Remembering Ratan Tata: A man who led with his heart and mind

When Ratan Tata took over from JRD Tata in 1991, he had a big responsibility. He had to take the Tata Group forward and prepare it for a changing business environment.

Ratan took up the challenge and sprinted, but he sprinted with care. He wanted the group to grow, but he also wanted to make sure that it grew in the right way. He believed in planning, taking the right decisions and having a clear goal.

When he took over, the Tata Group's annual revenues were around US$5 billion. By the time he stepped down as chairman in 2012, they had reached about US$100 billion. The group had also become a major player in the global market.

Taking the Tata Group to the World

Ratan Tata wanted the group to look beyond India. He believed Indian companies could compete with the best in the world. He was ready to take risks to make this happen.

The acquisitions of Tetley, Corus and Jaguar Land Rover were important steps. These were big investments, and there were risks involved. But he believed the Tata Group needed to grow beyond India if it wanted to become a global name.

The Jaguar Land Rover deal was a bold move. An Indian company buying two well-known British car brands was something special. It showed that Indian businesses could take on international companies and compete on their own terms.

Ratan Tata was not afraid to take big decisions. He looked at what the group could become in the future rather than only at what it was doing at that time.

A People's Man

For me, his biggest strength was his nature. Ratan Tata was a people's man. He was humble, approachable and comfortable dealing with people at different levels.

He was a powerful business leader, but he never needed to show his power. People respected him for who he was. This is not something every business leader can achieve.

His response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks showed how much he cared about people. He took a personal interest in the employees and families affected by the tragedy. He wanted to make sure they received support during a very difficult time.

For me, this is an important part of his story. Business is not only about profits, sales and expansion. It is also about people. A good leader understands this and stands by people when they need help.

Building the Right Team

Ratan Tata knew that he could not run every business in the group himself. The Tata Group had companies in different sectors, and each needed good leaders.

He brought capable professionals into leadership positions and gave them responsibility. He understood that people who knew their businesses well should be allowed to take decisions and move forward.

Having a vision is important, but having the right people to make it happen is equally important. Ratan Tata understood this and wanted each Tata company to become strong in its own field.

The Tata Nano: A Different Idea

The Tata Nano was another example of his thinking. He wanted to make a car that ordinary Indian families could afford. He had noticed families travelling on two-wheelers and wanted to give them a more affordable way to own a car.

The Nano did not achieve the success he had hoped for. The car faced several challenges in the market, and sales remained below expectations.

But the idea was different. Ratan Tata was willing to try something new, even though there was no guarantee that it would work. Not every business idea succeeds, but the Nano showed that he was ready to think beyond the usual way of doing things.

What Made Him Different

Ratan Tata inherited a great legacy from JRD Tata and took the group to another level. He expanded its international presence and showed that Indian companies could compete with the best in the world.

But what I remember most is his humility. He achieved so much, yet he remained simple and approachable. He believed in business growth and taking the right decisions, but he never forgot the importance of people.

Many business leaders are remembered for the companies they build and the money they make. Ratan Tata will be remembered for these things too. But there was something more to him. People admired him not just for his achievements, but also for the person he was.

He ran ahead, but he never forgot the human values that made the Tata name special.

That is why Ratan Tata will always be remembered with affection and respect. He showed us that it is possible to build a great business and still remain humble. For me, that is what makes his life and work so special.

 (Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.)