Weekend Musings: Reality Check, Learnings from the new-age Leaders

This week, I got a chance to interact with the youngest lot of our future leaders. Bustling with raw energy, brimming with fresh ideas, ready to take on the world – these fine, young joiners were fresh out of their induction and, are now part of the Panasonic family. The discussion I had with them was quite insightful, while it was limited to their learnings and understanding of our business during the induction period. Through there reflections, I got an understanding of their young mindset and more important, a unique perspective of brand Panasonic. I left the room with lot of takeaways, fresh ideas and a load of positive energy. And as I reminisce and write this chapter of #WeekendMusings, I am reminded of my younger self, equally excited to share ideas during my early days into career. But, this musing is not about that, rather about a unique insight that emerged during my dialogue with these future leaders. 

The story goes like this.

As part of our initial induction process new joiners are introduced to the brand ethos, get to meet the business leaders and are become familiar with the culture of the organization. During this period, they are exposed to variety of presentations elaborating the strategy and various facets of our operations. The next step for them is market visits where theory translates into practical. The trainings and discussions of past two weeks are tested during these market visits. It is the most critical step for them as they get to face the reality. Management lessons unfold for them as they get to witness the complete Product lifecycle from R&D to application to phase out process. As a leader, I always found this phase the most intriguing as the new joiners get the first experience of the real world. And as a process, I engage with them post the market visit to understand their feedback.

So you may wonder, why is this important and why should a leader in my position spend time and effort here. I have access to regular consumer surveys, market data and understanding through my own market visits, so why is this so important to me – “how important is the first feedback?”

It is important because these first time professionals are a significant part of our economy and target audience for most industries. They have strong opinions which they are afraid to express. Their responses are raw but, clear. They speak their mind and are not afraid to call a spade, a spade. And to me, these insights are like the first flush of their mindset. To top it all they are the sharpest minds trained at the finest B-schools.

To quote one of my young colleagues from the batch she suggested, “Why can’t we run our Catallyst program for our promoters? After all, they are our extended arms.” To me that idea itself, was riveting. Although a very simple suggestion but can work wonders for the organization. And let me tell you, I’ve taken a note of this suggestion and, in all possibility can be implemented from an organizational point of view.

In my opinion learning is a continuous lifelong process and feedback is the guardrail which keeps you in check. And, the feedback coming from Youth shouldn’t be brushed off, casually.

As I end this musing, as one leader to another, my question remains the same - how important is the first feedback? (for you or, your organization)

Let me know your views in the comments.  

*Disclaimer: Masks have been taken off only for the pictures.