For those you who haven’t yet heard of psychological safety, here goes…
Google recently published results from their project, known as Project Aristotle, which took several years, and included interviews with hundreds of employees and analysis of data about the people on more than 100 active teams at the company.
I can tell you that there isn’t a magical formula but hey this is Google so let’s continue to read 😉
Now clearly this didn’t exist in the relationship between Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry & the rest of the board. While a lot is being said about it I have listed the things that I feel may have led to this rather uncomfortable situation for the board and everyone else involved.
For what was touted as a ‘big first’ in terms of hiring from outside the family, it seemed odd right from the beginning. Ratan Tata could have easily hired the best in the world with a lot more credible experience than what Cyrus had, yet he chose him.
In fact, Cyrus was originally on the selection committee but was later persuaded, (against his wishes apparently) to apply for the top job.
So what actually happened was that while it appeared that someone from the outside was chosen, was it purely because Ratan Tata felt he could control Cyrus?
Cyrus was told that he would be given a free hand at the beginning. Once he joined changes were made to what was originally promised.
Ratan Tata was obviously emotional about Nano cars, even though it wasn’t doing well. It was probably among his favourite projects and why not. Sometimes we listen to our hearts and not our heads. Shouldn’t Cyrus have figured that out and with equal passion worked on turning things around?
Shouldn’t there have been one? Don’t we all talk about it all the time? Someone who shares the vision, goals, passion and most importantly understands the ethos the Organisation.
The board takes Mistry by surprise, doesn’t offer him an opportunity to explain and unceremoniously sack him. On the other hand I read that Ratan Tata had briefed PM Modi about this in advance. Huh??!! What low levels did their communication or the lack of it stoop to…
Please drop a line to let me know what you think , I’m curious .
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