobservedinterms ofhowthenewgenerationviewswork andtheirpersonalpriorities. Organisationscannolongerenforce outdatedmethodsandculture,while continuingtoremainrelevanttothe dynamicsofthegenerationalshifts broughtuponthejobmarket.
Increaseintheoutflowoftalentand diversityinthejobmarket:withthe socio-economicandpoliticalchanges acrosstheglobe,asurplusoftalentin themarketdetected.Itisimportantas anemployertostandoutandattractthe talentpool.Inordertobecomethe employmentdestinationofchoice, everyorganisationrequirebuilding theirbrandvalueinordertoentice highpotentialcandidatesfromthe market.Improvingtheorganisational culturetoensuretheorganisationis knownfortheirempatheticviewpoint andembodytheimportanceof emotionalintelligenceinitsculturecan heavilycontributetowardsbuildinga reputationinthemarket,thatattract diversesetoftalent.
Henceforth,tomotivateandretain potentialtalentsandappearrelevantin themarketitisimportantforleadersto investtimeandeffortstoensurethe environmentfocusesonpromoting emotionalintelligence.
HowtobuildanEmotionally Intelligentorganizationalculture?
Thereareplentyofwaystoensurethe organisationalcultureencompass emotionalintelligencewithinits environment.Someoftheimminent waystoachievethiscanbeasfollows:
FeedbackDrivenCulture: Understandingtheemotionalspaceof theemployeesofvaryinghierarchyis vitalforanyorganisationthataimsto buildasafecultureforitsemployees. Regularfeedbackcollectionisa healthywayofmonitoringthecurrent stateoftheorganisationandwork towardsenhancingtheculture.This canbeachievedbyvariousways,such aspulse/employeefeedbacksurveysin regularinterval,focusgroupdesign thinkingworkshops,moreorganised AskMeAnything-AMA sessions/platforms.
Reducingthegapbetweenemployee andleadership:Inmostorganisations, thereoftenisapalpabledistance betweentheseniorleadershipandthe employees.Employeeshavinglackof accesstotheirleadersandviewing themlikein-housecelebrities contributestowardsaculturethatis numbersdriven.Insuchenvironments, employeestendtofeeldisposableand lackasenseofbelongingand motivation.Reducingthisgapbetween theleadershipandemployeesopens thedoortohaveemotionallyintelligent perspectiveandenrichestheculture wherediversesetofemployeesfeel heardandvalued.Theorganisations cantakeseveralstepstobridgethe gap;byincorporatingOpenDoor Policy,organisedTownhall/business sessionsfollowedbyopenQ&Aforum toallowquestions,regularscheduled casuallunches/teasessionwith differentgroupofemployees,ensuring moreparticipationofleadershipinthe companyorganisedengagementevents andteambuildingactivities.
OrganisingCoachingandTraining initiativestoimproveempathetic overviewofnewleaders:By designingaprogramthatenablesthe rightbehaviouralandthought leadershipfornewandexisting individualseitheralreadyinorthose gettinggroomedforleadershiproles,
helpsensurethecultureissetatthe midmanagementandseniorleadership levels.Moreoften,companiesdonot realisetheimportanceofpeopleskills andemotionalintelligenceprevailing atthemidmanagementlevels,asthis isthemakeorbreakphaseofany organisationaloperations.Itisvitalto designconsistentdevelopmental programsthatcoversoftandpeople skillsinclusiveofemotional intelligenceandempathy.
Promotingacultureofsafe communication:Effortsneedtobeput togethertoensuretheorganisational environmentissafeforopen communication.Thiscanweachieved throughregularfeedbackcollections, opendoorpolicywithleadersandHR, anonymousplatformstocollect feedback,suggestionsandconcerns includingwhistle-blowerinitiatives. Theorganisationalsorequiretoensure thesafetyandconfidentialityofthe individualswhocomeforwardto discusstopicsthatareunconventional, engageinwelldocumented investigations(ifrequired),and incorporatetraininginitiativeswith theirleadersandemergingleadersto ensuretheycreateasafespacewithin theirenvironmentthatallowsopen communication.
HowcanLeadersmeasureemotional intelligencetoreducebias?
Measuringemotionalintelligence(EI) inanorganizationalsettingcanbe challengingduetothesubjectivityand thepotentialforbias.Somestrategies thatcanhelpreducebiasinmeasuring emotionalintelligenceincludes:
MultisourceFeedbackincluding360DegreeFeedback:Itisvitaltogather feedbackfromavarietyofsources, includingpeers,directreports, supervisors,andevenclientsor customers.Thisapproachcanhelpto provideamorecomprehensiveviewof anindividual'semotionalintelligence
bygatheringinsightsfromdifferent perspectives.
BehaviouralInterviewing:
Incorporatingacompetency frameworkwhiledesigningquestions forinterviews,beitfornewhiresor internaldesignthinkingsessions, focusingonpastbehavioursand situationsthatdemonstrateemotional intelligence.Anexamplecanbetoask candidatestodescribeatimewhen theysuccessfullymanageda conflictingsituationorwhenthey providedsupporttoateammember canrevealtheirabilitytounderstand andnavigateemotions.
PerformanceReviews:Incorporating emotionalintelligencecompetencies intoperformanceevaluationcriteriato assesshowwellindividuals demonstrateemotionalintelligence skillsintheirday-to-daytasks, interactions,anddecision-making processes.
PsychometricAssessments:Using validatedassessmenttoolsspecifically designedtomeasureemotional intelligence.Theseassessmentsshould focusonobservablebehavioursand competenciesratherthansubjective impressions.Ensurethatthe assessmentsareculturallyand contextuallyappropriateforthe organizationtominimizebias.These assessmentswouldhelpwhile designingindividualdevelopment/ leadershipdevelopmentprogramsby providingabaselinetobuildthe coachingprogramon.
GeneralObservation:General observationsandkeepinganeyeout forpatternsofbehaviouraloutcomes areoftenhelpfultofurtherbase investigations.Evaluationof behavioursexhibitedbyleadersand employeesinvarioussituations, lookingforindicatorssuchasempathy, self-awareness,adaptability,andsocial skills.Thisobservationalmethodcan
providevaluablequalitativedataon emotionalintelligence.Providedthe riskofsubjectiveobservationswith potentialforunconsciousbias,one shouldneveronlymakedecisions basedonthirdpartyobservationsand ensurefactualevidenceisthereto supportanyaction.
AnonymousReporting:
Implementingmechanismsfor anonymousreportingofbehaviours relatedtoemotionalintelligence throughwhistle-blowingpolicyand platformscanencourageemployeesto providehonestfeedbackwithoutfear ofretaliationorbias.
ContinuousEvaluation:Emotional intelligenceisnotstaticandcanevolve overtime.Thus,itisimportantto implementregularevaluationsand check-instoassessprogressand providefeedbackfordevelopment.
DataAnalysisandBenchmarking: regularcollectionandanalysisofdata onemotionalintelligencemetricsover timetocompareindividualandgroup performanceagainstbenchmarkshelps inidentifyingareasforimprovement andtrackprogress.
Byincorporatingacombinationof thesestrategiesintothemeasurement ofemotionalintelligenceinan organisation,organizationscangain valuableinsightsintotheemotional intelligenceoftheirworkforceandits impactonleadershipeffectivenessand organizationalculture.Onecanhelp reducebiasandobtainamoreaccurate assessmentofindividuals'abilities towardsthecriticalareaofleadership andorganizationalculture.Itis essentialtoapproachmeasurement withsensitivityandensure confidentialitytoencouragehonest feedbackandparticipationfrom employees.