A few years ago, a friend came to see me at my office. My department was unusually quiet — almost pin-drop silence. He looked around and was surprised to see a communication department functioning without the usual noise.
His immediate reaction was, “You must have very strict discipline in your department. They all must be afraid of you.”
I smiled and said, “Discipline has nothing to do with fear. I would rather call it dedication. It’s not that I don’t care about my team. In fact, I am emotionally and professionally attached to every one of them. But when it comes to work, we all have accountability.”
He wasn’t convinced. So, I decided to demonstrate.
I called one of my team members into my cabin. He came in with his diary and pen, expecting to discuss work. Instead, I asked him, “How is your father now? I hope his treatment is working well. I remember tomorrow you have to take him to the hospital. Give me a call if you need any help.”
He smiled, thanked me and left.
I called another team member. She too came in with her diary and pen. I asked her about the work she was handling. “I am told you are facing some difficulty with the proposal. Bring your laptop. Let’s complete it together.”
She brought her laptop, and we worked on it together. About 30 minutes later, the proposal was done.
Meanwhile, my friend had finished his coffee. He smiled.
I looked at him and said, “Discipline. Devotion. Diligence. Delivery.”
For me, that has always been the connection between leadership and accountability. You can be demanding about work and still be deeply concerned about your people. You can expect deadlines to be met and, at the same time, understand what someone is going through personally. One does not cancel out the other.
As I complete 37 years of my professional career, I realise how much this philosophy has been shaped by my journey — from the Government of India to Fashion, Metals, Mining, Energy, Infrastructure, Engineering, B2B Commerce, Sustainability, CSR, Real Estate, FMCG and Federations.
When I was young and started my first job, I needed someone to hold my hand, guide me and give me confidence. I was fortunate to receive that support from senior management.
I have never forgotten it.
As I grew professionally and started leading teams, I always felt I had a responsibility to give back what I had received.
Why should my team be deprived of the support I received when I was starting out?
Leadership, for me, was never about creating fear. It was about creating a culture where people knew I would stand with them when they needed me — but would also hold them accountable for their responsibilities.
Because ultimately, discipline without empathy creates fear. Empathy without accountability creates complacency. But when discipline, devotion and diligence come together, they create delivery.
Care deeply. Demand accountability. Help people grow. Deliver together.