Indian managers achieved the highest ranking in terms of leadership traits

[Napa]

Couple of years old, but still worth a read.

Originally published on Wall Street Journal by Amir Mizroch

Nadella, Pichai, Suri, Arora, Mehrotra, Jha and Narayen aren’t exactly household names. But the companies they run are: Microsoft MSFT +0.58%, Google, Nokia NOK -0.45%, Softbank, SanDisk SNDK +0.16%, Globalfoundries and Adobe Systems ADBE +2.15%.

On Monday, Google announced a restructuring plan that elevated 43-year-old executive Sundar Pichai to the ranks of chief executive. It’s a reminder that the CEOs of some of the world’s most recognizable tech companies share origins from India.

That they all ascended to the corner office might not be a coincidence. A recent cross-cultural study from Southern New Hampshire University examined managers from the U.S. and India, for example, and found that more Indian managers achieved the highest ranking in terms of leadership traits.

Indian managers are future-oriented, and had a “paradoxical blend of genuine personal humility and intense professional will,” the study said. “These leaders achieved extraordinary results and built great organizations without much hoopla.”

Nowhere, perhaps, is that more starkly on display than at Microsoft. Since taking over as CEO, Satya Nadella managed to achieve what had once seemed impossible: to make Silicon Valley like Microsoft again. He did so by embracing collaboration and not treating rivals products as enemies—in some ways the opposite of his often-flamboyant predecessor, Steve Ballmer.

Steve Ballmer announced in August 2013 that he would step down as chief executive of Microsoft Corp. and retire.
Stuart Palley for The Wall Street Journal
While Indian managers aren’t in many cases the founders of the companies they lead, they are respected managers who have held numerous positions in their companies, working up the ranks.

Pichai, who was born in the southern Indian city of Chennai, hails from the same technology college in India as Arun Sarin, the former CEO of Vodafone Group. Since joining Google in 2004 as a vice president of product management, he has overseen search and consumer products such as iGoogle, Google Toolbar, Desktop Search and Gadgets, Google Pack, and Gears.

In 2011, Pichai became senior vice president of Google Chrome and Apps, which includes the Chrome browser and operating system, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and Drive. He now is CEO over the chunk of Google that feels most like, well, Google.

Sanjay Mehrotra, 57, helped found SanDisk, a flash-storage company, in 1988. He also served as its executive vice president and operating chief, senior vice president of engineering, vice president of product development, and director of memory design and product engineering. He’s been CEO since 2011.

Before replacing Ballmer at Microsoft, Nadella, now 47, served as executive vice president of the company’s cloud and enterprise group.

Rajeev Suri, an electronics and telecom engineer, had been employed by Nokia for two decades before being appointed CEO. The 47-year-old headed Nokia’s mobile-network unit since 2009, and is often credited with the successful turnaround of Nokia’s mobile-network arm, Nokia Solutions and Networks.

Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen, 53, has been described by colleagues as quiet but incredibly competitive. Since becoming CEO in 2007, he has led a dramatic transformation at the company.

Sanjay Jha, the 52-year-old CEO of chipmaker Globalfoundries, had previously run Motorola Mobility and had served for years as a senior executive of Qualcomm.

Halfway around the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took note of Pichai’s promotion. He congratulated Google’s new CEO on Twitter.

https://sdasia.co/2015/08/16/why-americas-top-technology-jobs-are-going-to-indian-executives/

 

[Proactive_]

Except the fact that most of these are not Indians. They left the country for a better living and don't give two hoots about the country except when they have business interests involved. Hilarious that some people keep tagging them as Indians when they don't contribute anything to the Indian society, don't pay Indian taxes and hardly live here. Absolute non sense to take credit off of them.

 

[Napa]

Except the fact that most of these are not Indians. They left the country for a better living and don't give two hoots about the country except when they have business interests involved. Hilarious that some people keep tagging them as Indians when they don't contribute anything to the Indian society, don't pay Indian taxes and hardly live here. Absolute non sense to take credit off of them.

1) Indian expats care for India and contribute in many ways. The maid who used to work for my mother receives a pension from me which is larger than the salary she used to receive. This would not have been possible if I had continued working in India.

2) The article was also about the character of Indian managers wherever in the world they might be. Note that this article was not written by an Indian but rather by an Israeli.

Indian managers are future-oriented, and had a “paradoxical blend of genuine personal humility and intense professional will,” the study said. “These leaders achieved extraordinary results and built great organizations without much hoopla.”

3) Successful Indian managers increase India's reputation. They are one of the factors why firms like IBM and Accenture have a majority of their employees in India.

 

[sshakir411]

1) Indian expats care for India and contribute in many ways. The maid who used to work for my mother receives a pension from me which is larger than the salary she used to receive. This would not have been possible if I had continued working in India.

2) The article was also about the character of Indian managers wherever in the world they might be. Note that this article was not written by an Indian but rather by an Israeli.



3) Successful Indian managers increase India's reputation. They are one of the factors why firms like IBM and Accenture have a majority of their employees in India.

this is not true..IBM and Accenture rely on their core business of IT Consulting..that's what they do best. India is the largest producer of IT professionals in the world and no other country matches India in that aspect. Apart from India there is a huge shortage of qualified IT professionals everywhere in the world. Companies like IBM, HPE, Accenture have long established their offices (in multiple cities by now) in India for that reason and have outsourced pretty much most operations to India. The rise of Indians in Management and Finance has just picked up in the last 10 years..

 

[King-Misbah]

Indian managers are atrocious as accord to my family members who are senior contractors. They are mostly yes boss kind of people and lack personal skills. They are good at configuration in IT but can't think outside the box.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Validates my personal experience with indians. Always found them to be natural leaders and very professional, sometimes even hiring people better than them, because it is always the interests of the company first.

 

[Napa]

Indian managers are atrocious as accord to my family members who are senior contractors. They are mostly yes boss kind of people and lack personal skills. They are good at configuration in IT but can't think outside the box.

The OP is obviously about the world's largest hi-tech firms and not about "senior contractors". There are 3 firms in the world with market capitalization larger than $500 billion, and two of those are Google and Microsoft.

You think Microsoft's Nadella and Google's Pichai jobs are "configuration in IT"? I am trying to imagine Nadella answering the phone when I call Microsoft Support to upgrade my laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

 

[troodon]

Validates my personal experience with indians. Always found them to be natural leaders and very professional, sometimes even hiring people better than them, because it is always the interests of the company first.

One thing I can tell you about Indian managers is they will never hire anyone who looks more talented than them. Its called Job security. Seen this trait among some American managers too.

Indian managers are good at getting the job done.

 

[CricketCartoons]

One thing I can tell you about Indian managers is they will never hire anyone who looks more talented than them. Its called Job security. Seen this trait among some American managers too.

Indian managers are good at getting the job done.

I had an interview today. It was the best interview I ever had, even got the whiteboard coding solved in O. What do you think, will I be hired?

 

[troodon]

I had an interview today. It was the best interview I ever had, even got the whiteboard coding solved in O. What do you think, will I be hired?

It depends on your interviewer. If he thinks you can be a future threat to his/her job, your chances will go down.

If one of the interviewer is the owner or at least part owner, you will get the job for sure. All the best though.

 

[Proactive_]

1) Indian expats care for India and contribute in many ways. The maid who used to work for my mother receives a pension from me which is larger than the salary she used to receive. This would not have been possible if I had continued working in India.

So you're saying that you had the welfare of your maid in mind when you decided to leave the country for greener pastures?

2) The article was also about the character of Indian managers wherever in the world they might be. Note that this article was not written by an Indian but rather by an Israeli.

Doesn't affect my point one bit.

3) Successful Indian managers increase India's reputation. They are one of the factors why firms like IBM and Accenture have a majority of their employees in India.

So, how about these "managers" use their acumen and skill inside Indian shores to help improve the economic and technological standards of the country rather than be the model for other bright students in the Indian education system to eventually leave the country to serve foreign interests?

 

[sjahmed23]

I find Indians to be very focused at their job and some even consider work their religion so it is almost obligatory to perform well. However there are some lousy ones too who just show up to collect pay check and stick around long enough to move up the laddar. Apart from gujjus and punjabis I feel most Indians are not entreprenurial.

 

[big_gamer007]

Why do people really take pride in achievements of other individuals? Good of these guys to achieve what they did but since in no way hey are related to me why should I feel any emotion about their achievements? If it was representing the nation then its separate but these guys are in private jobs so not sure what's the point of this thread..

You will find plenty of good mangers and bad managers be it from any country.. No point generalising managers on basis of their nationality..

 

[big_gamer007]

I find Indians to be very focused at their job and some even consider work their religion so it is almost obligatory to perform well. However there are some lousy ones too who just show up to collect pay check and stick around long enough to move up the laddar. Apart from gujjus and punjabis I feel most Indians are not entreprenurial.

And I have seen more Indians who are careless about work and are lazy and not innovative.. No point generalising there are people who work well and others who don't doesn't have to do anything with being Indian or Pakistani or whatever.. India is a huge country with 1.3bill population there are all kind of people..

 

[Napa]

Why do people really take pride in achievements of other individuals? Good of these guys to achieve what they did but since in no way hey are related to me why should I feel any emotion about their achievements?

Do you care how your country's cricket team does?

 

[big_gamer007]

Do you care how your country's cricket team does?

That's a moot comparison they play for your country and the name is India vs England or India vs Australia etc.. Sports are different from private lives of an individual.. Secondly if you watch any sport you can support any individual or club as a fan because it brings joy and happiness to you.. You can't at the same about individuals in private jobs but if they actually bring happiness to your life then that's fine you can be happy and proud of their achievements..

But I don't consider or relate to their achievements at all just because they are of the same country as me doesn't make that my achievements or I being related in any of their hard work..

 

[Napa]

That's a moot comparison they play for your country and the name is India vs England or India vs Australia etc.. Sports are different from private lives of an individual.. Secondly if you watch any sport you can support any individual or club as a fan because it brings joy and happiness to you.. You can't at the same about individuals in private jobs but if they actually bring happiness to your life then that's fine you can be happy and proud of their achievements..

But I don't consider or relate to their achievements at all just because they are of the same country as me doesn't make that my achievements or I being related in any of their hard work..

Your arguments are weak. They are being referred to as "Indians" in the media, which should make you identify with them. Seeing Indians succeed and being praised for the work they do does indeed bring me "joy and happiness". Actually, succeeding in the corporate world and being praised for leadership traits is much more meaningful than the ability to throw a round object encased in red leather, or being able to dispatch said object to the boundary by smacking it hard with a piece of wood.

"doesn't make that my achievements or I being related in any of their hard work". The same could be said for the Indian cricketers you root for.

 

[Sachin136]

I had an interview today. It was the best interview I ever had, even got the whiteboard coding solved in O. What do you think, will I be hired?

Sorry to break it to you, but anything worse than a O(log n) solution and they'll probably reject you.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Sorry to break it to you, but anything worse than a O(log n) solution and they'll probably reject you.

I thought everything can be solved in O(1), for large value of the constant.

 

[big_gamer007]

Your arguments are weak. They are being referred to as "Indians" in the media, which should make you identify with them. Seeing Indians succeed and being praised for the work they do does indeed bring me "joy and happiness". Actually, succeeding in the corporate world and being praised for leadership traits is much more meaningful than the ability to throw a round object encased in red leather, or being able to dispatch said object to the boundary by smacking it hard with a piece of wood.

"doesn't make that my achievements or I being related in any of their hard work". The same could be said for the Indian cricketers you root for.

If that brings you joy and happiness that's fine.. I don't personally relate to them just because they are from the same country as me doesn't mean anything to me.. Anyways like I said if you relate to them and it brings you happiness then that's good for you..

 

[LegCutter]

Stereotypically, leadership is not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Indians but the latest trend in technology leadership roles has completely buried that sterotype.

I'm definitely disappointed that there are not more Pakistanis at the top of Silicon Valley heirarchy. it may help negate some of the stereotypes associated with Pakistanis. There are tons of Pakistani doctors, engineers etc in America but the Indian doctor and engineer stereotype in the public image doesnt cross over to Pakistanis, atleast from what I have experienced.

Having said that, kudos to Indians. The Apu from Simpsons steretype is definitely taking a backseat these days. Being CEOs of Microsoft and Google (and being good at it) is definitely a source of national pride. If Pakistanis can be proud of Amir Khan the boxer, then no reason for Indians not to be proud of Pichai and Nadella.

 

[Napa]

Stereotypically, leadership is not the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Indians but the latest trend in technology leadership roles has completely buried that sterotype.

I'm definitely disappointed that there are not more Pakistanis at the top of Silicon Valley heirarchy. it may help negate some of the stereotypes associated with Pakistanis. There are tons of Pakistani doctors, engineers etc in America but the Indian doctor and engineer stereotype in the public image doesnt cross over to Pakistanis, atleast from what I have experienced.

Having said that, kudos to Indians. The Apu from Simpsons steretype is definitely taking a backseat these days. Being CEOs of Microsoft and Google (and being good at it) is definitely a source of national pride. If Pakistanis can be proud of Amir Khan the boxer, then no reason for Indians not to be proud of Pichai and Nadella.

Not much difference between the abilities of Pakistanis and Indians (especially North Indians) I think. What Indians can do, Pakistanis can also do, and what Pakistanis can do, Indians can also do. It is in our common interest to support each other, but right now that seems like a distant dream.

 

[Snak3eye5]

If you look at it analytically, one of the reason there's so many Indian ceo's in the technology sector and why they outnumber smarter folks like Chinese or Japanese in getting these positions is that, Indians tend to speak good English and are comfortable with American business culture. Infact working in a fortune 500 company where majority of the senior leadership is Indians after white people stems from the fact that they are genuinely like able, speak good english, and hire and mentor smart people within their teams. Its hard not to notice that they are very social, gell with everyone and seldom make enemies. Infact they take on a servant style of leadership and work by bending over backwards to anyone rather than stamping their authority over anyone. If you read some of the stuff on Google ceo Sundar Pichai, where he would wait outside his boss's office for hours so that he can vouch for his team to get merit raises and bonuses speaks volumes....

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Not much difference between the abilities of Pakistanis and Indians (especially North Indians) I think. What Indians can do, Pakistanis can also do, and what Pakistanis can do, Indians can also do. It is in our common interest to support each other, but right now that seems like a distant dream.

Couldn't have said it much better and speaking from personal experience I've had a very good time working with colleagues and IT businesses that employ and use Indian-centric workforce / manpower. Thoroughly professional and do their job top notch.

The only downsize is and this something I find annoying is that they are overly patriotic at times almost to the point where I sometimes feel uncomfortable. I found this out recently during the CT Final Anyways good bunch of people and extremely hardworking.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Some people cant digest the success of Indians,so accuse them of bending over backwards or being sneaky or use flattery to progress or simply call them servile.When you cant match someones ability discredit them.

 

[PakLFC]

Some people cant digest the success of Indians,so accuse them of bending over backwards or being sneaky or use flattery to progress or simply call them servile.When you cant match someones ability discredit them.

I wonder who you are talking about? Credit where it is due. Some people can't take criticism either and refuse to give credit to other countries on their accomplishments. I am going to watch Akshay Kumar's new movie "Toilet" now.

 

[Chrish]

Indians are successful everywhere other than in India..

 

[Napa]

They are mostly yes boss kind of people and lack personal skills. They are good at configuration in IT but can't think outside the box.

If you look at it analytically, one of the reason there's so many Indian ceo's in the technology sector and why they outnumber smarter folks like Chinese or Japanese in getting these positions is that, Indians tend to speak good English and are comfortable with American business culture. Infact working in a fortune 500 company where majority of the senior leadership is Indians after white people stems from the fact that they are genuinely like able, speak good english, and hire and mentor smart people within their teams. Its hard not to notice that they are very social, gell with everyone and seldom make enemies. Infact they take on a servant style of leadership and work by bending over backwards to anyone rather than stamping their authority over anyone.

Guys, you don't understand modern Western corporations. Success as a CEO does not come from "configuration of IT" or "servant style of leadership". Nor will "stamping their authority" a la Ghenghis Khan work.

Success comes from being able to work with others and making the correct strategic decisions such as which markets to enter. Microsoft under Ballmer was floundering and Nadella saved it from dying. He refocused it on the correct goals and markets. Many large tech firms like IBM, HP and Dell are in a tailspin because they did not have a Nadella sort of leader who made the correct strategic choices.

If you read some of the stuff on Google ceo Sundar Pichai, where he would wait outside his boss's office for hours so that he can vouch for his team to get merit raises and bonuses speaks volumes....

Going the extra mile for his team is an important characteristic of a good leader.

 

[Suleiman]

I wonder who you are talking about? Credit where it is due. Some people can't take criticism either and refuse to give credit to other countries on their accomplishments. I am going to watch Akshay Kumar's new movie "Toilet" now.

Made me laugh thought it was kind of clever thinking you came up with it, then looked it up on google (thanks Mr. Pichai) and turns out it's real )

 

[Snak3eye5]

If anyone interested below is the link to he top 9- 10 ceos of Indian origin. I find their personal values interesting

http://m.economictimes.com/slidesho...y/sundar-pichai-google/slideshow/53709251.cms

 

[Napa]

So you're saying that you had the welfare of your maid in mind when you decided to leave the country for greener pastures?

I didn't specifically have the welfare of my maid in mind, but did very well know that I would have greater earnings power abroad. If you have more money, you can also better help those who need financial help.

So, how about these "managers" use their acumen and skill inside Indian shores to help improve the economic and technological standards of the country rather than be the model for other bright students in the Indian education system to eventually leave the country to serve foreign interests?

The reason many of us left is that was that India till a couple of decades ago did not offer opportunities. A fresh graduate cannot go out and change the world. Some of my IIT classmates did stay behind, and did help the country. Some of those who stayed behind joined the Civil Services like the IAS, and I am not sure how useful their engineering education was for that job. Anyway, I believer wherever they have succeeded, they have contributed to India some way or the other.

 

[Napa]

Unlike most other Indian CEOs of, Vasant Narasimhan will be Novartis' next CEO grew up outside India.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...arasimhan-ceo-after-jimenez-retires-next-year

Novartis is one of the largest firms in the world with a market cap of close to $200 billion.