I will never forget this interview experience
…because it taught me something I never expected from leaders / seniors
AND it became core ingredient of my leadership style. Here is why…
Like many b-school students, I also aspired to get into consulting. It was my chance to bag one of the highest paid offers with potential to gain global exposure
2013, I got shortlist from PRTM Management Consultants. There were 4 rounds – 2 Director rounds, 1 partner round and 1 senior partner round. I cleared first 3 rounds and moved to 4th 😊
I walked in and I met Maheshwar Singh; he set-up the discussion saying ‘let’s have a chat, I do not conform to a set template’…and we started talking
…I introduced myself “Mahesh sir, I grew up….”
He allowed me to complete and said “I loved your story, 1 input please don’t address me as sir, I prefer to go by Mahesh”
It was surprising for me because whole my life I had experienced hierarchical behaviors (at work, at college, at home) AND I also learnt not to say NO to seniors, so I nodded…
…we resumed our discussion, few mins in and I slipped while answering a question to him “Mahesh sir, …”
He waited for me to complete again BUT this time he said something which made me nervous and attentive at the same time. He said let me explain why I believe you should address me as Mahesh & not as Mahesh sir
1. We are equal in this conversation; as much as you need the job I also need a competent team member
2. You should try and act on feedback (if you agree to it) as soon as you are made aware of it
if you repeat it 3rd time; I will note it as a major observation on your candidature. This all happened in first 5 mins of our discussion
Next 40 odd mins we talked, luckily, I did not repeat calling sir and I was offered the role. I joined the team, I worked on massive projects serving global clients, I owe to my ex-colleagues with whom I learnt a lot…
Mahesh is one of the pioneers to bring more women in strategy consulting; his sponsorship was LOUD, CLEAR & INSPIRING even for our male colleagues. We were a small team of 40 with 40% women (distributed across ranks) and EACH ONE is a role model to many with highest standards of acumen & leadership. (In India, we had <5% women into strategy in those times with most at entry levels)
I was fortunate to experience his leadership, he played a role in shaping me AND to distinguish different leaders & their behaviors. There are leaders who challenge your limits, spike up your learning & growth curve while creating an equitable and inclusive environment – those are a RARE find
#inclusion #leadership