The significant lesson I learnt from my MBA was the importance of being in tune with what is happening in the world and being up-to-date with the relevant aspects of business to conduct oneself well in the corporate world. My MBA also exposed me to the world as it was the first time I stepped out of the comfort of home, my very familiar surroundings, into a fairly pan-India social milieu. In order to grow, one has to be hungry, step out of one’s comfort zone and be willing to go the extra mile. It is equally important to keep learning new things every day, because the day we stop learning, we stop growing.
Being a student and professional
Of course, the experience which work life brings is significant, humbling and almost unprecedented. You realise that academic learning is a mere tool and it is our approach and attitude which makes the difference. Observing, absorbing and learning from the environment has been crucial in shaping me. Travel has been another great motivator – it taught me that there is more to it than I know (from the books I had been devouring). Assignments with potential and actual partners from Europe, Australia and South East Asia have given me valuable lessons, making me more tolerant and less impatient. Of course, common sense, logic, hard work and empathy are priceless companions! And best decisions are made when we use both the left and the right compartments of the brain.
Highs and Lows
It’s a journey where one experiences both. That said, I do not wish to look at the past and prefer moving towards the future.
Keeping myself updated
There are many channels available — turning inputs into insights is the key challenge. I scan the various memiums of info — print, web, visual; conversations with colleagues and friends are indeed useful. I must confess that I am privileged to have a diverse group of friends on Facebook, who through their varied posts help me access information about trends and views on the economy and society.
Marshalling my troops
I strongly believe an inspired, motivated and happy team is key to sustainable outcomes. Therefore, it’s important to value the team and work with them. In my experience, cajoling, coaxing, provoking, questioning and collaborating are very effective ways of achievement in a team.
What I am reading now
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo.
What young managers should be reading
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.