Earlier, I introduced the idea of Parent Leadership as a model for a majority of the Indian business world.

But what if you are stepping into a situation where you are the leader and you feel like everyone is looking to you to be the parent?

Instead of running away, here are a few things you can painlessly put into practice to help both you and your new team get off on the right foot.

But first, how do you know if your team is thinking like a family? [Read more…]

 

In my experience working in an Indian company, I quickly discovered there were a lot of voices I needed to listen to.

There was my reporting manager who kept an eye on me and who was looking for me to make a big difference in the company. There was the subject expert who had built up a reputation for being great at the work I was now doing. And there was the visionary leader who was more focused on the company reputation but also involved in day-to-day operations.

Each one was helpful in her own way. (All three were women.) Each one wanted to give guidance and oversight. Each one wanted to show she cared, but also demanded certain respect. Each one wanted to be the voice of reason and direction.

I remember the day it dawned on me that I had three mothers. And I was having trouble keeping all of them happy. I could usually keep 2 out of 3 of them in good spirits, but like the elusive Triple Crown, I was never able to complete the circuit.
[Read more…]