Add a pinch of salt, to adverse feedback

Stories of Role Models

My superiors did not see me as executive material early in my career. 

Yet, throughout my professional career in the US, I have been fortunate enough to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined.

I was an introvert growing up. The guitar was my best friend and silence was a close second. Most introverts are good listeners. I was too. 

I studied to be an engineer. I looked forward to running a life of computer simulations and doing designs from my desk.

The desire to study further brought me to the US.

In 1990, I finished my masters in mechanical engineering and joined General Motors.

True to the traditions of introverted engineers, I immersed myself quietly into my work. Keyword being 'quietly' :) 

My father was a scientist. From him, I always knew that knowledge was power.

I have always worked hard to ensure the best credentials for myself. This included taking extra courses, innovating new designs and publishing technical papers.

America, the land of opportunity, allowed me to grow as an engineer. I was rewarded with technical recognition and career growth.

However, as an introvert, I never thought of myself as a corporate leader. I knew my subject matter, but was unsure how to harness it.

Fortunately for me, my boss noticed that I could be quiet insightful, in our 1 on 1 conversations. He encouraged me to speak up in meetings and share my insights. 

The first time I spoke up, I second guessed myself the entire time. However, to my surprise, no one contradicted me. Some of them even nodded in assent.

With positive motivation from my boss, I started facilitating technical and strategic discussions.

During my first meeting, I led with objectives on the whiteboard. The meeting began well but to my dismay, the meeting suddenly spiralled out of control.

Boss had to step in. I watched as he brought the meeting back on track. I learned from this experience.

I caught on quickly and added facilitation to my skill set. 

My listening ability, became my secret weapon in facilitating great outcomes.

Soon enough, I was running strategic meetings where key decisions were being made. 

I also became more comfortable with being myself.

I loved to play my guitar. I put out a message on the bulletin board to form a band. I have done this since then, in every company I worked for. 

Music became the team building tool. I made friends with people from across the plant. 

I made it to the CEO's office.

My approach to being an executive and CEO is to help bring out the best in my people. I encourage all of us to learn from each other and build together.

I see myself as a student for life.

Once a year, I write and present a paper at a professional conference. Surrounded by 30-year-olds, I am a fellow learner and contributor. It keeps me on my technical toes.

Then I think back.

We all develop limiting beliefs in our lives because of the conventional feedback we get from others. Most of it is often misleading, since we ourselves don’t know our full potential. 

The full potential of any individual only comes out when one challenges themselves to do something above and beyond their comfort zone without giving up.

Don’t be discouraged by failures. I have failed many times in life, but my few successes are a result of many failures.