The Gautam Principles
Q&A with Johnny Gautam

Q: What prompted you to develop The Gautam Principles?
A: I experienced a great deal of success climbing the corporate ladder. In a short period of time, I received significant promotions and pay raises, for reasons I could not quite identify. I then fell victim to downsizing. This bruise to the ego inspired me to reflect on my experiences and determine what methods I had been using to reach great heights so quickly and easily. It was then that I discovered I had been emulating the methods of other great leaders – and I set out to develop guiding principles based on these very tactics.

Q: Who is your target audience?
A: The principles are geared for managers – in other words, they are geared for everyone. After all, everyone is responsible for managing his or her individual actions and behaviors. The examples in my book are largely based on events and interactions in the corporate workplace. Nonetheless, the principles can be applied in any industry or environment whether it by mechanics, teachers, parents – even children! The tenants are universal.

Q: What is the primary message behind the principles?
A: I want to inspire managers to become leaders. Managers only do one thing – manage. Leaders always have an end goal – a vision of what can be. The principles transform managers into respected, effective leaders and help individuals attain higher stature, pay and performance. They also inspire individuals to become better people.

Q: Who do you consider to be some of the greatest leaders of all time and in your own life?
A: I believe that Gandhi was the greatest leader of all time. In his time, he dispelled one of the world’s strongest armies without a single knife, gun or soldier. He did it along with other Indian people; however, Gandhi was their leader. He embodied the power of thoughtful leadership. In my own life, the greatest leader I have had the honor to learn from is my sister. She has never given up and continues to persevere, earning a PhD at the age of 40. She has taught me to never let our dreams fade.

Q: Do you have related publications or projects underway?
A: I am currently working on 4 four projects outside of my day-to-day: a book that will take many years to complete; a research project; an international consultation project; and a relocation project. Some might believe that that this much is a lot to handle with three kids and a full-time job; however, I have learned from many great teachers that the destination is never the purpose; - it is the journey that we truly desire.