Ratan Tata quotes that will always act as a motivation for the entrepreneurs!

The great English playwright and poet once said, "What's there in the name?" But, some names are surely meant not to be forgotten because of their work and wise words. The late industrialist Ratan Tata was one such personality who not only created many opportunities in the business domain but also inspired many to take up businesses through his work and words. Today, as we bid farewell to the industrialist and entrepreneur, we remember a few of the quotes that he uttered on various occasions that will continue to inspire many in future generations. 

Mindset matters

He once said: "None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can."

The respect for J.R.D Tata

As Ratan Tata continued the legacy of Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, who was the chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Group for around 50 years, he once said, "I followed someone who had very large shoes. He left me a great legacy, and I tried to follow that legacy."

Believing in the potential

"I have always been very confident and very upbeat about the future potential of India. I think it is a great country with great potential."

On Leadership qualities

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."

A very popular take on decisions 

"I don't believe in making the right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right."

A belief in working together

"If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together."

'Work-life integration'

In what can be a debated conversation, Tata had once said, "I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other."

Business ethics comes first

"I admire people who are very successful. But if that success has been achieved through too much ruthlessness, then I may admire that person less."

Risks are mandatory

"The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks."

Upheaval 

Tata also suffered various downs in his businesses, some of which included incidents like protests against the Singur plant in West Bengal. However, he had a different notion to it. He once said, "Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive."

On similar lines, he had also said, "Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success."

On opportunities

"Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create your own opportunities.

Giving preferences to others 

Tata is known to respect his employees and work together. Two of his popular quotes are:

"The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are."
"Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others."

A Family man

"One day you will realise that material things mean nothing. All that matters is the well-being of the people you love."

Finding inspiration

"You may not always have a comfortable life, and you may not always be able to solve all the world's problems, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own."

"Take the stones people throw at you, and use them to build a monument." 

Determination, hard work and the ethos

"I will certainly not sell my stake in Tata Motors and Tata Steel, and never have, no matter how much I was criticised.