Turning Relationships and Humility Into Relentless Innovation

Over the years, Kishore Biyani cultivated a surprising habit—the bigger his organization grew, the more time he spent listening rather than telling. He treated weekends at shopping malls or markets as field research, not as a chance to relax. Each observation, chat, or even casual complaint from his own wife or daughters became fodder for strategic pivots.

He wasn't above crediting a cook or a floor staffer for a breakthrough idea if it helped serve customers better. In meetings, he’d deflate egos by asking tough questions, and he surrounded himself not with 'yes-men,' but with critical thinkers—from board members to frontline workers. Whenever the company outpaced competition, innovation came less from lone genius than from crowdsourced observation and the humility to learn from anyone, anywhere.

This leadership style, rooted in humility, aligns with behavioral research: systems that reward learning from diverse sources—especially when leaders set aside ego and model curiosity—unleash more innovation, higher engagement, and deeper loyalty.

Make a habit this week of seeking honest feedback from someone you trust, asking for their real perspective on where you could grow or improve. When you have conversations—even short ones—with people in your community, approach them as opportunities to learn something new, even if you aren’t sure you’ll agree. And when someone gives you a useful insight or tip, don’t just use it—go one step further and give them public credit in your group, class, or family. See how quickly your world opens up to fresh ideas and deeper connections.