Answer:

Introduction

Leadership in the civil service refers to the ability to guide and inspire individuals within the public administration to work towards common goals and deliver efficient and transparent governance. Leaders in the civil service play a vital role in shaping policies, managing resources, and addressing societal challenges. They are responsible for making crucial decisions, fostering collaboration, and promoting ethical conduct.

Need for essential qualities of effective leadership in civil services:

• Meeting the diverse and complex responsibilities of public administration.
• Exercising impromptu decision-making skills and critical thinking ability.
• Adapting to new technologies and work styles.
• Catalyzing reform initiatives as agents of change.
• Solving moral and ethical dilemmas.
• Building teams and encouraging collaboration for common objectives.

Some essential qualities of effective leadership in the civil service include:

• Integrity: Consistency, honesty, and adherence to personal and professional values.
  • E. Sreedharan, the “Metro Man” of India, completed the Delhi Metro project without corruption, demonstrating unwavering honesty and ethical practices.
• Good communication: Being able to convey ideas clearly and effectively.
  • A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, had excellent communication skills that allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life and inspire them.
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions and those of others.
  • Kiran Bedi, the first female IPS officer in India, displayed emotional intelligence by empathizing with the needs and concerns of the communities she served.
• Strategic thinking: Planning and making decisions with a long-term perspective.
  • Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and former Chairman of the UIDAI, demonstrated strategic thinking by envisioning and implementing the Aadhaar program to provide unique identification for all residents of India.
    
• Innovation: Encouraging and embracing new ideas and approaches.
  • Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India’s White Revolution, introduced innovative dairy cooperative models that revolutionized the industry and uplifted the lives of millions of farmers.
• Impartiality: Making decisions without bias or favoritism.
  • Navin Chawla, former Chief Election Commissioner, ensured fair elections by strictly adhering to rules and regulations, regardless of political affiliations.
• Non-partisanship: Not supporting any political party or organization.
  • T. N. Seshan, a former Chief Election Commissioner, implemented reforms to minimize electoral malpractices and maintain a level playing field for all political parties.
• Objectivity: Basing decisions on merit and established standards.
  • Raghuram Rajan, former Reserve Bank of India Governor, formulated policies based on rigorous analysis and research, focusing on economic stability and welfare.
• Dedication to public service: Being motivated and committed to serving the public.
  • Dr. Varghese Kurien, the “Milkman of India,” transformed the dairy industry, empowering farmers and creating a successful cooperative model.
• Empathy: Understanding and appreciating others’ experiences and feelings.
  • Usha Padhee, an Indian civil servant, facilitated the safe return of stranded citizens during the pandemic.

Conclusion:

These essential qualities of effective leadership in the civil service are crucial as they contribute to efficient governance, public trust, and the delivery of high-quality services to citizens. They enable leaders to navigate challenges, inspire others, and work towards the betterment of society as a whole.

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