And, here is a Neo-traditionalist

Shyamanuja Das

Neo-traditionalist? What's that?

Well, we are not really into coining phrases. But that is what best describes

this relentless chief executive who believes in executing, executing, and

executing.

Let me explain.

One, in the age of challenging traditions and growing paranoia, here is a CEO

who talks of "respecting others"–actually elders, if that sounds

better. Because these "others" are the Nortels, Ericssons, Alcatels–his

partners and the companies that Cisco, his main competitor, thinks are too old

fashioned for the new Internet economy. "These are great companies who have

learnt what the customers want through years. You cannot just discard all that

experience," says Kriens.

And that brings us to the second reason why one can call him a

neo-traditionalist. Kriens really believes in learning. "Listen to your

customers attentively," he says, admitting that there is nothing new about

the concept. Just that few actually do it. "My India visit is for that–learning,"

says Kriens. Listen before you tell, is what he believes in. And for learning,

it is not just customers and partners that Kriens relies upon. Juniper's

investments are in start-up companies who are working in related areas of

technology. "That is a very good way of learning," he says. It gives

Juniper an idea about what broader direction the technologies will take in the

coming years.

"History is a great teacher," repeats Kriens, at least thrice in

his hour long interview with Voice & Data, in different contexts. Again

something that is not politically correct to say in the age of successful

iconoclasts.

And of course, staying focused. The philosophy that Juniper and Kriens are

especially known for. "Nothing succeeds like focus," he says, giving

the example of Intel, Oracle, and Microsoft. Invent, focus, execute...and repeat

is what his single line mantra of success is. Just think about it.