Mr Joshi and Mr Mandlik

Few years back my cousin Sameer used to work for famous automobile company as Manager, Machine shop Maintenance. Once I paid a visit to his office to explore if he can offer me some business related to spindle maintenance. Well, he never gave me business but introduced me to his colleague, Mr Joshi. Sameer was taking care of Electrical Maintenance and Mr Joshi was in charge of Mechanical Maintenance.

I observed both of them for next two hours. And I was meeting them for next two years as part of sales efforts and business. I remember Mr Joshi was quick in taking decisions. While Sameer was not sure of specific action, Joshi used say “Just do it”. Or else he used to find out appropriate vendor to get the work done. I mentioned my observation points to Joshi. He said “I do not like to procrastinate. I believe that action delayed is action denied.”

Joshi used to take risk. I was relatively new in business. Sameer never offered me business, not for the reason that my company was not capable but a peculiar mindset of showing power to known ones. Joshi gave me first order for spindle repairs. When I thanked Joshi, he promptly said “I always encourage new suppliers and try them if they can be useful to my company. I have audited your spindle repair processes and I found that you work as per international standards. And you are less expensive too. I can always take a chance to avail your services. And I am sure you will not disappoint me,”

I observed that Joshi was quite friendly with his subordinates and colleagues. He used to crack jokes, but when it was related to work he used to be damn serious. He used to be affirmative. At the same time, Sameer was seen to be arrogant. I do not know whether there was any problem with Sameer’s tone of talking as he could not connect with anyone in friendly way.

Once I had gone to see both of them by end of first shift. Sameer was left for the day and Joshi was still working. I asked Joshi if he always works extra time. Joshi said, “not really. But when situation demands, I work. Finally, you have to take ownership once taken responsibility. And for that you might need to walk that extra mile.”

Years passed and I lost touch with both of them . Recently I came to know that both of them are working with fast growing vendor of auto industry. I again thought of meeting Sameer and explore if I can get business. I called and met him in his office. We exchanged business card and it was mention on his card “Sameer Mandlik, Sr Manager Maintenance”. When we discussed about business, Sameer, in his style tried to avoid it.

Suddenly, I saw another person coming toward us. Ya, he was Mr Joshi. I went ahead and shook hands with him. Both of us could remember our old business relations and he asked me if the business is good. When I told my existing business status, which is grown in last few years, Mr Joshi asked Sameer to send Makino spindle for repair to our company. Sameer was grumbling and saying that we would send to other big company. Joshi had already made up his mind to send spindle to us and he firmly said “no arguments Sameer. Send spindle to Setco tomorrow itself” Though in disagreement, Sameer nodded positively.

I was anxious while exchanging business card with Joshi. I was not surprised to see his card. It was written

“Vijay Joshi, Technical Director”

I think all the years, Sameer was doing his job and Mr Joshi built his career.