In this post I am sharing from my notes, some sound and sensible advice to freshers joining the industry. It is given by none other than the veteran corporate leader Mr R.C. Bhargava, former CEO and current chairman of Maruti Suzuki. Many students tend to believe that once they have acquired a degree in engineering or management, they automatically gain respect and success. The wisdom shared by Mr Bhargava challenges such notions. According to him leaders need to earn the respect of their subordinates.
In most companies, subordinates, particularly workmen are convinced that the management's aim is to extract the maximum work and pay as little as possible. They believe that the management thrives and prospers on the efforts of their workmen. Management itself contributes very little and since managers are highly paid and enjoy lot of perks, profits would increase if the number of managers are reduced.If managers are to become leaders and motivate all employees to give their best, they should be able to dispel this image
One of the ways for earning respect and demonstrating real contribution is by being highly proficient and knowledgable in your work.Degrees will not suffice. If a worker makes a mistake or encounters a problem in his work and the supervisr is not able to guide him or provide a solution, he is unlikely to respect him as an engineer or manager. It is therefore necessary to combine academic knowledge and intelectual brillance with practical experience. This would enable one to gain the skills for doing the work that he is responsible for supervising and guiding.
You would be able to supervise and control only if you are totally familiar with the rules and procedure applicable. One should also know the company policy and objectives. The leader must be able to show total command over the work in his charge, to get noticed and identified as one with the potential to rise.The more aware you are of the overall functioning of the company, beside your own area of work,the more are the chances of your being able to make value adding suggestions. What is required is hard work and an intention to learn all the time. You cannot expect to succeed with the attitude- " Work only the prescribed 8 hours and do only what you are asked to do."
Focus during Training Period
The training system should be designed for providing opportunity to the trainee to practically do the tasks that he would be supervising later. This would mean providing hands on training to the engineer on the production lines and on various machines.The training should include knowledge about various aspects of the company's policies and regulations.This first hand knowledge of the working conditions and systems on the shop floor will stand the trainees in good stead in future, for making changes that will improve productivity and work environment.In the Japanese training system a great deal of importance is attached to 'doing the job yourself '. There was an instance of a senior manager who was on his way to a hotel as a guest.On learning about a breakdown problem, he was not afraid or reluctant to get himself dirty repairing the car before proceeding to the venue.
In conclusion, the youngsters starting out on their career should understand that the importance of practical, hands on experience cannot be overemphasised. Degrees are only passports to enter the work place. There is no substitute for hard work, continuous learning and willingness to do work with your own hands.It is these attributes that will ensure future growth and success.
In most companies, subordinates, particularly workmen are convinced that the management's aim is to extract the maximum work and pay as little as possible. They believe that the management thrives and prospers on the efforts of their workmen. Management itself contributes very little and since managers are highly paid and enjoy lot of perks, profits would increase if the number of managers are reduced.If managers are to become leaders and motivate all employees to give their best, they should be able to dispel this image
One of the ways for earning respect and demonstrating real contribution is by being highly proficient and knowledgable in your work.Degrees will not suffice. If a worker makes a mistake or encounters a problem in his work and the supervisr is not able to guide him or provide a solution, he is unlikely to respect him as an engineer or manager. It is therefore necessary to combine academic knowledge and intelectual brillance with practical experience. This would enable one to gain the skills for doing the work that he is responsible for supervising and guiding.
You would be able to supervise and control only if you are totally familiar with the rules and procedure applicable. One should also know the company policy and objectives. The leader must be able to show total command over the work in his charge, to get noticed and identified as one with the potential to rise.The more aware you are of the overall functioning of the company, beside your own area of work,the more are the chances of your being able to make value adding suggestions. What is required is hard work and an intention to learn all the time. You cannot expect to succeed with the attitude- " Work only the prescribed 8 hours and do only what you are asked to do."
Focus during Training Period
The training system should be designed for providing opportunity to the trainee to practically do the tasks that he would be supervising later. This would mean providing hands on training to the engineer on the production lines and on various machines.The training should include knowledge about various aspects of the company's policies and regulations.This first hand knowledge of the working conditions and systems on the shop floor will stand the trainees in good stead in future, for making changes that will improve productivity and work environment.In the Japanese training system a great deal of importance is attached to 'doing the job yourself '. There was an instance of a senior manager who was on his way to a hotel as a guest.On learning about a breakdown problem, he was not afraid or reluctant to get himself dirty repairing the car before proceeding to the venue.
In conclusion, the youngsters starting out on their career should understand that the importance of practical, hands on experience cannot be overemphasised. Degrees are only passports to enter the work place. There is no substitute for hard work, continuous learning and willingness to do work with your own hands.It is these attributes that will ensure future growth and success.
Sound thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mridula!
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