The Hindu Business Line : <I>Work hard and smart </I>

Forget for a moment all those tomes, seminars and jargons on leadership. When the workplace evolves at a pace that staggers the mind, new strategies and trends for managers become obsolete in a day. I believe everything boils down to two simple things — your ability to do smart work and your ability to persevere.

Good managers are not infallible. Most managers learn their first lessons through trial and error. And that's true for the world's leading business leaders and entrepreneurs, whom you seek to emulate.

When you slip-up, accept responsibility, own the outcome, learn you lesson and move on. If you are smart enough you won't make the same mistake twice.

Time is precious for you. You won't be any closer to success by doing all the work yourself.

Be smart and learn the fine art of delegation. Put your time management skills into practice.

Be willing to step back and let others do the job for you.

Perseverance is critical because leaders often misperceive the real situation, or find that their forecasts are wrong. An effective leader must then look for improved information and think outside-the-box for solutions.

Set a personal example with your behaviour. Instil optimism in your team while staying grounded in reality. Reinforce the team message constantly. Find something to celebrate and something to laugh about. Have the courage to take big risks, and more.

For managers and executives who feel stressed out or stretched thin, these simple pointers will help bring order to chaos— and success in the face of the most daunting adversity.

— P. Jayakumar, CEO, Toonz Animation India.

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