Why Indian Leaders Stand Out
A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch with one of my former MBA students from India, Karan. We met up at an Indian restaurant in Santa Monica and enjoyed some delicious dosas — those giant pancakes from Southern India. As we ate, we got into a conversation about Indian leadership and how it’s becoming so influential here in the United States, not only in corporations but also in politics.
Whether it’s Satya Nadella at Microsoft, Sundar Pichai at Google, or Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indian leaders have been making a huge impact on global business and beyond. And now, with Kamala Harris polling so well in the presidential race in the United States, it is likely that an Indian American woman would hold the highest job in American politics.
An article published in the Harvard Business Review in 2010 offers some insightful answers on Indian leadership. The researchers spoke with 98 top executives in India to uncover the leadership traits that make these leaders stand out. They found three key qualities that make Indian leadership so effective: a focus on people, a strong social mission, and a flexible approach to leadership.
A Focus on People
Indian leaders put a significant emphasis on developing and engaging their employees. They understand that people are the most valuable asset in any organization. This is not just lip service; it’s backed by real action. Indian companies invest heavily in employee development, even in a tight labor market where job-hopping is common. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued and are motivated to contribute their best work.
Vineet Nayar, the former CEO of HCL Technologies, exemplifies this approach with his radical philosophy of “Employee First, Customer Second.” He empowered employees by giving them the authority to make decisions at the points where those decisions mattered most — where the company meets its clients. This people-first approach not only fosters loyalty but also drives high performance.
A Strong Social Mission
In India, businesses often intertwine their goals with a broader social mission. This is more than just corporate social responsibility; it’s a fundamental part of the business strategy. Companies like Tata, Infosys, and Bharti Airtel don’t just aim to make profits; they seek to address social issues, whether it’s by improving healthcare, providing education, or enabling communication for millions who otherwise would be isolated.
This focus on social mission is deeply rooted in the Indian ethos. Leaders like Ratan Tata have led their companies with a vision that extends beyond the balance sheet. For instance, Tata’s push for globalization wasn’t just about expanding the company’s footprint; it was about reducing reliance on a single market and contributing to global economic development.
A Flexible Leadership Style
Indian leaders are known for their flexibility and adaptability. They tend to avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, they create a work culture that encourages quick thinking and responsiveness to change. This is crucial in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
The concept of “jugaad,” a Hindi word that loosely translates to “innovative fix” or “simple workaround,” is a hallmark of this flexible approach. Indian leaders use jugaad to navigate complex challenges with resourcefulness and creativity. It’s this ability to adapt and improvise that often gives Indian companies a competitive edge.
So, what can we learn from Indian leadership? First, focusing on people is key to building a strong, successful team. Investing in your employees isn’t just good for them; it’s good for your organization as well. Second, integrating a social mission into your business strategy can help you make a positive impact on society while also enhancing your company’s reputation. And finally, staying flexible and open to change is essential in today’s fast-paced world. This adaptability not only helps organizations survive but also thrive.
Thank you for reading! If you found this article insightful, please share it. You can also watch my YouTube video on Indian Leadership below.
