Mr. Ajay Dhir
Group Chief Information Officer,
JSL Limited

The world is a global village for this dynamic CIO who has served successful stints in several countries and is currently heading Information Technology, Information Systems and Security Management for JSL. Ajay Dhir has a range of interests from Para Jumping, Rifle Shooting, Reading Books to Travel, Meditation and Mentoring.

In this special series titled ‘The One Thing’, CIOL attempts to discover and unravel the many facets of Ajay Dhir’s challenging and inspiring portfolio as a CIO, a Decision Maker and an IT Leader.

Q: What is the one thing that you draw your strength to achieve your goals?
A: The grooming by my parents and mentors, and the support of my family gives me strength to work harder and achieve my goals.

Q: What is the one facet of leadership that has truly inspired you?
A: Leadership by example, create a winning team and walk the talk – Lee Iacocca, Jack Welch, Azim Premji, Narayana Murthy

Q: What is the one thing that you would advise to upcoming and aspiring CIOs?
A: Besides being adept in Technology, learn the language of business and see how you can deliver value to the customer and the organization.

Q: Who is the one leader that you have admired?
A: Mr. Azim Premji

Q: What is the one major challenge you face as a CIO?
A: Time – There is always so much to do, wish the day was longer.

Q: What is the one successful practice you deploy to motivate your teams?
A: Implicit trust in the team and freedom to innovate.

Q: What is the one thing you do to manage stress?
A: Meditation and connect to my Mentor

Q: What is the one thing that decision makers and leaders must avoid as a rule?
A: Not taking the team in confidence for critical decisions, or in times of crisis.

Q: Name one HR best practice that can aid in people retention?
A: RESPECT and TRUST for people

Q: What is the one great opportunity you see in these tough times of global recession?
A: Recognize and harness the inner talent that is available, and see how you can maximize productivity. An organization is like Noah’s Ark – everyone has to pitch in together to take the ship through, whether times are troubled or not. These occasions, like global recession, are times when you can test your actual strength, mettle and resilience.