The single-most critical ingredient that makes a successful leader is passion. Without passion, a leader might succeed in managing an organisation but he can never succeed in inspiring his people. Unlike in art, where intense individual passion is enough to attain excellence, managing an organisation requires the leader to be able to infuse his whole team with that same passion.

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A leader shares his passion with his team by translating his passion into a vision for the organisation. He needs to coax, cajole and inspire his people into sharing his vision. Alexander's soldiers grew tired and weary on more than one occasion, but were driven to great achievements by his passionate leadership. On the eve of each charge, Alexander used his communication skills to psyche up his army.

The leader must also evoke trust among his followers. He should communicate with empathy and yet not deviate from his mission.

Passion also generates courage of conviction, which acts as a source of strength in times of adversity. Mahatma Gandhi was convinced that the British rule in India was unjust and it was his moral duty to fight it. It was this conviction that gave him the courage to take on the might of the Empire.

Organisations need leaders who are passionate institution-builders. Institutions survive their builders and contribute enormously to the society. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the man behind the setting up of India's space research program, IIM Ahmedabad, the Physical Research Laboratory, and many other institutions, might not be around today, but his institutions continue to remind us of his contributions to the nation's progress.