And why ‘be yourself’ is great advice for business leaders too, especially in the world of new age leadership.
One of the things that are common across business leaders, especially CEOs, is the frown. The image of a stereotypical business leader is that of a serious one. They always have something on their mind, are on the move, and are constantly worrying about something – basically the opposite of new age leadership fundamentals.
This may seem unnecessary criticism for folks who actually have a lot riding on them, but I will argue that it isn’t. Because if leaders aren’t having fun or enjoying what they do, then their teams aren’t either. That’s how an organisation becomes a dull and soul-crushing place to work. Then, the same culture permeates across an industry.
I hear you saying, ’Ok Sachin, we’d like to change. Can you show the way?’
Well, I can’t. Because there are many business leaders who are already having fun and letting the world know that they are, too. Let’s learn a few new age leadership basics from them.
Deepinder Goyal, CEO & Co-founder, Zomato
On 31st December 2020, the leader of India’s food delivery giant gave us a peek into behind-the-scenes action at the company. He used Twitter to share a live commentary of orders being processed, how many pizzas and biriyanis were on their way. He also showed how his team was breaking into a cold sweat managing all of the action.
He also kept sharing that his team wanted him to do some real work. While the entire Twitter thread was a lot of fun, he hit a sixer out of the park when he tweeted a screenshot of his team’s meeting and wrote – Team ki fati hui hai. Translated into the Queen’s language it means, the team’s rather…erm…screwed.
This isn’t the only time Deepinder displayed candour. On many occasions, he has come out and spoken his mind in what could be called ‘not quite business-like’.
Takeaway: Deepinder is honest(as long as it does not harm his company), and people love that about him.
Manu Kumar Jain, Global VP, Xiaomi
Before Manu Kumar Jain stepped into a global role at Xiaomi, he led the Indian company. It is said that he played a pivotal role in turning Xiaomi into a brand loved by millions of Indians. But his business acumen may have something to do with his leadership style which is accessible and collaborative.
Besides that, he is a fabulous storyteller. He has been open about his struggles, journey and also his failures. When business leaders like him share their path to success, it helps many other aspirants learn from them. That in itself is a fabulous way to build a great personal brand that helps your company.
The two examples that prove beyond a point that Manu loves having fun are his collab videos with the rapper-extraordinaire Baba Sehgal and comedian and overall mast-aadmi Biswa Kalyan Rath.
You can watch the Baba Sehgal video above and the one with Biswa here. You can also watch him narrate his inspirational personal journey in this video.
Takeaway: Get over PR phrases. And yes, he is not afraid to have fun. Other Indian CEOs, are you listening?
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, MD & CEO, Paytm
Vijay Shekhar Sharma became a household name in India on Tuesday, 8th November 2016. That night the Prime Minister announced de-monetisation. The quote tweet ‘Paytm Karo’ literally sky-rocketed Paytm, which was already quite a successful payments startup. A lot of the company’s success can be attributed to its founder’s ability to think on his feet and have fun.
Sharma has never shied away from being himself. Whether it is dancing Bhangra or delivering the signature dialogue from Amitabh’s cult movie ‘Agneepath’ or even showing up on a Comedian-Youtuber’s show called ‘That’s My Job’.
What’s interesting is that Sharma seems like a regular guy with no airs about himself. He definitely leads the new generation of business executives whose relatability contributes to their success. Leaders like Vijay Shekhar Sharma have given young Indians many more business role models. It may not be wrong to say that they are not far behind cricketers and movie stars as far in terms of popularity.
Takeaway: Smile. Seriously, can we have more business executives sport an infectious smile like Vijay Shekhar Sharma?
Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group
Anand Mahindra is a legend in the Indian automotive industry, but also on Twitter. He started using the micro-blogging site way before most Indian business executives did, and boy has he put it to good use! At close to a 10 million followers, his is one of the most consequential accounts on the platform.
But what drives his popularity on social media is his candid nature, humility and ability to spot heart-warming stories. Did someone say that stories help put spotlight on the storyteller too? This article shares some of his tweets that showcase why he is a powerhouse.
While sharing pictures of the Manhattan skyline on Twitter, he was recently asked, ”Are you an NRI?”
His response underlines how he has never shied away from showing his emotional side on Twitter. His genuine and fun presence on Twitter definitely helps him and his brand.
Takeaway: Be approachable like Anand Mahindra. Plus, be humble.
Like in sports, so at work, teams which have fun win a lot more. And the onus of making sure everyone is having fun is the boss’s responsibility. Remember those moments where everyone in the office starts laughing when the boss does, or how everyone at a party is comfortable dancing only when their managers take the lead?
‘Be yourself’ may not be a bad advice even when you are a boss. Well, don’t be a Michael Scott from The Office. But you know what? People love him too as a leader when he is real. Watch the video below and read the comments if you don’t believe me.
If you liked this piece on communication for new age leadership, get on The StoryCo blog to find out what’s happening in the world of storytelling.
