In the study of human history, the continuum of arrogance having been duly punished is a great assurance. Arrogance has a limited shelf life. Arrogance perishes either by natural retribution or by way of its own inherent propensity to self-destruct. Arrogance maims the human element in individuals. The view is narrow, constricting and limited for those who perceive and ride upon the most misleading belief of possessing power to punish others or to take punitive action against friends and foes alike. Arrogance rarely allows one to distinguish between an ally and an adversary.

Leadership and humility... to be said in a single breath may sound sacrilegious to serious management gurus and practitioners... at least in the local context, be it the arena of politics, the corporate world or any other area. Most see leadership as a position of authority, which, technically, it may be so, but to qualify for being accepted as a true leader, there are several other traits that must simultaneously be present, and these traits, too, must be seen to be those that are practically practised and used. Humility is just one trait... but the most important and domineering in the construct of the personality of the leader.

Authority and confidence should never be confused with arrogance. They are far apart.

In the annals of the history of leadership, particularly political history, the pages are replete with the sad and fatal end of those who behaved arrogantly. Arrogance is visible... either by words, actions or attitudes. It is therefore imperative for leadership to be mindful of these aspects. It just doesn't augur well for parliamentarians to make remarks like, "Yes, we did it — so what?" In the past, too many made such grievous statements; little did they know the end was nigh. Arrogance is a disease of the mind. Humility is a tranquil resident in the deep chambers of the heart.

If the leader gets afflicted with this self-consuming disease, he/she prepares, unbeknownst to themselves, their journey to the oblivion of the dustbin of history. Due to space constraints, this scribe is not recording the names that........

© The Nation