Have you ever had a leader who you would describe as half genius and half-mad? Someone who has a great vision and idea but has no clue how to implement them, or someone who is great at change management but has no idea how their people are feeling—as a result, nothing sees the light of day. Yes, we all have such leaders.
Let’s have a quick brief on who Tughluq was and why history calls him “half genius and half mad”.
Mohammad bin Tughluq was a 14th-century ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent. He reigned from 1325 to 1351. He is known for his ambitious and often controversial policies.
Mohammad bin Tughluq is often referred to as “half genius, half-mad” due to his contradictory and unpredictable actions as a ruler. While he displayed intelligence and innovative thinking in certain aspects, his decisions also seemed erratic and impractical at times, leading to the perception of madness.
One of his most infamous decisions was the failed attempt to transfer the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. The move caused immense suffering and loss of life due to the long and arduous journey. After a few years, he was forced to abandon the idea and return the capital to Delhi.
His decision to move the capital was indeed a good idea as a concept. He wanted to move the capital for several reasons, like
- He aimed to establish a strategic location that would enhance trade, expand the kingdom’s influence, and strengthen its military capabilities.
2. Tughluq recognized the economic potential of the Deccan region, which was known for its fertile land and flourishing trade. By shifting the capital, he sought to exploit these resources, stimulate economic growth, and generate revenue for the empire.
3. Tughluq decision to establish a new capital in Daulatabad had strategic considerations. It was located on a hill, making it difficult for invading armies to conquer it.
However, despite his great vision, ideas, and foresight, madness took over his methods.
The entire concept failed as it lacked practicality, didn’t take public sentiments into consideration, and disrupted the lives of the locals who resisted this change. It sounds like a relatable issue.
A leader with a grand vision doesn’t take public sentiment into consideration when he declares and pushes his plans; people show resistance to this change, and the plan ultimately fails.
What could Tughluq have done?
In my opinion, if Tughluq was a modern-day leader, I would have suggested he take the public sentiment with him. Understand the concerns and worries that the locals have with regard to this change. Address these concerns, and then plan to make this change together.
Change Management Needs People’s Collaboration
The newly appointed CEO of Twitter said “Let’s build Twitter 2.0 together”. Her words already signal that she isn’t here to bulldoze the teams and groups but to find a collaborative environment where change and transformation can be achieved in the smoothest way. Time will tell if she will walk the talk, but she definitely sets the collaborative mood and momentum.
No leader is capable of bringing about change on their own. Any change or transformation will need its people to believe, participate, and make it happen. A leader who doesn’t inspire, listen, or execute the change is a modern-day Tughluq, half genius, half-mad.
