Kamanasish Kundu
Growth
People stay where they grow. And growth isn’t always about promotions. It could be a new challenge, clarity around what success looks like or the opportunity to lead something from scratch. I’ve seen team members become significantly more engaged when given a chance to stretch into new territory, even without a formal title change. Great leaders create space for progress, not just movement, and help people see the long-term value of stretching sideways before moving up. Growth creates energy, and energy sustains momentum.
Recognition
Motivation thrives on meaningful recognition. Not the generic “great job” that fades in seconds, but specific, timely praise that reinforces what matters. Recognition should be baked into the culture, not reserved for annual reviews. That said, it’s personal. Some value public appreciation, others prefer quiet acknowledgment. The key is knowing your people and making recognition intentional. When it’s consistent and aligned with purpose, it becomes fuel for high performance. I’ve come to realize that giving recognition well and often enough requires just as much discipline as any other leadership habit.
Inspiration
Purpose is what transforms effort into energy. When people understand how their work contributes to something bigger, whether it’s a customer’s joy, a community cause or a shared mission, they bring more of themselves to it. Leadership means connecting the work to the “why.” And in a noisy world, reminding people of that purpose again and again. Striving to inspire through clarity and shared meaning, not charisma, is a quiet but powerful part of the job. For the last decade, I’ve made inspiration a key part of how I support people’s growth because when they understand why their work matters, they care more, focus better and take real ownership.
