Job switch story: ZSers are smart. Just stay out of their way to succeed! - 05/24

In Nov 2015, I joined ZS as Business Operations Consultant. Lacking any prior consulting, or pharmaceutical or leading team experience, I was apprehensive due to the scary stories of consulting work-life and whether I could meet the work demands.

An invaluable piece of advice from a senior colleague at ZS proved pivotal. He advised me, "You're stepping in as a Consultant. ZSers are smart and have been handling the project without you thus far. So, simply stay out of their way (delivery side). Focus on the client side."

This guidance enabled me to fulfil un-met need on the project of client and project management without disrupting the well-established delivery mechanism and antagonizing the team (due to my inexperienced I might have acted counterproductively). 

It was in stark contrast to the expectations of my onshore managers, who consistently urged me to be hands-on throughout the first year. 

However, had I not adhered to the principle of staying out, I might have faced failure and changed industries within a year or two. 

Below is my photo of the ZS team outing to Malshej ghat. Today also, I feel I am more connected to this team emotionally even though 7 years have passed.

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