Indian-origin CPO, who works 18 hrs/day, says ‘My daughter can come into any meeting’
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving a perfect work-life balance is a daunting task, especially for high-ranking executives who are expected to be available 24/7. However, Jeetu Patel, the Indian-origin Chief Product Officer (CPO) at US-based Cisco, has shared his unique approach to managing his work and personal life. Despite working 18 hours a day, Patel has set two simple rules for himself to ensure that his family life is not compromised.
In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he works seven days a week, which is a staggering amount of time. However, he has set a boundary for himself by not taking any meetings before 9 am, unless it’s with the CEO or the company’s board. This rule allows him to have some personal time in the morning, which is essential for his well-being and productivity.
The second rule that Patel has set for himself is more heartwarming. He has made it clear that his daughter is allowed to come into any meeting, without needing to knock on the door. This rule may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about Patel’s priorities and values. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is sending a strong message that his family is important to him, and he will not compromise on his relationship with them, no matter how demanding his job may be.
Patel’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing, especially in an era where many executives are expected to be constantly available and responsive to work-related matters. By setting boundaries and prioritizing his family, Patel is able to manage his workload effectively while also nurturing his personal relationships.
It’s worth noting that Patel’s approach may not be feasible or desirable for everyone. Working 18 hours a day, seven days a week, is an extreme schedule that can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. However, Patel’s rules for work-life balance offer a valuable lesson for all of us. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing our personal relationships, we can achieve a better balance between our work and personal lives.
In addition, Patel’s approach highlights the importance of family and relationships in our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our work and neglect our personal relationships. However, Patel’s example shows that it’s possible to prioritize our family and relationships while still being successful in our careers.
Patel’s story also underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workplace. By allowing his daughter to enter any meeting, Patel is demonstrating that he values flexibility and is willing to adapt to changing circumstances. This approach can be beneficial for employees and employers alike, as it can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
In conclusion, Jeetu Patel’s approach to work-life balance offers a valuable lesson for all of us. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing our personal relationships, and being flexible and adaptable, we can achieve a better balance between our work and personal lives. While working 18 hours a day may not be feasible or desirable for everyone, Patel’s rules for work-life balance offer a refreshing perspective on how to manage our work and personal lives effectively.
As we strive to achieve a better work-life balance in our own lives, we can learn from Patel’s example. By prioritizing our family and relationships, setting clear boundaries, and being flexible and adaptable, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to our work and personal lives.
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