WHAT I LEARNT FROM MY COMPETITOR(5)
“Capt Nair Taught me
Discipline, Biki Oberoi the Importance of Detail“
SSH Rehman, Director, ITC Ltd
CLAIM TO FAME: Joined ITC
in 1979, and was at the forefront of growing ITC's hotel business. Also author
of Borders to Boardroom
THE LESSON: Two people I
have learnt from in my industry and at the same time were my competitors when I
led ITC Hotels were (the late) Captain CP Krishnan Nair of the Leela and PRS
Oberoi of the Oberoi chain of hotels. I shared a common background as Leela
group founder Captain CP Nair: we both were from the armed forces. I started
off in the hotels industry after my short military career. Due to my background
I naturally appreciated his sense of discipline and hard work. However, what I
admired and learned from him was continued humility and accessibility despite
reaching the position he did in the industry of luxury. Another aspect worthy
of impression was his flair for public relations both at a national and global
level though he was a man accountable to himself. He had a noticeable dare to
take risks though bordering sometimes on recklessness, which perhaps landed the
group in difficulties.
As far as Biki Oberoi (PRS
Oberoi, chairman of EIH Ltd) is concerned, I learnt and admired the unrelenting
focus on quality and service from him, as well as his attention to detail and
how he often stakes his personal reputation on the brand, howsoever unsettling
the circumstances could be, in severe adversities and downturn.
His continued application
to business with energy and stamina even at this stage is worthy of mention.
Though there could be fundamental differences between us, as I am able to stop
at a roadside dhaba and share a bite with my driver, which Oberoi may not do;
yet he is very much closely connected to and regarded by his people. It is
impressive that the Oberois continue to produce a battery of meritorious
hoteliers.
(As told to Suman Layak)
ETM27DEC15
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