Category: Leadership

Manager vs leader

I know you have had your share of “manager versus leader” debates, articles, studies, info-graphics comparisons, and even memes! It’s overwhelming. And I don’t want to burden you with more proof or my perspective on this pointless debate. Yeah, leadership is sexy. Everyone wants to be a leader, and nobody wants to be “just-a-manager.” I…… Continue reading Manager vs leader

Now that I’m over it… why do I still have to create content?

After reading day before yesterday’s post, someone asked me, “Sunil, why even bother with your blog and podcast when you’ve decided to just focus on your executive leadership career?” Without a doubt, a solid question and something most followers of this blog might be wondering themselves. I don’t think our career choices have to be…… Continue reading Now that I’m over it… why do I still have to create content?

Can we have two golds?

I never thought something like this was possible. And neither did Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim of Qatar. We’ve all been brought up to think of sports as winning or losing. Because it is winning or losing. There’s no incentive for people to watch it otherwise. This is especially true with team games. So…… Continue reading Can we have two golds?

Don’t give me problems, give me solutions

I’ve always hated the “don’t give me problems, give me solutions” approach. For two reasons: If people were to solve problems themselves, why would they need you?As a leader, you’re the one carrying “food and water” for them so that they can do their best work. If you can’t do that, how exactly are you…… Continue reading Don’t give me problems, give me solutions

People are different; don’t treat them the same

People are different, yet leaders have a hard time treating them justly. Most have a broad-brush approach that’s ‘fair’ and uncontroversial. And given that leaders are almost always in the spotlight, who would want to ruffle feathers or wrestle with other people’s opinions and judgment of their leadership in their right minds. No wonder treating…… Continue reading People are different; don’t treat them the same

Writing and speaking are powerful but sharing is a superpower!

While reflecting on the importance of writing and speaking (solo or with a partner via my podcast) in the bigger scheme of things, I had a profound realization — these aren’t random marketing/personal branding activities for me, but practices that I enjoy. There’s a much deeper emotional connection than merely writing words or speaking, some…… Continue reading Writing and speaking are powerful but sharing is a superpower!

How many rounds of interviews are enough?

 As you know, LinkedIn is my go-to social media outlet because it’s the only platform that makes sense*. And I love it when professionals generously share their points of view, hoping to make an impact in their little way.   But if I were, to be honest, the juice is in the conversations that follow these…… Continue reading How many rounds of interviews are enough?

What ties did you break this week?

I loved this piece by Justin Bariso on Inc.com, where he explores Sundar Pichai’s learnings from his mentor, Bill Campbell (the football coach turned Business Coach). It highlights the one question that Bill asked Sundar repeatedly, which consequently changed the way the latter leads.  What was this question? “What ties did you break this week?” Bill…… Continue reading What ties did you break this week?