We interviewed one of Paycom’s tech supervisors, Vinod, to learn more about his leadership journey.
What made you want to be a leader?
Leadership has an impact on linking the organizational mission and goals to team members and helping to council and coach them to succeed professionally and personally. I felt that I can use my skills and experience to provide leadership value that creates a positive working environment.
Did you have a mentor?
Yes.
How did they impact your career?
I was able to watch and learn from my past mentors as they explained how they made decisions and provided insight that I otherwise would not have learned on my own. Sometimes there is a perception that we can’t approach our leaders but having a leader mentor gives the opportunity to break that ice.
What skills do you feel have made you an effective leader?
- communicating the right things and able to receive feedback
- being honest and transparent
- understanding the big picture and breaking it down to your team
- creating good relationships and having an influence on people
- being responsible and accountable
What made you want to be a leader at Paycom?
I felt the excitement and vision of a company with an awesome product, passionate people, the culture and values that promote teamwork. It was a great opportunity for me to be a leader who can help develop new talent and great careers. I felt my experience could help foster the success of people in our department.
What’s the hardest part of being a leader?
I think the hardest part of being a leader is to deal with conflicts. I think everybody thinks they are right all the time, and it is difficult to put aside personal agendas and inherent fears and emotion to make the right decision that is bigger than a single individual.
What’s your favorite part of being a leader?
My favorite part of being a leader is seeing team members succeed and be rewarded for their hard work and achievements.
What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in leadership?
That there are some natural traits that are good to have but leadership can be learned. There are so many books and material to develop leadership qualities, see where their leadership style is, and build on it. I also think that having a mentor(s) is good to share real experience and feedback for learning.
What characteristics do you look for in potential leaders?
Leaders are agents of the company, and you have to be trustworthy to make good decisions with such great responsibility. Also, how do they work in a team environment? Teamwork is essential, as leaders need to collaborate and work well with others. Also, leaders need to be able to communicate timely and effectively so that everyone is on the same page. To me, responsibility and accountability are important, and a good leader will be accountable when things under their responsibility are not delivered.
Interested in a tech career at Paycom? Apply today!
