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Strategic Leadership is Essential for Organizational Excellence—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” —Peter Drucker
When strategy becomes the bedrock of leadership, it is known as strategic leadership. A question may arise: Does every leader work with a strategy? That is right! However, strategic leaders are not concerned much with the short-term perspective. They don't have a short-term mindset. In contrast, they set their goals firmly fixed on the bull's eye with a long-term perspective.
Strategic leadership is all about the ability to position and prepare strategically for achieving organizational goals and objectives. It involves planning, long-term perception, and decision-making. It connects planning with execution. It blends both strategy and leadership. It provides a mental picture of where and how to reach the specific goals. It stresses more on the role of the leaders rather than strategies, unlike strategic management, where it is the other way around. Succinctly, strategic leadership is the process of setting direction, providing inspiration, respecting short-term failures, and having a long-term perspective in reaching goals and objectives.
The word strategy derives its roots from the military, where soldiers need to think and plan with a long-term perspective to minimize potential threats from the enemy and maximize opportunities to win. The process involves staying ahead of others and times and remaining productive and competitive.
The 21st century has thrown several challenges to business leaders. It calls for strategic leaders who can take the organization to greater heights. Several companies, such as Starbucks Corporation, believed in and practiced strategic leadership. Revolutionary firms like Dell Computer Corporation and Netflix practice strategic leadership and create rules for others to follow.
According to Andrew J. Dubrin, strategic leadership has five important components: the high-level cognitive activity by the leader, gathering multiple inputs to formulate a strategy, anticipating and creating a future, revolutionary thinking, and creating a vision.
Strategic leadership contains several ingredients, such as individual characteristics, thinking patterns, and effective management. In addition, it often involves SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, which is the bedrock of strategic leadership. Corporate analysts and strategists execute SWOT and then adopt strategies to ensure success.
Strategic leaders are blessed with the art of thinking several steps ahead with the various permutations of the scenario. The chess players are also gifted with strategic thinking.
Strategy is different from approach. The strategy involves a long-term perspective, while the approach involves the means and methodology of executing the activities. Strategy challenges the status quo, while the approach involves either a conventional or an unconventional approach for accomplishing the task. Above all, strategy calls for conceptual clarity and execution.
Attributes of Effective Strategic Leaders
Strategic leaders don’t blame their tools. They work under several constraints and still deliver goods effectively.
They empower others and give them credit for their hard work. They support talent and adopt a people-palooza strategy.
They are change drivers and agents with global thinking. They know how to pick up the pieces and integrate them effectively through conceptual skills. They see the invisible.
These leaders respect failures and encourage their followers to pursue their goals relentlessly.
They think several steps ahead of other aspects with pros and cons.
They possess high conceptual skills, see the big picture, and fit the different pieces of strategy together as one. They give shape to shapeless pieces.
Strategic Leadership and Robert Katz
“A successful man can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." —David Brinkley
Robert Katz states that human skills, technical skills, and conceptual skills are essential at each level of management with varying degrees. In the lower level of management, there is more need for technical skills, less need for conceptual skills, and a fixed amount of need for human skills. Middle-level management calls for an equal proportion of technical, human, and conceptual skills, while human skills remain fixed at the same level. At the top level of management, which is also known as strategic management, the leaders must possess the most conceptual skills and the least technical skills, with human skills remaining constant.
In all these three levels of management, the ratio of human skills remains constant, and there is variation in human and conceptual skills. Therefore, the leaders at the strategic level of management have a crucial role to play in planning after weighing all permutations, positioning, and executing the activities with a long-term view.
Conclusion
“The ultimate challenge of leaders who are senior managers is to develop the next generation of leaders more capable than themselves.” —Dave Ulrich
No business can be successful without strategic leaders and leadership. There is no magic wand to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness through mediocre leaders. Besides, you cannot bank on the luck factor in business, as luck is different from strategy. What works for the success of any business enterprise is the planning, positioning, and organizing of activities strategically by weighing the pros and cons of decision-making and ultimately executing effectively and efficiently.
Keeping the current global complexities in view, strategic leadership plays a crucial role in keeping the firms ahead of others and standing out from the pack. It not only beats recession but also takes the firms to greater heights.
Reference
https://www.amazon.in/Strategy-Leadership-Lessons-Historical-Leaders/dp/B0DDPM4LND
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
Professor M. S. Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders : Atal Bihari Vajpayee—A Remarkable Poet, Inspiring ...
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Inspiration Drawn From The Leadership Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“There is something unique in this soil, which, despite many obstacles, has always remained the abode of great souls.” ―Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
I am incredibly excited to share with you that I received the 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of "Excellence in Youth Development” on October 31, 2016, which coincides with my birth anniversary. I received this award from Mr. Bimal Prasad Singh, the former Governor of Sikkim, in New Delhi, India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation gives away these awards annually to various achievers for their contributions. It is a great honor to receive this prestigious international award, as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of the leaders I admire the most.
This award is recognition of my services and contributions to youth development and youth empowerment. I started a nonprofit, Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders, to build one million students as global leaders, and I have trained more than 50,000 students as global leaders. URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.htmlI am passionate about developing students as global leaders, and I dedicate this award to global youth who are the real power and on whose shoulders the future of the world depends.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Profile
“In the history of this country, there has never been such consolidation as has been today. Indian history has shown in the past and, if we take a lesson from past history, then it is our duty to preserve and consolidate the hard-earned freedom for which many people have made tremendous sacrifices.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. He was a farmer by birth. He became a lawyer and freedom fighter and is revered as the ‘Iron Man of India.’ He is affectionately called Sardar (chief or leader in English) Vallabhbhai Patel in India. He rose from humble origins. Mahatma Gandhi was his mentor. He was a man of very few words and was firm in his convictions. He played a crucial role in India’s Independence along with other leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
I admire Sardar Patel for his exemplary leadership and willpower. As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he contributed greatly to India’s unity and integrity. His heroic role in integrating princely states to Indian Federation is commendable. He demonstrated his political brilliance by integrating the Hyderabad state (Nizam) through police action. He was a charismatic leader who could inspire people to join India’s freedom struggle. He demonstrated it many times, including the Kheda and Bardoli agitations. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He died on 15 December 1950. Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor, in 1991. The Indian Government began celebrating his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014.
Leadership Lessons from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
“Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
There are several leadership lessons to learn from him. Here are some of them:
Be Bold: He was a bold leader who did not hesitate to make tough decisions in pre-Independent and post-Independent India. He led from the front without any fear or favor. He was unconcerned about unhealthy criticism. He was courageous to integrate Hyderabad and Junagarh, whose leaders resisted joining India. He became a role model and inspiration for other freedom fighters in India for his courageous decisions.
Be Clear, Firm, and Determined: He was clear, firm, and determined without any wavering mind. He was a team leader and an amazing organization builder. He was decisive and believed in straightforward leadership.
Be a Decision-Maker: He was a decision-maker. He proved critics wrong who predicted that India would disintegrate soon after acquiring independence. He successfully integrated all princely Indian states into the Indian Union. He advocated Indian civil services strongly and stood firmly when there was severe criticism against it. Hence, he is also known as the "Patron saint of India's civil servants."
Be a Strategist: He was a great strategist with a strong vision to integrate India as one nation and as a strong nation. His vision and strategy laid the foundation stones for a strong and vibrant India. Additionally, he was a troubleshooter who showed the right direction to the nation after attaining independence. He is highly admired for accomplishing the integration of princely states in India.
Adopt Carrot and Stick Policy: He was a practical leader who bridged the gap between idealism and realism. He offered carrots to princely states to integrate them into the Indian Union. He adopted a stick policy for those who failed to fall in line.
Be an Effective Negotiator: He was a skillful negotiator who built consensus amongst the different castes and communities through trust and transparency. He could carry all sections of people with his persuasion and negotiation skills. Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, "Sardar Patel’s name will live forever in history. He is the Architect of Modern India. He was a wise counselor in the hour of trial, a trustworthy friend, and a mine of courage and inspiration."
Learn when to Hold and when to Fold: He knew when to hold and when to fold. Once he made a decision, he never looked back. He moved forward irrespective of the outcome. Most of his decisions were successful. He had the courage and conviction. That is why he is also known as the ‘Bismarck of India.’
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a unique freedom fighter who had the moral courage to oppose great leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, on ideological issues. Several nations failed to address their challenges when they acquired independence because they did not have leaders like Sardar Patel.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Indian history books did not give due attention and recognition to Sardar Patel for his contribution. They focused more on the achievements of Nehru, not Sardar Patel. Although Nehru’s contribution cannot be underestimated, Sardar’s contribution is equally relevant and significant, and he needs to be given due recognition and respect for his extraordinary contribution.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a phenomenal leader of India. His actions spoke louder than words. He was the most powerful man of his time. He is remembered for his political brilliance, sacrifices, and services. He was a great patriot and nationalist. His spirit is still alive, energizing and guiding India currently. We need more Sardar Patels to inspire Indian youth. Indian youth must learn lessons from Sardar Patel to work for national unity and integrity.
In spite of having ideological differences with Pundit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked with team spirit to ensure a smooth transition from the pre-independence to the post-independence era. We Indians are proud to have such a great nationalist and patriot. He was one of the tallest Indian freedom fighters who will be remembered forever for his contributions. We must emulate his ideas and ideals to build a secular, strong, and united India. Jai Hind!
“No distinctions of caste and creed should hamper us. All are the sons and daughters of India. We should all love our country and build our destiny on mutual love and help.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
How Did Hitler's Speaking Skills Help Him Come to Power?—Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.—21st-Century Philosopher & The Father of “Soft Leadership”
“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” —Adolf Hitler.
During the global lockdown on June 21, 2020, I watched the movie ‘Hitler—A Career’ on Netflix to understand Adolf Hitler’s strategy, leadership, and speaking style to share with my readers. The movie is a long compilation of documentary footage. I read his autobiography, Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”) when I served as a corporal in the Indian Air Force in 1988. I viewed some of his videos on speaking before I authored my award-winning book on public speaking titled ‘Secrets of Successful Public Speaking: How to Become a Great Speaker.’ URL: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
Adolf Hitler was a master strategist, a great orator, and an expert in the propagation of his ideals and ideas. He had suicidal tendencies when he was young. He served in the German army as a corporal. He exploited each crisis. He manipulated people with his rhetoric for his political and ideological ends. He was impatient and hungry for power. He was constantly on the move. He played double games. He made major decisions when he was in the mountains. He felt loneliness in the end.
Adolf Hitler—A Great Orator
“I know that men are won over less by the written than by the spoken word, that every great movement on this earth owes its growth to orators and not to great writers.” —Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
No leader is entirely good, and no leader is entirely bad. There is always something to learn, even from bad leaders. Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933. He was an energetic and inspiring speaker. He was a crowd captivator and knew how to mobilize masses. He talked about national pride and persuaded his people in the name of nationalism. He knew how to adapt to his audiences. He was an expert in body language and knew how to give pauses to enable his audiences to understand the essence and applaud. His content was crisp, and his communication was clear. He wrote his speeches and edited them several times to drive home his ideologies and messages. He rehearsed his prepared speeches, delivery, hand gestures, and body language. He included animation to convey his ideologies emphatically. He took feedback from his facial expressions, vocal expressions, and body expressions to improve his oratory. He perfected the art and craft of public speaking by emphasizing excellence. He created a unique brand by including in his speeches words such as “sword”, “fire”, and “blood”, and he relied on symbolism, with metaphors such as the eagle and swastika featuring heavily.
Emphasize Character, not Charisma
“Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have.” —Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was a charismatic and visionary leader with a vision of 1000 years for Germany. But he failed to accept the realities and refused to take feedback from his generals. At times, he made poor decisions, thus losing in World War II. As successes come in battalions, the failures also come in battalions. He enjoyed both successes and failures one after another. He was unable to reconcile the failures that came in battalions and finally committed suicide in 1945. He left behind a shameful legacy for his nation.
Greatness comes from character, not charisma. To conclude, emphasize the right means to achieve your ends. Emphasize humanity and serve global societies to leave your everlasting legacy.
"When you are in the light, everything will follow you. But when you enter the dark, even your own shadow will not follow you, that is life.” —Adolf Hitler.
References
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
https://www.amazon.in/Secrets-Successful-Public-Speaking-Speaker/dp/1628656107
https://www.amazon.com/Mein-Kampf/dp/0395925037
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfxi5os43M0
“He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” —Adolf Hitler
“Words build bridges into unexplored regions.” —Adolf Hitler
“Struggle is the father of all things. It is not by the principles of humanity that man lives or is able to preserve himself above the animal world, but solely by means of the most brutal struggle.” —Adolf Hitler
“To be a leader means to be able to move masses.” —Adolf Hitler
Share if you care!
“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.-S.-Rao/e/B00MB63BKM
Vision 2030: https://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao
Substack: https://professormsrao.substack.com
X: http://twitter.com/professormsrao
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorMSRao
Meta: https://www.facebook.com/Professor-MS-Rao-451516514937414
See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
Thanks for reading!
Kindly share your thoughts and comments below. I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.
Copyright©2026 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
This nonprofit blog will share Professor M.S. Rao’s passion and vision to develop one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please do not cut articles from my blog; redistribute them via email or post them online. The use of this material is free, as long as the copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is provided to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com. Without permission, this material may not be sold, published, or used to offer business services to third parties.
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