Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra responded to the debate on a 90-hour work week, sparked by Larsen & Toubro Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s comments. Mahindra emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of work, rather than the quantity. He stated that one can change the world in 10 hours, and that it’s not about the number of hours worked, but rather the output. He also stressed the need for leaders to make wise decisions, be exposed to holistic thinking, and have a broad range of knowledge and experiences.
Mahindra highlighted the importance of spending time with family and friends, and not just focusing on work. He used the example of his company, M&M, and how they need to understand what customers want, which requires time outside of the office. He also responded to criticisms of his use of social media, stating that it’s a valuable business tool and allows him to connect with millions of people.
Mahindra’s comments contrast with those of other business leaders, such as Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal, who have suggested that youngsters should be prepared to work long hours. Mahindra’s approach emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and suggests that the key to success is not just working long hours, but also focusing on the quality of work and making wise decisions.