Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the growth and dynamics of an organization, wielding the power to inspire, guide, and innovate. Their influence extends beyond conventional managerial responsibilities, as they set the tone for the organizational culture, foster collaboration, and drive strategic initiatives. Influential leaders navigate challenges, adapt to evolving landscapes, and champion a vision that propels the entire team toward success. Their impact is profound, creating an environment that nurtures innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational excellence.
One such influential leader is Prabhakar Baranwal, the Project Manager at Godrej Properties Limited. With a keen focus on customer joy and a commitment to quality, Dr. Baranwal has elevated leadership standards within the real estate sector. Beyond conventional business metrics, his approach is marked by a holistic perspective that considers employees’ diverse needs and aligns with senior executives’ expectations. With a doctorate in engineering, Dr. Baranwal brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical leadership insights to his role. His distinguished journey positions him as a leader who excels in navigating complex business scenarios and prioritizes the human aspect of leadership within the organization.
Journey in Real Estate
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal reflects on his journey that commenced in 2005 with a contracting company in Mumbai. Initially a site engineer, he gradually transitioned into broader responsibilities, overseeing executions and managing contractors and vendors during his decade-long tenure with the company. In 2000, Dr. Baranwal pursued leadership learning at NICMAR, marking a turning point in his career. As an assistant manager, he applied theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios as the crucial link between juniors and seniors. This phase honed his ability to balance conflicting perspectives and laid the foundation for his leadership style.
In 2014, Dr. Baranwal’s ascent continued as he took on the role of a project manager, successfully leading a project valued at 45 CR. Recognition followed, propelling him to a larger project worth 500 CR in 2016, where he navigated the challenges of managing a substantial team of 70 to 80 individuals.
Acknowledging the significance of empathy in leadership, Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal’s approach evolved, earning accolades for his team’s achievements. By 2018, he and his team were nominated for the Best Project and Best Manager awards. In 2021, Dr. Baranwal transitioned to Godrej Properties, embracing the shift from contracting to real estate. Notably, he found organization’s emphasis on leadership refreshing, with a focus beyond business targets. Inspired by leaders within the organization, including the MD, he appreciates the importance of developing structures and feedback mechanisms.
Evolving Leadership Dynamics
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal reflects on the notable shift in business leadership. During his 19-year tenure, he encountered a mix of bosses and leaders, such as Narayan Murthi and Ratan Tata. Dr. Baranwal distinguishes leaders from bosses, emphasizing a critical attitude transformation over the years. In the earlier stages of his career, he observed seniors who merely issued instructions, focusing on targets and deadlines. However, a pivotal shift occurred after a decade as he encountered true leaders within his organization.
The contemporary workforce, Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal notes, seeks leaders rather than bosses. Today’s professionals are inclined towards a mindful, friendly work environment that fosters personal and career growth. Gone are the days of mere command-driven interactions; the modern workforce thrives under leaders who guide, nurture, and facilitate a conducive working atmosphere. Dr. Baranwal emphasizes the impact of such leadership on efficiency and overall workplace satisfaction, showcasing a collective preference for a transformative and engaging corporate culture.
Leadership in Action
In his two plus-year tenure as a leader at Godrej Properties Limited, Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal shoulders a substantial array of roles and responsibilities. Leading a team of 62 individuals, including support staff and direct operations personnel, he articulates the challenges faced in implementing new policies, particularly those emphasizing quality in the real estate sector.
Dr. Baranwal’s primary responsibility is to ensure that his team comprehends the benefits of these policies and views them not as threats but as avenues for personal and career growth. He knows the importance of retaining the enthusiasm and energy of his team members, emphasizing the positive impact of the changes on their professional journey.
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal acknowledges his crucial role in aligning his team with the organization’s business targets. Encouraging a systematic approach, he emphasizes the necessity of clarity in vision and strategy. His leadership style involves implementing policies and ensuring that his team perceives them as advantageous, fostering a sense of commitment and motivation to achieve the set targets systematically.
A Customer-Centric Paradigm Shift
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal sheds light on the distinctive products and services that set the current organization apart in real estate. Unlike other builders, their unique approach extends beyond construction and development; it revolves around a commitment to “customer joy.” Dr. Baranwal notes that the organization fosters genuine connections between customers and senior management, a dynamic he finds lacking in other companies. A striking aspect of the organization’s customer-centric approach is the proactive involvement of senior management in addressing customer concerns. Dr. Baranwal highlights instances where even the Managing Director, adhering to the company’s ethos of customer joy, personally visited tenants’ flats to understand and resolve issues. This hands-on approach, from top management to operational heads, distinguishes them from competitors.
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal’s experience with a customer concern in Pune illustrates the exemplary commitment to customer satisfaction. Instead of rigidly adhering to standard procedures, the Operation’s team went above and beyond. In one instance, a customer raised an issue regarding the height of a geyser. Project team, acknowledging the unique circumstances, personally ensured a solution, showcasing Organization’s willingness to adapt and cater to individual needs. The ethos of organization, as portrayed by Project team, is marked by a genuine desire to address customer concerns at any level. This proactive and adaptive customer-centricity positions as a leader in the real estate market, redefining industry standards and setting a new benchmark for customer satisfaction.
Nurturing Leadership
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal sheds light on his approach to employee care and the unique culture he cultivates within his team. He likens his role to that of a fast charger, swiftly dispelling fears and ensuring a seamless transition for his team. An example of his leadership is the story of a planning assistant, initially from an IT background, who, under Dr. Baranwal’s guidance, has risen to head a project after 2 1/2 years, showcasing his commitment to individual growth within the organization.
Addressing an underperforming project upon his arrival, Dr. Baranwal’s strategy focused on enhancing team coordination. Recognizing that success is a collective effort, he prioritized aligning team frequencies, resulting in the project being acknowledged as one of the top three best-quality projects across India in the last quarter. The company’s emphasis on producing leaders is highlighted, emphasizing a unique focus on leadership development beyond the conventional success metrics.
Continuous Learning
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal emphasizes the dynamic nature of leadership and his commitment to staying abreast of evolving market dynamics. Demonstrating an insatiable appetite for learning, he actively engages in LinkedIn courses. To complement his formal education, he delves into various leadership resources, including books and autobiographies, showcasing a diverse range from Hitler to Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. Notably, his admiration lies with Ratan Tata, a leader he perceives as exceptional. Reflecting on a poignant incident from Tata’s life, Dr. Baranwal draws inspiration from Tata’s humility during an employee’s daughter’s wedding. This exemplifies his belief that true leadership involves genuine connections and a willingness to be present for one’s team.
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal’s pursuit of knowledge extends beyond traditional academia, encompassing LinkedIn courses and a focus on leadership principles during his RICS in global project management. He emphasizes that his leadership foundation is built upon this diverse range of learning experiences, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application to navigate the intricacies of leadership in a constantly evolving corporate landscape.
Expanding Horizons with Quality
Looking towards the future, his current organization envisions a trajectory marked by expanding its real estate portfolio. The company’s commitment transcends mere quantity, strategically focusing on delivering more flats, homes, and diverse real estate projects catering to various segments, including low-cost housing, mid-housing, and high-rise developments.
Crucially, the organization stands out not just for its scale but for its emphasis on quality. Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal highlights the company’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and snags-free experience for customers transitioning into their new homes. The pledge to a “0 snag” policy reflects the company’s dedication to delivering residences where customers encounter no issues upon entry.
The future expectation revolves around a multifaceted approach, combining expansive project offerings with an unyielding commitment to quality assurance. This vision positions as a trailblazer in the real estate sector, promising a future marked by innovation, diversity, and a steadfast focus on delivering homes that exceed customer expectations.
Inspirational Figures
Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal draws inspiration from two influential figures in his professional journey. He draws inspiration from his senior, Mr Sandesh Vaivude, from Shapoorji Pallonji. Dr. Baranwal admires Mr. Sandesh’s approach of never blaming employees, fostering a collaborative environment, and consistently leading teams together. The imprint of Mr. Sandesh’s behavior is evident in Dr. Baranwal’s leadership style, which emphasizes teamwork and collective growth.
The second figure in Dr. Baranwal’s pantheon of inspirations is Mr. Adi Godrej, a down-to-earth personality and a luminary in the business world. Dr. Prabhakar Baranwal appreciates Mr. Godrej’s humility and approachability. Admiring Godrej’s traits, Dr. Baranwal envisions emulating them in his leadership journey. With a goal set for the next 5 to 10 years, Dr. Baranwal aspires to be mentioned as a good leader, just as he says the names of his inspirational figures today. This aspiration reflects his commitment to evolving as a leader and leaving a positive legacy in the professional realm.
Words Of Wisdom
Offering sage advice to aspiring young business leaders, Dr. Baranwal emphasizes the importance of resilience and patience in the face of career challenges. His counsel revolves around not letting sales figures dictate one’s confidence, as business, like heartbeats, experiences ups and downs. Dr. Baranwal urges young leaders not to succumb to fear during low periods but to maintain patience and focus on their goals. He highlights the interconnectedness of team dynamics, emphasizing that a leader’s reactions directly impact the team’s faith and unity.
One critical advice is maintaining open communication with the team during challenging times and avoiding hasty decisions that may disrupt team dynamics. Dr. Baranwal advocates for leaders to seek support when needed but underscores the importance of maintaining composure and not projecting immediate reactions onto the team.
Furthermore, Dr. Baranwal encourages leaders to support their team members’ growth aspirations and not hinder their progress. He stresses the significance of adaptability in the rapidly evolving corporate landscape, urging leaders to stay updated on emerging technologies and market trends. In his parting words, Dr. Baranwal emphasizes a humble and continuous learning mindset, encouraging every leader to remain a perpetual student. This advice encapsulates his belief that humility, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning are key elements for success in the dynamic world of business leadership.
“Dr. Baranwal’s leadership journey is characterized by continuous learning, adapting to new challenges, and fostering a holistic approach beyond conventional business metrics.”
