KATHMANDU, NEPAL: "There is never a right time or right age for an opportunity. My age never deterred me from following the right career or move," These were the opening remarks of former managing director of Maruti Udyog and CEO of Carnation Auto, Jagdish Khattar, here today at the annual CIOL Dataquest C Change 2009.
"I do not like the word retire," said Khattar, while offering his mantras of leadership to a packed gathering of India's top notch CIOs.
Khattar, was responsible for changing the fortunes of Maruti Udyog by helping it to achieve over 55 per cent market share despite the competition and market slump the company had to face in 2001.
The former IAS officer left his cushy job in 1993 to join Maruti Udyog and again took the risky plunge into unknown by starting Caranation Auto, his dream project at the age of 65.
Khattar attributed his success to his ability to handle the team as well as the support given to him by his employees and customers alike.
"Ninety out of hundred times it is the ability to manage your team that brings you success. In my career, I have been referred to sometimes as a successful leader. I owe success to my team, my partners, and my stakeholders".
This is a period when successful leadership will be about challenging people to think different, think beyond. Identify your team strengths and leverage it. Leaders need to be developed within a team. It all lies in the attitude," he added.
Khattar added that the handicap of not having no formal training as either an MBA or an engineer proved a blessing for him as he learnt a lot of things.
Think big, think opportunity
Outlining his mantras for successful leadership, Khattar said individuals who wish to be seen as successful leaders need to think beyond the obvious.
"Think big, think opportunity. Winning during a competitive market needs a different mindset. We need to ask: What mindset are we in? Survival or growth?
A leader will bring a mindset of success through innovation. A successful leader is one who will challenge the team to think of opportunities and beyond.
Either you talk about market share or opportunity share, he added.
