Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be a significant challenge. Many professionals struggle to separate their personal and professional lives, often leading to burnout and strained relationships with family and friends. However, US-based Cisco’s Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO), Jeetu Patel, has shared his unique approach to achieving work-life balance, despite working 18 hours a day.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a demanding schedule by any standard. However, he has established two simple yet effective rules to ensure that his work does not encroach upon his personal life. Firstly, he never takes a meeting before 9 am unless it’s with the CEO or the company’s board. This rule allows him to have a few hours of uninterrupted time in the morning to focus on his personal well-being and spend time with his family.
The second rule is even more remarkable. Patel has declared that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem unconventional, but it reflects Patel’s commitment to prioritizing his family and making them feel welcome and included in his work life. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is sending a powerful message about the importance of family and the need to balance work and personal responsibilities.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing, especially in an industry where long working hours and constant availability are often seen as necessary for success. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing his family, Patel is able to manage his demanding schedule while also nurturing his personal relationships. His rules may not work for everyone, but they demonstrate the importance of being intentional and flexible in managing one’s work and personal life.
In an era where technology has blurred the lines between work and personal life, Patel’s approach serves as a reminder that it’s possible to maintain a healthy balance between the two. By establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing family time, professionals can reduce the risk of burnout and improve their overall well-being. Moreover, by being open and transparent about his approach, Patel is helping to create a more supportive and inclusive work culture, where employees feel empowered to prioritize their personal lives without fear of judgment or repercussions.
Patel’s story also highlights the importance of role modeling and leadership in promoting work-life balance. As a senior executive at Cisco, Patel’s approach to work-life balance sends a powerful message to his team and colleagues about the importance of prioritizing family and personal well-being. By leading by example, Patel is helping to create a work culture that values and supports employees’ personal lives, which can have a positive impact on productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
In addition, Patel’s approach challenges traditional notions of work and family life. By allowing his daughter to attend meetings, Patel is breaking down the traditional boundaries between work and family, and creating a more inclusive and flexible work environment. This approach can help to reduce the stigma associated with taking care of family responsibilities during work hours and promote a more supportive and understanding work culture.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance is a powerful reminder that it’s possible to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, even in demanding and fast-paced industries. By establishing clear boundaries, prioritizing family time, and being intentional about managing his schedule, Patel is able to manage his 18-hour workdays while also nurturing his personal relationships. His approach serves as a model for professionals seeking to achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives, and highlights the importance of leadership and role modeling in promoting a supportive and inclusive work culture.
Read the full story at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/indianorigin-cisco-executive-works-18-hour-days-but-follows-2-rules-for-work-life-balance-101764571098621-amp.html
About the Author
