IOD at 24th Annual World Congress on Total Quality and Leadership in Trivandrum

The 24th Annual World Congress on Total Quality and Leadership & Presentation of Golden Peacock Awards was held on 23-24 May 2014 at Trivandrum, Kerala, India.

The 24th Annual World Congress on Total Quality and Leadership & Presentation of Golden Peacock Awards was held on 23-24 May 2014 at Trivandrum, Kerala, India. The event which was a joint initiative of Fiinovation & Institute of Directors (IOD) was attended by over 200 international and national delegates.

Taj Vivanta, Trivandrum witnessed the participation of various senior dignitaries with the onset of its Opening Session that started with the welcome address by C. M. Radhakrishnan Nair, Chairman, IOD Kerala State Chapter who highlighted the significance of the theme of leadership given the changing political scenario of the country.

The Guest of Honour, E K Bharat Bhushan, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala spoke of the interdependence of quality and leadership 'which cannot be divorced'. Prof Colin Coulson-Thomas, Professor University of Greenwich spoke of leadership being 'not about us but about those people without whom we would not be able to deliver'. Attributing leadership to traits of 'focus, reverence, decisiveness and courage', Prof Thomas focused on 'reinvention being the key to longevity.

S. Chakraborty, CEO, Fiinovation India spoke of the paradigm shift of what leadership is today, he recalled Mahatma Gandhi words where he spoke of it was 'the yester years when the leaders would be known by the muscles they use. Today they will be known for their capacity to bring their community along themselves.' The new school of leadership which is waiting to be born looks at re- conceiving. He spoke of how leadership is no longer about flexing your muscle but has moved from 'what' to 'who and how'. We need to look at stakeholder engagement that may or may not be the shareholder of the company.

Her Excellency Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Hon'ble Governor of Kerala attended the Inaugural Session where she spoke of the relevance of working collectively, working hard and working inclusively. She spoke of the need of all of us being responsive. Talking of the niche created by India, she advocated for work, which must continue while the government, judiciary and industry and other facets develop a holistic vision for development' said Mrs Dixit. Understanding the aspirations of the poorest and richest persons is important. She advocated for the need of education and skill development as an important agenda to be done.

The plenary sessions covered a diverse range of topics with various moderators who brought to the table their expertise. A session on Building a Quality Paradigm for Business spoke of the need of technology, incorporation of best practices and a focus on people as the key driver is ensuring quality. The Role of Leadership in Driving Excellence & Sustainability chaired by S. Chakraborty CEO, Fiinovation Delhi emphasized the relevance of sustainability and the role it plays in ensuring long term business success. It brought together the essence behind integrating social responsibility with quality and sustainability.

The convergence of the affluent delegates was an 'indication of the State's growing importance as an emerging destination for qualified independent directors'. The Golden Peacocks Nite Award was honored by Hon'ble Mr Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala who quoted Peter Drucker through his thought provoking statement which spoke of 'rank does not confer power, it imposes responsibility'.

The two day event broke down the essence of quality, sustainability and leadership. The recommendation and the event provided an excellent platform for networking opportunities.

Fiinovation

Name: Anand Kumar

Address: 24/30,Ground Floor,

Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase 3,

City: New Delhi

Pin: 110020

Phone: 91-011-42332200

Fax : 011-49278811