Year – 2006.

Couldn’t believe it! 

I read that email again and then one more time.  

But yes, I was reading it right…

In the recent job interview I gave, the person who was going to be my boss was trying to reach me via an email as he had an offer and was unable to contact me. 

Have you ever heard something like this? Most probably not but that’s what makes him different.

Whether being Organized, (he used to maintain an Excel with all his work much before the book ‘Checklist’ came) or team building exercises (Double Cheese Burst pizza parties on Saturdays where he would take the responsibility of even ordering) or providing full authority for handling projects independently, leaving on time for home and expecting us to do the same, I learnt simple yet effective ways of navigating corporate world. 

A funny thing I still remember is when he travelled out of India, he would call on my desk landline. Can’t say if my desk number was saved first or if he just wanted to check if I was actually on time even if he was not there, but proud of myself that I was always there to pick up the call. 

But the biggest lesson I learnt from him was how to treat your people and teams especially when they commit mistakes. 

I witnessed this for the first time when one of my colleagues (say X) made a mistake but was not ready to accept it. In distress, X was crying, and almost shouting. He not only listened to her rant patiently, pacified her and then also offered a solution. 

Without raising his voice even once. 

And when I thought I would never make such mistakes, life came full circle and I goofed up big time. 

While sending the email to the vendor for the Annual Calendar quantity, I swapped Hindi and Gujarati quantities by mistake and realised it was only at the time of delivery. 

The horror of the blunder was written on my face and I was frozen for a few seconds on how to break this news to him. 

Thinking of all the bad possibilities, I went to him and informed him with a heavy heart. 

But what unfolded in front of me was a master class of dealing with your teams/professionals when they make mistakes. 

First, he called the Gujarat Head and informed him that one of his teammates had ordered extra Gujarati calendars by mistake and he is sending that quantity to him and requested him to effectively distribute it to a larger number of people than every year. 

Then he asked me to order additional Hindi calendars and ensure they were delivered on time. 

Everything without any panic or reprimand.  

Then he said something that I never imagined:

“This year, calendars were delivered much before schedule and that’s why he is not worried as even the new set of Hindi calendars would reach everywhere on time.

In the long history, no one has ever tried to negotiate the cost from the vendor and every year it used to go a little up and he budgeted for it. But as I negotiated it hard, and brought it down considerably so even if he accounts for the cost of additional Gujarati and Hindi calendars, he is still saving money. As I am only 3 months old in the system, it is quite remarkable. 

Also, mistakes are part of life. You are allowed to make mistakes as that’s how you learn but never make the same mistake again, that’s how you grow.” 

No harsh words, sarcasm, taunt or humiliation which I was expecting.

This conversation had a profound effect on me. I became more responsible and started taking more ownership and accountability for my work and that has stayed for life helping me immensely.

That day I also decided, that when I become a leader, I am going to treat my teams and people with empathy, understanding and looking at the positive aspects even in the mistakes. As the bigger picture might be something else. While it’s only my teams can tell whether I succeeded or not, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me a better professional and person.

I shall always be indebted for life that you took a chance on a small-town girl, just with your gut feeling to give her a chance to work with you. A heartfelt Thank You!

The best part, in all these years, you have always been just a call or message away. I have reached multiple times in varied situations and you have been always there to guide and support.

Today, on your 60th birthday, I wish you unlimited happiness, great health and long life! 

Happy Birthday Sanjeev Kotnala Sir!! 

PS. Got the inspiration to write this blog from you. Just hoping I will be able to maintain the consistency and shall be able to make you proud someday.