Manu was my manager across two organisations, Wipro and IBM for a span of around 2.5 years. I have learnt a lot from him. Here are a few of my learnings from him:
Work ethics
- Don't give up easily. Keep Trying.
- However, if there are no other options, reach a logical end, quit, justify it and do not waste time on that. Move on.
- Be careful on every word come out of your mouth, every letter come out of your finger tips while typing.
- Always try to predict the future and work accordingly. Be proactive. Think like a grandmaster of chess.
- Always have a plan B in mind. However, don't put much time on that plan.
- Be truthful to yourself and others. Keep your integrity strictly.
- Koi bhi work culture perfect nhi hoti use perfect banaana padtaa h. Keep on trying. If you get good trustworthy helpful people around you can make it.
- Choose your manager wisely not company.
- You can build an empire just by talking. You just need to know what, when, whom and WHY of your words.
Meetings
- Donโt join a meeting, where your values and opinions will not be entertained or will not be of any worth.
- Always ask for agenda of a call in advance. If joining a meeting, whoever the audience maybe NEVER go unprepared.
- Donโt speak in a meeting if it does not make any difference to the course of action.
- Also don't go silent on a factually incorrect statement. Be prepared to provide evidence if asked.
The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept.
- Don't ever ever ever make a blank statement.
- Avoid open ended questions and Answers. Be to the point.
People management
- If your subordinate does not do it, be ready to do it yourself, keeping them in loop how to do. Therefore, never deliver below your brand quality. If delivering say it upfront and show to them.
- Remember you are a brand ambassador of yourself and your team.
- Give credit and proper attribution publicly wherever required.
- Share your knowledge and grow everyday by getting challenged by your mentees. Believe that there is enough for every one to grow.
- Praise publicly, criticise privately.
- Donโt lead a large team with inefficient people. Keep a short and high efficient team. Don't waste your energy keeping track of the people who don't keep faith on you.
A small man can cast upon a large shadow. A highly motivated handful of men can launch rocket to mars.
- Whenever an associate deliver out of his/her duty, praise and recognise it. Never ignore.
- Protect your subordinates from the front line of fire. Act as a filter. Don't stress them if you get beaten up from up in the ladder.
- Give few low risk, backup ready chances to a new person to know their skills. You'll get first hand knowledge about that person and can know whom you can trust in the organisation.
- However, when the stakes are high be prepared to taste betrayal from your most trusted person. Then the plan B comes into picture.
- Never ever get angry, if you become angry never showcase that to others. Actually never showcase angriness or fearfulness or any negative emotions.