Nokia India’s MD, D. Shivakumar, believes that keeping your ear to the ground is the most important part of being a leader
One thing I consciously do is share information — both positive and negative. For the headquarters, it matters that there is consistency and there are no surprises — they hear the good as well as the bad news from you. Working for an MNC also requires a willingness to accept new ideas that could come from elsewhere. I consider myself as the ambassador of the parent company at all times. This means you cannot have a bad day. No matter what the differences, you must know how to balance multiple things.
(This story appears in the 31 July, 2009 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)