Life is full of choices. Right from the type of breakfast cereal we eat, to the food-for-thought that we indulge in and, ultimately, to the ethics and values that we live by. And from the corporate boardroom to the dinner table, I am asked the same question – how do we know whether we are making the right decision? There are no easy answers when you’re at the crossroads, but the options are clear.
We may take the short cut and cheat our way to success, or we can take the tougher, but morally correct path that will come with its fair share of headache, learning and mistakes to ponder upon, but will help us sleep peacefully at night. Critics may argue that in a highly competitive world, the ends justify the means. But the writing on the wall is clear. Success based on ethics and fair play will stand the test of time.
And unethical practices will yield success that is short-lived and transitory. It will soon be replaced by the ugly truth that no one wants to remember. In recent times, the global sports fraternity was shocked and countless admirers were crushed when Lance Armstrong finally came out in the public and admitted to doping charges levelled against him. Will people remember him for his titles, which have now been snatched away from him? No. He will go down in public memory as someone who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, and not the international icon who inspired thousands of people around the world. But how do we inculcate and spread these values?
I believe that the best way is to catch them young. With young leaders in our B-schools being taught our ancient Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, I believe the process has already begun. Losing the momentum after a winning streak is very easy. Before you know it, complacency would have replaced the initial enthusiasm and passion, leaving you with a lackadaisical attitude. This is why keeping up the momentum is essential. The corporate world is full of brands and people who could not sustain the momentum and came crashing down. Once leaders in digital space, those companies are no longer at the top.
The historic turn of events in corporate America, with the bankruptcy of its largest banks, sent shock waves across the world with many still reeling with the aftershocks. And that’s why I say that winning is all about keeping your eye on the ball, rediscovering yourself, reinventing the formula and pushing the envelope. In a highly volatile world, those who stay at the top are the ones who never stop taking risks. Do not find a comfortable spot and relax.
Do not build a safety net around you or your castle will be in shambles one day. Rest awhile and enjoy your successes, but do not get complacent. Prepare yourself for all the challenges that you will face and take this time to work on your strategy – driven by passion and the need for excellence, not on petty jealousies and one-upmanship, or else you are bound to fall. Once you’re at the top, the view is splendid, but let’s face it – it can get quite lonely.
The people who you can trust and who truly matter begin to thin out – unless you take people along with you in your strides towards success. It will be a long and arduous journey, but you will have people with you who are just as invested in your success as you are. The lead, however, will have to be taken by you. This is how character is tested, just as gold perseveres, and lesser metals perish. This is how true leaders are born.