Title: The Empathetic Leader: Ilesh Khakhakhar and UBIK's Success Story
In the bustling city of Rajkot, a small yet thriving dermatology company, UBIK Solution Group, is setting new standards for leadership in the healthcare industry under the guidance of its CEO, Ilesh Khakhakhar. Since its founding in 2003, UBIK has carved a unique niche in dermatology by not only delivering top-notch products but also fostering a culture of innovation and people-oriented leadership.
Khakhakhar's leadership philosophy revolves around guiding a prosperous firm that embodies the principles of emotional intelligence (EQ).
Unveiling the User's Manual
I've consistently advocated that all leaders, indeed, every employee, should compose a "user's manual." This short guide encapsulates their personality, work style, strengths, and even idiosyncrasies, so that their colleagues and peers grasp how to work effectively with them.
Khakakhar took this concept to the next level, producing an in-depth eight-page, four-color guide. The guide's intricate packaging underscores Khakakhar's dedication to self-awareness and vulnerability.
Combining insights from the CliftonStrengths assessment and feedback from his key team members, the guide delves into his strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies. His characteristic strengths include Strategic, Input, Communication, Leadership, and Command. His challenges include Anger, Anti-Social, and a tendency to overindulge in alcohol during social events.
The manual also discloses his most productive hours of the day (early afternoon and early evening), his preferred communication channel (WhatsApp, not phone calls), and it's acceptable to promptly remind him if he fails to acknowledge a message. Even the back cover displays the results of his latest 360-degree survey for all to witness.
He shares this manual not only with his immediate reportees but also with every employee, from new hires to vendors.
The real power of workplace user manuals lies in the process of creating them. Rarely do leaders devote time to assessing their strengths, seeking input from others, and exhibiting the personal courage to openly share all their findings.
Managing Emotions: React or Respond
Leaders who are reactive lose control and express negative emotions – frustration, anger, anxiety – openly and impulsively during moments of pressure or stress. They react without thought or consideration. Through emotional contagion, their failure to manage these negative emotions reverberates among their team members.
The EQ competency of managing emotions naturally follows the mastery of self-awareness. It's about maintaining self-control and responding thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
Khakakhar characterized his self-management approach. "Regardless of the situation's magnitude, I value maintaining control and composure," he said. "My approach includes pinpointing the triggers of these emotions, taking a step back to reevaluate the situation, and discovering constructive means to express feelings."
EQ and Social Understanding
Social awareness, one of the four key EQ competencies, entails accurately perceiving and comprehending the emotions of others. It's akin to developing an emotional radar, enabling leaders to recognize subtle cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This intuitive sense allows leaders to decipher the underlying emotional currents in a room, perceive unspoken needs, and anticipate how their words and actions might impact team members.
Khakakhar applies this approach through empathetic observation. "I always try to appreciate others' perspectives and emotions, avoiding judgment or evaluation," he explains. This empathetic observation fosters powerful, meaningful connections with employees and colleagues.
EQ and Relationship Building
Relationship management is another critical element of EQ. It encompasses navigating the intricacies of human interaction. This competency is about building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships through effective communication, conflict resolution, and mutual respect. Relationship management is the "people skills" component of EQ, enabling leaders to inspire, motivate, and direct others.
Khakakhar proposed three core rules for relationship management.
- The Law of Reciprocity: "I prioritize my initial investment into every relationship as a leader," he said. "Without expecting anything in return, I commit my time, effort, resources, and energy."
- Authenticity: Authenticity cultivates trust and enables others to feel comfortable expressing themselves honestly. Phoniness or deceit undermines trust and fosters negative interactions.
- Act as if it's Day One: Bringing the same enthusiasm and curiosity to each interaction that one initially had with someone stands as a pivotal rule for maintaining positive relationships.
Ultimately, Khakakhar emphasized creating a positive cycle of mutual respect and benefit, rather than pursuing only immediate wins.
UBIK's success under Khakakhar's leadership serves as a powerful illustration of how EQ can spearhead a vibrant company culture and generate substantial business results. His leadership style sets a benchmark for CEOs in healthcare and beyond.
Consider your own EQ journey, focusing on self-awareness. Opt for one of the numerous validated assessments accessible online, including VIA strengths, open-source personality tests, and emotional intelligence tests. Invite trusted friends, peers, and colleagues to share their perspectives on your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on this input, then create and share your personal "Working with Me User's Manual."
Under Khakakhar's leadership, UBIK Solution Group encourages its employees to develop their own "user's manuals," promoting a culture of self-awareness and transparency that strengthens teamwork and communication within the company.
By creating a detailed user manual, leaders, like Khakakhar, can foster an environment where everyone understands each other's strengths, weaknesses, and working styles, which is crucial for careers in leadership roles.
