Leadership today demands more than technical expertise or authority—it calls for timeless principles, values, and adaptability. Despite living in an era of unparalleled technological progress and wealth, the statistics paint a grim picture: rising depression rates, broken relationships, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction. 

 

I often see this firsthand when patients come to me struggling with health issues, and yet, the first half-hour of our conversation is often spent talking about who they know and what they’ve achieved, while their health takes a backseat. What went wrong, and how can leadership bridge this gap?

 

In my recent conversation with Shiv Khera, Motivational Speaker, Author and Leadership Expert, on leadership, I realized, it isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about guiding oneself. And this starts with the right attitude.

 

The Leadership Gap: What Changed?

 

Decades ago, life revolved around strong values, community connections, and consistent personal growth. Today, the world has shifted to a ‘me, myself, and I’ culture. People are consumed by self-interest, seeking comfort over character.

 

“We have more wealth, technology, and knowledge than ever before,” Khera noted, “yet we are lonelier, more depressed, and unhappier than previous generations.” The irony? While advancements have simplified life in many ways, they’ve also created emotional and relational gaps.

 

Why Does Attitude Define Leadership?

 

In our conversation, Shiv Khera brought up a very significant point: the foundation of leadership begins long before individuals enter the workforce. He highlighted a significant gap in how society approaches personal development, noting that by the time people step into professional roles, their attitudes and values are often already ingrained, sometimes for the worse. 

 

This leads companies to focus more on ‘repairing’ employees rather than ‘preparing’ them to thrive.

 

One approach to instill essential leadership qualities and core values in students during their formative years could be ‘Prepare Them, Don’t Repair Them,’. It emphasizes building a strong foundation of discipline, integrity, and empathy early on, ensuring that individuals are not just job-ready but also life-ready.

 

This approach underscores a critical truth: leadership isn’t an attribute that can be fully cultivated overnight or at the workplace alone. It is deeply rooted in the values nurtured during one’s formative years. When schools and colleges fail to embed these principles, the burden shifts to organizations to fix gaps in mindset and behavior, an uphill battle that often yields limited results.

 

What stood out most was Khera’s belief that attitude serves as the bedrock of leadership. He stressed that a positive, resilient attitude shapes how individuals approach challenges, inspire teams, and stay true to their values. Research supports this idea, studies in psychology have shown that attitudes formed in early life play a pivotal role in determining how individuals navigate interpersonal relationships and professional challenges.

 

 

 

This led us to the crux of our discussion: the 3 Ps of Leadership.

 

The 3 Ps of Leadership: Timeless Skills for a Changing World

 

In a world where knowledge becomes outdated almost as quickly as it’s acquired, Shiv reminded me that certain skills remain evergreen. These are the 3 Ps every leader must master:

 

1. People Skills: The Heartbeat of Leadership

Relationships are everything. Whether in families, workplaces, or communities, nothing thrives without trust, respect, and connection. 

 

‘You can buy a dog, but you cannot make it wag its tail.’

 

The point is simple: authentic relationships cannot be forced or faked. They require empathy and genuine care. The science backs this up, studies show that emotional intelligence (EQ) outperforms IQ as a predictor of success in leadership.

 

 

In my own practice, I’ve seen how connecting with people on a personal level, not just addressing their symptoms, creates a deeper impact. As leaders, our ability to understand and inspire others is often what separates good outcomes from great ones.

 

2. Persuasion Skills: The Power of Influence

Leadership isn’t about commanding, it’s about influencing. Every day, we persuade others, whether we realize it or not. From convincing a patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle to negotiating team goals, persuasion is at the core of what we do.

 

As Shiv highlights ‘Results are rewarded, not intentions.’

 

Great ideas don’t matter unless you can inspire others to act on them. Persuasion skills are built on four key attributes: influence, negotiation, selling, and convincing. These skills are the catalysts that turn potential into tangible results. A leader who can effectively communicate a vision, build consensus, and inspire action has the power to drive success and elevate their team to greater heights.

 

3. Prioritizing Skills: The Compass for Clarity

 

This one hit home for me. How often do we feel like there’s never enough time? Despite all our time-saving gadgets, we’re busier than ever. Why? Because we confuse what’s urgent with what’s important.

 

“Urgent tasks scream for attention, but important ones quietly determine your success. Ignore the important, and it will inevitably become urgent,” says Mr Khera.

 

 

 

As a leader, prioritizing is about focusing on the big picture without losing sight of the details. For me, it’s about ensuring my patients don’t just feel better temporarily but build sustainable habits for long-term health.

 

Good vs. Bad Leadership: It’s a Choice

 

Shiv left me with a powerful thought: ‘There is no neutral leadership. You’re either actively guiding or actively misguiding.’

 

This distinction comes down to values:

 

• Good Leaders: Inspire others, create more leaders, and operate with integrity.
• Bad Leaders: Breed followers, thrive on control, and erode trust.

 

 

 

Good leaders, Mr Khera explained, focus on being good and doing good. And this isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about building a legacy of positive impact.

 

 

Therefore, the objective is to invest in cultivating leadership qualities and strong moral principles early on. Preparing individuals at the foundational level not only sets them up for personal and professional success but also equips them to lead with integrity and purpose in an ever-changing world.

 

The takeaway here is clear: true leadership begins with an unshakable attitude. It’s a reminder that to build exceptional leaders, we must focus on preparation, not repair. By fostering these values early, we can create a generation of individuals who lead with character, empathy, and unwavering purpose.

 

The Leadership Formula for the Future

 

As we wrapped up our conversation, one thing became clear: the world will keep changing, but the principles of leadership won’t. Mastering the 3 Ps—People Skills, Persuasion Skills, and Prioritizing Skills—isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity.

For me, this conversation was a reminder to not only lead with purpose but also to live with purpose. After all, leadership isn’t about the title you hold, it’s about the lives you touch.

 

So, here’s my challenge to you: How will you apply the 3 P’s in your life?

 

You can watch my conversation below:

 

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are based on personal insights and interpretations of a conversation with Shiv Khera and should not be considered as professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information shared, readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with a professional for specific leadership or organizational needs. The references to the conversation and initiatives mentioned are included to provide context and inspiration, not as endorsements.

 

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