It is extremely difficult to say ‘who is a good prime minister’. Firstly, one size cannot fit all. There are almost 200 countries in the world- each having different circumstances, different governing models and different people. Yet it is possible to look at certain fundamental traits/qualities which are a ‘Must have’ for a person to lead a nation. Then of course there could be ‘could have’ type of traits which could be a bonus.

A Prime minister is a leader and a Boss rolled into one. He/she is leader of the entire population and the diaspora. Leader is the one you see from far of. For instant Narendra Modi is a leader of 1.4 billion people- he is not their boss this includes all the party workers too.

He is the immediate Boss of the council of Ministers and the Chief Ministers of states ruled by his party (Of course not direct boss as each CM has clearcut Charter of duties cut out- but he does go broadly as per the PM’s directions/philosophy. Therefore, people of a nation look at him differently than his ministers. For instance, I as a citizen of India or say Singapore look at the PM from my prism where as Minister of Finance or MEA looks at him differently as he needs to work closely with him.

Characteristics of the PM impact both – the Janta and the ministers (Mantri) though very differently.

Yet it finally boils down to some basic must have traits. These have nothing to do with formal educational qualifications at all.

The history of education system in brief

One learnt from Gurus in earlier days and of course most important and influential and life long lasting learning is through parents- mothers in general impact more – Mostly the Emotional intelligence part of grooming. For instance, Aristotle did not have any formal degree from college or university as may be back then nothing like this existed. He was born around 2400 years ago. Chanakya was also born around that time.

By the way the world’s first and oldest ‘continually operating’ university is the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in, Morocco. It was founded in 859 CE (around 1100 years ago. Greats like Aristotle and Chanakya were on this earth around 1300 years before this. Can we call Chanakya, Aristotle uneducated? No – Aristotle was one of the most prominent figures in Western philosophy, he joined Plato’s Academy in Athens at the age of 17 and studied there for roughly 20 years.

Taxila University is widely considered one of the world’s earliest universities, established around 2700 years ago in ancient Taxila which was later totally destroyed. Chanakya was a pupil there.

Of course, modern university system started much later- around 12th century.

That is why today in modern era also degree is a piece of paper- what is important is what you have between your two ears- your head.

The definition of goodness has gone through a sea change in recent times as the tectonic plates of geo politics have shifted and the geopolitics is like a quick sand where leaders need to be on their feet all the time- alert and decisive. You are no more at the rudder of a ship but have a joy stick of the fastest stealth bomber in your hand.

Traits of a good PM- Boss and leader rolled into one

The most important is Character and intention (Niyaat). Are you well-meaning and for the national interest or not- rest is secondary. This implies you care for your people. (A man’s character can be defined as the sum total of his moral values, emotional resilience, and behavioural consistency.)

Are you a man of integrity? This contends for the number one position because ‘if you have integrity nothing else matters and you don’t have it nothing else matters.

Clear headed vision- where do you want your nation to go?

Will to act and take risk. Even stick your neck out. Catch the bull by the horns, steely resolve.

Walk the talk stance and demonstrative ability. Crisis management.

Adaptable- pragmatism over ideology. Ability to take criticism from naysayers and opposition but carry on regardless.

Ability to understand several things at a time in a short span of times- there is never a second to waste.

Ability to give decisions in real time. Treat management as common sense and have plenty of it.

Absolute honesty. Incorruptible. No one can put a price tag on you.

Ability to articulate and communicate complex things in most simple terms.

Simplifiers and not complicators. Listening to others- never appear to be ruffled or in panic.

Excellence and bulldozer mindset with deadlines. No delays acceptable-follow the timelines to a T.

Your people must trust you.

Your team must feel comfortable working with you. Should have confidence in your ability in problem solving.

A great orator. Should be able to say one thing in many different ways. Should generate apt slogans.

Should support his ideas with own original quotes for present and posterity. High intellect and sharp mind.

That gut feeling or sixth sense to understand who is your enemy and who is your friend at working level and also at international level.

The nation should feel they are in safe hands. Inspiring confidence. Should follow the leadeder.

Should be able to pre-empt. (You need to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for a situation to look you in the face, you should anticipate it and deal with it ahead of time.)

High on Emotional Intelligence. Exceptional judge of talent- where to position who.

High energy levels to work long hours, travel and withstand pressure.

Ability to walk the tight rope and do that balancing act- protect national interest without hurting any other nation or political partners and own team.

Not hungry for power or holding onto a chair.

Ready anytime to get defeated and sit in opposition-this gives courage to do the right thing.

Don’t play the game of popularity contest to gain popularity- you work to make up for that.

Parting shot- who is your PM?

A PM is the Chief Executive of a country and it is impossible to have all the twenty-five traits but you can look at leaders at home and abroad who majorly fit the bill. You may have three names in your mind which come close to this. You can give these in your feedback.