Top global firms are increasingly seeking out Indian origin professionals for their behavioural attributes, their flexible approach towards things, their intellect and education. People management skills, with the ability to convince and drive to perform, are an important aspect working in their favour.
The trend, which was first witnessed over the last four to five years, has gained traction now and Indians are now assuming leadership ranks and senior management positions with some of the world’s leading organisation and brands.
A study done by BTI Consultants revealed that it was perhaps the people-management skills of Indian managers which endeared them to the corporates. BTI has so far placed 1,000 candidates at critical senior-level positions in India till date. BTI Consultants is part of the Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group.
“Personality traits of Indian managers like their perseverance, their flexible attitude and their people management skills were clear winners in their favour,” said James Agarwal, Managing Director, India and Thailand BTI Consultants/ Kelly OCG, adding that their education and their intellect also tipped the scams in their favour. The trend was strongest in Europe he felt.
“Global companies now seem to be more comfortable with Indians,” he told The Hindu adding that there are many parameters while hiring CEOs for global firms.
They look for someone who brings thought leadership and fresh perspectives, and fits in the existing organisational culture. He should have a brand equity of his own with global experience of having worked in multiple geographies having handled large companies in the past.
BTI’s research points out that sector-wise, IT and Financial Services absorbed the largest number of Indian origin people (30 per cent each) followed by FMCG, manufacturing, breweries and distilleries. The research further points out that while in the ‘90s, around 13 per cent CEOs of Indian origin made it to top positions, currently nearly 25 per cent of global firms prefer to put Indians at senior or top positions.
