How this key advice helped B. Santhanam turn around Saint-Gobain India

What was the problem you were grappling with?       

Back in the day, I was grappling with a difference of opinion with my team. I was using the same yardstick with everyone around me. This came to light during an annual conference, where several members spoke about the unrelenting pressure that was being exerted. I had just taken over the leadership role and my style was quite intense. The feedback came as a rude shock.

Whom did you approach for advice and why?  

Although I did not approach him directly, Anand (Mahajan, who was the Managing Director then and later became Chairman of the company), being the perceptive leader that he was, noticed that I was disturbed. He did not voice any opinion in public, was sensitive and without being intrusive, suggested a shift in my leadership approach.   

What was the advice you received?      

Anand advised me to listen, learn, and adapt. He expressed confidence that I would overcome the business challenges in future.  

How effective was it in resolving the problem?  

That advice made me rethink my leadership style. And after that, I brought about several changes in terms of democracy, inclusion, etc., in the workplace. It has been over four decades now [since I received that advice], but I believe it was life-changing for me at a professional level and continues to be the same to date. I also learnt from Anand that a leader needs to be empathetic and not assume that everyone would have the same level of aspiration that a leader has. A leader should also be open to seeking feedback and incorporating it.