Doodles on Leadership: Experiences within and beyond Tata

by R. Gopalakrishnan

The go-to book that revives confidence in Indian leaders and managers to build and
grow without the fear of failure.

Doodles on Leadership is based on the metaphor of ‘balconies of leadership’. As a leader climbs
upwards in his or her career, the perspective changes from the transactional to the corporate and,
further on, to a societal view. Moving away from the cut and thrust of operational action, this
book reflects on a leader’s journey through the changing perspectives that come with each stage. It
demonstrates how a leader’s mind engages progressively with broader matters, rather than staying
confined to only those of his company and its operations.
The author argues that this widening engagement with society at large is most satisfying for business
leaders, and emphasizes the role that business leaders can play in matters concerning nation and
society. It demonstrates the practical way business leaders can contribute to the world, each based
on his or her domain of expertise.

Genres: Leadership

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2019

About the author

R. Gopalakrishnan has been a professional manager for forty years. He has a wealth of practical managerial experience, initially in Unilever and more recently in the Tata Group. He has lived and worked in India, the UK and Saudi Arabia, and has travelled extensively all over the world. He began his career in 1967 as a computer analyst with Hindustan Lever after studying physics at Kolkata and electronics engineering at IIT, Kharagpur. He worked in the marketing function before moving to general management. During his years with Unilever, he was based in Jeddah as CEO of the Arabia unit; later, he was managing director of Brooke Bond Lipton India and then vice-chairman with Hindustan Lever. He has been president of the All India Management Association. Currently, he is the executive director of Tata Sons based in Mumbai. He also serves on the boards of other companies.

Reviews

[VENKATRAMAN C K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book from Sri R Gopalakrishnan (Gopal) that every leader should read. The book provides answers and the author’s reflections on the questions

1. What is the bigger picture of the ecosystem that a business operates in ?

2. What is the relevance of the private enterprise in building India ?

3. What are the responsibilities of senior managers who have reached the top of their enterprises, towards the society ?

4. How do large structural changes in the environment pose challenges & opportunities?

5. How do we bring in economic liberalisation in little India ( towns with less than 50 k population)

6. How do we unlock the entrepreneurial spirit in rural and little india

As one reads the book, you are inspired to see how each of us contribute to a greater cause of nation building.

Indeed, the book underscores the greater purpose of a Business with several shining examples.

Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” is supposed to create synergies out of healthy self interest. Here Sri R Gopalakrishnan (Gopal) talks of a deliberate “visible hand” of Entrepreneurs & business leaders that help shape economy, policy & development of India since our independence.

Do read the book. It is very inspiring in these days of cynicism.

[Avnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely no relation to the title.
Transition from one topic to another is abrupt and every chapters feels like praises of TATA and HUL.

[Dheeraj Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book. Full of interesting anecdotes and practical wisdom . Loved the narrative style .

[Mike Ncube · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that reveals how entrepreneurship has fuelled growth and change in Indian culture, business and politics