Enabling Success - Rising Through the Ranks

A Manager's Odyssey to Organizational Leadership

When we sit on Sunday evening and think where we are and where we want to reach, we are lost in planning next week's calendar most of the times. We don’t see beyond. Hunger to win and aspiration to become better every day, die down when we end up our weekdays in endless discussions of keeping the lights on for the business. Thought cycle continues every week. One idea shook my mind few years ago, when I came across a vision of "Linear Growth". As a manager and leader, we may not have time of whole day for learning and development, but small change of our habit can improve ourselves a lot over time with consistent linear learning and linear improvement. Then we have "Good quest", what a concept! searching something good which others may not be able to see right now. Last but not the least is "Purpose" – it is greater than yourself and everything else. This is the secret of enormous energy that can drive us every day to help others achieve their goals. Let's aim to be that Org Leader with whom everyone wants to work.

Make your base strong as Manager!

This is must. Do your job which you are paid for. Understand your domain, technology architecture, integration, operations and business functions in the Organization. Master in capabilities which can enable you to understand a concept and provide for sharing valuable inputs and supporting by asking right questions to trigger thoughts for the bigger end to end outcome. Throw away task-based mindset to adapt more strategic and visionary mindset. Cultivate empathy in leadership. Learn to motivate team to fulfill their potential by showing them path of success. Be on top of trends and learning next-gen. Build your next successor sooner so you can grow.

List down past goals that you don’t what to achieve.

In the beginning of the year, when everyone is planning to create new year plan, it is very important for managers and leaders to list down which initiatives, work areas and goals can be scrapped or stopped right away with a proper sunset plan. We should identify tasks, activities, initiatives, goal, and vision that are not providing value for the current mission, purpose and building identity or brand. As suggested from one of good mentors, your success will depend how soon you identify what you don’t want to do. Learn to say "No" or transfer ownership of those items as early as possible. Then you can be ready to swim through the next big wave of learning, contribution and value add. Re-purpose your time, energy, and your team.

Have you gone extra miles for your friends and well-wishers?

During our professional career, we earn many friends, great colleagues, mentors, sponsors and well-wishers. It is truly fulfilling when they praise you even when you are not in a room. We must earn it with our selfless devotion to keep the purpose at top. Professional relationship can be nurtured by idea sharing, brainstorming, collaboration for success of the initiative, mentoring & coaching, supporting during customer interaction and escalation and providing right appreciations on right time at right place. Take responsibility for both successes and failures and learn from every experience. Actively seek feedback from peers, subordinates, and superiors. Use feedback as a tool for continuous improvement.

Are you a change maker? Have you fulfilled your potential?

Since starting of my career, I was passionate to follow managers and leaders. One fact sticked to my mind that managers' tenure should be measured with generated values from the positive change that they bring. Change can be looked in terms of revenue, profit, customer satisfaction, team motivation, growth of positive culture and mindset, raising the bar of excellence and recognizable brand for the team and the organization. To achieve that consider taking on roles with increasing responsibilities, demonstrate your ability to lead at an organizational level, influencing overall strategy and direction. Develop executive presence by showcasing confidence and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure. Cultivate a strong professional image that aligns with the expectations of senior leadership. Gain experience in leading and managing organizational change. Consider involvement in industry associations, advisory boards, or community leadership roles. Participate in external forums and events to enhance your visibility and broaden your network.

Do you embrace yourself as India and global leader?

If your organization has large presence in India and it is global in nature, embrace India and global mindset by understanding and appreciating diverse cultures and markets. Lead teams and initiatives that transcend geographical boundaries. Encourage culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity within your organization. Create an environment where employees feel empowered and motivated to contribute their best. Communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the board of directors. Elevate the potential of those around you. Create opportunities for the professional growth of your team members. Build a culture that values and rewards excellence. Open your boundary of scope for contribution. Think like Startup - Speed is important. Be grounded as we have enormous talent around in the world. Take good from everyone every day.

?"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

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