Kiran Kodithala

I think it’s impossible for leaders to be good examples with everything. They have to choose what examples they set and focus intently on those. Let me give an example — I care about my team being punctual. I make a point to be at every meeting at least a minute early. This eventually became a standard at the company, because I care about being timely. However, I do have my flaws…who doesn’t (if you think you don’t, you are lying to yourself). I tend to swear when I want to get my point across or when the passion is undeniable. I eventually apologize, but I give myself the permission to slip up on areas I care less about. I am not a pastor running a church, I am a leader who cares passionately about my team and my customers…

I used to run a podcast (like every other person, I am sure) and I learned an important lesson during the interviews. When my guest starts talking, I immediately shut up. Even a guttural pause, or “umm” sound would prompt this behavior. I had to do this because I was preparing for my response while they were talking during the initial episodes. Eventually this shutting up while others talk opened up into a much more profound process of active learning. I was able to not only shut up, but could hear them more clearly and take note of what they were saying, why they were saying it, and the underlying meaning of it all. I now follow the same process when an employee or manager or VP comes to voice their opinion. Leaders should listen more.

I follow a simple rule when shopping for groceries – “not to have a list”. The idea is, if you can’t remember, it’s probably not very important. The same works for me when I am working my “punch list” for the day. I never write my punch list..I act based on my intuition of the critical priority at hand. Sometimes it’s tactical, sometimes it’s strategic, and that’s part of the process. I do have a simple trick when I am unable to decide what I need to focus on that moment..I ask myself..” what are we trying to do?” This question somehow brings things into focus for me. So.. don’t make lists, remind myself of the why, and be prepared for whatever comes to focus. In short..believe in your inherent ability to decide. Do what leaders do.

I follow a simple rule when shopping for groceries – “not to have a list”. The idea is, if you can’t remember, it’s probably not very important. The same works for me when I am working my “punch list” for the day. I never write my punch list..I act based on my intuition of the critical priority at hand. Sometimes it’s tactical, sometimes it’s strategic, and that’s part of the process. I do have a simple trick when I am unable to decide what I need to focus on that moment..I ask myself..” what are we trying to do?” This question somehow brings things into focus for me. So.. don’t make lists, remind myself of the why, and be prepared for whatever comes to focus. In short..believe in your inherent ability to decide. Do what leaders do.