To lead is to evolve, inspire and create!

 I feel very fortunate to have spent almost 22 years at Microsoft, a lot of these years leading diverse teams and driving a culture of empowerment. I must admit I have evolved as a person and as a leader and continue to do so. I think leadership needs constant evolution and adaptation. It is about being the best fit for your people and helping them build compelling careers. I think to lead is to inspire, motivate and enable.  

 I am very humbled to have gotten a chance to lead various teams and businesses across geographies. During all this time, I have understood that leadership drives culture, which in turn drives almost everything. As a leader, I feel responsible for creating several leaders and change catalysts. I feel responsible for creating opportunities, channelizing capabilities and empowering people.  

 My idea isn’t the only idea, neither it is the best idea in the room 

First most important thing that makes one a good leader is the art of valuing and listening more. Open mindedness in real sense means to promote a culture where all ideas are heard, best one implemented. And, that simply flows top down. Eliminating the HIPPO (Highest Paid Person's Opinion) and creating an equal platform for everyone to voice their opinion is the beginning of great success.  

 To lead means to have a big, bold vision  

I have seen teams fail as people lose faith in their leaders due to a single but important fact – lack of vision and direction. A leader needs to keep the teams motivated and optimistic by defining a goal that is challenging, impactful, meaningful and rewarding. Hiring smart people but not tapping their potential by creating enough opportunities, will make the teams weak and unstable.  

 True leaders create several leaders  

One thing that I have learned as a leader is the art of valuing people and talent around. I think a leader should have an eye for talent and strengths of people. A leader is responsible for creating platforms where people can leverage their strengths. Equally important is the art of creating the right infrastructure and culture that enables them to work on their weaknesses. A combination of both these techniques will create many more leaders who will empower everyone around.  

 Empathy, energy and appreciation – three impressive traits of a leader! 

I am a firm believer that great leaders stay connected to their people. This demands high emotional intelligence so that you as a leader can think from the vantage point of your people. This emotional intelligence is a mix of many traits, but if I were to pick the top three, I would say empathy, energy and appreciation. As a leader your energy and passion have to inspire people to give their best and believe in your vision.  The art of gratitude and appreciation enables the teams to stay strong and create a rewarding work culture. Empathy, off course, is what connects a leader to everyone in the organization and outside the organization.  

 Truly speaking, I am super excited to see young CEOs and entrepreneurs practice many of these leadership principles. It is amazing to see great leaders nurture bold, inspiring work cultures at Microsoft and outside. I am sure, as good leaders and strong teams, we will together be able to empower each and everyone on this planet to achieve more.