Empowering lessons from leaders and colleagues
20 memoirs from my 20 years@Philips
Standing up for your consumers and yourself is a profound lesson that has emerged from my extensive 27-year journey in the corporate world.?
In the realm of consumer advocacy, the exceptional leaders I had the privilege to work with instilled in me the fundamental principle of prioritizing "Consumers First." They didn't just preach this philosophy; they led by example, empowering us to make decisions that truly benefit our consumers/customers. Trust should never be intentionally shattered, and I recall an example I shared in a previous article Power of Brands about a shaver customer to illustrate this point.?
Even today, my unwavering commitment revolves around maintaining the trust of consumers in the brand I represent. This involves engaging in tough discussions with my team, addressing reported defects arising from customer misuse or shortcomings in our development, production, or delivery processes. There have been instances where we went above and beyond by refunding money to customers, a practice that was less common earlier in my career. Organizations that truly value their brand recognize the paramount importance of placing consumers and their needs at the core of their values. Empowering employees plays a pivotal role in achieving success, rebounding from setbacks, and, most importantly, safeguarding consumer trust. By incorporating customer feedback through robust continuous improvement systems, we can evolve and prevent challenges that could undermine the very foundation of our brand.?
Equally significant is the act of standing up for oneself. If we fail to advocate for our own needs and confront challenges head-on, how can we expect to effectively do the same for our consumers and our company? Throughout our professional journeys, we encounter obstacles that may tempt us to succumb to frustration and give up, believing that the situation is beyond our control. Yet, it is essential to find ways to communicate our principles and assert our worth. While leaders and colleagues can offer support, the responsibility ultimately falls upon us to take the first steps. I can personally attest to the power of this approach, as highlighted in my previous article Dare to dream -1 . Just as the saying goes, "You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket," we must express our needs and desires, seeking mutual agreement. I have been fortunate enough to witness remarkable leaders who not only listened but also followed through on their commitments. On two occasions, a young colleague extended tremendous support in helping me secure new roles. Despite not being my direct reporting leader, he fulfilled that role indirectly, connecting me with relevant hiring managers and offering ongoing assistance until I secured the position. Such extraordinary colleagues are indeed rare gems. Additionally, I have had the privilege of sharing my career objectives with two direct leaders who wholeheartedly supported me in achieving them. While not all colleagues and managers possess the same approach due to diverse leadership styles, support can be found when actively sought. Ultimately, standing up for oneself with rationality, clarity, and authenticity is a truly worthwhile endeavor. Before we can effectively empower others, we must first empower ourselves.?
I vividly recall a senior leader who would consistently begin our team events or celebrations at restaurants by expressing heartfelt gratitude to our customers. He would remind us, "I thank all our customers for helping us achieve what we have accomplished. Without them, this gathering would not be possible." Such profound statements leave an indelible mark, and I am genuinely grateful to these leaders for the position I find myself in today.?
While this discussion has primarily focused on consumers and self-empowerment, it is crucial to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our family and friends in shaping our sense of empowerment. However, exploring that topic is best left for another day.?
Within the landscape of our professional careers, we inevitably encounter managers and colleagues who serve as extraordinary motivators. Their dedication to long-term success often goes unrecognized, given the limited number of top-level positions while ascending the corporate ladder. Nevertheless, many of these individuals continue to achieve greatness in their unique ways and provide guidance when approached. Their unwavering commitment is truly inspiring, and they exemplify the essence of true leadership.
Cheers!
Vish?
These are my personal views and opinions and not associated with my employer or any other reference in this post. I am also not endorsing any company or service mentioned on this post
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1 年Thank you Vish. An insightful reflection and acknowledgement of your journey. Wisdom you shared that resonated with me “Equally significant is the act of standing up for oneself” challenging at times but essential to honour our self-worth, health and wellbeing.
Managing credit of customer and cash flow of company . Reducing bank borrowings amd savings
1 年Amazing inputs for people who r starting there career . Kasish Mahajan
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1 年Very well written, Vish !!