Name: Saurabh Kumar Bind

Title: Associate Area Manager

Organisation: Saint Gobain- Gyproc- Plasters

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Saurabh's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As an area manager at Saint-Gobain Gyproc Plasters in South Gujarat, one of the most challenging aspects is striking a balance between regional autonomy and alignment with the company's global vision. Ensuring that the team operates efficiently while adapting to local market dynamics and regulations can be complex. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, especially in the construction industry, poses its own set of challenges. Navigating these complexities while maintaining high performance standards and customer satisfaction is a constant juggling act, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication to drive growth and success in the region.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to leadership began with a strong foundation in education, where I gained the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the construction materials industry. After completing my education, I joined JK Laxmi Cement in 2018 in campus placement, where I spent two years in a variety of roles, from entry-level positions to more specialized tasks. This early experience taught me the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving results. i worked both as technical support as well as sales executive .

Seeking broader exposure, I transitioned to the tiles industry for six months. This move allowed me to diversify my skill set and gain insights into different facets of the construction sector. It was a valuable learning experience, even though it was brief.

Recognizing my passion for the industry and my potential for leadership, I joined Saint-Gobain Gyproc Gypsum Plaster Divisionin 2021, where I have now spent over two years. Here, I honed my expertise in gypsum plaster and built strong relationships with colleagues and mentors. I embraced every opportunity to take on additional responsibilities, lead projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

My journey to leadership is characterized by continuous learning, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I have consistently demonstrated leadership qualities such as problem-solving, effective communication, and a results-oriented mindset. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, I have evolved into a leader in the construction materials industry, ready to face new challenges and contribute to the success of my organization.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I prepare PJP(pre journey plan ) weekly basis in segmented in dealers, sub dealers and projects . whole plan is listed in blue . on day of visit i calculate no of visit planned and unplanned.

along with this i plan for next day one day before at night and fill every plant at the day end. i list every day in excel sheet

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

1.best thing which i get in this company is i get full authority to grow business in area. by various marketing technique. so i can utilise my expertise.

2.despite of putting pressure on college try to work along with junior to complete common goal. your team get more success if u nusrish him

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

leaders Eat last

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I were to offer one piece of advice to a young leader inspired by the book "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek, it would be this:

"Prioritize the well-being and growth of your team members above all else. When you lead with empathy, humility, and a genuine concern for the people you lead, you create a foundation of trust and cooperation that can drive remarkable success."

This advice encapsulates the core message of the book, emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others and creating an environment where individuals feel valued, safe, and empowered. When you put the needs of your team first and focus on building strong relationships, you can inspire your team to achieve their full potential, foster a sense of purpose, and ultimately drive both personal and organizational success.

Incorporating this principle into your leadership style can help you not only become a more effective leader but also create a positive and thriving work culture where people are motivated to give their best.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

when i started carrier after graduation BE in 2018 i was placed in jk lakshmi cement as techno sales officer. i was placed in south gujarat. we where 6 friends together placed in jk lakshmi organisation. i was under bhavin sir. in initila days he take me with him from home to office for whole day. i hear every conversation of my boss in car on loudspeaker how he talk with coustomers and new persons . that help me very much. he take me for one week at every place where he go. after one week he said now i can go to market alone. and ask me to list out que and doubts of everyday in field and then sir will help me to answers all doubts. after one month i was well trained. also sir has given freedom to do anything new to grow business . in month end i was talking with dealer that take 5MT more so that u will cross in upper slab to et more profit. i had prepared axcel sheet of all schemes and amount of profit dealers get if he crosses next slab with little more sale. he was impresed. as before this boss only ask all dealers to take one vehicle forcefully. which de deny. i was given better rore within two month with same salary but good responsibilty. was there in in company for more than 2 years. and grow my knowledge only beacuse of my good boss. on the other hand my 4 friends leave the job within 1 years as they complain they were forced to get sale but never guided how to increase sale and get motivated. so at all good leadership will benifit for both employee and organisation both