The Spirit of J R D Tata :However heart-breaking it may be to ourselves, we must make way for the new generations even when we feel we are still in our prime.”

Quotes :

“The Future belongs to the young. We must not only trust them with responsibility but must thrust it upon them whilst they are still young and full of energy, zest, hope and even illusions. However heart-breaking it may be to ourselves, we must make way for the new generations even when we feel we are still in our prime.” 


The Life and Times of  J  R  D  Tata  :

The leader and the motivator

Leadership, according to JRD meant motivating others. 'As chairman, my main responsibility is to inspire respect.'

Sometimes referred to as the 'chairmen's chairman,' JRD adopted a management by consensus style: 'When a number of persons are involved I am definitely a consensus man,' he once said, adding: 'but that does not mean that I do not disagree or that I do not express my views. Basically it is a question of having to deal with individual men heading different enterprises. You have to adapt yourself to their ways and deal accordingly and draw out the best in each man. If I have any merit it is getting on with individuals according to their ways and characteristics. In fifty years I have dealt with a hundred top directors and I have got on with all of them. At times it involves suppressing yourself. It is painful but necessary. To be a leader you have got to lead human beings with affection.'

Be that as it may, Tata spotted talent easily. And once he was confident that a manager would perform, he gave him (alas, no women) a long rope. If they wanted to be on their own, like Sumant Moolgaokar, he left them to it. If they occasionally wanted a shoulder to cry on, like Darbari Seth, JRD was there.

 J R D Tata in his own words :

• Growing organisations in any field must constantly evolve, accept or even seek new ideas, new visions, and new enthusiasms. 
   — JRD Tata, Speech on ‘Completion of 25 years as chairman’