#256
Hey folks, I’ve been asked time and again, “How do you become a good, practical leader?” Having been a manager for 12 years before switching to consulting in 2012, I’ve picked up a few tricks that worked for me. Leadership isn’t about fancy degrees or corner offices—it’s about connecting, guiding, and getting stuff done, especially in our chaotic Indian workplaces. So, here are my 10 mantras to be a hands-on, kickass leader. Customise them your way, but trust me, they deliver!
1. Know Your People, Beyond the 9-to-5
A leader who only talks shop is a robot, not a human. Get to know your team—ask about their kid’s dance recital, their love for IPL, or how their mom’s doing after that surgery. In India, family and chai-time chats are everything. When your team sees you care about their Diwali plans, not just deadlines, they’ll stick by you. Bonding pays dividends—try it!
2. The 30-Minute Catch-Up: Your Secret Weapon
Schedule a one-on-one with each team member every two weeks—30 minutes, no less. Split it like this: 10 minutes for their headaches (work or personal), 10 for your expectations (“I need this report by Friday”), and 10 to plan the way forward. It’s like a mini roadmap—keeps everyone on the same page, no confusion. In our top-down Indian setups, this is gold.
3. Be Human, Not a Superhero
Show a little chink in your armour, yaar. Admit when you goof up: “Arre, I forgot to send that mail, my bad!” It’s not weakness—it’s proof you’re not some unreachable boss on a pedestal. In India, we love our heroes flawed—think Shah Rukh in a romcom. Let your team see you’re real, and they won’t be scared to approach you.
4. Communication Rules: No News is Bad News
Set this straight: “If something’s brewing, tell me ASAP. Bad news first, always.” Updates have deadlines—don’t let silence fester. Praise loudly—“Shabash, Anil, killer presentation!”—but if someone messes up, pull them aside for a quiet word. In our last-minute Indian chaos, clear communication is your lifeline.
5. Let Your Team Take the Spotlight
Don’t jump in to tweak every idea—let your team shine. If they’ve cracked a problem, say, “This is all you, well done!” Step in only if you’ve got a game-changer up your sleeve, like a new safety rule that saves the day. In India, where credit is a big deal, this builds a team that’s confident, not cowed.
6. Trust Your Gut When It Counts
Your experience is your ace card. A good team rarely needs rescuing, but when they’re stuck—like on a tricky EHS compliance issue—your intuition kicks in. It’s like being the captain who knows when to switch bowlers. Keep a Plan B ready, but don’t flash it unless needed. They’ll respect you as the quiet fixer.
7. Be Different, Be You
Stand out from the crowd, Karthik-style. My thing? Delegation—I’d tell my team, “Take as much as you can handle, I trust you.” No breathing down necks, no micromanaging. In India, where bosses often hover, this freedom is rare. Bring your unique vibe—maybe it’s your calm in a storm or your knack for cutting through red tape.
8. Empathy: The Real Deal
Stuff will hit the fan—projects will delay, someone’s kid will fall sick. Don’t flip out. Say, “Relax, we’ll sort this.” Understand their pressures: “I get it, exams are tough on the family.” Empathy isn’t mollycoddling—it’s knowing life isn’t perfect. Your team will fight harder for a boss who’s human, not a taskmaster.
9. Don’t Hoard Info—Pass It On
Great leaders don’t sit on emails or files like they’re gold. If something lands with you, forward it—“Team, FYI” or “Act on this by EOD.” In India, where bureaucracy can choke progress, this speed is a superpower. I learned this from bosses who never let paper pile up—it’s a habit that keeps the wheels turning, at work and home.
10. Have Your Team’s Back, Always
This is the golden rule: their wins are theirs, your flops are yours. If they ace a project, shout, “My rockstars did this!” If it tanks, take the heat: “I should’ve steered better.” Defend them like a lion—against clients, upper management, anyone. In India, loyalty is king, and this builds a team that’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.
There you have it, folks—10 mantras to lead with guts, heart, and a bit of desi swagger. Leadership isn’t rocket science; it’s about trust, clarity, and standing tall for your people. Try these out, tweak them to your style, and watch your team thrive. What’s your take? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories!
Karthik
14/3/25 1030am.
Health, Environment, Safety, Sustainability (HESS) 