People skills learnt from a 'Marketing Maven'...

Tonight I had a great dinner with my dad's friend who is the Director [Marketing] of a well known Indian company. Not only was the Pasta very delectable, even the scintillating conversation was full of learning.

During the conversation I came to know that he had done exceedingly well in his prior marketing assignments. However, he attributed his success in marketing assignments to his people skills and deep understanding about the business.

Some of my key learning were:

• Business ownership is the real key. The business ownership should be shared by each and every soul in the organization. Even a company car driver who is well aware & appreciative of the business [and it's vision] would influence the client to a great extent during the journey from the airport to the client's hotel. He would be aware of the fact that he is transporting a business client who is capable of adding a lot of value in the business [and he is not just a mere passenger].

• It's important that business leaders recognize and accept that they cannot know everything about business. If the leader compels his domain experts to make seemingly intelligent nods to whatever he says then he would never really allow his domain experts to truly express their views and ideas.

• For personal success at work one should first listen to others with a very keen intent, do his work passionately, be an exceptional team player and be careful enough to market his contribution to the right people in a nice & ethical way [Life at work is not like a cricket match in IPL where you are constantly appreciated or criticized for your results delivered as well as your sincere efforts].

Towards the end of the dinner I understood one more facet about myself. It's that a decent pasta and an incredible conversation can bring the biggest possible smile on my face.