Page 145 - my SUCCESS! my CHOICE

Deepak Gupta my SUCCESS! my CHOICE
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“The most crucial skill at this level is the ability to engage effectively. Because this role

needs to achieve commitment not only from his/her own organization, but more importantly

(s)he has to manage political pressures and still be able to influence and gain alignment from

cross-organization peers and leaders.”

This was not new to Dan; he knew this all along. However, he became quite uncomfortable

hearing it from Ron, especially because of the context in which he had come to seek help. He

was trying to avoid Ron’s eyes.

Ron was aware that this would cause a turmoil in Dan’s head, but he had no option. Dan

had to understand and himself answer this important and unspoken question – Do I think I

am ready to make a successful Director?

His expressions and tone getting gentler and softer, Ron continued, “Dan I know you

understand leadership skills very well as the company constantly talks about them. We will

discuss them some more little later. I want to focus on Social skills and specifically, the ability

to engage effectively.”

“What skills do you think are required for it?”

Dan could not control a smile even in his current state of mind as he realized that this

question was being asked just to soothe his flayed nerves.

“Ron this is what you have been explaining to me over the past few weeks and I have been

trying to practice them.”