Strategic Leadership: Stakeholder Management & Modi's Non-Verbal Cues

This essay explores the significance of non-verbal behavior in strategic leadership, focusing on the body language and mannerisms of Narendra Singh Modi, the Prime Minister of India. It argues that Modi's non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures and facial expressions, reflect his aspiration for control and an authoritative leadership style. The analysis covers specific gestures like the V-sign and hugging, interpreting them as indicators of strength, assertiveness, and a desire to command. The essay concludes that non-verbal behavior is crucial for leaders in building trust and authority, suggesting that Modi's confident and powerful demeanor reinforces his position and message. References to communication experts and leadership studies support the analysis, highlighting the importance of congruent conversation between verbal and non-verbal cues.

Running head: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Management
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
ASSIGNMENT A
Non-verbal behavior is a significant aspect of leadership. This mainly refers to the body
language of the leader, which has an important influence on the followers. In this article, the
non-verbal behavior displayed by Narendra Singh Modi, the Prime Minister of India, will be
described and analyzed.
Narendra Singh Modi is the 14th Prime Minister of India, serving since 2013. The non-
verbal behavior of Modi shows aspiration and aggressiveness. His mannerisms tend to show that
he wants a total control and thereby he behaves like a political supremo. Although Modi greets
people with a smile, but it does not reflect his openness. His body language also reflects an overt
personality reflecting his authority and confidence. Modi uses his hands in an emphatic manner
while giving political speeches, which shows that he is in command and he wants to use that
power on the followers. Furthermore, Modi has a dominant persona and by using facial and hand
gestures, he wants to establish an authoritative leadership. He has some trademark hand gestures,
like the V-sign, hand on the forehead while thinking and clenching fists, which all reflect that he
is strong willed, assertive and determined about his goals and intentions (Hindustan Times,
2013). Apart from that, Modi prefers to hug the other leaders in any international meetings,
which is seen as he does not understand the importance of personal space and once again it
reflects that he wants to be commanding in any situation.
By analyzing the non-verbal gestures of Narendra Singh Modi, it can be said that non-
verbal behavior of leaders is as important as verbal gestures. Leaders can express implicit
intentions through non-verbal behavior and for building trust or authority among the followers,
Modi appears confident, powerful, commanding, and comfortable in power and position and
showing that the person is a man of congruent conversation (Talley & Temple, 2015).

2STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
References
Hindustan Times. (2013). Modi vs Gandhi: communication experts compare body language,
style. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/modi-vs-gandhi-
communication-experts-compare-body-language-style/story-
A7HMObyyJELEFXo4ALjFUI.html
Talley, L., & Temple, S. (2015). How leaders influence followers through the use of nonverbal
communication. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 36(1), 69-80.