At random

Well, it only makes sense to loose a little bit of your emotional factor as you go higher up the ladder, because you need to be viewing the picture on a larger scale. The concerns of your sub-ordinates should matter, but only as long as it doesn’t affect the work or the turnovers. If it’s a matter of a day or two, you shouldn't unnecessarily loose your cool about it, but then a prolonged absence or diversion from work is not exactly welcome at the top levels.

Let’s face it, if you are in the top management, your immediate sub-ordinates are people who can't afford to stay away from business for too long – too many things depend on them. Neither will those sub-ordinates be the kind of people who will let their private life affect their work. Huge pay packets come attached with an equally huge responsibility. As Nooyi also mentioned in her recent interview, being a CEO (or for that matter, occupying any top management position) is not a job, it’s a calling - you have to love wot you do - you have to put ur head, heart & hands into it, else its not worth it. At the end of the day, I guess it’s a choice between being sensitive and being practical. To cite an example, on the new years eve, when the entire world was busy partying the night away, the lights at the PMO were on, all night. There is a reason why Manmohan has a 18*7 work schedule. It is very truly said that to be doing nothing, you need to sitting at the very top - and that saying also just reflects an illusion - reality bites.

To keep it simple – you are in a business – you should be aware that you are there to make profits - you are not there for PR. Its not personal - it's just business – and a business needs a head - having a heart is just an unwanted bonus.

Is that really me speaking my mind there??? When did I start thinking that way? Being way too practical - boon or bane - yet to figure that out.