Name: Latha Mathuri

Title: SAP CONSULTANT

Organisation: Working as a freelancer

Latha Mathuri is a dynamic leader known for her innovative approach to business management and her commitment to fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within organizations. With a background in finance and a passion for leadership development, Latha has successfully led teams through challenging projects, consistently delivering exceptional results.

Her strategic vision, coupled with her hands-on approach and dedication to employee empowerment, has earned her recognition as a respected leader in her field. Latha's ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and her focus on integrity and accountability make her a trusted advisor and mentor to colleagues and aspiring leaders alike.

Click here to read Latha's first written interview: 7 Questions on Leadership

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Latha's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders as a leader involves consistent honesty, transparent communication, empathy, and accountability. By demonstrating competence, empowering others, involving stakeholders in decision-making, delivering on promises, resolving conflicts fairly, leading by example, recognizing contributions, and soliciting and acting on feedback, you can foster a culture of trust and mutual respect within your organization, strengthening relationships and driving success.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

In business, "vision" means what the company wants to become in the future, like its big dreams and goals. "Mission" is about why the company exists and what it believes in, like its main purpose and values. In real life, these statements are made by working together, and they help the company make decisions and plans. They also inspire and bring everyone together to work towards the same goals. Finally, they are used to see how well the company is doing and if it's moving in the right direction. Overall, vision and mission statements are important for guiding a company and making it.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

A leader empowers their team by providing opportunities for growth and learning, delegating authority, and fostering autonomy. They recognize and appreciate their team members' contributions, encourage open communication, and provide the necessary resources and support. By setting clear expectations, leading by example, offering feedback and coaching, and creating a supportive work environment, a leader enables their team to take ownership of their work, innovate, and thrive. Empowered team members are motivated, engaged, and capable of driving the success of the organization.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

At LV Prasad Eye Institute, under the guidance of my senior, Vijaya Lakshmi, and mentor, Saravanan Saibaba, I experienced transformative mentorship. One memorable instance occurred during a challenging outreach program aimed at providing eye care services to underserved communities. Vijaya Lakshmi's strategic guidance helped me navigate logistical hurdles, while Saravanan's mentorship provided valuable insights on effectively engaging with local stakeholders. Their combined support and expertise empowered me to lead the initiative successfully, resulting in improved access to eye care for hundreds of individuals in need. Their mentorship not only enhanced my leadership skills but also instilled in me a deep sense of commitment to serving marginalized communities through innovative healthcare solutions.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Maintaining focus in a leadership role means deciding what's most important and sticking to it. It's about knowing what you need to do and not getting distracted by things that aren't as important. To stay focused, I make a list of tasks and decide which ones are most urgent or essential. Then, I focus on those tasks first and try not to let other things distract me. I also set aside specific times for work and make sure to take breaks to rest my mind. By staying organized, managing my time well, and sticking to my priorities, I can stay focused and get things done effectively in my leadership role.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

In planning for the week, month, and years ahead in my role, I adopt a systematic approach. Each week, I set specific goals and tasks, allocating time slots in my schedule for each. Monthly, I reflect on my progress, adjust my goals, and set new priorities as needed. Annually, I engage in strategic planning, aligning my objectives with broader trends and opportunities. Throughout all planning phases, I remain flexible and prioritize regular reviews to ensure I stay on track and adapt to changing circumstances. This structured approach helps me stay organized, focused, and proactive in achieving success in my role over time.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

For a young leader struggling with delegation, I advise understanding the significance of this skill in empowering their team and maximizing productivity. Start by identifying tasks suitable for delegation and clearly communicating expectations, providing necessary support, and training. Trust your team members to handle delegated tasks and offer constructive feedback to help them grow. Set realistic deadlines and evaluate the effectiveness of your delegation process regularly, making adjustments as needed. Lead by example, demonstrating trust in your team's abilities, and be patient and persistent in refining your delegation skills over time. Remember that effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also fosters a more capable and empowered team.