Being member of  the Advisory Council of the India CHRO Forum  powered by Sodexo India and led by Paul Writer we have featured a short interview with Sharad Verma, CHRO, Sears Holdings India.
 

Leaders play a key role in shaping the future of any organization especially wrt to their human capital, what is your view on the same?

Successful companies are a result of effective leadership and strong cultures. Visionary leadership and culture builds leadership at every level - not just at the top - and results in delighting customers with great offerings. Leadership also results in building great environments where people can grow, learn, flourish and contribute in a meaningful way. Effective leadership adds meaning to the life and work of people, which is what they seek.

What according to you are the key traits of a leader in an organization?

Leadership has been studied for many decades and there are several theories and practices. Some have endured with time and new ones have been formed in line with the business and technological changes.

Some leadership traits that I have found to resonate with people:

- someone who is aware of his/her actions and behavior and impact on others. More importantly, someone who can build 'intentionality' into their actions to get the results they inspire
- someone who is constantly learning - through listening, feedback and multiple perspectives and this learning guides his/her decisions. This means that they are not stuck in specific life positions, worldviews and biases but open to new thinking and change
- someone who has great empathy for others and connects with others deeply and authentically
- someone who has a deep understanding of the business or environmental factors - and is able to set out an agenda and put it into action rallying people around this vision
- someone who is global and culturally aware, and sensitive to diversity in its true sense
- someone who can think big and enable people to execute on the vision, empowering them and getting out of the way when needed

What measures can organizations take to find and develop leaders within their set-up?

The best way is to expect everyone to be a leader and to build this into the selection and talent processes. Spot leaders early. Culturally expect people to take ownership for their actions, make their voices heard and to put them into leadership roles before they are ready.

What is your take on leaders and leadership wrt to Indian corporate world (challenges, opportunity, measures to improve etc)

India has a growing influence in the world economy and is poised for a leadership role as a democracy and an economy to reckon with. This provides opportunities and challenges for growing leaders who are truly global, able to work across cultures and geographies, appreciate diversity and build it into their teams. Leaders who are innovative, data driven and capable of making a bigger impact, not just within their businesses but in the society and larger world.