Leadership lessons from Padam Shri Awardee Ajeet Bajaj

Padma Shri awardee Ajeet Bajaj, talked about the teamwork, leadership and life lessons at the SHRM conference in Delhi. If there are limits to man’s capabilities, Bajaj find a way to go cross them. A modern-day explorer and adventurer, he is a living example of how to not just survive but enjoy challenges and pressures.

Bajaj became the first Indian to have skied to both the North Pole and the South Pole, and has undertaken travel in 17 countries spanning six continents.  In July 2008 he kayaked along the coast of Greenland as part of an Indo-American team. The expedition’s aim was to create awareness about the effect of global warming on glaciers.

He is also a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council and has received the ‘Hall of Fame’ award from the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India in 2010. In 2012, Ajeet was conferred the ‘Padma Shri’ by the President on India.

While hundreds listened him in rapture, he continued to share the high and lows of the arduous journey. “There were times of self-doubt. I cursed myself for taking up the adventure. It takes a lot of determination to come out of your comfort zone. Commitment to one’s goal wills never let him/her tremble because of the problems, ‘said Bajaj.

‘Leaders have to lead themselves before making strategy for others. One purpose ignites the virtue of teamwork. People on an expedition together support each other to climb their aim. Likewise, HR is the driver in the journey of the organization,’ added Bajaj.

In his closing note, he urged the community to take a sports adventure as it improves the level of confidence and hones decision-making skills.