I have always been inspired by Aristotle’s words, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution.” These words are also integrated in my school’s emblem, “Sapere aude Sincere et Constanter” – Dare to be wise, sincere and constant, and have guided my actions since childhood.
An insight into the value of delegation among peers
In the world of business, being a solopreneur means wearing multiple hats and taking charge of most tasks yourself or delegating them to subordinates. However, transitioning to an environment where collaboration with seniors is vital, can present its own set of challenges. As a perfectionist who always sets high expectations and values top-notch performance, working in a group setting demands a shift in mindset and approach. I experienced this first hand when I was elected Secretary of the Old Columban’s Association (OCA), the alumni association of my alma mater, St. Columba’s School in New Delhi, India in 2021.
The OCA organises an Annual Gala which is a treasured reunion and valuable networking opportunity for the alumni of the school. More than an event, it is perceived as a celebration and is looked forward to by all – graduates from batches spanning decades – to get together and reminisce and connect. The Gala of 2022 took on a greater significance amidst the backdrop of a disrupted schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Conflict
I had been appointed Chairman of the organizing committee for this event. The pressure to take this event to unprecedented heights was palpable. As was natural for me, I assumed complete responsibility of all departments and started to follow my decision-making process. This is seeking advice, analysing data, eliminating distractions, and ultimately trusting my choices. What I did not take into account was the fact that the remaining committee members were my peers and not my subordinates.
As a result, due to my high expectations and authoritative leadership style, there was a moment of uncertainty and discontent amongst the organising committee. While handling it, I inadvertently rubbed some committee members the wrong way. I could feel detachment and frustration among some of them.
Valuable Lesson Learnt
In this low moment, my close friend, Ashish Ahuja, imparted an invaluable lesson to me – “Horses for Courses,” he said. Leadership isn’t about bearing the burden alone but about delegating tasks based on individual strengths and capabilities. This phrase has since reshaped my leadership philosophy.
His advice made me acknowledge the need for a shift in approach to foster greater engagement and harmony within the team and prompted me to apologize to the committee members. I shifted from a one-size-fits-all approach to tailored task delegation.
The Outcome
The event held on 18th December 2022, etched itself as a defining moment for our association, marked by unparalleled success and seamless execution. Meticulous planning, adaptability, and unwavering team dedication culminated in a truly exceptional event that surpassed all expectations.
In conclusion, my transformative leadership journey underscored the power of “Horses for Courses”. By recognizing and leveraging individual strengths within a team, one can navigate complex challenges and achieve remarkable outcomes. Effective leadership lies not in uniformity but in harnessing the diverse talents of team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.