Leadership Reflections: What Lies Beyond the Words

By Anupama Vaidya.    

Note: I am not here to comment on whether someone's remarks were right or wrong, or the context in which they were shared – everyone has their own reasons and freedom to express themselves.

However, these words triggered a chain of thoughts in me, offering valuable food for thought that I felt compelled to share.

A domino effect was set in motion over the past two days following Chairman’s speech. I am loaded with memes beyond comprehension.

Even if someone is handsomely compensated to eat, breathe, sleep work 24X7X365, does it still justify the remarks made? I'd love to see the Time-sheet of such a person!

Why do these these statements seem to echo to me the very blueprint of a “How to Burn Out Your Team” Playbook. The emphasis on long hours, disregarding personal well-being, and the casual dismissal of family time reflect a misguided and outdated approach to leadership. I feel disheartened, particularly when the need for responsible and compassionate leadership is more crucial than ever, and yet, the example of such leadership remains insufficiently modeled today.

The statement, “How long can you stare at your wife?” - reveals a deeper issue – a lack of appreciation for value that family relationships bring to you, and the critical support system they provide. 

I pity the perspective: 

💭 that reduces family time to a mere afterthought, ignoring the profound strength and balance such connection bring to our lives;

💭 that diminishes a spouse to an object of observation, rather than recognizing them as an equal partner - one who brings their own thoughts, emotions, and aspirations to co-create a shared and meaningful life; 

💭 that overlooks the emotional depth and rejuvenation such relationships provide, which are crucial for sustaining both personal and professional lives.

While I may not have a spouse in my life, I have my near and dear ones. I pause to “stare” into the love and connection with my near and dear ones, only to be reminded of their pivotal role in keeping me grounded and functional. I treasure the bonds that nurture my soul and give me a purpose for my life. Unlike staring at a screen for hours or the boredom referenced, relationships are dynamic, revealing something new each time. These relationships are a source of renewal and inspiration; for me it’s like reading the Bhagavad Gita – every time offering fresh insights and renewed strength. I yearn to be with my loved ones, investing time and care to nurture them. I marvel at their grace, resilience and qualities that inspire me to be better. These moments are what fuel me to work effectively and creatively.

Perhaps a closer examination of how families contribute to personal well-being, mental health, and professional success would be far more enlightening than reducing them to mere distractions or inconveniences.

Easy to say that the intention as humor; the implications of such a statements are deeply concerning. In discussions surrounding workplace culture and personal relationships, it is crucial to recognize that intention does not absolve impact – the act itself carries weight regardless of intent, reflecting a troubling disregards for the importance of partnership and family. Each one of us go through this learning curve to building a stronger leadership character - slips happen, but at what cost?

I am reminded of my uncle, Dr. Sridhar Gupte, the former Vice-Chancellor of Pune University, who, when I became a mother, shared a profound piece of advice: "Never make fun of your children or use them as the subject of humor." In the context of my work, I see my teams as my extended family, and this advice holds true now more than ever.

I hope this serves as a leadership lesson: reminding us that without our loved ones, we are incomplete. I am taking this Sunday to reflect and reconnect with what truly matters – my foundation, my relationships, my life beyond work. Even for us without a spouse, the message remains the same. I cherish relationships I do have and make efforts to invest in them. These bonds nurture my soul, inspire me and remind me daily that true fulfilment comes not from endless work, but from the richness of meaningful connections.

It is through these relationships that I find renewal and purpose - a constant source of strength and balance that no workweek, no matter how long, can ever replicate. If anything, I’d say I could “stare” at them for far beyond what a grueling 90-hour work week or working on Sundays ever could!

Advocating a 90-hour or a 70-hour work week or working also on a Sundays is not an evidence of ambition, or a display of visionary leadership, or a badge of honor. It is a surefire recipe for burnout & plummeting productivity; it is a troubling misstep that disregards heightened stress levels and deteriorating well-being; it’s a stark reminder of outdated thinking in leadership; isn’t a heroic act, undermining the rest, reflection, recharge and reconnection required (Even machines have a downtime, even your mobile needs to be charged!!!)

I pity the perspective:

💭 that assumes productivity grows indefinitely with time worked, ignoring the law of diminishing returns;

💭 that prioritizes clocked hours over creativity, innovation, and long-term sustainability;

💭 that glorifies overwork as loyalty, failing to understand that true dedication comes from inspired, purposeful effort;

💭 that undermines the importance of rest, rejuvenation, and the balance necessary for employees to bring their best selves to work;

💭 that believes long hours equate to better outcomes, failing to see that overwork leads to mistakes, lower morale, and disengagement.

💭 that neglects the undeniable link between balanced work-life integration and the creative, innovative thinking required to propel organizations forward; 

💭 that suggests Sundays (weekly off) should be for work, disregarding the fundamental human need for rest, family time, and self-reflection;

💭 that Sundays are wasted if not worked, failing to see that a well-rested mind is far more productive and creative than one that is perpetually exhausted;

Weekly-Offs are for rest and reflection. They are not “wasted” when spent away from work; instead, they recharge our minds, strengthen our relationships, and enable creativity. A balanced approach to work and life is essential for sustainable success.

Sundays, and indeed all personal time, are investments in one’s well-being and relationships—foundations of a thriving professional life.

Learning from Generational Wisdom: As a multigenerational workforce, or families, I am a proud Gen-X-er, finding my deep inspiration from the Gen-Zs around me. (Waiting for Gen Alphas!). They are redefining success and fulfilment beyond the relentless rat race. Their values - work-life harmony, mindfulness, and boundary-setting - challenge outdated notions of leadership and remind us of the need for empathetic, adaptable approaches.

Gen-Zs teach us that success isn’t about clocking endless hours; it’s about living fully, nurturing relationships, and fostering well-being alongside professional goals. These lessons are inspiring me to lead with authenticity, balance, and humanity, ensuring my work aligns with the values I hold dear. It’s a lesson I’m grateful for as I continue to mentor them in return, building a two-way bridge of growth and understanding between generations.

Evolving Leadership Perspectives. Leadership must adapt to the changing times.

I work hard, smart, and long hours when necessary, but the difference is this: it is my choice. My commitment to responsibilities and timelines stems from ownership and passion, not compulsion. I burn the midnight oil when the situation demands it.

Graceful leadership isn’t about dictating hours - it’s about inspiring accountability, fostering trust, and empowering individuals to find their rhythm and balance while meeting shared goals.

Expecting long hours as a norm is not dedication; it’s a failure to respect boundaries and personal agency. True leaders inspire through vision, purpose, and trust - not fostering fear or exhaustion.

The recent remarks serve as a stark reminder for us to reassess the true essence leadership in today's rapidly evolving world - one that is shifting from routine, algorithmic tasks to dynamic, creative and heuristic challenges.

It’s time to champion workplaces that prioritize quality, innovation, and well-being over outdated measures of success. By aligning leadership with the values of today’s workforce, we can strike a balance between ambition and humanity, ensuring productivity flourishes without compromising mental and physical health.

The future of work demands empathy, adaptability, and respect for human dignity. As leaders, we must move beyond archaic ideals of success defined solely by hours clocked. Instead, we must focus on fostering meaningful work, driving innovation, and building a collaborative culture. Leadership is not about glorifying endless hours but nurturing an environment that values quality over quantity, innovation over repetition, and people over profits.

Let us embrace a culture rooted in respect, balance, and progress, ensuring that employees thrive professionally while preserving their personal lives.

Let’s take a moment to Pause and Reflect:

🪞How do you define success in your personal and professional life?

🪞What actions are you taking to ensure your leadership style aligns with empathy and adaptability?

🪞Are you nurturing your personal relationships as much as your professional commitments?

🪞How do you balance between hard work and well-being in your daily routine?

🪞What lessons can you learn from younger generations about work-life integration and fulfilment?

🪞Is your leadership approach aligned with the core values of respect, balance and progress that form the foundation of humaneness and are essential to sustainable growth & success?