stand still, never to stop exploring how to better respond to real-life challenges and never to become complacent. My career has been a constant endeavor to re-invent myself based on changing business needs.
I seek feedback regularly from my leadership and team members. By encouraging them to express divergent opinions, I feel that we achieve a better outcome. Moreover, we all grow and develop as leaders through the feedback that we give each other in this process.
Regarding“ passing on the baton”, I would like to quote George Bernard Shaw.“ Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I ' ve got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
Stagnation for me is synonymous with death. A leader is constantly in search of someone who is worthy of taking over so that he can pass on the baton. That way he can free himself for higher responsibilities. It is not enough to run the race. We also pass our mission to the next generation. We must hand off the baton, at the right time, and must do it well.
I speak to the next generation in a manner that appeals to them, I constantly engage with my team. Lastly, I will give and spend the much needed time for an effective, smooth and orderly transition.
Q) What advice would you give to someone taking up a leadership position for the first time or to a business school graduate who is just starting out in the industry?
A) This is a nice question. My endeavor over the past few years, in my association with the academic world, has been to develop and mentor tomorrow ' s leaders. My message to them would be as follows:-
I) Seek to understand and learn
An effective leader doesn ' t have all the answers but they have to make good decisions which are possible by gathering inputs and information from others. Ensure that you are seen to be open to the ideas of others and reward your subordinates for their ideas, to encourage this practice.
II) Trust your team Effective leaders build up, and have confidence in their top class teams to deliver on what is being asked of them. They give their teams the freedom and support to realize their potential. Try to empower people to take ownership of problems rather than referring upwards. That will develop your team and set them up for career progress.
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