Leadership is essentially a task of persuasion. How does ability to persuade others help civil servants in performing their duty? Identify five qualities that make civil servants effective agents of persuasion. Justify your choices.

Leadership is defined as empowering people with a SHARED VISION, to inspire them, and achieve the goals of the organisation.

How ability to persuade others helps civil servants in performing their duty:

(I) : In work within office

1. In inspiring staff
2. Creating an open work culture Eg: wherein employees feel free to share ideas and innovate.
3. Tracking performance. → [employees persuaded to give their best.]
4. Rewarding merit Eg: Anil Swarup wrt Coal India.

(II) : In bringing social change

1. In creating awareness about social issues
2. In leading from the front.

Eg: NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer - cleaning a toilet - to lead from the front in Swachh Bharat.

(III) In economic growth:

1. As by persuading people to become partners in development.
2. "Sabka prayas" Eg: Fame functions - road construction.

(IV) In international diplomacy:

1. As persuasion useful in negotiations.
2. Especially in content of trade and climate change. Eg: Indian leadership in WTO for fisheries subsidies.

5 qualities for effective persuasion

(I) Aristotelian model Ability to use all 3 → ie, ethics

(II) Emotional intelligence | Eg: Suhani Mohan - banker turned entrepreneur for sanitary pads affordability

(III) Leading from the front

(IV) Perseverance | Eg: "10000 hours" - Malcolm Gladwell

(V) Courage of conviction - golden mean value

These qualities are important with respect to day-to-day decisions, as well as macro-leadership.