As we age, we start feeling 'senior' and entitled. And the first casualty is the hands-on approach to things.

We don't want to get our hands dirty or even understand what is going on at the ground level. We end up becoming 'senior people' who can't open a spreadsheet or even understand the technical terms we freely bandy around. After all, "it is an analyst's job."

In fact, this 'seniority disease' is so strong that at my startup, when we started nominating people as team-leads, some developed an instant aversion to fieldwork and accountability. They just wanted to wave their hands and give gyaan. Their stint ended quickly.

I have never understood big theories about leadership. However, I can vouch for one thing from experience - the only way you can lead is by example. You don't have to micromanage. Nor do you need to have every skill - how is that even possible?

But you do need to be willing to go deep, open spreadsheets, and ask to be educated when you don't understand the technical terms. You have to be willing to stand on the road if needed. Seniority, rank, and stature come with a huge curse. Nobody tells the emperor that he is naked. But they all know it and tell each other.

You better invest in a mirror.