Narayana Murthy: Inspiring the Next Generation

During the Teach for India Leaders Week, Narayana Murthy responded to a question from a 12-year-old about how to become like the Infosys co-founder. His candid reply was inspiring: “​I don’t want you to become like me. I want you to become better than me for the nation’s greater good.​”

Narayana Murthy emphasized the importance of individuality in achieving success. He encouraged the young audience to create their paths and make a difference, stating that life is “not about following in someone’s footsteps.”

The Importance of Discipline:

Reflecting on his personal journey, Murthy spoke about the significance of discipline in his education. “My father taught me to manage time through a timetable, which played a crucial role in securing fourth rank in the state SSLC exam,” he shared. This foundational lesson underscored the value of structure and time management in achieving academic success.

A Critical Leadership Lesson:

Murthy recounted an incident from his early career as an engineer in Paris. During a test, he accidentally erased an entire computer system’s memory. Faced with the potential collapse of the project, his boss, Colin, supported him throughout a grueling 22-hour effort to restore the system.

“Colin praised my dedication but never mentioned his sacrifice. He taught me a critical leadership lesson: take full responsibility for failures and share the glory with your team,” Murthy explained. This reflection highlighted the essence of accountability and teamwork ineffective leadership.

Value of Communal Resources:

Additionally, Murthy recalled a valuable lesson from his SSLC days imparted by his headmaster. During a chemistry experiment, his headmaster remarked, “This common salt belongs to everyone in this school, not just me. We must treat it with care.” This statement instilled in him the importance of respecting communal resources and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

The Essence of Teamwork:

Discussing his time at IIM-Ahmedabad, Murthy shared insights on teamwork. He learned from a professor that “the lesson learned is more important than how it’s communicated,” stressing the need to separate the person from the lesson they impart. This principle, he noted, is crucial for maintaining strong relationships within a team.

Narayana Murthy’s reflections serve as valuable guidance for the younger generation, highlighting the ethos of individual responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of learning from both successes and failures.