Ratan Tata’s humility was exemplified when he refused preferential treatment for an office cabin at Tata Steel’s Mumbai headquarters, insisting on equal treatment for his colleagues. This decision, settled by a lottery, reflects Tata’s fair leadership style, which guided the Tata Group’s growth and commitment to ethical business practices.
Ratan Tata, celebrated for his humility and clear leadership, demonstrated these qualities during a key moment early in his career. In the mid-1960s, when Tata was transferred from Jamshedpur to the Mumbai headquarters of Tata Steel, a seemingly simple decision about office space highlighted his modest nature. Despite being from the esteemed Tata family, Ratan Tata declined preferential treatment regarding receiving a larger office cabin.
As space was limited in the Mumbai office, there was a suggestion that Tata should be given a separate, larger cabin due to his family’s legacy. However, according to a story shared by Arun Maira, former Tata colleague and author of The Learning Factory, Tata insisted on fairness, refusing the offer unless his colleagues of the same rank received equal accommodations. “He was humble and didn’t want anything different just because he was a Tata,” Maira recalled, noting that Tata’s insistence on equality set the tone for leadership within the company.
The solution was a lottery. Rather than making the decision himself, Tata suggested drawing lots to determine who would get which cabin among the three identical spaces. Ultimately, Tata ended up with the middle cabin, reflecting his straightforward and democratic leadership style. Jamshed Bhabha, who oversaw the office design, ensured that all cabins were built to the same specifications, further symbolizing the value of equality.
This simple yet profound decision encapsulates Tata’s leadership style—marked by humility, fairness, and an understanding of the bigger picture. His leadership, rooted in these values, became a hallmark of the Tata Group, which flourished under his tenure as chairman from 1991. During this period, Tata’s vision expanded the group’s revenue from USD 5.8 billion to USD 85 billion while maintaining its commitment to philanthropy and ethical business practices.
Maira fondly described Tata as “the shy architect—always clear about the bigger picture but never seeking personal recognition.” Tata’s quiet, unassuming nature, whether in choosing office spaces or making major business decisions, inspires those who work alongside him.
Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, at 86, leaving an enduring legacy of compassionate leadership. His ability to lead with integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to society remains one of his defining traits. Even in moments as small as an office cabin lottery, Tata exemplified the values that would guide his leadership for decades.
About Arun Maira
Arun Maira, a former colleague of Ratan Tata, is an influential leader with over 25 years of experience in the Tata Group. He served as India’s Planning Commission member and chaired the Boston Consulting Group in India. Maira is a prominent thought leader in transformational leadership and social development.
