In 1998, just 6-7 months in my first Job with HPCL and there was all India Strategy meet followed by a grand party.Day was filled with all sorts of discussions, from expansion to branding to competition mapping.
In the evening party, while I was having my beer, our SBU head came to me and asked how I am feeling with my new Job?I was junior most and was with my location boss, immediate supervisor and other colleagues and knew virtually nothing about Oil Industry.
Zapped completely I could not reply, next thing he did was put his arm around my shoulder and says something sort of, “don’t worry, be frank and honest”. I think I spoke non-stop for 10-15 minutes after that.
Today If I look back, I realize these small gestures are sign of great leaders who are willing to listen to feedback and encourage team members to be part of bigger game.
That gentleman became a director with HPCL.When did you last kept your arm around shoulder of your junior most team member?
