The Diplomatic Leader’s Playbook: Building Success through Collaboration
In the Picture: Dr. Verghese Kurien was a renowned Indian social entrepreneur and the “Father of the White Revolution” in India. He is best known for his work in the dairy industry and the successful implementation of the Operation Flood program, which transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to one of the largest producers of milk in the world.
In 1954, Dr. Varghese Kurien and his team were working against the time to complete the construction of India’s first milk powder plant. The date for the diary’s opening was already fixed. The Prime minister of that time, Jawaharlal Nehru, would like to inaugurate the plant and dedicate it to the memory of Sardar Patel.
Dr. Kurien and his team were committed to setting up the new plant in record time.
As the construction work began, the team started getting some thirty to forty wagonloads of material each day through the train. The Station Master began demanding Rs.5 per wagon. Infuriated, Dr. Kurien Varghese telephoned Mr. F. J. Heredia, who was then collector and District Magistrate, demanding some action against the Station Master.
Heredia came over and took Dr. Kurien to meet the Station Master.
Mr.Heredia said to Station Master, “I am the collector, and I have come here to thank you.”
Dr. Kurien was shocked to hear those words.
But Mr Heredia continued, “I have come here to thank you for all that you are doing to help build India’s first milk powder plant. You must be very proud that you can play a role. So I have come on behalf of the Government of Bombay state to thank you. And I would also like to tell you that in my report, I am going to mention all the things you are doing to help the work of the diary. Thank you again for your service.”
Dr. Kurien couldn’t believe what he heard. He asked Mr. Heredia, “What are you doing? I asked you to take action against him.”
“Yes, yes, I understand your concerns,” explained Heredia, “But the most I can do is transfer him. Then another station master will come. He will also be like him. There will be no difference. So what have we achieved? Now, I believe that he will behave properly.”
And indeed, the technique worked, and the Station Master became a helpful friend and worked hard as one of them.
Diplomatic Leadership
Diplomatic leadership, as exemplified in the story of Dr Varghese Kurien and Mr Heredia, embodies a leadership style centred on effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. This approach prioritizes the cultivation of positive relationships, understanding diverse perspectives, and seeking collaborative solutions. Diplomatic leaders tactfully navigate challenges, aiming to create a harmonious work environment and achieve collective goals.
In the context of the story, Mr. Heredia’s visit to the Station Master serves as a poignant illustration of empathetic leadership. By acknowledging the challenges and contributions of the individual, Mr. Heredia demonstrated the importance of understanding the perspectives of those being led. This empathetic approach fosters trust, open communication, and collaboration within the team.
The strategic communication employed by Mr Heredia is another crucial lesson in diplomatic leadership. Instead of resorting to confrontation or punitive measures, he strategically expressed gratitude, diffusing tension and avoiding further escalation. Diplomatic leaders prioritize communication strategies aligned with long-term organizational goals, choosing dialogue over conflict to address challenges.
Appreciation emerges as a powerful tool in conflict resolution within the story. The act of expressing gratitude transformed the Station Master from a source of conflict into a supportive ally. Diplomatic leaders recognize the impact of appreciation in building positive relationships and motivating teams, ultimately contributing to conflict resolution and a cohesive work environment.
Long-term thinking and a focus on sustainable solutions are integral aspects of diplomatic leadership. Mr Heredia’s decision to avoid a simple transfer highlights the importance of considering the long-term impact of decisions on individuals and the organization. Diplomatic leaders prioritize solutions that address underlying issues, aiming for lasting positive outcomes.
Building allies through collaboration is a key tenet of diplomatic leadership, as evident in the story. The diplomatic approach turned the Station Master into a helpful ally, emphasizing the value of collaboration in achieving overall success. Diplomatic leaders actively seek to build alliances, recognizing that positive relationships contribute significantly to organizational success.
Moreover, the story highlights the cultural sensitivity and adaptability inherent in diplomatic leadership. Mr. Heredia’s approach considered the cultural context of the situation, showcasing an understanding of diverse perspectives. Diplomatic leaders demonstrate an ability to navigate cultural nuances, fostering inclusivity and effective leadership.
The diplomatic approach, as seen in the story, contributes to the creation of a positive work environment. Diplomatic leaders actively engage in building an organizational culture where individuals feel valued and motivated, ultimately enhancing team cohesion and productivity.