A LEADERSHIP STYLE THAT STRUCK ME HARD

LEADERSHIP STYLE

A LEADERSHIP STYLE THAT STRUCK ME HARD

I consider myself lucky enough to have worked with various leaders closely at times and learnt a lot from all of them.

Quoting one could be disgrace to others. But here is one experience of my interaction with a leader, which had ever lasting impact on my leadership style ever.

Incident

I was working in MNC, heading marketing. Being in the same company for more than 8 years, my growth had been steady. Due to my experience of ever increasing pressure, I had almost decided to quit.

And then, I happened to meet this Gentleman, VP of another division, a great leader, as I see him now. While sharing with each other the career plans, I apprised him of my experience.

He acknowledged me for sharing and said, “I don’t believe in quitting as a looser. If you can’t perform here, you may not be able to perform in other company also for one reason or the other.

Plan to Perform and then Choose to Quit or Continue.” His words struck me hard. I decided to give myself one year’s time. And exactly after one year, I was able to close the year with 47% increase in Volume and 43% increase in Value. To continue as a winner or to quit, was now my choice.

Values

He demonstrated the behavior of humility and patient, sincere listening as I recall the whole incident and happenings.

I was quite junior to him, but he never showed the attitude of being busy or over occupied. I always saw him as a cool, calm and composed personality.

Impact on team

My team members, who could not even deliver a double-digit growth in the particular period. Were inspired to deliver extraordinary growth year on year in the following years. They were able to plan and deliver far better results in the years to come.

Impact on me

It occurs to many times that this was my first success story for which I was able to see myself as being the cause in the matter and everything else came later.

I tasted success for the first time and experienced the winning attitude feeling from this particular achievement. I was also able to have developed the behavior of additional persistence, focus and encouraging others while delivering the task.

Now my community looks upto me as a leader, who doesn’t quit easily and always finishes the job, once assigned and accepted. Also try to be as humble as possible while moving around in the community.

I was under pressure and in pain and about to quit, but then I realised that PAIN demands Positive Attitude in Negative Situation. I was able to come out of it only because of additional endurance, patience and persistent actions to win.

I am still in touch with him till date and make sure to greet him on festivals and other occasions. Sharing all this, makes me aware of the qualities of my own leadership style and helps me in getting me know myself in a better way.