A vision through the maze

Who is a true leader? There is no concrete answer to this question. History is filled with depiction of great men who have made their mark but does it mean all of them are great leader. Looking back at Indian History we have come across people who have been able to change the course of this nation but searching through their lives you will not find many leaders.

There have been people who have been able to garner faith and respect of people and have transformed themselves to a level where people would naturally follow them. Moving up the corporate ladder makes me realize that the huge potential of the industry at the bottom of the pyramid which gets squandered because there is not many people to channelize this potential. Most people up the pyramid are leader by designation and not by ability. It’s a big statement to make but this is blunt truth. Our corporate structure is not aimed in grooming leaders so in a few years we might find a problem of plenty.

When we entered the industry (Software Industry) way back in 2004 the head count in companies were relatively low. 2004-2006 had seen the intake of huge number of people. Now the leaders we had seen during our initial period were mostly guys who have worked for 10-15 years as Computer Engineers. The catch here is when they graduated most of the students used to opt for jobs in fields like Electronics, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical etc. So we haven’t really seen the best of leaders. So whatever we learnt from them on leadership is really questionable.7 years down the line we are now in the mid management level where it’s expected that we will lead the pack. The problem is not only there are too many such people but also most of them are not well groomed. If you think this is the only problem then you are missing the point, the guys who were your leaders 7 years ago have become managers now.

So the scenario is we are getting bright and enthusiastic fresher’s who are managed by half baked leaders like us who is turn is reporting to people who once was discarded by the booming industries during their hay days. This is creating a huge gulf between expectation and outcome in all possible ways. I have observed the side effect of this situation:

• There is lack of trust and faith on leadership as we move up the pyramid

• Lack of self confidence and self belief among fresher’s who does not have many to look up to

• People changing job at the drop of hat

• Lack of vision and direction in governance

• HR under pressure to retain talent

• Management working behind closed doors like some secret society
• Lack of transparency and vision

• Lack of innovation and growth opportunity

Although I have seen people who have stood out and made a good example of themselves and have been leaders whom we can look up to. But their efforts are often overshadowed by the many who have failed to deliver. Companies are determined to make profit and maintain their growth rate so they push the managers who in turn push their subordinates and ultimately its bottom layer of this pyramid who are crushed. We are not in a sugarcane industry that by crushing more we will get better sugar!!

The companies have formulated policies to ensure that this situation does not arise but often those policies are flaunted to suit the benefit of few and eventually it harms everyone in the long run. The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed in these two: common-sense and perseverance. Problem is today the mantra have been changed. There is nothing called common sense people goes by the rule-book wherever required and flaunts the rules for his/her own benefit. Today perseverance pays you nothing unless you are smart to show off your perseverance. It’s all about marketing. It’s all about blowing your own trumpet and keeps the show running. Leadership skill or no Leadership skill if you are making profit you will be there. You PR and Communication skill will help you project as a great person whose project is making huge profit and the metrics number shows great improvement over the months. Your management will kiss you even if your team members are showing traits of being suicidal or depression.

I know there is no point writing these already known facts. There is no point raising the questions which is already known. There is no point discussing problems as I may not be able to solve the problems. I have tried to work my way out through certain situations so that I may be able to share the solution with all but not always I have succeeded.

But few things that work are:

• Accept and be indifferent

• Never be loyal to your company but be loyal to your work

• Learn as much as possible from the right people.

• Lead by example not by power points.

• Don’t try to change the system either adopt or be adopted

We can’t change but we can make a difference. Difference that may change the way our future welcomes us.