“Shaping Responsible Leaders with Values”

Nelson A D’Silva, SJ, Acting Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR, reflects on the campus ethos, the role of communication in leadership and the institute's sustainability focus, in an interaction with BW Education. Excerpts

- By Upasana

With your strong academic and research background in organisational behaviour and leadership, how do you envision shaping the culture and direction of XLRI Delhi-NCR as you take charge as acting director?

As the acting director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, my knowledge of organisational behaviour and leadership guides my vision for the institution. I want to create a culture based on Jesuit values like honesty, acceptance and service, while also encouraging novel concepts, collaboration and asking tough questions. It is a journey as much inward to lead oneself as it is about knowing how to lead others. Therefore, being a leader means helping oneself and other people reach their full potential. I aim to create opportunities for our students to develop into responsible and caring leaders. In the future, I see XLRI Delhi-NCR becoming even more well-known as a centre for academic rigour, ethical leadership and socially responsible management education. This will be done by balancing our rich history and spiritual values with existential demands.

XLRI Delhi-NCR stands out with its emphasis on holistic and value-based management education. How does the campus culture reflect this mission?