Who is a Leader – In a Founder’s Eye

Who is a Leader – In a Founder’s Eye

Leadership is often misunderstood.
Many equate it with position, power, or title. But in a founder’s eye, a leader is far more than that.
A leader is not merely someone who manages people,
but someone who sets the tone, the energy and the direction for others to follow.

Over my journey of building MAITYS, I’ve realized that leadership has nothing to do with authority, and everything to do with identity, vision, drive, and responsibility. When I look at someone and ask myself, “Is this person a leader?”, I measure them against certain reflections.

Let me elaborate:

Are you hungry to build your own identity?

Leaders are not content with blending into the crowd. They are hungry to stand for something, to be remembered for their contributions. If you don’t crave building your own identity, you will always operate under someone else’s shadow.

Do you have a 10-year vision of your career?

A true leader looks beyond the next appraisal or the next job switch. They see a decade ahead, and align today’s actions with tomorrow’s dreams. Without a vision, efforts remain scattered; with vision, every step has purpose.

Are you ready to put your hard labor and willing to go the extra mile?

Leadership is not about comfort. It’s about discipline, sweat, and persistence. Those who go the extra mile often find that there are very few people there — because not many are willing to make that sacrifice.

Are you driven or driving?

There’s a difference between being pushed by circumstances (driven) and taking control of circumstances (driving). Leaders don’t wait for instructions — they create the path and inspire others to walk it.

Are you challenging yourself daily?

The world evolves every day. If you are not stretching beyond yesterday’s limits, you are standing still. Leaders make self-challenge a habit — whether it’s in thinking, skills, or decision-making.

Are you a conventional thinker or pushing yourself beyond others’ imagination?

Conventional thinkers manage stability; unconventional thinkers create revolutions. True leaders are not afraid to dream the unimaginable, and then chase it until others begin to believe.

Are you driving and aligning yourself with the larger goal of the organisation?

Leaders are not lone wolves. They synchronize their personal ambitions with the collective mission of the organization. Alignment creates momentum, and momentum builds lasting impact.

Are you upgrading your skill set frequently?

Skills are the fuel of leadership. The moment you stop learning, you start declining. Leaders are eternal students — constantly upgrading themselves to stay ahead of the curve.

Are you loyal to yourself and the organisation?

Loyalty begins within. If you are not honest with yourself, you cannot be loyal to your organization. Leaders don’t chase shortcuts; they stand by values, even when the easier path tempts them otherwise.

Which side are you on — problems or solutions?

In every situation, there are two sides: the problem side and the solution side. Leaders naturally lean towards solutions. They don’t deny challenges; they acknowledge them, but spend their energy on fixing rather than complaining.

Is your team productive at the end of the day?

A leader is ultimately judged not by personal performance but by team outcomes. If your team ends each day stronger, more aligned, and more productive — then you are leading right.


Final Thought

In a founder’s eye, leadership is not about titles or applause. It is about the fire to build, the courage to stretch, the vision to align, and the discipline to deliver.

If you see yourself in these reflections, you are not just an employee or a manager — you are a leader in the making.

Because true leaders are not born; they are forged daily, in the choices they make and the values they stand for.


 

2 thoughts on “Who is a Leader – In a Founder’s Eye

  • Gourab Ghosh
    September 1, 2025 at 8:22 am

    Insightful thoughts 💭

  • Kaushik Baishya
    September 6, 2025 at 5:59 pm

    Awasome article Sir .

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