‘Leadership needs to change with the times’

In the 21{+s}{+t}century, management needs to change with the changing needs of the employee and the organisation, according to Paul T. Thomas, director, DNA Definitive, and BBC Wales Business Doctor, U.K.

Speaking at the Chevening and UK Alumni Meet 2015, ‘Leadership in Innovation’, he said the changing paradigm required modifications not only in the organisational structure, but also in the way of operation with targets being eliminated altogether. “Targets lower performance, since employees will ensure they perform just under them so their targets do not increase in the next year,” Mr. Thomas said.

“Traditional management creates five-year-olds, and not responsible adults,” he added, stating that trust, creativity and risk were the most important qualities of a good leader.

Speaking at the event, Bharat Joshi, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, emphasised the need for a strong connect between Britain and India. With regards to the Chevening scholarship, he said, they were currently looking for corporate and other partnerships to start more fellowships in strategic priorities.

The Chevening scholarship is the U.K. government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. It is available in two categories — the masters program for people with two to three years of experience, and bespoke fellowships for people with more than seven years of experience.

For more information on the scholarship, visit http://www.chevening.org/india/