On day 1 of my first job with the Indian Police Service – I was quite useless. I had some theoretical knowledge of law enforcement but I am pretty sure I was good for nothing. But people tolerated me and with time and exposure, I learned.
The same thing happened at McKinsey – on my first day as a consultant, I think I made terrible PowerPoint slides. But someone was kind enough to tolerate my unpreparedness, and coach me.
Nobody is born a genius. We all start our careers clumsy and useless – we acquire skills only with exposure and practice.
When new people join any organization, they need the runway to take off. They need kindness and guidance.
We all start our life stupid – competence is acquired, not inherited.
– Rajan