In 1996, the year which saw the rise of MNC and expansion of corporate culture in India, Ms. Ritu Grover kick-started her dream of pioneering the concept of concierge services in India. Doing her normal day’s work of interior designing in an empty Gurgaon, she always used to wonder about an easy way to get things right. Things, which cannot be ignored either can they be managed easily. She had always wondered how to create that much needed fine balance between non-ending work and a very important personal life.

 

Indian Facility Management Market started off slowly and reluctantly in the 2000s, however, the growing positive effects of Facility Management on the company’s productivity and work efficiency has led to wider acceptance of the Facility Management concept in Indian corporate industry. 

 

Slowly and steadily, Ms. Grover in 1988 opened her company, which is now the largest and well-known brand in the facility management Industry, TGH Lifestyle Services Pvt. Ltd.

 

  Ms. Grover finished her schooling from Army Public School before graduating from Delhi University and a course in Interior architecture from Delhi. She has bagged many awards as an entrepreneur, appreciation award by CNBC and AMEX in 2009, Valued Partner Award by Wipro in 2008 and 2009. Her Expertise lies in Facility Management, Concierge Services, Mailroom Management, Expat Management and Rewards & Recognitions – Optimizing Costs & Productivity because of which she is successfully handling her venture.

 

Here`s a excerpt of an interview with Ms. Grover

 

 

1. What qualities make you a great leader?

 

I think the qualities of any great leader is that they strike a balance between business foresight, performance, and character. A leader is someone who walks the talk and sets an example for his or her team.   

 

2.      What do you value more: Money or a balanced life?

 

My mantra has always been that as long as you have a balanced lifestyle, you will be happy and when you`re happy, your productivity level goes up. I have an in-depth chapter on this in my upcoming book `Thank God It`s Monday` but if I have to sum it up, if you`re happy, half of life`s battle has been won. 

 

3.      What do you do every day to take care of yourself?

 

  I spend some time with my family and listen to music. Music is a great source of relaxation. Occasionally a game of golf on the weekends really helps me prep for the coming week!

 

   4.  What is your motto: Maximum risk for maximum gain or slow and steady wins the race 

 

Life is too short and with time the dynamics of the industry are constantly changing. Technology and needs of customers keep evolving so you have to be very quick in providing solutions and sometimes you need to take risks for the same, primarily in order to be ahead of the competition. Without a doubt, the maximum risk for maximum gain is my motto.

 

 

5.      What have you done to make your employees feel that they love their jobs?

 

Hiring the right employee for the right job is very tricky and as business owners, we have to be very clear about the role of each employee. Accordingly, we have to find suitable talent. The most important thing is to understand the psychology of the hired candidate and his or her interest in that role. Only when an employee is passionate about their role, will they give heir 100%. Happiness comes when you are able to deliver and the results are visible, resulting in an organization`s growth.

 

 

6.      What you already know that others do not?

 

I know that I still have a lot to learn and accomplish. To accomplish anything in life, the direction is necessary and direction can only be shown by a coach. For me, personally, my coach is like a lighthouse who guides me in the right direction.

 

 

7.      How do you describe your next 5-year growth plan for TGH?

 

Within the next 5 years, we plan on starting our business operations in tier 2 and 3 cities and we also plan to take our brand globally for which we are in the talks as well.

 

8.      What would you do if you failed tomorrow?

 

Failures and setbacks are part of life. In the words of Rupi Kaur, if the hurt comes, so shall the happiness. If I fail tomorrow, I will always remember my mother`s words "keep going, never look back". I will get up, stand on my feet and work again.

 

 

9.      What is your career advice for youth in Facility Management?

 

Facility management is an industry on the rise and this is one industry where one is put in all the functions of an organization and multitasking becomes a habit. Being an indispensable part of the service industry, facility management not only trains you professionally but also personally.

 

 

10.  Share your thoughts on success.

 

I believe that you should work hard in silence and let success make the noise! Don`t chase success, just work with all you have and success shall follow.