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Ratan Tata and the flat tyre
One of Mr. Ratan N Tata's first assignments was the stewardship of the ailing electronics company in the Tata portfolio - Nelco.
Story goes that a team of senior managers from Nelco was driving to Nasik along with RNT. Halfway into the journey, the car had a flat tyre, and as the driver pulled up, the occupants - including Mr. Tata - got off for a comfort break, leaving the driver to replace the tyre.
Some of the managers welcomed the forced break, as it allowed them a much-needed chance to light up a cigarette. Some used the opportunity to stretch, and smile, and share a joke. And then, one of them suddenly noticed that Mr. Tata was not to be seen, and wondered aloud where Ratan Tata might have vanished.
Was he behind some bush?
Had he wandered off inside the roadside dhaba for a quick cup of tea?
Or was he mingling with some passer-bys, listening to their stories?
None of these, in fact.
While his colleagues were taking a break, Ratan Tata was busy helping the driver change tyres. Sleeves rolled up, tie swatted away over the shoulder, the hands expertly working the jack and the spanner, bouncing the spare tyre to check if the tyre pressure was ok. Droplets of sweat on the brow, and a smile on the face.
In that moment, the managers accompanying Ratan Tata got a master class in leadership they haven't forgotten.
And that's a moment that the driver of that car probably hasn't forgotten either.
Questions to ask:
When was the last time I rolled up my sleeves to do a task much below my hierarchy?
Do I wait for the big opportunity to showcase my leadership?
Is that big opportunity ever going to come?
Am I trying to manage upwards so much that I’ve lost the feel of the field?
Ideas for action:
Practice leadership in small things instead of waiting for the big crisis or a major product launch.
Seek to find opportunities to lead in everyday moments.
Build your leadership skills one baby step at a time.
Shows dat the billionaire like Mr. Ratan Tata is a down to earth man. He has reached the heights but still stands on Earth and not in air. He is the one who can digest success.
Otherwise most of the people cannot digest success and behave as if are the only one who are successful....
But we need to remember that Nothing is Permanent, except Change...
regards,
Sonal.
Dear Vaeshalli,
Thank you for your valuable contribution.
Warm Regards,
Milind
Dear Sahithi,
Thank you for your views.
Warm Regards
Milind
It is no wonder that Ratan tata did all this. Ratan is the great grandson of Tata group founder Jamsedji Tata and a greatest follower as well in Principle and Actions. I hope that you must have read the corridor interaction Ms. Sudha Moorthy (Infosys) had with Great Jamshedji. (mail me if any one not had a hand on)
Jamshedji waited at the corridor till Mr Narayana Moorthy came to pick her up on late evening standing and chatting with her as a chairman of tata group seeing a lady standing alone. This is just a similar act.
How many of us seriously think of the poor and needy rather expecting only the Politician and Bureaucrat to do, Lets ask How much we have been part of? I had the privilege of some and My employees where I worked will vouch for it. Its not to blame any one guys.
Look at the vision of Ratan Tata, take just two example, at his level of thinking, making domestic RO water unit @ 1500/- (Clean drinking water is an essential need and the most sought after by all of us.) while any brand in similar line cost more than 7500/- and Branded at 10K or more. Car @ 1 Lac creating employment to many thousands, win win for both (Economy and the common Man).
He is a Great Visionary and a Great and Inspiring Leader. (Please read Ratan tata @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratan_Naval_Tata )
Prabhakaran Nambiar
Sr HR Consultant
Anusha Human Capital management Consultant
(A Strategic HCM Partner)
Chennai
+91 9677030291
Join me on linkedin/HR Professional as well
It is no wonder that Ratan tata did all this. Ratan is the great grandson o... See Prabhakaran's complete reply
Thanks Prabhakaran for your detail views .
G8!!!!!!!!!
Warm Regards,
Milind