A Crucial Leadership Lesson that Shaped Narayana Murthy’s Philosophy

Dear Readers,

In today’s issue, we explore a transformative lesson from one of India’s most respected business leaders—Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. His journey offers profound insights into leadership, discipline, and lifelong learning that every aspiring leader can benefit from.

A Lesson in Leadership from IIM-A

Murthy’s leadership style wasn’t built on quick wins but on deep reflections and experiences. A pivotal moment occurred during his time at IIM-Ahmedabad, where he was serving as the Chief Systems Programmer. During a technical debate, a colleague used inappropriate language, leaving Murthy feeling both "ashamed and saddened."

However, it was his professor’s calm response to the situation that reshaped Murthy’s perspective on leadership. When asked why the professor remained unshaken, the reply was simple yet profound: “The lesson learned is more important than how it’s communicated.” This taught Murthy the importance of focusing on the essence of the message rather than how it is delivered.

This moment influenced Murthy’s leadership philosophy—learning to separate the individual from the issue and fostering collaboration through empathy and understanding.

Leadership Beyond Imitation

Murthy shared this story at the Teach for India Leaders Week event, offering wisdom to the next generation. When asked by a student how to follow in his footsteps, Murthy humbly replied, "I don’t want you to become like me. I want you to be much better than me." His message: Innovate, be curious, and create your own path instead of replicating the success of others.

Discipline and Time Management: Foundations of Success

Murthy credits his father for instilling in him the value of discipline. Following a strict timetable, Murthy secured fourth rank in the state SSLC exam—a habit that became central to his personal and professional life. Time management, he emphasized, is key to productivity and achieving long-term success.

A Leadership Lesson from Paris

In an early career episode while working in Paris, Murthy erased an entire computer system’s memory during a test—a potentially career-ending mistake. However, his boss, Colin, instead of reprimanding him, worked side by side with Murthy for 22 hours to restore the system. This act of solidarity left a lasting impression on Murthy. Colin’s sacrifice, humility, and focus on teamwork underscored another key principle: leaders take responsibility for failures and share credit for success.

Final Reflections: Humility and Continuous Learning

Narayana Murthy’s leadership journey is a testament to the power of humility, discipline, and continuous learning. He advises young people to remain curious, open, and adaptable—values that shape not just leaders but lifelong learners. Leadership, he believes, is not about authority or knowledge alone; it is about empathy, growth, and giving back.

Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders:

• Focus on the lesson, not just how it’s delivered.
• Be innovative; strive to be better than your role models.
• Discipline and time management are critical for success.
• Leaders share credit and take full responsibility for failures.
• Stay humble, curious, and open to continuous learning.

Let’s reflect on these lessons as we continue our journey towards personal and professional growth.

Until next time,

Stay Tunes

DR. PRANNAY G SHARMA