The Perfect Boss

Today, I am going to dedicate this post to my ex- boss, Mr. Santanu Guha (former DGM & Head-Procurement at L&T). He is a man whose relationship with all his teammates and subordinates was very co-ordial and warm. When we first came to know that he is planning to move to some other company. We were shocked as he had started his career with L&T and had been growing steadily with the same company for last 18 years. With a heavy heart, I thank him for his invaluable contributions to my life.  

My relationship with you was not that of a boss and a subordinate. You have always been more of a friend and a mentor. I remember sharing my personal as well as professional problem with you. You have given us the space to try and experiment. You have been appreciative when I have done something correctly but you have never ever criticized me even if sometime I may have deserved it. I have never seen you losing temper and that is a quality, I personally admire a lot. You have a personal touch which makes it easier for everyone to approach you. 

You are a remarkable leader, who has always led from the front and have guided us, motivated us and appreciated us throughout our journey together. I still remember my first day at MIAL when I met you for the first time. I was really happy and impressed by your personality. I was fortunate to be with you while we negotiated with the bidders and clients for various packages.  Every meeting presented different learning opportunities for me. I am indebted to you for sharing your knowledge with me without any inhibition. I really want to express my admiration of your top class negotiation strategies which I have witnessed from conception to execution on various occasions. 

You have a larger than life stature. Your popularity as a candid, jovial, friendly and compassionate person is a well established fact. You have outstanding rapport not only in our organization but also with clients and contractors. We have immense respect for you and I feel proud that I worked and grew under your guidance.   

You are RK Laxman of Analogies. I am always mesmerized by your apt examples and analogies. I believe this art along with your outstanding communication skills set you apart from the rest. You have an ability to explain things in such simple manner that you can teach anything to anyone. I request you to consider an additional role of being a visiting Professor for some top notch Institutes at some point in future. College Undergraduates admire people from Industry as they have a hunger to know the practical application of the knowledge imparted to them.

I am pleased to know that you are going to a play a crucial role in the International Arena. I shouldn’t be selfish; hence I am also glad for those young minds, which are going to be nurtured under your mentorship. I wish you all the luck, success and happiness in life and your future assignments. May we always find you and your family members in the best of health!

Now I am concluding with a hope that someday our paths will cross again and we shall get an opportunity to meet and work together in future.