The Role Of Humanities In Leadership

'Humanities capture the heritage of human experience.' And more so, in the midst of conflict and division, humanities can prepare leaders with empathy, imagination and understanding, responsive and responsible leaders who embrace complexity and diversity.

- Dr. Sujaya Banerjee

The problems the world faces today are grave. Poverty, disease, climate change, threats to national and global security- all tests for even the greatest of Leaders. In such times, it may seem prudent to forget about art, music, literature and languages. But in Seymour's words quoted above, 'Humanities capture the Heritage of human experience.' And more so, in the midst of conflict and division, humanities can prepare leaders with empathy, imagination and understanding, and pave way for responsive and responsible leaders who embrace complexity and diversity.

The Humanities: An aspect of leadership conversation

In our complex and innovative world, we need more leaders of imagination, understanding and emotional intelligence- men and women who will move beyond polarizing debates, and possess the gumption to truly tackle the challenges being faced by us. To cultivate such leaders, it is imperative to value and invest in humanities. The  humanities enable us to develop our emotional intelligence and learn skills of empathy, imagination and understanding. These skills have the power to cultivate and enable leaders in multiple domains. Scientist can be better in their work if they read literature, Diplomats and Generals can be more effective if they understand languages, our data scientists can think beyond algorithms if they experience art and music. Around the world, we can see gains of globalization even as debates continue on promoting inclusive and equitable growthembracing diversity of people and cultures and respecting the environment. The Humanities MUST be a part of this important conversation. Leadership on these different issues require understanding beyond that of the business bottom line, it requires an appreciation from all that makes life meaningful and complete.

The Humanities for the right ethics