Decision Making: The Crucible of Leadership

Leadership is often tested at the crossroads of decision making. As Robert Frost beautifully captured in his timeless verse: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Every leader, sooner or later, stands at such a junction, where choice defines destiny.

A profound truth about decisions is that none are inherently wrong at the moment they are made. Each arises from the knowledge, intuition, and circumstances available then. It is only the passage of time that reveals whether a decision was wise or flawed. Yet hesitation itself can be more damaging than a misstep. When decisions are delayed, uncertainty breeds stress, and the mind becomes trapped in a cycle of doubt.

Psychologists often describe the “fight or flight” response as nature’s way of avoiding stress buildup. Leaders, too, must act—either to confront challenges head-on or to withdraw strategically. Inaction, however, is rarely an option.

History reminds us that many great decisions were not the product of endless analysis but of instinct and conviction. Leaders from every era have relied on their gut feelings, guided by confidence in their vision and the resilience to face consequences. The ability to make timely choices, and to stand firm in their aftermath, distinguishes true leadership from mere management.

Fast decisions do not mean reckless ones. They are born of clarity, courage, and the willingness to accept responsibility. A leader who trusts both reason and intuition, who balances foresight with faith, can navigate uncertainty with grace. Ultimately, decision making is not about perfection—it is about progress. Each choice becomes a stepping stone, shaping the leader’s journey and inspiring others to act with conviction.

Types of Decisions

Human life is filled with decisions, ranging from the routine to the historic. Broadly, they can be classified into three categories:

1. Personal Decisions

These are the choices individuals make in their daily lives. They are routine in nature—such as what to eat, what to wear, or how to balance family and work. Their impact is usually limited to the person and, at most, their immediate family. Though seemingly small, these decisions shape the rhythm of life and reflect personal values.

2. Managerial Decisions

 Managerial decisions extend beyond the individual, and affect organizations, employees, markets, and society.

To assist in such decision making, models like Vroom-Yetton and other frameworks have been developed, offering structured approaches to problem solving.

In today’s era, with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence, data-driven models are increasingly employed by large corporations. These systems analyze vast amounts of information to guide decisions on strategy, operations, and customer engagement. While such models enhance efficiency and reduce uncertainty, they remain bounded by logic and data.

3. Leadership Decisions

Leadership decisions stand apart. They are historical in nature, deeply situational, and often unique. Unlike routine or managerial choices, leadership decisions carry consequences not only for the present generation but also for the future. They shape culture, values, and destiny.

In my view, it is not possible to design a universal model for leadership decisions, for they demand vision, courage, and moral conviction in situations that are often unique and bound to the particular moment in which they arise. However, frameworks can be suggested to guide leaders in navigating uncertainty. One such framework, which I propose in my book Value-Based Leadership, is:

“Decision Making with Intuition Integrated with Prayer.”

This approach recognizes that leadership decisions cannot rely solely on analysis. They require the integration of inner wisdom (intuition) with humility and faith (prayer). Intuition connects the leader to experience and insight, while prayer grounds the decision in values, conscience, and service beyond self. Together, they form a compass for decisions that are not only effective but also ethical and enduring.

Closing Reflection

From the smallest personal choice to the most historic leadership decision, life is a continuous act of choosing. Managers may decide with data, individuals with routine, but leaders decide with destiny. Their decisions are not only about solving problems but about shaping meaning, inspiring trust, and leaving a legacy.

In the end, decision making is not only about choosing the road that seems right, but also about walking that road with courage, humility, and faith.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale@ Pune on Nov 23, 2025

 

Cherish What Can Not Be Measuerd!

While writing 'Value-Based Leadership', a thought struck me—was it mere coincidence that has bound me so closely to the word Value?

By profession, I am a valuer—a Fellow of the Institution of Valuers (India), approved by many banks and financial institutions. Over the years, I have conducted valuations worth hundreds of crores of rupees. At times, I faced challenges, even setbacks, when oversight or misjudgment crept into the delicate task of assigning worth to a brand.

I have always believed that value addition is essential to delight the customer. Decades ago, I even conducted training programs on the concept of the ‘Delighted Customer’.

During introspection, a question arose: What is my value? Though I am a property valuer, I have always considered the intangible aspects—the brand, the perception—while valuing. This led me to reflect on the difference between cost, price, and value:

•     Cost is the expenditure incurred in producing a good.

•     Price is what the seller sets, adding profit over cost.

•     Value is the perception in the mind of the receiver and giver, which differs from person to person.

A simple example illustrates this truth. On my 50th birthday, my wife gifted me a Parker pen. Its market price may have been ₹300–400, but to me, it is priceless. Even if someone offered thousands of rupees, I would refuse, because its true worth lies not in money but in the love and memory it carries. That distinction between cost, price, and value became the foundation of my reflections on leadership.

As I write ‘Value-Based Leadership’, I ask: What is Value? What is Belief? And What is the Principle? Stephen Covey, whom I deeply admire, wrote about ‘Principle-Centered Leadership’. I have used his principles in my training programs. Yet, I feel compelled to write about Value-Based Leadership, because values are the essence of identity, conviction, and integrity.

I have long believed that good people should enter politics, though today it often resembles “washing dirty linen in public.” Years ago, I even considered seeking candidature for the Lok Sabha elections. A friend reminded me that such an endeavor required 20–30 crores—and today, far more.

I replied, half in jest but more in conviction: “I may not have that kind of money, but I am a man of hundreds of crores in worth.”

Thank God the attempt did not materialise. Yet the experience reinforced a truth I have always believed: ‘Value is perception’.

Let your value be the perception of others, but never lose sight of your own. You must always know your true value—because that is what sustains you, even when circumstances falter.

Dear Readers, perhaps you too possess something whose true worth cannot be measured in money. Cherish it, preserve it, and take pride in the meaning it carries in your life! .

Destiny does not measure us by cost or price, but by the values we live!  

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @Pune on Nov 22, 2025

 

 

 

Organisational Commitment Through Value Based Leadership

 मूल्याधिष्ठित नेतृत्व आणि संस्थात्मक बांधिलकी

संघटनेतील व्यक्तींच्या कार्यक्षमतेचा पाया त्यांच्या कौशल्यांमध्ये असतो, पण त्यांच्या संस्थात्मक बांधिलकी (Organisational Commitment) चा पाया त्यांच्या भावनिक अनुभवांमध्ये असतो. जेव्हा एखाद्या व्यक्तीचा संघटनेत सन्मान होतो, त्या क्षणापासून तिच्या अंतर्मनात आत्मसन्मानाची भावना अंकुरते. हाच आत्मसन्मान पुढे तिला संस्थेच्या उद्दिष्टांशी एकरूप करतो. ती व्यक्ती केवळ काम करणारी नसते, तर ती संघटनेशी जोडलेली, समर्पित सहकारी बनते.

मूल्याधिष्ठित कृतींचा प्रभाव :

संस्थात्मक बांधिलकी वाढवण्यासाठी केवळ धोरणे पुरेशी नसतात. त्यासाठी मूल्याधिष्ठित कृतींची आवश्यकता असते. त्यातील काही:

•           सन्मानचिन्हांचे प्रदान, जे व्यक्ती अभिमानाने गणवेशावर लावते

•           प्रेरणादायी घोषवाक्ये, जी सामूहिक चेतना जागृत करतात

•           सामुदायिक प्रार्थना, जी एकसंधतेची अनुभूती देतात

•           संघटनेची प्रतीके, जी व्यक्तीला एका व्यापक उद्दिष्टाशी जोडतात

प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रमांचे आयोजन करताना आम्ही या सर्व बाबींचा विचार करतो. कारण मूल्यांची अनुभूती ही केवळ शब्दांतून नव्हे, तर कृतीतूनही व्यक्त व्हावी लागते.

नेतृत्वाचे आचरण:

उद्दिष्टांच्या पूर्तिकरिता, नेतृत्वाने केलेला त्याग, मोजलेली किंमत, आणि जपलेली मूल्ये — हे सर्व जेव्हा सहकाऱ्यांच्या नजरेस पडते, तेव्हा त्यांच्या मनात संस्थेविषयी उच्च प्रतीची बांधिलकी निर्माण होते. नेतृत्वाचे आचरण हेच सहकारी आणि अनुयायी यांचे करिता  प्रशिक्षणाचे पाठ्यपुस्तक असते. शब्दांपेक्षा कृती अधिक प्रभावी ठरते.

व्यक्तींच्या भावनिक गरजा :

Abraham Maslow, Frederick Herzberg आणि David McClelland यांसारख्या मानसशास्त्रज्ञांनी मानवी प्रेरणा आणि वर्तना संबंधी  सिद्धांत मांडले आहेत:

•           Maslow ने गरजांची शिडी मांडली. अन्न, वस्त्र, निवारा या प्राथमिक गरजांनंतर सुरक्षा, प्रेम, सन्मान (Esteem) आणि शेवटी Self-Actualisation या गरजांची पूर्ती माणसाला आवश्यक वाटते.

•           Herzberg ने Motivation आणि Hygiene Factors  या बाबत स्पष्टता दिली. कामाच्या ठिकाणी पोषक वातावरण असल्यास व्यक्तीस त्याला हवा असलेला कामाचा आनंद मिळतो आणि तो अधिक क्षमतेने काम करतो.

•           MacClelland ने Need for Achievement, Affiliation आणि  Power या प्रेरक शक्तींचा अभ्यास केला. या भावनिक गरजांची पूर्ति व्हावी या करिता व्यक्ती कठोर परिश्रम करतात अशी मांडणी त्याने केली.

Recognition: भावनिक गरज आणि बांधिलकीचा पाया

नेते हे कळत-नकळत या सिद्धांतांचा उपयोग करतात. नेता जेव्हा ते सहकाऱ्यांना त्यांच्या नावाने, उपाधीने संबोधतो, त्यांच्या जीवनातील अनुभवांबद्दल, सुख-दुःखा बद्दल, यश-अपयशाबद्दल बोलतो, आणि त्यांना भावनिक आधार देतो, तेव्हा सहकाऱ्यांच्या  मनात एक भावना निर्माण होते:

•           “माझं अस्तित्व महत्त्वाचं आहे.”

•           “माझा सहभाग संघटनेला दिशा देतो.”

•           “लोक माझ्यावर विश्वास ठेवतात.”

ही भावना म्हणजेच Maslow च्या Esteem Need ची पूर्ती — जी बांधिलकी (Commitment) चा पाया ठरते. अशा व्यक्ती संघटनेला केवळ एक संस्था म्हणून पाहत नाहीत, तर स्वतःच्या आयुष्याचा अविभाज्य भाग मानतात. संघटनेची उद्दिष्टे त्यांना स्वतःच्या आयुष्या पेक्षा अधिक मौल्यवान वाटतात आणि त्यांच्या पूर्ति करिता ते अविरत प्रयत्न करतात. 

प्रशिक्षणात भावनिक स्पर्शाचा अनुभव:

बाफना ज्वेलर्सच्या कर्मचाऱ्यांकरिता आयोजित प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रमात आम्ही या सिद्धांतांचा उपयोग केला. सहभागी कर्मचाऱ्यांना:

•           त्यांच्या प्रथम नावाने संबोधले

•           त्यांच्या आनंददायक आणि दुःखद क्षणांबद्दल संवाद साधला

•           त्यांना स्वतःच्या संकल्प बोलून दाखवण्यास प्रोत्साहित केले

या संवादातून जेव्हा व्यक्ती अंतःकरणपूर्वक बोलते, तेव्हा ती स्वतःशी बांधिलकी निर्माण करते. आणि ही बांधिलकी म्हणजे बदलाची खरी सुरुवात.

प्रशिक्षक मार्गदर्शन करू शकतात, पण बदल फक्त व्यक्तीच्या स्वतःच्या निश्चयातूनच घडतो.

आम्ही अनेक Behaviour Modification कार्यक्रम याच पद्धतीने राबवले — जिथे संवाद हा परिवर्तनाचा झरा ठरतो.

मूल्य ही भावनेशी जुळलेली एक काल्पनिक, पण अत्यंत महत्त्वाची गोष्ट आहे.

लहानपणीचे संस्कार, शिक्षण, कौटुंबिक आणि सामाजिक जीवनातील आचरण, तसेच वाचन, मनन आणि चिंतन यांमधून मूल्यांची वृद्धी होत असते. ही प्रक्रिया व्यक्तीच्या अंतर्मनाला आकार देते आणि तिच्या जीवनाला दिशा प्रदान करते.

परंतु, जर एखादी व्यक्ती या अनुभवांपासून वंचित राहिली, किंवा तिला अशा संधींची उपलब्धता झाली नाही, तरीही प्रशिक्षणाच्या माध्यमातून मूल्ये रुजविता येतात. योग्य पद्धतीने आखलेले प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम व्यक्तीच्या अंतर्मनात मूल्यांची बीजे रोवतात आणि त्यातून तिच्या वर्तनात सकारात्मक बदल घडतो.

नैतिक मूल्यांवर आधारित नेतृत्व विकासासाठी कार्यरत असलेल्या संस्थांपैकी, पंचगणी येथील Moral Re-Armament (MRA) Centre हे एक महत्त्वाचे उदाहरण आहे. या केंद्रात अशा प्रकारचे प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम राबविले जातात, जे व्यक्तींना आत्मपरीक्षण, संवाद आणि कृतीच्या माध्यमातून मूल्याधिष्ठित नेतृत्वाची अनुभूती देतात.

नेतृत्व म्हणजे अंतःकरणाशी जोडणी:

नेतृत्व हे केवळ धोरणात्मक नसते, ते भावनिक आणि तात्त्विक असते. जेव्हा नेते सखोल वाचन करतात, त्यावर मनन-चिंतन करतात, त्याला आपल्या अनुभवाशी जोडतात आणि त्यानुसार कार्यशैलीत बदल करतात, तेव्हा ते केवळ मार्गदर्शक राहत नाहीत, तर सहकाऱ्यांच्या जीवनात प्रेरणेचे स्रोत बनतात.

संस्था व्यवसायिक असो, सामाजिक असो, किंवा राजकीय — नेतृत्वाची खरी उंची ही माणसांच्या मनाशी जोडण्यातून निर्माण होते. आणि ही जोडणी मूल्याधिष्ठित कृतींमधूनच शक्य होते.

डॉ.महेंद्र इंगळे @पुणे, नोव्हेंबर २०,२०२५

Book Launch

‘Engineering Heart Beats — Glimpses of an Unfolding Journey’,

Launched with joy and innocence by Little Madhura and Vishvay,

at Phoenix Millennium Mall—a place of cherished memories,

And frequent visits.

 

“Who am I?”

This question has walked beside me,

Through roots and silence, through classrooms,

And contemplations.

Its echoes are etched in every page of Engineering Heart Beats.

This book is not just about engineering.

It is about character, courage, and quiet transformation.

 

It speaks of truths we often forget:

“Leadership blossoms from sensitivity; personality matures through the embrace of responsibility.”

“Real strength lies not in position, but in character.”

“The path to a meaningful life does not lie in following the loudest voice; it lies in discovering the truest one.”

 

Each chapter is a tribute—

To Mentors, Moments, and the Invisible Threads that shape who we become.

To Engineers, Educators, Leaders, and Seekers—this is for you.

If you’ve ever walked the path of sincerity,

And honored your duty with humility,

You will find yourself in these pages.

 

A Personal Dedication:

This book is lovingly dedicated to my teachers and students—

Those who shaped my journey, deepened my insight,

And stood by me through every season.

Dear Teachers and Dear Students,

I am deeply indebted to each of you.

As a token of my love and gratitude,

I wish to gift this book to you.

Please share your postal address with me at,

mvingale2405@gmail.com

So I may send it to you personally.

 

Available at:

1. Prime Publication

Swatantrya Chauk, Jalgaon – 425001

📞 89992 34556, 96656 26717

📧 primepublishinghouse@gmail.com

2. Book Ganga International Book Service

Deccan Gymkhana, Pune – 411004

📱 WhatsApp: +91 77181 89000

🌐 www.bookganga.com

3. eBook Edition

Whether you're at home, at work, or on the move—

download the eBook from ‘Book Ganga’,

And read at your own pace.

https://www.bookganga.com/eBooks/B/97O7O

Read it. Reflect on it.

Share your story when the time is right.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale@Pune on Nov 19, 2025

#EngineeringHeartBeats #MahendraSpeaks

#LeadershipWithSoul #ValueBasedLeadership

 

The Colored Cover of Gratitude

The Colored Cover of Gratitude

One day, I received a phone call. The voice was familiar and filled with respect—

“Sir, I’m Hemant Naik, a student from the 1990 batch. Could I get a copy of your book? I’ll make a Xerox and return it to you.”

I paused for a moment and asked, “Why so?”

“Sir, the Xerox shop owner is an acquaintance. He’ll do it for ₹90. That would be cheaper for me.”
I smiled.

“This Xerox won’t come cheap,” I replied. “Because it won’t have the colored cover designed with the help of Copilot. Its value far exceeds the price of the book. It’s not just paper—it’s a symbol of emotion, inspiration, and honor. The fact that you wish to own the book is precious to me. Come meet me. I’ll gift you the book. No need for a Xerox.”

Two days later, Hemant came to meet me. He held the book in his hands—he had ordered it from Amazon.

He had come to get my autograph. I wrote—

“To Dear Hemant Naik, with affection…”

He shared some memories from Government Polytechnic, Dhule. “We never saw you angry with students. You always encouraged us during cultural events and other programs. You traveled with our Kho-Kho team to Sangli and Kolhapur, boosting our morale. After we won competitions, you gave each of us a personal prize. We still talk about all these things whenever we meet,” he said.

After signing the book, he shared another memory—
“Sir, I still have a journal with your signature on it. The joy I felt when I received that signature is beyond words.”

Hearing this, I was deeply moved.

Whenever someone expresses gratitude toward me, my heart overflows.

Gratitude is an eternal value. To me, it holds extraordinary significance. It is not merely an emotion—it is an experience that touches the soul and creates divine vibrations in the heart!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Nov 18, 2025
 

कृतज्ञतेचे रंगीत मुखपृष्ठ

एक दिवस फोन आला. आवाज ओळखीचा आणि आदरयुक्त  होता—

“सर,  मी हेमंत नाईक. १९८९ चा विद्यार्थी. तुमचं पुस्तक मिळेल का? मी त्याची झेरॉक्स काढून तुम्हाला परत देईन.”

मी थोडा थांबलो. विचारलं, “असं का?”

“सर, फोटो कॉपीअर माझ्या ओळखीचा आहे. तो ९० रुपयात झेरॉक्स काढून देणार आहे. ते मला स्वस्तात पडेल.”

मी हसलो.

“हे झेरॉक्स तुम्हाला स्वस्तात पडणार नाही,” मी म्हणालो. “कारण त्यात, मी Copilot च्या सहाय्याने डिझाईन केलेले रंगीत मुखपृष्ठ  नसेल. त्याचे मूल्य हे पुस्तकाच्या किमतीपेक्षा कीती तरी अधिक आहे. ते केवळ कागदाच्या स्वरूपात नाही तर ते भावना, प्रेरणा आणि सन्मानाचं प्रतीक आहे. तुम्ही पुस्तक घेण्याची इच्छा दाखवलीत, हेच माझ्यासाठी मौल्यवान आहे. तुम्ही मला भेटा. मी तुम्हाला हे पुस्तक भेट देईन. झेरॉक्सची आवश्यकता नाही.”

दोन दिवसांनी हेमंत भेटले. हातात पुस्तक होतं. ते त्यांनी Amazon वरून मागवलेलं होतं.

ते माझी स्वाक्षरी घेण्यासाठी आले होते. मी लिहिलं—

“प्रिय हेमंत नाईक यांना सस्नेह…”

त्यांनी शासकीय तंत्रनिकेतन, धुळे येथील काही आठवणी सांगितल्या. ‘तुम्ही हसत खेळत शिकवायचे, स्नेहसंमेलन, खेळ व इतर कार्यक्रमांमध्ये आम्हाला प्रोत्साहन द्यायचे. खो खो टीम सोबत तुम्ही सांगली आणि कोल्हापूरला आमच्या सोबत आलात आणि आमचा उत्साह वाढविला. स्पर्धा जिंकल्यानंतर प्रत्येकाला वैयक्तिक बक्षीस दिले. या सगळ्या गोष्टींची, आम्ही भेटतो तेव्हा चर्चा करतो’, असे त्यांनी सांगितले.

पुस्तकावर स्वाक्षरी घेतल्यानंतर त्यांनी एक आठवण सांगितली—

“सर, तुमची एक स्वाक्षरी असलेलं जर्नल मी आजही जपून ठेवलं आहे.

तेव्हा ती स्वाक्षरी मिळाल्यावर मला किती आनंद झाला होता, हे शब्दांत

 सांगता येणार नाही.”

हे ऐकून मी भारावून गेलो.

माझ्याप्रती कोणी कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करतो—तेव्हा माझं अंतःकरण भरून येतं.

कृतज्ञता हे  शाश्वत मूल्य आहे. माझ्या दृष्टीने त्याला अनन्य साधारण महत्व

आहे. कृतज्ञता ही केवळ भावना नसून आत्म्याला स्पर्श करून, हृदयात दिव्य

 स्पंदने निर्माण करणारी एक अनुभूती असते !

डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे @पुणे, नोव्हेंबर १७, २०२५