Leadership Is Attention and Dignity: A Lesson From a Warm Jalebi in Kolkata
The Jalebi was still warm.
Dad saw something I didn't.
I was in Kolkata in August to attend to some family matters with dad and we decided to stop for Jalebi, Samosa and Masala Chai at one of the local eateries.
It was a famous street food joint and was buzzing with people that Saturday morning.
I was too busy tucking into the deliciously warm Jalebi to even notice anything, but dad did.
From the corner of his eye, he had spotted a lady waiting around in front of the shop but not ordering.
He instinctively knew she had not eaten and asked me to buy her food and tea, and to make sure she got a seat on one of the pavement stools to have her breakfast with dignity and respect.
This is not the first time I have seen him do this. He has done it all his life.
Dad founded CINI-Child in Need Institute, which has served millions over 50 years. He has been leading in such a way that clarity, care, and commercial performance can co-exist.
It is something that has seeped into me...over many years...and has guided me to show up in the most challenging leadership situations.
It’s these quiet moments that teach us the loudest lesson:
Leadership is attention plus dignity, especially when no one’s watching.
If clarity, care, and performance had to fit on one meeting agenda this week, what’s the exact line you’d add?
Former Fortune-10 C-Suite and 2022 HR Leader of the Year. I help boards and C-suite translate complexity into decisive, people-first performance.