Tarun Garg of Hyundai India for building a culture in which workers say their minds

I could name Tarun Garg an accidental engineer who discovered his passion by chance. As a student, he wore ambitions to watch medicine. But when he could not delete the entrance exam, he turned his attention to a diploma in mechanical engineering.

It is the place where it has developed an interest in cars, watching even a project on noise reduction technologies as part of its course. He knew he found his calling and after following a master of the business administration from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, he stepped into the world of cars where he has thrived in the last three decades.

“What fascinates me most in a car are simple things, such as position, lights and what the broader, elegant, futuristic or majestic design means,” says New-Delhi, Garg, 55, full time director and operating director at Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL).

Hmil started the year with the launch of Crete Electric and actively invested in infrastructure to meet the demand for electric vehicles (EV). The studies conducted by them highlighted a restraint on the management of long distances due to the lack of loading infrastructure.

“Hmil aims to set up nearly 600 public charging stations throughout the country in the next seven years, of which 72 are already operational. I also signed a mou with the Tamil Nadu Government to set up 100 EV loading stations until 2027, ”he says.

Another major step towards building a sustainable ecosystem and promoting ecological mobility is HMIL investments in construction infrastructure for the Hydrogen Innovation Center at the Indian Technology Institute on the Thaiur campus in Madras.

“This facility will serve as a key element to promote hydrogen as an ecological, emissions, propulsion for mass mobility solutions and a wide range of applications,” he says.

Garg talks about the relationship about mentoring and why he prefers an early start of the day.

Who do you consider your mentor?

I consider my former boss, Jagdish Khattar, as a mentor.

A major perspective you worked with with your mentor’s guidance?

I learned the importance of taking people and having a win-win approach. Jagdish Khattar has always emphasized how it helps to align all members to a common goal, as well as a strong commitment to ensure sustainable success. This perspective has clearly had a significant impact on my leadership style. I always emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration and I make sure that the team members are involved in all aspects of the decision -making process.

What does a mentor mean to you? How do you guide your colleagues at work?

Being a good mentor means exposing empathy, confidence, understanding and delegation. Basically an open culture in which they are approachable for all colleagues, regardless of the hierarchy. I also believe in a problem solving approach. I am a person who is willing to listen to the concerns of my colleagues and provide all the guidance and support to help them advance. Also, practicing a win-win approach that benefits all interested parties, business partners and employees brings an inclusive and sustainable success, cherished by all. This can be obtained by having a transparent communication, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback and encouraging innovation.

What are some of the productivity principles that you follow that made professional and personal life much easier?

The importance of self -discipline and personal excellence are essential for achieving success in any field. I believe in goal -based leadership, which means that leaders should be guided by a bigger vision and should take people with them. This helps to create a more cohesive and productive team. I emphasized the importance of empathy and humility in leadership to build confidence and respect between all the team members. I have always followed a proactive approach regarding the prioritization of tasks, practicing efficient delegation, maintaining professional balance and efficiency technology. Principles such as managing time, focusing on activities with high impact and adopting methodologies such as agility and tenacity for continuous improvement have helped me immensely in both personal and professional spheres.

How is your morning program?

Rising early at 4.30, gives me a head start on that day and allows me to avoid the chaos of the morning. This ensures that I have a good balance between professional life. I go for a walk, energizing me to get to the office earlier. I also use this time to plan my program before my regular agenda enters.

What is the only positive work routine you developed during the pandemic?

We have developed a working routine that involves strategic review sessions or a habit of systematically engaged with different departments to remain connected to the company’s pulse. For this, I have a meeting council near my meal, where any colleague can block my time transparent. I also strongly believe in staying up to date and scanning the environment.

Any book or podcast that would you recommend about mentoring and growing?

Well to great By Jim Collins is a fundamental reading that will help to pursue continuous improvement, causing the status quo and travel to excellence. Another book I found -it is very useful is Difficult conversations by Douglas Stone.

How do you relax? Watch serious hobbies?

I’m an avid reader. While reading at least four newspapers every day, I also make a point to read a book every month, from mythology to world affairs, history or science. I like to listen to old Hindi songs and sing them when I am alone.