Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has developed a model of paired (and shared) leadership which has been responsible for the success of the company all these years. This quality has enabled it to hold its own in spite of stiff competition from other players, according to Chief Operating Officer S.Y. Siddiqui.

He was addressing the management students of Gitam University here on Wednesday. The key domains Maruti was having two top executives - one from India and one from Japan - to take critical decisions.

“If the decision relates to the Indian market, or it has a bearing on the Indian market, the opinion of the Indian executive gets precedence. Otherwise, the Japanese has his or her say. It is usually a combined decision. It is never a solo performance,” he told students.

The last one year had not been very good for the automobile sector, he said. But things would improve, he said. Siddiqui exhorted students to have a clear career plan and work methodically towards achieving the goals. He asked them to ignore peer pressure and work in their way.

“I have found the concept of peer pressure useless. I don't compare myself with, or compete with, anybody. I compete with myself. Perhaps, that is the approach you should adopt,” he advised students.

Growth engine

Predicting a bright future for the Indian economy, he said Asia would certainly be the growth engine in the coming years, with China and India leading the way.

India had the advantage of having the younger population, but the young should be given the opportunities to acquire skills.

“Look around you, look within you and finally look beyond. The first two many people can do, but the third one is the most difficult and in any field that is what distinguishes the best from the rest,” he said.

M.V.V.S Murthi, President of Gitam University, said Maruti during the past three decades had achieved the status of India’s national car.

Prof. G. Subrahmanyam, Vice-Chancellor, also spoke.

>sarma.rs@thehindu

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