A military axiom, `It is the man behind the machine that matters', has come to focus in the organizations nowadays. In keeping with modern technology and organizational behavior, the value of Human Resource Development (HRD) remains vital. The importance of achieving motivational levels right from the top to grass roots level is essential for success and remains imperative for sustainability of the organization. This can only be achieved by inspired and dedicated leadership at all levels. Ten principles for such a leadership have been postulated and elaborated. The study concludes that for good management, a motivating and constructive environment must prevail which would then cater for achieving both individual and organizational development needs.
The
principles of motivational leadership have from time immemorial
been applied practically on the battlefields-a laboratory
for the study of inspiration. What is special about a battlefield?
The relevance is that over many centuries a large number of
people have found themselves in more or less the same situation.
They have always brought to it some natural fighting spirit,
which in many cases has been rapidly lowered by fear, anxiety,
uncertainty and chaos. Yet, sometimes soldiers transcend expected
limits, perform extraordinary feats and achieve impossible
results. There are innumerable occasions like the small number
of 300 Spartans holding the pass at Thermopolae against a
vast Persian host. Good leadership, inspired by motivation,
makes this possible.
In
1066, William, the Duke of Normandy, landed on the southern
shores of England as an intruder. He knew that shortly the
whole military force of the Anglo-Saxons would concentrate
to crush his small army of Normans. William ordered all the
ships that had transported his soldiers across the channel
to be burnt. He wanted a fully committed army, highly motivated
to win, when the only alternative was to battle through the
lines or to be driven back into the sea and the Duke also
shared the same danger. The Normans won the battle. As
the Greek playwright Euripides wrote in the fourth century,
"Ten soldiers wisely led, can beat a hundred without
a head." What is this mysterious factor that has converted
people into legends? Committed people begin to show these
qualities most associated with motivation. In adversity, they
show tenacity and resolve. In a favorable environment, they
are purposeful.
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