Cool Bihari

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Leaders Inspire – Perspective on leadership style of M S Dhoni & Nitish Kumar

It takes moment in life to make it special, dream of a generation, imagination of a nation, heartbeat of billions, and then the prayers finally were answered. India lifted the world cup 2011 with great pride and emotions. What Dhoni and his men have achieved will remain etched in the memory of our generation forever. Tears of joy, cries of triumph, and a sense of gratitude filled our hearts as the realization of world cup victory finally sinks to the nation.

Celebrations still continue and what really stood out was the cool and razor sharp finesse which Dhoni displayed in his leadership style throughout the tournament. Perhaps he summed it up himself when he said how his decisions could have been questioned. But as lady luck had it, Dhoni will smile all the way to the glorious annals of cricketing history, perhaps the most successful India captain ever.

One can’t help but draw parallels of his leadership style with another great leader Nitish Kumar who was the Man of Year 2010 for bringing a ray of hope and faith in the murky theater of Indian politics. Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, won his world cup (Bihar elections) consecutively by transforming the electoral dynamics in Bihar. Both Nitish and Dhoni have uncanny similarities in the way they operate and bring out few unique dimensions of their leadership style in their own sphere of influence. They have displayed remarkably identical traits and style which really demonstrates similarity in their leadership style and ability to influence outcomes.

Communication is the key

Dhoni has always spoken his mind out on every aspect of Indian cricket. Often criticized for being too blunt, he has never been a favorite of his bosses in BCCI. Nitish Kumar also stands out for being upfront and plain talks, he has often earned wrath of media, alliance partners and even his own team members for speaking his mind out. Another interesting aspect that stands out of Dhoni and Nitish is the way they have been humble and open enough to admit weaknesses. Dhoni didn’t mince any words in castigating his fielders publicly and even accepted that few decisions didn’t work to the plan.

Likewise, Nitish has publicly rebuked his own party men and allies on many programs and policies. At the same time, one must acknowledge that they have set right goals, worked with their teams to strive together as a team. As the captain of the team, both have been articulating there plans and vision for the teams.

Get the best out of limited means

One of the most inspiring aspects of both these leaders has been how they have struck to the basics of managing their teams. With limited resources at hand, they have ensured that they get the best out of each situation to work to their team’s advantage and thereby imbibing the culture of self-belief and resilience. Despite India’s limited bowling attack, Dhoni marshaled team well and always had an ace in his weak link whenever opposition came to bat. Though Indian bowling attack never looked lethal, but it was very effective and result oriented when it came to the crunch. Dean Jones went to the extent of saying that Dhoni must be dreaming to win this world cup with current Indian bowling attack. With this victory, he has really proved that dreams do come true if only we work as a team.

Similarly Nitish has always worked under constraints, he never had the luxury to spend on public welfare programs, with limited resources and little financial aid he has been able to transfer a state by just ensuring that limited resources are put to optimum utilization. He has proved that good governance can lead to electoral success and one need not always fall back on petty politics of caste and chicanery to achieve political victory. Despite low per capita income & investment, lowest Credit deposit ratio in the country, Bihar has had the 2nd highest growth rate in the country for the last 5 years. Bihar chief minister got applauds from none other than Melinda Gates for his achievements in increasing the immunization rate in Bihar . “In 2005, when Nitish Kumar became the chief minister of Bihar, the burden of disease in the state was massive. It also had a low immunization rate, 33 per cent compared to the global average of 70 per cent. By 2010, however, Bihar’s rate had risen to 66 per cent,” said Melinda.

Lead from the front

Boy.. who can question Dhoni on his ability to lead from the front ( though he remains behind the wicket). When it came to the rubber hitting the road, Dhoni stood up for the challenge like a true champion. Not only did he score well and took the battle back to the opposition, he ensured he is there till the end to give the final punch, and what a thump it was.

Nitish, just like Dhoni has always taken things head on and confronted his party members, policy makers on every public policy decision. He was the first one to come out and declare his assets when he enforced public declaration of assets and wealth owned by all public servants. They have both inspired there teams by their actions and has also given them hope in times of despair.

What’s even more surprising is that both Dhoni and Nitish has been called the Obama of cricket and politics respectively. Despite many parallels, both are believed to be inspiring leaders in their own rights.

Delegation, Decentralization & Team work

Gary Kirsten went on record to state how Dhoni gave him complete freedom to work in his areas. He said “Dhoni was the man in charge once they crossed the rope” while he continued doing his job off the field. Great leaders are not the most talented; they realize they realize that as long as they get the best from everyone there job is done. Dhoni as a batsmen and wicket is not the greatest of all, but he helped the team achieve its peak with help of Kirsten and Sachin and other senior players. He has allowed every one the space to breathe and creating a sense of joint ownership with harmony.

Unlike both Nitish and Dhoni predecessors, there was no noise in public space to display sense of being in control or vulgar display of authority on trivial issues. Nitish Kumar has delegated few key responsibilities to his key advisor N K Singh ( Rajya Sabha MP & Economist) & Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi. Just like Kirsten, N K Singh is believed to be the master strategist and close advisor of Nitish Kumar. Kumar also re-energized the local governments in the form of panchayats or assemblies, by giving them more responsibility for areas such as education.

Dare to dream and take risk

Both Dhoni and Nitish have been non-conformist in their decision making style. They have dared to risk their own stake by taking decisions that may have backfired. Dhoni’s decision to drop Ashwin and take Nehra may have backfired but it proved otherwise in the match against Pakistan. Similarly, the decision to promote himself in the batting order during the final match would have come for severe criticism if he had failed to perform with the bat. His ability to back his team and stand for his decisions has really earned respect from his team and peers.

Nitish has also charmed his followers and critics with his ability to implement out of box ideas which have had significant impact on social development in Bihar. Who would have imagined few years back that girls in Bihar would ride all the way to school and women’s will get 50% reservations in panchayat. Today, Bihar’s leads in various many initiatives, which other states are emulating. Programmes like Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal scheme, NREGS and innovative schemes to suit marginal sections, setting up of District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) are few firsts which Bihar has stood out under leadership of Nitish Kumar. His party has often warned him of losing his vote base but Nitish has always implemented his ideas of development.

Humble beginning and private family life

Both Dhoni & Nitish have humble background and they continue to keep their family life very personal. Dhoni’s father worked in MECON and his brother and sister have also stayed away from public eyes. His close friends still count on him for any support. Nitish has also kept his personal intensely private; his family has always been away from media eyes, not much is known about his brothers and only son.

With all the glory and achievements, both of them there feet firmly stuck on the ground. They are indeed role models for today’s youth and inspire everyone to dream the impossible.

Labels: M S Dhoni, Nitish Kumar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, December 13, 2010

Nitish Kumar - CNN-IBN Indian of 2010 in politics

Labels: Bihar Elections 2010, IBN CNN, Nitish Kumar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The making of new Bihar

Labels: Bihar Elections 2010, Nitish Kumar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Bihar's Growth Story : The Road Ahead

For many, the news of Bihar’s remarkable turnaround growth of 11.3%, second highest in the country has come as a big surprise. Surprising as it may sound, it was expected growth for those who have been following the plethora of slow but steady fundamental changes which Bihar economy has been undergoing over the past few years. Undoubtedly, the leadership of the state deserves all the due credit and the much maligned bureaucracy also needs to be appreciated for the remarkable turnaround.

The latest CSO data shows that in the five-year period between 2004-05 and 2008-09, Bihar's GDP has grown by a stunning 11.03%.In this period, Bihar - traditionally a laggard state that actually saw a 5.15% negative growth in 2003-04 - is the second fastest growing state, just a shade behind Gujarat's well-publicized growth of 11.05%. Last 3 years the growth has been at around 17-18%.

In my view, this is just tipping point of the much awaited change and thankfully the state didn’t miss its last chance to make up for the colossal losses of the past. Bihar’s GDP in real numbers is still one of the lowest in the country and there is much effort needed to give the state its due which has been denied so far. The growth has been primarily fuelled by reinstating basic governance model in place and considerable effort of the current administration has been towards doing damage control of the past. The state would have done much better if it hadn’t been for the natural calamities and half hearted support from the central govt for few of its critical projects.

India Today reported on the some of the highs of the year for Bihar.

· Bihar initiative of reserving 50 % seats for women in Panchayat Raj Institutions and local bodies was adopted by the country.

· A large number of companies and private institutions reached Bihar.

· Bihar registered a quantum leap in tourism sector. Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society Constituted.

· Bihar's percentage per capita growth of 12.07 per cent is not much behind the all India per capita growth rate of 12.73 per cent.

· According to Bihar economic survey for 2008-09, State has registered impressive growth trends in three sectors in the state - construction (21.53%), communications (16.01%) and trade, hotels and restaurants (12.03%).

· Among all States and union territories, Bihar with a crime rate of 118 stood at 28th position in the country.

· In the education sector Bihar remained a viable centre for quality learning, as the already functional branches of Indian Institute of Technology, Chanakya Law University and Chandragupta Institute of Management-which were established during the earlier years- continued to draw top talents.

· Besides, a panel led by Nobel laureate Amartya Sena is also in the process of setting up an international university at Nalanda. Process is underway to accord the status of central university to Rajendra Agriculture University.

Read detail report here ,also read Patna for Prosperity.

Labels: Amartya Sen, Bihar 2.0, Bihar Economic Development, Bihar Finance, Bihar Govt., Bihar Tourism, Brand Bihar, Nitish Kumar, Urban Reforms

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 5:51 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ET Business Reformer - Nitish Kumar

Another accolade for Nitish Kumar for setting Bihar’s development wheels in motion on a fast track mode. Earlier also Nitish has been felicitated for the special effort of his government , he is now the Economic Times Business reformer of the year 2008-09.

The jury members were unanimous in their choice, giving Nitish performance higher rating than any other chief Minister.The national calamity in Bihar following the Kosi river changing its course highlights the state of affairs in Bihar, once rated as the best in administration. Since taking over as the state chief minister, Nitish Kumar has been trying to rebuild the system of governance that has virtually broken down. Bihar being primarily an agricultural state, Mr Kumar has been stressing on agro-based industries.

He believes this will help in keeping land acquisition to a minimum. The chief minister has gone to the extent of saying that he does not want SEZs in the state and his government has identified agro-processing, handloom and textiles, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals and leather as areas with comparative advantage.

The other areas where he has made a good start are employment generation and infrastructure development. He beat other states to put in place an employment-guarantee programme for agricultural labourers, which promises 80 days of work, in addition to the 100 days mandated by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.

Mr Kumar has also identified promotion of investment opportunities as equally important. With poor infrastructure and the absence of long-term policies hindering private investment, he has kickstarted a series of legislative and administrative reforms. A new industrial policy was put in place in 2006, as was the Bihar Infrastructure Development Enabling Act. A new policy for the sugar processing sector — an important crop in the state — was also brought in.

The new industrial policy makes land available at concessional rates and promises reimbursement of 80% of VAT deposited. And these initiatives seem to have paid off, with the government receiving proposals from a number of big sugar manufacturers. An industrial complex with sugar mills, ethanol and power generation plants has been cleared. Measures to revive the textile industry have also been pushed through. With the state relying almost entirely on the Centre for its power needs, Bihar plans to put up new thermal and hydel power plants.

Labels: Bihar Economic Development, ET, Nitish Kumar, Revival of Bihar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, January 26, 2009

Nitish Kumar - IBN CNN Politician of the Year

Labels: Bihar 08, Bihar 2.0, IBN CNN, Nitish Kumar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, January 19, 2009

The man behind Bihar's turnaround

Five year back, who would have thought that the Chief Minister of Bihar would be credited with the biggest turnaround story of transforming a state from a land of despair to one of glorious hope and progress. But finally Bihar has found a leader (not just a politician) who has changed the landscape by turning the tides around and setting the wheels of development in motion.

In one of my earlier post I had referred to the survey published by HT which had comprehensive data on the changes and most importantly on the perception of people since Nitish took over as the chief minister.

In a recent TOI editorial comment Nitish has been well credited for his efforts and he was even rated as perhaps the better CM . The editor castigates business leaders for openly supporting Modi and ignoring the efforts of Nitish.

Nitish has done a more commendable job, in many respects, than Modi. While Modi has built on an already established entrepreneurial culture in prosperous Gujarat, Nitish has taken a sick state like Bihar and attained a fair measure of success in improving matters. In terms of the CEO analogy that was freely bandied about at the summit, it's a better CEO who can take over a sick company and nurse it back to health.

He is also nominated as the best political leader for the year 2008 by CNN IBN poll for his excellent leadership in turning around Bihar. Vote for him as he really deserves to win.

Labels: Bihar 2.0, Bihar Economic Development, Nitish Kumar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Bihar has turned the corner

I remember preparing this so called “wish list” when the Nitish’s new govt came to power in 2005.There was a time when the state made news for only lawlessness and crime ,the new wave of development which the state has witnessed in the last few years are more than just a welcome change. Recent survey released by HT and TOI reports on the sea changes which Bihar has shown bear testimony to the paradigm shift.Nitish Kumar’s scorecard shows more than just mere statistics, just proves that the state and its people have been getting a raw deal over the years. The findings are not surprising.

• 73% Biharis think the current govt is more efficient that the previous one

• 68% agree that Bihar has turned the corner

• 38% feels Bihar is safer than ever before

Things have changed. Bihar has turned around. During the next half of the government’s tenure these changes will be consolidated,” Nitish says.“Our government has started 41 new schemes. We have adopted roughly 100 plus innovations in governance,” says Sushil Modi, the chief minister’s trusted deputy. One such scheme is to give a cycle to every girl who goes beyond ninth standard. “A girl riding a cycle to the school induces change in the thinking of the society,” says.

“He has put on track the fundamental institutions of state and is using it for the welfare of people,” says Shaibal Gupta, of Asian Development Research Institute.

Brand Bihar has undergone transformation it terms of attracting more tourists as well. Number of tourist visiting Bihar has seen three four increase over the last 3 years. According to the figures provided by the tourism department about 1.75 lakh tourists visited Bihar in 2007 against only 63,321 in 2005 and 94,446 in 2006.

The man who turned around Bihar deserves kudos for displaying exemplary leadership and integrity in driving the new development agenda for the state. Millions hope and dream of a better Bihar and he has the support of one and all in making this change happen.

Labels: Bihar 2.0, Bihar Economic Development, Bihar Tourism, Nitish Kumar, Revival of Bihar

Posted by Ajit Chouhan at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments