Accountability in Leadership- Gandhiji’s Influence

Dr. Anish S Shah, MD

CEO and Medical Director, Siyan Clinical

www.siyanclinical.com

www.siyanresearch.org

Introduction

Leadership is a dynamic and multifaceted responsibility that requires a combination of various inheriting qualities. Among these, accountability stands out as a cornerstone of effective leadership. To lead from the front exemplifies accountability, taking ownership of actions and decisions while inspiring others to do the same. As a leader, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi(referred to hereafter as “Gandhiji”) has been a lifelong inspiration to me to use kindness, nonviolence, and understanding to guide my solutions. Gandhiji’s dedication to developing solutions that were beneficial to all influenced me as I faced challenges and resolved complex problems during my leadership journey. Beyond his role as a political leader, Gandhiji's life and teachings exemplify a profound commitment to accountability in leadership.

The Essence of Accountability in Leadership:

Accountability is the bedrock of a trustworthy and successful leader. It involves accepting responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and consequences. In the context of leadership, accountability extends beyond individual responsibility to include the ability to influence and guide a team towards shared goals.

I have observed the general attitude in leadership move towards a dysfunctional culture of finger pointing, externalizing blame, and not taking ownership. When members of governance and leadership do not have accountability among its leadership team, there is a loss of collective mindfulness which leads to a lack of focus in improving core organizational issues.

A leader who practices accountability fosters a culture of trust and transparency within the organization. A trusting and transparent culture encourages employee engagement, open communication, innovation, and collaboration as team members feel secure in their leader's commitment to the shared objectives

1. Leading from the Front: Gandhiji's famous dictum, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," encapsulates his belief that we lead by example, recognizing that authentic leadership starts with personal accountability. Gandhiji lived a simple lifestyle throughout his life, embodying the values he sought to instill in others. His commitment to truth, nonviolence, and self-discipline was a testament to his belief that leaders must first embody the principles they advocate before they can lead effectively and authentically.
   

2. Leading by Example:  Gandhiji used fasting and hunger strikes as forms of nonviolent protest. His willingness to undergo personal suffering to draw attention to social and political issues demonstrated his commitment to the principles of truth and justice. A leader who leads from the front demonstrates the actions and attitudes expected from their team. By consistently modeling accountability in their actions, a leader creates a powerful ripple effect throughout the organization.
   

3. Taking Responsibility: Gandhiji passionately believed in taking personal responsibility for one's actions. His philosophy of “satyagraha”(truth-force) emphasized the power of personal accountability in creating positive change. By accepting the consequences of his actions, whether through civil disobedience or personal sacrifices, Gandhiji demonstrated that leadership requires a willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity and personal discomfort When challenges arise, accountable leaders don't shy away from taking responsibility. Organizational setbacks like team mistakes, missed deadlines, etc., create opportunities for leaders to lead from the front by acknowledging the situation and taking proactive steps to resolve and prevent further these setbacks.
   

4. Embracing Challenges: The Salt March was not a comfortable undertaking for Gandhiji. The marchers faced scorching heat, exhaustion, and physical strain. However, Gandhiji saw these challenges as integral to the nonviolent resistance movement. By willingly enduring hardship, Gandhiji demonstrated to his followers and to the world that freedom can only be achieved with sacrifice and resilience. Gandhiji used nonviolence resistance to challenge British rule in the “Quit India Movement.” This approach aimed to appeal to the oppressor's moral conscience while demonstrating the strength of the oppressed. Leaders can similarly inspire confidence and resilience within their team by tackling challenges directly and with the enthusiasm that demonstrates their authenticity as members of the leadership team.
   

5. Encouraging a Culture of Introspection and Self-reflection Accountability:  Gandhiji was not immune to self-reflection and acknowledged his shortcomings. This humility and willingness to learn from experiences set an example for others to embrace continuous self-improvement. In doing so, he contributed to a culture where individuals felt accountable for their growth. Leaders must actively promote a culture where accountability is accepted and celebrated. This involves recognizing and rewarding accountability in team members and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to take initiative and learn from successes and failures.
   

6. Continuous Learning and Improvement:  Leading from the front requires a commitment to personal and professional growth. Gandhiji strongly advocated for the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their background or status, in the struggle for independence. He actively worked to break down unjust caste barriers and promoted the idea of "Sarvodaya," which means “the welfare of all.” Accountable leaders actively seek feedback, learn from experiences, and continuously improve their leadership skills. This commitment to learning sets the stage for a culture of continuous improvement within the entire organization.

Benefits of Accountability and Leading from the Front:

1. Enhanced Trust: Accountability builds trust between leaders and their teams. When team members see their leader consistently taking responsibility, they are more likely to trust in the leader's decisions and guidance.

2. Performance: A culture of accountability and leadership from the front motivates team members to strive for excellence. Knowing that their efforts are recognized, and that responsibility is shared, individuals are more likely to invest their energy and skills into achieving organizational goals.

3. Effective Decision-Making: Leaders who lead from the front make decisions confidently and decisively. Accountability ensures that decisions are well-considered, and leaders are willing to stand by them, even in challenging circumstances.

4. Adaptability and Resilience: Organizations led by accountable leaders are more adaptable and resilient. When challenges arise, their teams are is better-equipped to navigate and overcome obstacles because they trust their leaders’ ability to guide them through uncertainty.

Conclusion:

Mahatma Gandhi's leadership provides a timeless example of accountability in action. His commitment to personal responsibility, service to others, and dedication to nonviolent principles have left an indelible mark on the world. Today's leaders can draw inspiration from Gandhiji's legacy, understanding that accountability is not just a set of rules but a moral and ethical compass guiding the way toward positive change. Embracing the principles of accountability championed by Gandhiji, leaders can create a legacy of integrity, service, and enduring impact.

Accountability in leadership is not merely a trait; it's a transformative force that shapes organizational culture and drives success. Leading from the front, with accountability at its core, is a powerful approach that inspires teams, fosters trust, and cultivates a culture of excellence. As leaders embrace accountability, they pave the way for a dynamic, resilient organization that can navigate challenges and achieve long-term success.