Leadership Vs Followership

Corporates seem to be obsessed with the study of leaders, leadership styles and are forever attempting to find the winning formula for leading teams and individuals in the most effective manner. A great amount of time, money and effort is therefore spent  in studying leaders of the past and present in pursuit of building an ideal template for aspiring leaders to emulate. Most leaders  picked for such study are either from the business world or from history. The common flaw in the study of such leaders and their 'Successes', is that they are rarely, if ever, judged against the 'context' within which they demonstrated their leadership. In my opinion, "Situational" leadership styles and approaches are therefore far more important than attempting to unearth inborn or developed personality traits that seem to contribute to effective leadership.

The other aspect that seems to be often forgotten in these studies are the constituents who are to be led, namely the 'followers'. This obsession with leaders combined with a scant reference to those to be led, seems to be stemming from a negative connotation that followers are mindless servants who are naturally inclined to subservience and prone to some kind of automatic obedience. 

I believe that followers are themselves leaders in the making and are constantly assessing the leader against standards that have already taken deep root in their minds from early on in life. These frames of reference are most often created in the minds of followers by role models that they have been idolizing from an impressionable age. Effective leaders have to most often contend with these preconceived notions and pass the test of scrutiny in the minds of their followers to measure up to these standards and earn any modicum of loyalty and commitment.

CHAI in Hyderabad

A lot has been written about the omnipresent Indian 'Chai', but this beverage has been taken to a completely different level in Hyderabad. Chai in Hyderabad is the great leveler, and in a class of it's own. It is sought by King and Vagabond alike with the same degree of undying passion. 'Hyderabadi Chai' is a quintessential part of the city's folklore and has developed a mystique and aura around it. Rumours abound on the secret ingredients that are allegedly used to give it that unique taste (not to mention the consequent addiction), that one seems to develop for it.

The credit for elevating this humble brew to it's heavenly status should go to that uniquely Hyderabadi institution, the 'Irani' cafe. No locality in this historic city would be complete without it's very own Irani cafe. Not a single college campus or movie theater would survive if it did not have an Irani cafe within a stone's throw. Any excuse is good enough to take a break and walk across to the nearest Paradise, Garden, Plaza or ...Madina Cafe to savor that hot cup of thick, creamy flavorsome 'Chai' ! You would be looked upon as being perfectly normal if you walked in and ordered a 1/2 Chai and shared it with a friend. You have more than one Friend, no problem ! You could put your mental mathematical abilities to the ultimate test. You could go for 2/3, 3/5, upto your imagination and the portly cafe owner would be most willingly at your service.

The ultimate enjoyment would ofcourse be if you poured the chai into a saucer, held it in skillful balance on the tips of your fingers and close to your lips to sip it unmindful of the loud slurping noise you made to enjoy it. Needless to mention, the experience would be incomplete if you did not have either the small circular salt biscuits or mini samosas to accompany the Chai. You would be served up a generous pile of both items on a plate and allowed to have as many as you feel like. The left overs would dutifully go back to the counter for resale, no questions asked...........who cares about HACCP or occupational health, when you have just been transported to heavenly bliss.......... !!!!

The start of our 'Chai' journey

'Chai' the generic word for Tea in most of South Asia has always been the ubiquitous social lubricant throughout the region, since time immemorial. In the rest of the world, the word 'Chai' has become synonymous with the sickly sweet and spicier concoction, more popularly known as 'Masala Chai'.

The 'CHAI' Express is, however, not meant to be a discourse on the virtues of this popular drink. Just as the traditional chai making process boils the tea leaves together with the various ingredients to bring out it's heavenly aroma and endearing taste, so do I expect this space to bring like minded people together to share their views and interesting anecdotes that would make it an enriching experience for everyone involved.


There is no fixed  recipe or preparation method for chai and each person has their own version. The base ingredients however are the same the world over, Tea Leaves, Sweetener, Milk and Spices. It is the creative imagination of each person that renders his or her own signature to this delightful brew. You can make it any which way you like. Less milk (for the Lactose intolerant), less sugar, or NO sugar (especially if you are a Diabetic), One spice, mores spices, No problem at all ! In the end, it is all about 'Balance' and you will be able to enjoy every sip of it, especially when in the company of good friends and those near and dear.

The 'CHAI' Express, hopes to bring together such variety and a confluence of balanced opinions on the various subjects that I'd love to discuss in this forum and share the warmth around like a good cup of tea. Hope you come along this enjoyable journey and make it a memorable experience.....