Can we speak of Mahatma Gandhi and General MacArthur in the same breath ! One was A Man of Peace while the other was a man of War. The answer is YES WE CAN and WHY NOT. They were unique leaders. They are considered the iconic examples of leadership in their field. They had a great contrast in their styles of leadership but at the same time they also had great similarity in the results that they achieved.
In 20th Century, Mahatma Gandhi was easily the greatest advocate of peace while Gen MacArthur of USA is considered one of the most admired military leader.
One can learn a great deal from the traits of these two great leaders. Best way to get an insight into their mind and heart is through their quotes. Every one of these could be applied to the personal as well as professional work environment and can become the guiding principle for anyone who wants to become a great leader.
Here are some famous quotes of Gen MacArthur. He says “Never Give an order that can not be obeyed.” But I love this one. “Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.” How inspiring.
Similarly, here are some famous quotes of Mahatma Gandhi. One is about the principle of majority. Also the one “Be the change you want to see in the world” is quoted almost in every international forum today as the motto to bring about a change in the world. The quotes are very practical and apply to all walks of life.
There could not have been a better description of the leadership qualities of Mahatma Gandhi than what Martin Luther King said.
He commanded without commanding. This is the ultimate in the art of leadership.
Both Gandhi and Gen MacArthur were hero worshipped by the people they led. Their followers would willingly put their lives on the line on a command from them.
Here is a picture showing what was common and what was different in their style of leadership. Its easy to notice that although one operated in a world of non-violence and other in the world of violence, both displayed many common qualities of leadership. Like Strategy, Vision, Charisma, distinctive appearance and resilience.
Finally, both Gandhi and Gen MacArthur had their own value system in which they were anchored. While goals are important, both realized that the values are even more important because they actually determine the type of goals that you set for yourself.
Here were their anchor value by which they were prepared to live and die. Gandhi’s were Truth and non-violence. MacArthur had Duty, Honor and country. They told this to everyone around them and inspired them also to live by these anchor values.
All those who are in a position leadership in business, politics, military or any other field can take lessons from the lives of these two iconic leaders. We always need role models in life for inspiration as well to refine our own character. What better than these two. Mahatma Gandhi and Gen MacArthur.
Let me leave you with a cartoon of an interview for a position of leadership. Well, as the times change, the definition of leadership also changes.
That’s all for now. Till we meet again.