THE FLAT TYRE
14June2010 – Story of the Week
The Flat Tyre
One of Mr. Ratan Tata’s first assignments was the stewardship of the ailing electronics company in the Tata portfolio – Nelco.
Story goes that a team of senior managers from Nelco were driving to Nasik along with Mr. Ratan Tata. Halfway into the journey, the car had a flat tyre, and as the driver pulled up, the occupants – including Mr. Tata – got off for a comfort break, leaving the driver to replace the tyre.
Some of the managers welcomed the forced break, as it allowed them a much-needed chance to light up a cigarette. Some used the opportunity to stretch, and smile, and share a joke. And then, one of them suddenly noticed that Mr. Tata was not to be seen, and wondered aloud where Mr. Ratan Tata might have vanished.
Was he behind some bush?
Had he wandered off inside the roadside dhaba for a quick cup of tea?
Or was he mingling with some passer-bys, listening to their stories?
None of these, in fact while his colleagues were taking a break, Mr. Ratan Tata was busy helping the driver change tyres. Sleeves rolled up, tie swatted away over the shoulder, the hands expertly working the jack and the spanner, bouncing the spare tyre to check if the tyre pressure was ok. There were droplets of sweat on the brow, and a smile on the face.
In that moment, the managers accompanying Ratan Tata got a master class in leadership they haven’t forgotten.
And that’s a moment that the driver of that car probably hasn’t forgotten either.
No Work or Worker is too menial for a true leader!
Don’t command leadership, live to be leader, followers are bound to come.
Most importantly learn to lead with out title.
