1. Leadership Begins with Listening
One of the most profound lessons Murali learned was that true leadership isn't about having all the answers. He recalled being puzzled early in his career when managers would simply listen to his problems instead of offering immediate solutions. Over
time, he realised that talking through a challenge often empowered him to find the answer himself. The best leaders, he noted, create the space for their teams to think, process, and arrive at their own conclusions. For anyone in a management role, this means resisting the urge to jump in and solve everything. Instead, practice active listening and trust your team to navigate challenges, offering guidance rather than directives. This approach not only fosters independence but also shows a deep respect for your team's capabilities.
2. Stay Curious and Share Your Knowledge
A two-decade career is impossible without a commitment to continuous learning. Murali emphasised the need to stay curious, but he added a crucial component: sharing what you learn. In his view, knowledge that is hoarded is stagnant; it's only when knowledge is shared that it can scale and benefit the entire organisation. This principle encourages professionals to move away from a competitive mindset where information is power. Instead, by mentoring others, writing documentation, or simply sharing insights in a team meeting, you contribute to a culture of collective growth. It positions you not just as an expert, but as a valuable hub of information who lifts everyone up.
3. Lead by Example, from the Front
Authentic leadership requires you to walk the talk. Murali's third lesson is to lead from the front, encouraging teams to push their limits but never asking them to do something he wouldn't do himself. This is about setting the standard for hard work, integrity, and resilience. When a leader is in the trenches with their team, it builds a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose. It eliminates the 'us versus them' mentality that can develop between management and staff. Leading by example means embodying the very principles you expect from others, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
4. Practice Empathy and Assume Good Intent
In the high-pressure world of work, it's easy to forget that colleagues are dealing with their own unseen battles. Murali’s advice is to lead with empathy, stating that a leader's personal pressures should not become the team's burden. He urges professionals to assume good intent from others. This simple shift in perspective can transform workplace dynamics. Instead of assuming a missed deadline is due to negligence, an empathetic leader might inquire if everything is okay. This approach doesn't mean lowering standards; it means treating people with the compassion and respect they deserve as human beings, fostering psychological safety and loyalty.
5. Grow a Thick Skin, but Keep Respect Intact
Professional life is filled with differing opinions and necessary disagreements. Murali’s fifth takeaway is to develop resilience or a “thick skin,” but he pairs this with a non-negotiable rule: respect is mandatory. Perspectives will always differ, and the ability to disagree constructively is a sign of a healthy team. However, that disagreement must never become personal or disrespectful. He explicitly states, “Respect is not optional.” This is perhaps the central pillar of his philosophy. You can challenge an idea without challenging a person's worth. This skill is critical for innovation, allowing diverse ideas to be debated openly and safely.
6. Embrace and Love the Change
Working at a company like Google for 20 years means experiencing constant evolution. Murali noted that products, problems, and even leadership styles changed almost every year. The people who succeeded and thrived were not those who resisted change, but those who welcomed it. Adaptability is no longer a soft skill; it's a core survival mechanism for any long-term career. Embracing change means being open to new roles, learning new technologies, and adjusting your strategies. It requires a growth mindset and the humility to accept that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. This flexibility is a sign of respect for the dynamic nature of your industry and your role within it.
