Over the last 23 years, my career has taken me from a software engineer to roles such as CEO of my startup, vice president, and senior director at a $30B MNC. During this time, I’ve worked under numerous managers and led diverse global teams. Each phase of my journey has been a stepping stone filled with invaluable lessons.
Learning from HP’s Open Culture
HP, known for its people-first philosophy, offered some of the best processes for personal and professional growth. One standout was the 360-degree feedback system, where feedback came not just from superiors but also peers and subordinates. This holistic approach helped me continuously evolve.
Being inspired by colleagues who climbed the ladder quickly, I poured my energy into excelling. My efforts were recognized—I was one of the youngest engineers from HP STSD India to file patents during that time.
Breaking Free from Ratings
In the earlier stages of my career, I was deeply invested in performance evaluations, as they influenced annual raises. However, after attending the Art of Living (AOL) program, I developed a different perspective.
I told my manager: “The rating doesn’t matter to me. I know I’ve given 100%, and I’m happy with that. The rating is for the company, not for me.” This mindset shift freed me from unnecessary worry and prepared me for the bigger challenges ahead.
Mentorship and the Entrepreneurial Shift
The entrepreneurial spark ignited in me during this period. A mentor once set me a deceptively simple challenge: “Get the highest ‘S’ rating this year.”
This task was symbolic of the mindset needed for entrepreneurship—balancing self-satisfaction with the hunger to push boundaries. My mentor’s advice was profound: “Entrepreneurship may look like a honeymoon, but it’s truly like raising a baby—with responsibilities ranging from cleaning to cooking and everything in between.”
To this day, I send a heartfelt “Thank You” message to him every Guru Purnima. His guidance taught me resilience and ownership—qualities that continue to drive me. Thank you SN.
Understanding Leadership Through Two Perspectives
As an employee, I often found myself frustrated by modest salary hikes. But when I became a founder, I realized the complexities of running a business and paying salaries. This experience gave me a newfound appreciation for my managers, who shaped me in unique ways.
Some taught me what to do, while others inadvertently showed me what not to do. Both types of lessons have been instrumental in shaping me today.
Key Takeaways
- Feedback fuels growth: Systems like 360-degree feedback offer a mirror to identify blind spots and opportunities.
- Mindset matters: Shifting from a focus on external validation (like ratings) to internal satisfaction fosters confidence and clarity.
- Mentors transform lives: A good mentor challenges you and equips you with the mindset to navigate challenges.
- Empathy as a leader: Walking in others’ shoes—be it employees, managers, or founders—helps you appreciate the bigger picture.
- Every lesson counts: The wisdom gained from both positive and negative experiences is invaluable in personal and professional growth.
