I am finally home. I now know what sardines might feel like. I was squished between the airplane window and an enormously large individual who apologetically spilled into my seat (No value judgement here, just a fact). I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. That’s the beauty of being in a meditative zone.
I got caught up on the Montessori schools and realized they are doing just fine without me, thank you very much. I get a lot of credit for being a smart business man. The truth is I am married to a brilliant woman and I am surrounded by exceptionally smart ladies — people who make me look good. Isn’t that the essence of good management…to make yourself totally dispensable? At different points in our lives, we have all dealt with the micro managers who want everything done a particular way but are not particularly capable of doing it themselves. Smart people not only know what they are good at, but also know what they don’t know. I for one am certainly cognizant of my limitations.
The key to good management is strong beginnings by hiring the right people, investing in their success and aspirations and a shared vision. Nothing new here. It seems so simplistic, but why do so many companies focus on the wrong things when it comes to people? Its a simple notion to understand, but difficult to execute. Starting tomorrow, please get the right people, leave your ego at home, and get out of the way. We have work to do.
About Hemant Rustogi