MANAGEMENT MANTRA

MANAGEMENT MANTRA - “Walk The Talk” Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council

Rajan Bahadur has more than 35 years of extensive cross-industry experience in FMCG, travel and tourism, financial services, hospitality and the social sector. The CEO of Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council has managed large cross-cultural teams across national and global platforms, occupying a wide range of senior positions in sales, marketing, PR, communication and general management.

His well-established relationships in the corporate world as well as with government bodies are a result of his hard work and splendid communication skills. He has in the past been MD and CEO of CARE India, COO of Unison Hotels and MD of Lebua Hotels & Resorts, among other organisations.

In his current capacity as CEO of Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (a public-private partnership under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of the Union government), his vision is to bridge the gap in the skill ecosystem. His focus is on empowering the youth with appropriate skills so that they are ready to be placed in the tourism and hospitality sector.

He is extremely passionate about creating business solutions, making the most of the opportunities presented by the market, delivering on stakeholders’ expectations, reaching customer commitment targets and enhancing employee engagement goals.

Sharmila Chand meets up with Mr Bahadur and is impressed to learn about his management principles, ideas and practices that have helped him in his personal and professional lives.

 

Your five management mantras

1 Clear communication: Effective communication is at the core of good management. It involves not only conveying your ideas but also active listening. Managers should ensure that their team members understand their expectations, goals and feedback. Transparent and open communication fosters trust and collaboration.

2 Walk the talk: As a leader, one should set the standard for behaviour, work ethic and professionalism. Leading by example means demonstrating the values and work habits you expect from your team. Your actions speak louder than words.

3 Empower and delegate: Effective managers understand that they cannot do everything themselves. They empower their team members by delegating tasks and responsibilities. Trust your team to handle their work, and give them the autonomy they need to excel. Micromanagement often stifles creativity and productivity.

4 Continuous learning and adaptation: The business world is constantly evolving. To stay relevant and successful, managers need to learn and adapt continuously. This mantra encourages a growth mindset, a willingness to embrace change and a commitment to ongoing self-improvement.

5 Take calculated risk: with members, and believe in their capabilities.

 

Any game that helps your career

I love cross-country cycling, and it offers several valuable lessons. Cross-country cycling is a great way to exercise, which is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. It requires a lot of discipline. You need to be able to stick to a training plan. When you are cycling, you need to focus on the present moment, which can help to take your mind off your worries. The fresh air and exercise can also help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

 

Turning point in your career life

During my career span of over 35 years, not only have I changed jobs and climbed the ladder but have also changed industries from FMCG to financial services to travel and tourism to hospitality and now into social sector. Each of the moves were thought through and enabled me to not only learn about the new industry but also motivated me to “UP” my learning curve. Lessons learnt and mistakes made all resulted in I becoming a better professional and better human being.

 

Secret of your success

There is no one secret to success. Success is different for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, my secrets to success are:

1 Set clear goals, and have a plan: Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable milestones, and set deadlines for yourself.

2 Work hard and party harder: Success does not happen overnight. It takes hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. Do not give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult things get.

3 Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and successful people can adapt to change and learn new things.

4 Positive attitude: A positive attitude can help you to overcome challenges and stay motivated. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.

5 Surround yourself with positive people: The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your success. Surround yourself with positive people who support your larger goals.

 

Your philosophy of work

My philosophy is based on a number of factors which are:

1 Work-life balance: It is important to maintain a balance between your professional and personal lives. It encourages people to prioritise their well-being, relationships and personal interests alongside their careers.

2 Purpose-driven work: Find meaning and fulfilment in work that aligns with your personal values and a greater sense of purpose.

3 Growth and learning: View work as a platform for continuous growth and learning. It suggests that each job or task, regardless of its nature, can be an opportunity to acquire new skills, knowledge and experiences.

4 Quality over quantity: It emphasises the importance of doing work to the best of your abilities rather than focusing solely on productivity or output.

 

A person you admire

I have had the fortune of working with several leaders and mentors who have played a vital role in moulding my personality. I cannot forget my first boss who inculcated the habit of preparing for meetings and discussions well in time, being a good listener and never shying away from asking relevant questions.

 

Your sounding board

“My 5 some” college buddies – we still meet, joke, criticise and give fair advice whenever asked for.

 

Your fitness regime

I am a foodie and change my waistline meal to meal. To keep that in control, I do cross-country cycling and regular walks. This is in addition to a balanced diet (as far as possible) that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

What message on management would you like to give to youngsters?
Management is not just about telling others what to do; it’s about inspiring, guiding and empowering a team to achieve common goals. Nobody has died of hard work. There are no shortcuts to growth. Trust your team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Delegating responsibilities and providing autonomy foster growth and innovation.

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