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Launch of the Compendium
Praj and SIBM launched the ‘Spirit of Intrapreneurship’ Compendium – Case Studies of Winners of Maha-Intrapreneur Award 2010
Praj and SIBM launched the ‘Spirit of Intrapreneurship’ Compendium – Case Studies of Winners of Maha-Intrapreneur Award 2010
The ‘Spirit of Intrapreneurship’, a collection of case studies of Maha-Intrapreneur 2010 winners was unveiled by Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director, Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Chief Guest. Also present in the occasion were Guest of Honor Mr. M.S. Unnikrishnan, Managing Director, Thermax Limited and Mr. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries Limited.
Speech given by Uday Godbole – Category A winner of 2010 during the release of ‘Spirit of Intrapreneurship’ Compendium On Tuesday, September 20, 2011
When I received the invitation to attend this Compendium, I realized that
I am expected to share with all of you my experience of participating in the PRAJ Maha Intrapreuership Award, and not about my Professional experiences.
One thing is for sure – the PRAJ Award has been all about “FLASHBACKS” for me. The process of participating in this award involved a journey into the past 10 years of my career. Speaking to you today again involves a look at the events of the past one year – another small flashback!
I have decided to break-up this flashback into FOUR phases and to share with you my personal experiences in each phase
Phase 1 – the decision to participate in this award.
Phase 2 – the process of data compilation.
Phase 3 – interacting with the esteemed selection Panel.
Phase 4 – winning the award.
Phase 1 – the decision to participate was not easy. The questions that came to mind are – Am I really ready for this? Do I have the time and the inclination to go through the process? Am I ready to face the disappointment of rejection? The answer to each question was “YES” – but after a fairly long period of deliberation. I realized that I needed to show the conviction to put myself up for scrutiny. This in itself was a small personal gain for me.
Phase 2 – the process of participation was not easy either. Participating in the PRAJ Award required me to view my career of the past 10 years in SIX different dimensions – Leadership / Innovation & Risk taking /People Management / Strategy Formulation & Implementation / Business Processes / Results. I had to be very precise and honest in making this self-evaluation. This again was a daunting but rewarding process.
Phase 3 – it felt really good to be short-listed for the panel discussion. For a change, I was the one to face the probing questions! Two specific queries raised by the panelists come to mind:
a. You seem to be doing a great job here. But why are you in the same job for such a long time? Is it an aversion to take risks? Answer: I took up this assignment as the first employee of an unknown foreign company in India – what could be a greater risk? Then why am I still here? Quite simply because even though I am a professional Manager, I feel a strong sense of “ownership” about this company. I remain highly motivated by continuously expanding my agenda and by striving relentlessly to achieve it!
b. What will you do if you win this award? Answer: I honestly don’t know! I mean, I would certainly bask in the glory for some time, but can I really put the award to any other use? I decided then that if I did win, I would use the fresh motivation to push me through another decade of high productivity!
Phase 4 – winning the award. It felt really good to have one’s efforts scrutinized and recognized by an esteemed panel of knowledgeable people. It sort of reinforces your self-belief and your self-esteem. An award that receives publicity also brings pride and joy to your family, colleagues and well-wishers who have contributed to your personal & professional journey. However, the icing on the cake here is that you are required to undertake an educational programme to enhance your capabilities! I believe that this is a master-stroke from the organizers.
I shall forever be grateful to PRAJ for inducing me to return to the Classroom for some fresh lessons in management! To sum-up, my gains from this process were as follows –
1. Gaining the courage to place my record under scrutiny.
2. Undertaking a precise and honest self-evaluation.
3. Recharging my batteries for the next decade.
4. Undertaking a new field of study for self-development.
Having shared my experiences of participating in the PRAJ Maha- Intrapreneurship Award, I would like to briefly touch upon some of my learnings in my professional life for the benefit of the students in this audience.
My personal Management Philosophy could be encapsulated as under:
- Integrity in thought & action is the very basis of good corporate governance. One should practice it all times without favor or fear.
- Shun the “Chalta Hai” attitude. Set demanding standards for yourself and your team at all times.
- Have a clear vision, “own” it, effectively communicate that vision and relentlessly drive it to completion.
- Be ready and willing to take the more difficult / risky route with a “long term view” as against opting for the soft and easy way out of a difficult situation.
- Aim for “continuous and rapid innovation” from every individual and function in the organization. This is the organization’s ultimate competitive advantage.
- Empower and develop people to deliver the desired results.
- Learn to be a simplifier, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, so as to offer a solution that everybody can understand and accept.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the idea of launching a “Compendium of Case Studies” for the future generation of Managers. It would be my pleasure and privilege to share my experiences with the students of SIBM through future interactions.
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