Agility & Adaptability: Survival Instincts of Leadership

In this edition of ‘CEO Insights’ we have Mr. Yadvinder Singh Jaspal, EVP & Country General Manager at CorroHealth. In his Conversion with me, he shares with us how his values and ethics he follows as a leader.

Rahul: What is your leadership style? What are some of the dos and don’ts around you?

Yadvinder: I always remind myself not to confine my leadership style to a rigid framework. I believe in maintaining an agile approach that can adjust to the ever-changing dynamics of the market. People behave differently based on various factors - whether it's their generational background, career trajectory, or educational background. Therefore, I advocate for adaptability as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Defining a specific leadership style can inadvertently influence people's behavior, which isn't conducive to fostering genuine interactions. I prioritize being approachable and responsive.

In terms of best practices, I place great emphasis on fostering a culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute ideas and opinions, which we can then collectively synthesize into actionable solutions. While we may initially have differing viewpoints, it's essential that we reach consensus by the end of each meeting and commit wholeheartedly to executing the agreed-upon decisions, regardless of initial disagreements.

I firmly believe that simply disagreeing without genuine engagement does not contribute to teamwork, which is a value I hold dear.

Punctuality is another non-negotiable aspect of my leadership philosophy. I highly value timeliness, and tardiness to meetings is something that detracts from productivity and professionalism in my eyes.

Rahul: What are some of the X-factors that you want in your leadership team?

Yadvinder: The most crucial factor for success will be adaptability to change. Our organization, despite its youth, boasts a diverse mix of individuals, stemming from an acquisition two decades ago. Within our ranks, we have team members with varying levels of experience, ranging from 2-3 years to 17-18 years, including within the leadership team. It's imperative at CorroHealth to embrace change comfortably and harness the strengths of both seasoned veterans and newer talents as they collaborate. In our fast-paced environment, agility will undoubtedly be the linchpin of our operations.

Rahul: If you get the opportunity to ask only one question in an interview, and basis that decide whether to hire the candidate or not, what would be the question?

Yadvinder: In today's landscape, acquiring skill sets isn't the primary challenge; rather, it's finding individuals who align with our organizational culture. I often inquire about simple behaviors, such as how candidates conduct themselves at home or within their social circles, to gauge their compatibility. At CorroHealth, we're dedicated to cultivating a distinct culture, and it's essential to ensure new hires can integrate seamlessly.

"A leader who doesn't align with our culture poses challenges for the organization."

In a world filled with AI tools and Chat GPTs, obtaining solutions or enhancing skill sets is readily achievable. However, instilling discipline within our team members remains a formidable task. Honesty and a strong commitment to work are paramount.

Rahul: What’s the organization vision and how do you go about cascading it?

Yadvinder: As a market leader, our priority lies in entrusting our employees with increasingly complex responsibilities. Given the pivotal role of technology in today's landscape, our focus shifts towards introducing automation into routine tasks and providing opportunities for upskilling. This empowers our workforce to handle more intricate roles, aligning with our company's growth trajectory.

Rahul: If you could go back in time, let’s say 20 years, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Yadvinder: I believe my younger self was more daring and fearless. As we age, we tend to become more cautious and introspective about our decisions. If given the opportunity to speak to my younger self, I would advise him to stay true to his authentic self, pursue what brings him genuine joy, and remain steadfast in the face of life's challenges. It's essential to carry our ethics and values with us as we navigate through life's journey.

Rahul: Which value is most sacred to you? And how do you go about displaying it at the workplace?

Yadvinder: I firmly believe that honesty is the cornerstone of our business values. While competitors may engage in practices that yield short-term gains but compromise the value we provide to customers, maintaining integrity is paramount to preserving our reputation in the long run.

The offshoring industry has experienced significant growth over the past 15 years, operating in distinct ways and seeking to capitalize on opportunities. Despite the challenges and differences we may encounter, I consistently remind my team of our commitment to clients. It's imperative that we uphold our promises and remain vigilant in our approach, avoiding complacency and prioritizing outcomes.

Rahul: What would be your advice to a budding CEO, who has just stepped into the role?

Yadvinder: I would advise them to become better listeners. It's crucial to provide others with the chance to express themselves fully, to listen attentively, and then make decisions thoughtfully. Rushing to conclusions hastily should be avoided, and maintaining openness to various options is key.

Rahul: How would you describe yourself in one adjective?

Yadvinder: I would describe myself as practical yet passionate. I strive to avoid making decisions solely based on emotions, as they can have negative consequences. Instead, I aim to blend practicality with passion, making decisions that are both rational and driven by enthusiasm.

Rahul: What do you think makes a great manager?

Yadvinder: I firmly believe that maintaining passion for your work can give you a competitive edge. Even when faced with tasks that may not directly align with your long-term goals, embracing passion for your current work can propel you forward. In today's age, with abundant learning opportunities available, showing enthusiasm and genuine zeal for your work is key to eventual success. It's essential to approach tasks with passion rather than merely going through the motions.