Empathy, Critical thinking & Problem solving - Making of a Great Manager

In this conversation we have Mr. Atul Soneja , COO at CitiusTech , he shares his view on his leadership style and insights from his journey

Rahul:?How would you describe your leadership style? What are some of the do’s and don’ts around you?

My leadership style balances inclusivity and decisiveness. I value diverse opinions to make well-rounded decisions and act with confidence when time is limited. I appreciate transparency and open discussions, while emphasizing discipline and rigor. I discourage internal politics and conflicts, as they hinder productivity. I prioritize focused meetings that yield specific resolutions, avoiding wastage of time. With my team, I want to create an environment conducive to success.

Rahul: What do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to people management?

Every company aspires to become a high performing organization and one of the key challenges they face in this journey is to objectively manage employee performance in a consistent and standardized manner across the organization. This challenge entails striking a balance between team members' aspirations and their existing competencies, as well as reconciling their self-perception of performance with the evaluations provided by managers and stakeholders. Since each individual possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, a standardized approach cannot be applied to address this situation. Achieving balance necessitates comprehending the specific strengths and weaknesses of team members, followed by aligning them with the broader objectives of the company.

Rahul: What are the X factors that you want the organization to be developing in its future leaders?

In our fast-paced world, three key factors shape tomorrow's leaders: Integrity, Empathy, and Agile Learning.

Integrity tops the list, as trustworthiness is essential in today's cut-throat competition. A leader with integrity fosters a reliable and just organization, gaining trust.

Empathy is equally vital, as leaders must prioritize being human. Making a positive impact extends beyond the team or organization to the world. Without empathy, leaders cannot inspire others.

Lastly, Agile Learning is crucial. The volatile and uncertain environment constantly presents new challenges. Staying ahead, embracing new knowledge, and being adaptable prepare leaders for any obstacle that comes their way.?

Rahul: What would you say are the most critical capabilities/competencies of a Great Manager?

In my view, three essential competencies for an exceptional manager are empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Empathy enables a manager to understand and create a work environment that resonates with their team members. An empathetic manager fosters a positive work culture, building rapport and driving optimal outcomes. Critical thinking is vital, as managers need the knowledge, analytical abilities, and confidence to make timely decisions. Being aware of the situation and exercising sound judgment is crucial. Furthermore, managers frequently encounter diverse problems throughout their day. They must be prepared for unexpected challenges and possess the agility to solve them swiftly and effectively.

Rahul: Who do you look up to for inspiration?

I have not drawn inspiration from only a single individual throughout my journey. Instead, I have gleaned insights from numerous remarkable individuals and leaders by delving into their autobiographies and studying how they established and elevated their organizations.

I strive to comprehend the underlying motivations driving their actions and how they maintained optimism even in the face of adversity. Understanding their challenges and learning from diverse visionaries across various fields is more inspiring to me than relying on a single individual for inspiration.

Rahul:?If you could only ask a candidate one question in an interview and decide based on their answer whether to hire them, what would that question be?

"What was the most significant challenge you faced in the past three years, how did you overcome it, and what did you learn? Please provide an example where you applied this learning to demonstrate progress."

By asking this question, I aim to understand not only the individual's perception of their biggest challenge but also their approach to handling challenges overall. I want to grasp their thought process in addressing the challenge, the lessons they gained from it, and how they have applied those insights.

The second part of the question allows me to gauge the individual's ability to learn from mistakes, how they implement their learnings, and the measures they take to prevent repeating past errors. I believe that the response to this question unveils crucial aspects of an individual's character and resilience, highlighting the value they can bring to an organization.

Rahul: What is the advice you would give to the younger generation that is just joining the workforce?

One crucial piece of advice I would give to individuals starting their journey is to recognize the immense power of teamwork.

Being part of a team entails collaborating with individuals who possess diverse backgrounds, working styles, skillsets, and personalities – and that's perfectly normal. The key is for team members to work together in a manner that harnesses the strengths of everyone involved, all aligned towards a shared goal and vision. When teams truly collaborate, the combined impact goes beyond the simple sum of individual contributions. The synergy created by a cohesive team, results in an outcome greater than what each member could achieve alone.

Additionally, it is paramount to embrace the value of hard work. There are no shortcuts in life, and success in any field requires dedicated effort. Hard work is an indispensable element of your growth journey, and it is essential to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenges that lie ahead.

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