“I’ll solve this problem on my own.”
Normally, when I hear this from a new hire, I feel proud. It shows initiative, independence, and ownership.
But this time was different.
The project had been executed carelessly. A small bug had slipped through. It wasn’t complex: just attention to detail. Yet that tiny crack had already started to create long nights, client delays, and frustration.
When I asked for a status at 9:45 am, the new hire explained the bug and suggested asking the client for a couple of extra days.
“No,” I said.
“We close our day only when we solve the problem. If we created this mess, fixing it becomes our #1 priority.”
He didn’t like my answer. I could see it. But he got back to work.
And this is the paradox of leadership:
Yes, you want learners.
Yes, you want ownership.
But learning cannot be an excuse for sloppy execution.
Initiative is valuable.
But excellence is non-negotiable.
#DhandheKaFunda: Being a learner is great. Being a learner with discipline is what makes you indispensable.
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