63. TWO OPPOSITE LEADERSHIP STYLES (1994)

STRESS, SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN 

The Highs and Lows of A Woman’s Journey in the Corporate World

CARE: This is Chapter 63 of my book Stress, Success and Everything In-Between. These are individual anecdotes but to understand the professional journey in totality, I would recommend reading the book right from Chapter 01 onwards.

It was the annual closing time for the Bank. News of business performances from other circles was coming into the media every day. Our circle had achieved phenomenal growth in business. I was thrilled with our success and envisioned a press conference to showcase our achievements. As the head of Public Relations, it was my duty to capitalize on such opportunities to enhance the image of the Bank.

While I reported directly to the Circle head, administrative matters were routed through one of the General Managers. Eagerly, I approached the General Manager with my idea, but his response was almost lukewarm. With an expressionless face, he merely suggested I consult the Chief.  

I did not allow my spirits to be dampened and sought an audience with the big boss with renewed determination. He was the same person who had interviewed me for this job, as I have previously recounted in Episode 61. He enthusiastically endorsed my proposal and instructed his Personal Secretary to schedule a suitable date.

Excited at the idea, I moved swiftly, booked a prestigious hotel for the press conference, designed invitation cards, selected thoughtful gifts for the media, meticulously prepared an impressive press release and had it duly approved by the General Managers and the Circle head.

The press conference was a resounding success. All our top and senior executives were present at the venue, the media briefing was informative, and questions were addressed by the circle management committee with clarity. The media relished the exquisite wines and thoughtfully curated dinner menu. With the help of my team, I saw off the last guests around 2 am.

In the morning, I was delighted to read extensive coverage of our performance in the newspapers I subscribed to. Eager to see how other papers had reported the event, I arrived at the office earlier than usual. I was thrilled at the success of my first press conference.

As I was immersed in reading the media reports, my phone rang. It was a long-distance call from the head of Public Relations in the Corporate Centre in Mumbai. He rebuked me for a significant blunder: the profit figures of the circle were not to be shared. He emphasized that only the consolidated profit figures of the Bank were to be made public. He apprehended that the Chairman would be furious and may reprimand our Circle head. Before I could respond, he disconnected the line.

I was stunned. My pride and joy evaporated as I slumped in my chair. A mistake had been made, and I could not undo it. I felt compelled to inform our superiors so they could be prepared.

I could not wait for the elevator and took to the stairs to inform the General Manager. He listened impassively and replied curtly, "I never wanted a press conference. It was you who were pushing for it. Now face the consequences! (मैं तो वैसे भी कोई प्रैस कांफ्रेंस वगैरह करना नहीं चाहता था। आप ही को पडी हुई थी। अब नतीजा भुगतिए।)"

"I had only suggested it, and you had agreed. You even approved the press release with the controversial figures. How can you disown it now?" I wanted to protest but was dumbfounded by his attempt to evade the blame. He washed his hands of any responsibility.

Snubbed and humiliated, I came out of his office. But after a moment of hesitation, I decided to inform the Circle head about the lapse. I wanted to forewarn him. Anticipating a potential call from the Chairman, I did not want him to be taken off-guard. As I entered his room, he greeted me warmly and complimented me for arranging a successful press conference. I could not even accept the compliment properly and confessed to the mistake pointed out by the Corporate Centre. I expressed my apprehension about the likely adverse reaction from the Chairman.

He listened attentively, smiled and said reassuringly, "Don't worry. I will handle it."

With his soothing words, a wave of relief washed over me, and I breathed easy. I never heard anything further about the lapse from anyone.  

That day, in the face of adversity, I witnessed two vastly different leadership styles. One was a man who shied away from responsibility and tried to throw back the blame at his junior. The other was a confident leader who stood by his team even in crisis. It was a lesson I would never forget.

(To be continued...)

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