Narayana Murthy's words of wisdom

Source:- http://specials.rediff.com/money/2008/jul/25sld1.htm

Way back in 1981, Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy and six other young engineering graduates launched an information technology company from a garage in Mumbai.
Murthy had borrowed Rs 10,000 from his wife (Sudha) to launch Infosys Technologies. Infy, as it is popularly known, recently, reported a net profit of Rs 1,302 crore (Rs 13.02 billion) for the quarter ended June 2008.

For 21 years Murthy served as the company's chief executive officer, before he handed over the reins to co-founder Nandan M Nilekani in March 2002.
To know more about the man, his life's philosophy and his success mantra, read on...

"We were huddled together in a small room in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the hope of creating a brighter future for ourselves, for the Indian society, and perhaps, we dreamed, even for the world."

"Our value system was like the British Constitution - it was all unwritten but extremely well practiced...Our value system is the true strength of Infosys."

"Unless we can sell well we cannot do anything, such as create jobs, pay good salaries and satisfy investors. Right from the beginning we realised that we have to focus on selling better and better in the marketplace."

"Truth is God. Our success at Infosys depends on our continual learning."

"Entrepreneurship is about running a marathon, not a 100 metre dash."

"Capitalism and Marxism intend to better the lot of humanity. Consequently, responsible Capitalism that creates wealth and allows it to percolate down seems to be a better option."

"I am a 100% free marketeer but I call myself a compassionate capitalist. While I'm very conservative in economic matters I'm very liberal about social matters."

"If we have to make life better for these (rural) people and give them reasonable standards of living, disposable incomes, healthcare and nutrition and education, I personally believe we have to look at low-tech manufacturing to start with and then high-tech manufacturing in a big way just as China has done because most of these people are semi-literate or educated at a very basic level."

"I define globalisation as sourcing material from where it is cheapest, talent from where it best available, producing where it is most cost-effective, and selling where the markets are -- without being constrained by national boundaries."

"Entrepreneurship, resulting in large-scale job creation, (is) the only viable mechanism for eradicating poverty in societies."

"I believe that we have all at some time eaten the fruit from trees that we did not plant. In the fullness of time, when it is our turn to give, it behooves us in turn to plant gardens that we may never eat the fruit of, which will largely benefit generations to come. I believe this is our sacred responsibility, one that I hope you will shoulder in time."

"Our political leaders use mobile phones to tell journalists on the other side that they do not believe in technology! If we want our youngsters to progress, such hypocrisy must be stopped."

"Our intellectual arrogance has also not helped our society. I have traveled extensively, and in my experience, have not come across another society where people are as contemptuous of better societies as we are, with as little progress as we have achieved. Remember that arrogance breeds hypocrisy. No other society gloats so much about the past as we do, with as little current accomplishment."

"Apathy in solving community matters has held us back from making progress."

"As an Indian, I am proud to be part of a culture, which has deep-rooted family values. We have tremendous loyalty to the family. Unfortunately, our attitude towards family life is not reflected in our attitude towards community behavior."

"Corruption, as we see in India, is another example of putting the interest of oneself, and at best that of one's family, above that of the society. Society is relatively corruption free in the West."

"Dignity of labor is an integral part of the Western value system. In the West, each person is proud about his or her labor that raises honest sweat. On the other hand, in India, we tend to overlook the significance of those who are not in professional jobs."

"Irrespective of your position, in the West, you are held accountable for what you do. However, in India, the more 'important' you are, the less answerable you are."

"Recognition brings respect. Respect enhances power. Humility and grace in one's moments of power enhances (the) dignity of an organisation."

"Disagreeing is in the nature of things. When you bring a set of people who have respect for each others' competence in certain areas and you're transaction-oriented then it can work as it has in our case."

"Corporations have an important duty to contribute to society. No corporation can sustain its progress unless it makes a difference to its context. Nevertheless, these initiatives should come from the corporation itself rather than being foisted upon by outside parties."

"One should be trustworthy with all in one's dealings. It is on such foundations that great organisations are created."

"A value system is the protocol for behaviour that enhances the trust, confidence and commitment of members of the community."

"The most important attribute of a progressive society is respect for others who have accomplished more than they themselves have, and learn from them."

"In a country like India, when we have to make capitalism an attractive alternative to people, it is extremely important for us to show tremendous compassion to the less fortunate."

"Don't be cynical. Cynicism takes away enthusiasm and builds a negative mindset. Move from apathy to action. To finish first, you must first finish."

"Keep up the image of India by being the best quality citizens in society. The solution to most of our problems lie within us."

"Putting public good ahead of private good will lead to private good in the long run. Consequently, it is important to go from being good people to good citizens."

"It is less important, I believe, where you start. It is more important how and what you learn. If the quality of the learning is high, the development gradient is steep, and, given time, you can find yourself in a previously unattainable place."

"we are all mere temporary custodians of the wealth we generate, whether it be financial, intellectual, or emotional. The best use of all your wealth is to share it with those less fortunate."

"Build a climate of honesty, hard work and excellence. Build a social conscience and benchmark yourself with the best in the world. Be honest and true to the profession and act fearlessly."

"IT can help alleviate many of the problems that rural India faces. Health care, education, environment conservation can be comprehensively brought to the villages."

"Working long hours over the long term is harmful to the person and to the organisation."

"Mindset and imagination are more critical than other resources. Essentially, this translates to becoming a group of educated people."

"Beyond a certain level of comfort I think one's wealth should be seen as an opportunity to make a difference to society."

"Always seek the truth. Learn from the advances abroad. Think how you can support institutions that have helped you reach where you are - your school."

"Mahatma Gandhi epitomizes the qualities of leadership by example, simplicity and perseverance. In a knowledge company whose core competencies include human intellect and learning, leaders have to walk the talk."

"Things happen 24 hours a day. Allowing for little rest is not ultimately practical. So, take a nap. Things will happen while you're asleep, but you will have the energy to catch up when you wake."

"Love your job but never fall in love with your company."

"There's a saying in America that the reward for winning a pinball game is to get a chance to play the next one. In most situations, the pleasure comes from the journey, not the destination.