What are your most powerful leadership techniques?
Amit Shah (AS): Being a part of the YES BANK family for over 9 years, I have had the privilege to witness and contribute to the making of one of the fastest growing private sector banks in India. The multitude of roles and responsibilities that I was given here has not only honed my leadership skills but has imbedded in me the Bank’s ethos of ‘Professional Entrepreneurship’. As a professional entrepreneur, one is not cloistered within a job description but goes beyond it to emerge as a leader in the true sense.
Also, I believe in the ability to ‘Visualize – Strategize – Actualize’ is a must to make your mark as a powerful leader at work and otherwise. This 3 step model starts by first proactively visualizing the ever evolving dynamics of business which includes methodology, operations, relationships and outcomes amongst many other things. As a leader, one must have the right balance of intuitive grasping and fact based reasoning to develop the right strategy which is the next step of this model. With a focused vision and a well thought out strategy to achieve the vision, a powerful leader must ensure the action points are executed to a tee! This encapsulates the model with the last step of actualization.
Aristotle once said -the hardest victory is the victory over self. What are the self-mastery secrets that make you the world class leader that you are? (any tricks or techniques you have that help you stay ahead and keep you abreast with the latest changes –in today’s exceptionally fast changing world)
(AS): Surely.Self mastery is one of the many parameters that help you measure your growth as an individual and as a leader. For me, the starting point of self mastery is self awareness which is an integral part of overall awareness. The ability to learn about your desire, passion and purpose is a part of the learning curve and a doorway to embracing the changes you comes across. To be aware I like to read books, articles and blogs that gives me an insight into the fast changing world and tricks to evolve my outlook and skill sets to not only fit in but lead the team in new ways.
What according to you is the one most important quality of a leader?
(AS): A leader (by definition) influences a group of people; but a great leader constantly motivates and inspires everybody around her/him! And that according to me is the indispensible quality every leader must have. The prowess to constructively collaborate and communicate with colleagues, who work with you and for you, reflects in what you achieve as a team and not as an individual.
Can we teach people to become better leaders? (is it an inborn skill or can it be taught)
(AS): We can certainly teach someone to become a good leader. I have learned a great deal about leadership from Mr. RanaKapoor (Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK) who has been a great leader and mentor to me. YES BANK also provides multiple avenues to its top management team for skill development and learning. YES BANK conducted a workshop by Ram Charan on ‘Leadership, Execution and Effectiveness’ for the top leadership team at the Bank. The Bank has also partnered with Infosys, which has trained design thinkers, and invited them to conduct design thinking workshop for the strategy makers at YES BANK.
How important is team work in achieving success? The secret to building a strong and efficient team?
(AS): Like I have mentioned before, team work is a very important aspect in achieving success. The secret to building a strong and efficient team is Effective Communication. While we all communicate with our teams in some form or the other, we need to make sure that we effectively communicate with them. This includes two-way form of communication wherein the ideation and execution is not just top-down but the other way round too. Also, a seamless exchange of knowledge is necessary within a team and also across teams.
The secret to getting more done in a day as compared to others. (What are the most important day to day habits that help you get the maximum out of the day? You’re secret of effective time management)
(AS): My secret is productive work delegation which allows me to deliver the best in the given amount of time. At my position, I try to strike a balance between my expertise in a given scope/field and my view of the overall business scenario. The same is true for my team and the organization at large where there are subject matter experts who have streamlined knowledge about certain sectors, products, technology or division. Diligently delegating work to the right person within or across the team ensures best resource allocation for the task in hand. I make sure that I am available to work hand in hand with the concerned person to ensure the task has been completed successfully.
The motivation secrets of a leader-how do you inspire and sustain motivation?
(AS): Being a leader by default puts you in an authoritative position where people look up to you for motivation and inspiration. A motivational speech or a prep talk every now and then is effective but short lived. A leader has to lead by example…which involves getting your hands dirty and working alongside your team because that ensures sustained motivation.
As mentioned in Bhagvad Gita: Leaders derive their credibility, respect and power from their unwavering commitment to walking the talk. This is because, if the leaders say something and do something else, the followers will not take the leader very seriously. Rather, they will do a similar thing as their leader and nothing else. Therefore Krishna warns Arjuna that he needs to lead by example.
The secret to handling failure effectively?
(AS): Failure is no longer a stigma in the corporate world…it is ok to fail BUT effective handling of failure determines whether it becomes a blotch on you or a feather in your cap. It is essential to detect failure, take ownership and ensure quick corrective measures to turn the situation in your favor. Not to forget, failure is like that bookmarked chapter that you re- read to gather insights and lessons that you missed out in the first go.
How do you prioritize work and life?
(AS): While weekdays are mostly dedicated to work, I make sure that I spend quality time with my family and friends over the weekend.
Leaders you admire?
(AS): Mr. RanaKapoor (Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK) who has been a true inspiration and mentor throughout my professional journey in the bank.
Your views on the leadership skills of the next generation of leaders?
(AS): The next generation of leaders is equipped with technology and here’s how that’s a differentiating factor. While we are catching up and adapting to the technological advancements…for the gen next technology is an integral part of their learning and development. With interactive modules, bountiful of readily available information and real life simulation of business situations, the next generation is better prepared to becoming powerful leaders.
Best advice you can give to the future leaders
(AS): If you can dream it, you can do it!
