Mahtab Uddin Ahmed
Founder & Managing Partner, BuildCon Consultancies Ltd.

Leadership is a highly valued asset in the dynamic business and organisational management world. This asset must be effectively used to transform Bangladesh into a developed Bangladesh. Effective leaders possess a unique blend of qualities that propel them to success in the digital era. Let’s delve into six pivotal leadership traits, each contributing to the transformational journey of exceptional leaders to show exceptional progress.

Seizing the Future

Like an explorer peering through a telescope, leaders have a forward-thinking mindset. They anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and chart a course toward a brighter future. Their ability to envision possibilities inspires their teams to reach new heights. It is just the opposite of “abandoning the past”. Our transformation journey towards developed Bangladesh is only possible through large-scale innovation, creativity considering the local context, and, at times, borrowing from others. Leaders with such a mindset can think of the unthinkable.

In 2011, on a day shadowed by the loss of my father-in-law, my youngest son, aged six, stood on the verandah, contemplating the sky. Curious, he asked his mother where his Nana (grandfather) had gone. Gazing upward, my wife gently explained that Allah had taken him to the heavens. Relief washed over his face, and he replied, “Oh! But Allah can’t take Abbu (father) up there—he’s too fat and heavy!” The key to this trait is to think of the unimaginable and deliver it.

Abandoning the Past & Embracing the Future: A Leader’s Journey Beyond the Past

Leadership simultaneously points to the past, the present, and the future. Effective leaders, like agile navigators, don’t linger in the rearview mirror of past victories or setbacks. Instead, they pivot swiftly, creating an environment where change is not feared but embraced.

“You don’t drive a car looking at the rearview mirror,” goes the saying. Similarly, a leader cannot transform a nation by fixating on historical glories. The first step toward monumental change is to release the grip on past laurels. Why? Because tomorrow’s challenges and context are unlikely to mirror those of yesteryear.

Allow me to share a tale—a sun-drenched afternoon in Kakrail & Ramna Park. There, a familiar face peddled “tupis” (hats). After a hearty lunch, he sought refuge under a tree’s shadow, lulled into a deep slumber. But fate had other plans. A mischievous troop of monkeys descended upon his bag of hats. When he awoke, his collection had vanished, replaced by cheeky simians sporting headgear atop the branches.

Frustration surged within him, and he threw his own hat to the ground. Astonishingly, the monkeys followed suit, dropping their ill-gotten treasures. That evening, he amused his grandchildren with this curious tale. Fast-forward three decades: his own child faced a similar simian ambush. Recalling the grandfather’s story, the child flung a hat, expecting the same outcome. But the monkeys remained indifferent.

“Why?” he asked, disappointed. The monkeys, wise in their own way, replied, “We heard that tale from our grandfather—30 years ago.”

The moral echoes through time: What once worked may no longer suffice. Leaders must adapt, innovate, and forge new paths. The past, though cherished, cannot shackle progress. Tomorrow awaits—a canvas for fresh strokes of leadership.

Stepping Beyond Comfort Zone

Leaders thrive on challenges just as a fish leaps from one bowl to another. They venture beyond their cosy confines, embracing calculated risks and exploring uncharted territories. Their adventurous spirit fuels innovation and resilience.

In my three-decade career, I’ve never lingered in the same role for more than 2.5 years—the maximum tenure as a CEO. This perpetual role rotation kept me agile, performing across diverse situations, countries, and respon- sibilities. It instilled confidence, enabling me to confront challenges head-on and emerge victorious. Pushing beyond comfort became my habit.

Remember Sergii Bubka? The pole-vaulting legend cleared unprecedented heights. In June 1985, he soared to glory, and over the years, he incrementally raised the bar. His 17th world record—a vault of 6.14 meters in July 1994—still stands tall.

This mindset—venturing beyond comfort—fuels leaders. It propels them to deliver the unimaginable for our country.

Recall our ’80s university days: sleepless nights before confessing feelings. Some stumbled, unable to express love or interest. A brave few uttered the magical three words. Saying it the first time was daunting, but repetition eased the way. Believe in your and our nation’s potential; push boundaries relentlessly.

Developing Multifaceted Competence & Skill

Leaders are perpetual learners, their curiosity spanning diverse domains. Their multifaceted competence becomes a compass, guiding them through intricate landscapes with unwavering confidence.

Consider job rotation—a dynamic dance across roles. In my journey, I have encountered various intricate threads of commerce: Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Treasury, reporting, and supply chain intricacies, including procurement. Then, I dared to experiment with Sales and marketing, bending toward strategy. Finally, the spotlight found me as CEO.

The leader of tomorrow wears many hats, continuously updating their toolkit. Yet, amidst this complex pattern, they must retain their unique type—an identity that sets them apart. One of my German bosses once whispered, “You excel at all, yet blend into none.” Thus, I embraced the paradox: “Jack of all trades, but master of one.”

Leaders are like musicians in a beautiful orchestra. Each skill they possess is like a musical note, blending to create a masterpiece—the painting of progress.

Fostering Teamwork: The Art of Givers, Takers, and Matchers

Imagine two silhouettes, hand in hand, ascending a mountain. This embodies teamwork—the magic that happens when individual strengths blend into a harmonious whole. Leaders understand this dance of collaboration. They ignite unity, align goals, and celebrate shared victories.

Now, let’s peek into the world of “Givers,” “Takers,” and “Matchers.” These roles shape how we interact and deliver the best:

Matchers (70%): They flow with the current, neither too daring nor cautious. Talented yet risk-averse, they prefer life’s gentle currents.

Takers (15%): These folks excel at taking—notes, knowledge, or favours. Remember those top students who guarded their notes like precious gems? That’s the taker spirit. They thrive on extracting value.

Givers: These unsung heroes never say no. They go the extra mile, supporting colleagues and classmates. But beware—their selflessness can lead to burnout. Companies with more givers often thrive, as generosity is linked to performance.

In the corporate realm, givers shine. Their success outshines the rest. Takers find fulfilment in teaching, research, or scientific pursuits.

In summary, leaders need solid grounding, updated knowledge, and experience. They steer our nation toward its destiny. And remember, “corruption” is never a competence.

Diversify Thinking to drive innovation and creativity

The illuminating light bulbs represent varied perspectives. Leaders value diverse viewpoints, knowing they fuel innovation. They make informed decisions and effectively solve complex problems by embracing cognitive diversity. Such leaders encourage debate before decision-making to get new perspectives and to bring everyone’s knowledge to the table.

Back in my university days, our campus was a melting pot. Students hailed from different districts and socio-economic backgrounds. Yet, we noticed a pattern: like-minded folks gravitated toward each other. Dhaka city students formed their cliques, often overlooking their rural peers.

This echo chamber effect had consequences. The like-minded group missed out on diverse perspectives. Imagine discussing the same issues from multiple angles—like viewing a gem through different facets. That’s where innovation and creativity thrive.

So, let’s break free from our comfort zones and mix with different kinds of people—the dreamers, the pragmatists, the artists, and the engineers. Their stories, experiences, and viewpoints enrich our canvas. Together, we paint a masterpiece—a culture that celebrates fresh ideas and unexpected collaborations.

Remember, leadership isn’t about a single trait—the harmonious orchestration of these qualities defines exceptional leaders. As you embark on your leadership journey, cultivate these traits and unleash your full potential!

Leaders anticipate trends, adapt swiftly and blend multifaceted skills. They harmonise with diverse teams, encourage risk-taking, and dream beyond the imaginable. Their ethical compass guides us, rejecting corruption as competence. Together, we chart a course toward progress—a symphony of innovation and audacity. ■