We often think about, when is the right time for a change or a new beginning in life? Recently I read an article about experience of Jagdish Khattar, former Managing Director of Maruti Udyog, a leading four-wheeler automobile manufacturer in South Asia. Khattar was responsible for changing the fortunes of Maruti Udyog by helping it to achieve over 55 per cent market share despite the competition and market slump the company had to face in 2001. Prior to joining Maruti, Khattar has been an officer of the Indian Administrative Service with more than 37 years of experience. He is currently the vice-president of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
I was highly impressed by his views presented at the annual Business Technology forum, CIOL Dataquest C Change 2009. Khattar attributed his success to his ability to handle the team as well as the support given to him by his employees and customers alike. He said that the leaders need to be developed within a team and "it all lies in the attitude". Khattar added that the handicap of not having no formal training as either an MBA or an engineer proved a blessing for him as he learned a lot of things.
Outlining his mantras for successful leadership, Khattar said individuals who wish to be seen as successful leaders need to think beyond the obvious. He stressed on "Think Big, Think opportunity". He also added that a leader will bring a mindset of success through innovation. A successful leader is one who will challenge the team to think of opportunities and beyond.
In addition to above views of Khattar, I am listing down key points that I strongly agree with for true leadership.
(1) Every problem has a solution and we should keep working on finding solution of the problem we face everyday.
(2) Today's world is all about collaboration and a great team can produce tremendous and unbelievable results.
(3) One should be receptive of ideas and a good listener can benefit from inputs from team members or customers.
(4) One needs to be optimistic even in times of crisis and be ready to take risks.
Let me also add that Khattar accepted the challenges even at age of 65 and never took a step back. The point I want to stress here is that let's not be afraid of trying something new in life. Remember that innovative ideas can show you a new world and time is always right for a new start. It is all in mind. Difficult times give us opportunity to bring in revolutionary ideas and make things happen. So, let's choose path of leadership and find our own way.
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4 comments:
Inspiring posting, Raj. HR/Corporate world wants to put everyone in a box with a label. And once you are in a box, they don't like it if you want to come out of that box and move into a different box. This article demonstrates the folly of that approach. It is high time recruiters/companies started focusing on human potential/energy and ability to be successful in any field given opportunities, rather than alphabet soup experience.
Thanks for your valuable comments, Shekar.
Yes, we need to use our potential to the fullest. Each one of us has immense energy and capabilities.
The conviction in one's abilities is not a factor of experience alone. And nothing bigger than stepping out of your comfort zone to know your true potential !
Thanks for your comments, Sunita. I agree that for initiating a change, we need to come out of our comfort zone and utilize our tremendous potential (which I feel, each one of us has).
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