When I was an employee..
A flashback to how I became a leader
Warning
This is not a Blog about Bragging anything, I am writing this with humility, being grateful to god.
A Reflection
Back in 2006, Someone once asked me my phone number at office and I told it ends with 2020. They asked me what was my plan for year 2020. I confidently told, I want to run an office bigger than this one.
The Reality
Well, 2020 was the year of Covid and my dream did not turn out exactly the way I wanted. But, looking back at the point in time, I always wanted to do things differently and be a leader. It was the mindset I had, thanks to my father who showed me exactly how to lead in life.
Sharing few bits of my journey
I am writing this post mainly for two reasons.
To lay out a plan how I did, what I did.
To my future generation, in case they want to understand my journey better.
The Blue Print to be a leader
If you ask me today how to be a leader, you may get some of these answers..
Be Trustworthy
Take that Risk
Do what you say, Say what you do
Empower & Trust Others
Serve others without expectations
Forgive Quickly
Develop a think skin
Sacrifice
Develop a thick skin
Be a visionary
Demonstrate Empathy
Own your failures
Be the first one in the line.
Be the last to eat.
Keep up with new things.
Don’t forget the old stuff
Anticipate Risks
Plan ahead of time
Be ready to wear multiple hats - Be it a janitor or a watchman
Work with people whom you may not like
And do all this and more consistently, for decades.
For me, it was always just two things..
While being an employee, I mainly focused on these two things:
Take Complete Ownership.
Always Over deliver.
And I am happy today that I did this and If I ever get to do this all over again, I am doing exactly the same.
When I was an employee
I was good at code, right from my college days (Pre 2006).
I over stayed at office, I did night outs, but I always delivered.
I adapted to changes in Tech.
I self learnt new things at 3AM and taught others the same day at 3PM.
I uplifted people around me.
I took upon things NOT meant for my skills.
I collaborated with people who were far greater than I could reach.
Took flights at 4AM and back home same day by 11:30PM and back to office the very next day.
I never took leaves unless it was necessary.
I was very “demanding” when it comes to certain things.
Mostly said YES for everything I was asked to!
I was always hugely inspired by father, Who did even more with less. What I’ve done is probably nothing in front of my Dad, this will always be true no matter where I am in the future.
What is now clear is, While I worked hard to learn for myself, I was already doing few things just to help others. And repeated this for years.
Knowingly or unknowingly, I was farming Trust & Respect from my leaders.
Instead, I could have just..
Did my tasks and go home.
Not cared about Deadlines.
Not bother about my leaders/managers.
Not cared about my juniors or team mates.
I could have slept more.
Not take risks.
Taken care of my own needs.
Party hard - A beer in one hand and a cigar in another.
Be someone in the sideline and watch others figure it out themselves.
Be the “NOT My Problem Guys, so Bye for now”
If that was me, Probably I would have had some more hair still left, lol! But, I myself could never been that person and I could have not been the leader I am today. Again, this is a humble post and not a brag doc. My goal is, if this could help someone, they in-turn could help many more.
Here is how you can be a leader too..
Its Simple, Its just two things.
Deliver what your boss does and deliver it better!
Solve Problems of Others in your team.
Yes, it will take blood, sweat and tears, sleepless nights and more.
Do this consistently for few years and you are well on your way to become a great leader!
Up for the challenge ?
Yes, I think you can be a leader too. Now, go and start today!
