Is leadership an art or science? The definition can depend on one’s interpretation of the topic and through real-life experiences.

This is also how ANZ Fiji and Pacific chief executive Vishnu Mohan feels about the topic.

He spoke recently on this topic before Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students of the University of the South Pacific.

“Whether leadership is an art or science, it’s for anyone to decide,” he said.

“But as budding leaders, there are certain qualities that need to be attained for the betterment of a company.

Drawing examples from short videos of great leaders like Nelson Mandela, Mr Mohan said only a great leader would put their personal feelings aside and hold no grudges to move the country forward.

“I personally would hold a grudge if I had been sent to jail for a crime that I did not commit and being discriminated,” he said.

“But Mr Mandela thought of his country and kept his focus on moving forward. That is one great quality we can all try to learn from,” he said.

“You all have something in mind on what leadership field you want to be in and wherever that is, you should do your work to the best of your abilities.

“In Singapore they would get the top qualified grades in each tertiary institution’s and put them in public service departments.

“The best are divided into different sectors to upgrade each department they are working in.

“If we have good quality service in every government department or private institutions, don’t you think the country would have better standards? As future leaders you should always keep this in mind.”

The ‘meet the leaders’ forum is held every trimester for MBA students to find inspiration from successful people and to have ambition, passion but most of all humility for success.

Feedback: stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj