Monday, September 18, 2017

LEADER SPECIAL... Lessons from the driver's seat

Lessons from the driver's seat


When running a business, you need to keep shifting gears to avoid hitting speed bumps. Five business heads share what goes into keeping a steady hand at the wheel while striving to reach the goal

Ravi Mariwala MD, Scientific Precision
“I remember the pre-GPS days.When I was a student, we would map out the route and note down everything on yellow sticky notes. Even now, for me, driving is all about planning. Being aware ahead of setting out, how you plan to navigate the road to get to your destination. Companies are run in similar fashion. Good drivers always listen to their cars. The car talks to you. With advancements in technology, the car needs to be upgraded. Change is evident in the lifecycle of the car and businesses.

When I'm interviewing some one for a job, a question that I always ask is about how he/she came to the location. [I listen to] How they give directions to reach the location. The answer gives a glimpse into the person's clarity of thought. A strong sense of direction helps in driving and running companies.“


Kaushal Dugar Founder, Teabox

“While driving, one hopes to simply look straight ahead and drive the car. But in India, you have to ensure that you have a complete peripheral view. You can't be sure of what's going to hit you at one point. Running a startup is similar. One doesn't knows which regulation will come out of nowhere, leaving you to contend with the fallout.You have to be alert at all times.

Everyone knows about the many potholes on our roads.W hen navigating these, one ensures that the car is not damaged and, at the same time, care is taken to avoid any collision.That's pretty much what steering a company entails, protecting it at all costs.


Lastly, the road is full of bumps. One can't speed up, literally and figuratively. It takes a long time to take the car [and the company] from the smaller, inner lanes to the state highways and from there to the national roads.“


Archit Gupta Co-founder, ClearTax

“When driving, there is an illusion of being in control. But that's not true. Just as one navigates the car on the basis of oncoming traffic, so does an entrepreneur direct his venture.


Entrepreneurs love control but external factors don't always allow that. On the road, there is aggression. The aim is to get from point A to B in the fastest way possible. That's how running a business is sometimes.


Personally, when I drive, I don't plan the journey to the last detail. I may have a broad idea, may be plan a couple of pit stops but that's it. I don't believe in micro optimising. I enjoy a certain amount of surprise.

One can always course correct. That's exactly how I approach running a business.“


Suresh Narayanan CMD, Nestle India

“Speed without direction is as worthless as an arrow without a target. I have always believed that for being an effective leader, you have to learn to be fast in making decisions [even if they are wrong occasionally], cut to the chase, focus on the core issues, objectives, people and purpose, and be flexible to embrace one's own fallibility.

Also, accept the fact that the environment constantly changes, forcing you to go with a Plan B.The relentless and disciplined practice of these will make you and your organisation formidable, if that's what you seek.“

Ashish Goel CEO, Urban Ladder

“Set an audacious goal and a big milestone for your company. Not everyone will believe it can be done. But to be successful, you need to be profitable and continue to grow robustly, while pushing the barriers of innovation.

This reminds me of a famous Hindi couplet by Dushyant Kumar. `Kaun kehta hai ki aasmaan mein suraakh ho nahin sakta, ek pathhar toh tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaron. (Who says you can't put a hole in the sky; try throwing a stone at it with conviction).' Ensure you get out of your comfort zone and take complete ownership. Be accountable for everything you do. The learning and thrill you will get out of this will be truly exhilarating.“.

masoom gupte , rashmi menon
Sep 05 2017 : The Economic Times (Mumbai)


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