A CPR moment to cherish

It was late 1996 when I received an offer letter to join Infosys, which in my view was yet another IT company at that time. I still remember the sense of relief after being selected for the job. It wasn’t because it was my dream company, but because I had a 100% record of selection in all my past job interviews and I did not want the streak to break. Little did I know that 25 years later, this company would help me dream big and achieve professional milestones that I couldn’t have even imagined.

Even the fastest and craziest roller coaster wouldn’t do justice to what the experience has been. The speed of change and the adrenaline rush I have experienced over a sustained period of time has no parallel. For the roller coaster fans, I am sure you can relate to the mixed feeling of excitement and the question in the head ‘Did I really need to do this?’; yet there is an urge to experience one more ride. I feel the same after two and half decades. Despite the many twists and turns, the desire for more action is unabated.??

A big part of me is very excited and wants to celebrate the various projects, events and people that have characterized this journey and yet there is another part that is in a reflective mood. The various experiences have taught me a few things which I would like to share.

Risks can provide great learning opportunities – Someone once said, rocket was invented since man couldn’t have gone to the moon on a bullock cart. It goes without saying in professional world too, one needs to be open to taking risks if one wants to seek new experiences and growth. In my tenure with Infosys, I have always felt safe and encouraged to explore unchartered territories. These opportunities promise immense learning individually and help provide much needed differentiation for the business. There have been many such instances in my tenure with Infosys and each one has taught me something new or reiterated something that I had learnt earlier.

Treat work as a responsibility and not a job – I have been often asked on how I manage stress. Its all about the mindset. One approach to work is all about ownership, long term thinking and carrying the team along, while the other is focusing on the immediate tasks on hand. When one approaches work as a responsibility, there are only thrills and exciting moments and never an iota of stress or fear of being judged. The need for instant gratification is replaced by the joy of achieving each milestone in the long, yet joyous journey. I have made a conscious attempt to approach my work on the same principle and I must say, its been a great run. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that I look forward to the Mondays every week. ?

In the world on automation and AI, its still all about the people. The IT industry has transformed from the Y2K days when I started my career to now when it is all about AI. Despite this sea change, its still all about the people that make it happen. Whether it was the baby boomers or Gen Z, the success of IT initiatives is still down to the brilliant minds that power the innovation. Ability to adapt to changing team dynamics and staying authentic is key to building motivated and engaged teams. Tenets like honesty, respectfulness, empathy, fairness are time immemorial and have served me well in my own team interactions over the years.

It begins with me – Looking for answers outside is futile. Begin by asking the question on your role in changing the situation around you. I have consciously tried to be the change I want to see around me. This has helped me take situational leadership and also shape the contours of the solution in the way I would like to see. Would you let someone else design your home? If the answer is no, why would you let someone do the same to your work ecosystem. Play an active role in shaping the culture and practices that surround you as this will help create an environment that encourages positivity and creativity

?25 years of service is a great milestone to cherish and motivates me to reach many more. Its also a time that made me to Celebrate – Pause – Reflect before I embark on the next milestone. In many ways this CPR moment will help shape my future habits and behavior, just like the traditional CPR would for someone in need; except that this one is a one to cherish.

Have you found your CPR moment(s)?