Narayana Murthy’s Statement Through a Different Lens

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a sculptor who was commissioned to create the grandest statue the town had ever seen.

Day and night, he worked tirelessly, chiseling away at the massive stone. His hands bled, his back ached, but he didn’t stop.

One evening, a traveler passing through the village saw the sculptor and asked,?“Why do you work so hard? Don’t you need rest?”

The sculptor replied,?“This isn’t about me. In a year, this statue will stand tall in the town square. It will inspire generations and remind them of what we can achieve when we work hard. I may suffer now, but the result will be worth it.”

This story reminds me of Narayana Murthy’s recent comment urging India’s youth to adopt a?70-hour workweek. His statement reflects the sculptor’s mindset: a focus on the?big picture—building a stronger, more competitive India. But here’s the question we need to ask:

Does working longer hours always lead to the big picture?

???The Answer Lies in the Balance

Focusing on the big picture is about recognizing?why?we work hard and?how?our efforts contribute to a larger vision. But it’s not just about working endlessly; it’s about:

1?? Aligning our efforts with a meaningful purpose.

2?? Ensuring the journey doesn’t destroy the very people meant to enjoy the destination.

Moral

In the story, the sculptor worked hard but for a finite goal. In real life, if we ask people to work tirelessly without fair pay, respect, or a clear purpose, they won’t see the “statue”—only the struggle.

???My Take on Murthy’s Statement

Hard work is essential, no doubt. But simply demanding longer hours isn’t the solution. To truly focus on the big picture:

Employees need a vision: Why should they work extra? What’s in it for them and society?

Respect and recognition are crucial: Appreciation fuels effort.

Efficiency beats hours: Smart systems and streamlined processes can often achieve more in 40 hours than aimless effort in 70.

???The Big Picture Isn’t Just About Hard Work—It’s About Purpose.

What’s your?big picture? Let’s discuss. ??

#Leadership #WorkCulture #FocusOnTheBigPicture #NarayanaMurthy #CareerGrowth