In an insightful conversation on the “DiversiTea” podcast by Avtar and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Ramesh Ramadurai, Managing Director of 3M India, shares his experiences on fostering a culture of psychological safety, adaptability, and continuous innovation.
Ramesh Ramadurai is fondly referred to as a “dinosaur” – for his career trajectory. From an entry-level position to Managing Director, he has over 35 years of experience in the same organization, and shares his insights on a pivotal subject: psychological safety at workplace.
The Journey of a “Dinosaur” and the Power of Adaptability
Ramadurai’s career at 3M, spanning over three decades, is a testament to the diverse opportunities provided by the company and his own inherent adaptability. He recounts a childhood filled with constant change, moving schools every few years across different cities in Tamil Nadu. An early exposure to varied environments and his experience at IIT Kanpur – where he was faced language issues – honed his ability to adapt and build networks in diverse settings.
This deep-seated adaptability proved crucial as he navigated various global assignments with 3M, from the Philippines to Shanghai, always mindful of cultural nuances and the need to earn trust.
Psychological Safety: A Work in Progress
Ramadurai candidly admits that while physical safety and ethical compliance are rigorously prioritized and measured in organisations psychological safety still has a long way to go. He advocates for a more systematic and powerful emphasis on it, with greater tone at the top. He shares a personal anecdote from his time in the Philippines where his rapid-fire questions were perceived as critical due to language translation processes. This eye-opening experience highlighted his blind spot and reinforced the need for leaders to be sensitive to cultural and linguistic differences.
He quips, “If you were to break down psychological safety, one would say that it’s about the ability to openly express views. It’s about knowing that if you were to say something to your manager or your leader, then that is taken in the right spirit and that you are coached as to how feedback must be given and received.” He emphasizes that while 3M strives to create an inclusive environment through various programs and employee resource networks, it’s an ongoing journey with continuous progress to be made.
Ramadurai’s journey at 3M is a powerful example of how personal adaptability, coupled with a commitment to fostering psychological safety and organic innovation, can drive sustained growth and meaningful impact.
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