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Leadership Lessons of the Wild from Ratan Tata

Shakti Rishi
Jul 12, 2024
5 min read

In the intricate dance of nature, leadership is a role revered and essential, ubiquitously for all the social species throughout the animal kingdom. The pack leaders of animal kingdom provide the gold standard for leadership skills in the only civilized species, the Homo sapiens. So, if you can't swing by the jungle for a crash course in leadership, why not give this article a read? Who knows, you might just pick up some wild wisdom along the way!

Well! We didn't go to the jungle either, but we did the next best thing - we learned from Ratan Tata! Ratan Tata is one of the most respected leaders in the modern world, and there are some interesting similarities between him and the pack leaders in the wild. Let's dive in and discover some deep insights into what it takes to lead with integrity, strength, and vision.

So whether you are in a leading position in a company, a bureaucrat, or in India's prestigious armed forces, a politician, head of a family, or even a class monitor this article is tailored for you.

Ratan Tata: The Alpha of The Pack

Like an alpha, Ratan Tata safeguards the interest of his employees and protects company's values with his life, literally. Even when a gangster tried to extort money from him and threatened him and his employees, Ratan Tata refused to dance to his tunes and took him head on. (Word of caution: don't be deceived by his smile. He is a real 'OG')

When the gangster tried to cease operations at the plant, he still didn't back down and in order to ensure safety of his employees and keep the operations running, he himself stayed at the plant for several days, but not once did he please to his whims and fancies.

His 'OG' Attitude and persistence instilled confidence and oneness in his own

employees and also led to the arrest of the gangster.

His act of bada**ery reminded me of the scene from Chak De India- "Har team main bas ek hi gunda ho sakta hai aur iss team ka gunda main hoon"

Navigating Through Hardships and Crisis

Whether it was 2022 Pandemic or 26/11 terrorist attack, Ratan Tata steered his team out of hardships and crisis every single time. Like a leader he stood with them through all ups and downs.

During 26/11 terror attack, taj hotel went down to shambles, many of the employees lost their lives, many got injured; and Ratan Tata's heart bled. He personally supervised that all his employees were provided best of the care and families of those who lost their lives are supported in every which way. And he promised to rebuild every inch of the old lady with all its glory again.

Video Source: NDTV

We all know how angry and hurt he was. But he didn't let that make him go weak and as promised he re-inaugurated the Taj Hotel. He graceful stood up to his responsibility and his team... his tribe... knew that till their pack leader is there, he will stand by their side till his last breath.

Our hearts were overwhelmed when Ratan Tata said, "We can be hurt but we cannot be knocked down".

Ratan Tata has never considered his employees as others but as his own family. That is his level of compassion and empathy. No wonder its a dream of many to get associated with Tata Industries.

Leading with Strength and Resilience

What would you say to someone who acquires a company that is drowning in £400m debt? A fool probably? That is what Ratan Tata's near and dear ones tagged him as when he decided to acquire Jaguar and Land Rover. But what they didn't realise was that he is a different creed.

We all know the happy ending.... The company under Ratan Tata's leadership turned from a loss making to a profit making company in no time.

But how was he able to make the impossible possible... It's because of his resilience and determination. When the employees of the JLR were indecisive of being closed down, just like a Pack Leader he stepped up and assured the employees that if they all worked shoulder-to-shoulder they'll be able to revive JLR and the glory they once had.

“I really do not know what we will do, but I can assure you we do not wish to close down. We should work shoulder-to-shoulder and revive the two brands and the glory they had at one stage.

Ratan Tata never shy's away from taking risks and then making things happen besides all odds. That is what makes him a legendary leader.

Rata Tata's life is a living example of what a leader ought to be. His vision, ability to strategise and navigate through challenges, leading with authenticity, compassion, resilience and most importantly his bada*s attitude is what makes him a great leader.

But word of caution, don't blindly try to copy his personality. Instead imbibe the person that he is. Try to grasp what it takes to be a good leader and practice being that, and who knows maybe you can become your own brand of a leader.

Take your leadership journey to the next level with our 'Pack Leader' graphic tee and download free wallpaper here that will act as a constant reminder.

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FAQs

Q: What are some key leadership qualities exemplified by Ratan Tata?

A: Ratan Tata demonstrates several crucial leadership qualities:

Protecting his team's interests, even in the face of threats
Showing resilience and determination during crises
Leading with compassion and empathy towards employees
Taking calculated risks and turning challenges into opportunities
Demonstrating strength and authenticity in leadership

Q: How did Ratan Tata handle crises like the 26/11 terror attack?

A: Ratan Tata's response to the 26/11 attack showed exemplary leadership:

Personally supervised care for affected employees
Supported families of those who lost their lives
Promised to rebuild the Taj Hotel to its former glory
Demonstrated resilience with his "We can be hurt but we cannot be knocked down" attitude
Stood by his team throughout the crisis and recovery

Q: What can we learn from Ratan Tata's acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover?

A: The JLR acquisition offers several leadership lessons:

Willingness to take calculated risks
Ability to see potential where others see problems
Inspiring confidence in employees during uncertain times
Encouraging teamwork to overcome challenges
Demonstrating resilience in turning a loss-making company into a profitable one