Quote of the day by Narayana Murthy: Performance leads to recognition. Recognition brings...
N R Narayana Murthy's widely cited quote sets out how performance leads to recognition, respect and power. It underlines that humility in moments of influence gives leadership lasting organisational value.
"Performance leads to recognition. Recognition brings respect. Respect enhances power. Humility and grace in one’s moments of power enhance the dignity of an organisation.”
This is one of the best-known leadership quotes by N R Narayana Murthy. The statement appears in his speeches and Infosys communications, including the company's 2006 Analyst Meet address, where he explained the values that helped shape Infosys into a globally respected technology company.
WHO IS NARAYAN MURTHY?
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka. He is the co-founder of Infosys, established in 1981 with six other engineers.
Under his leadership, Infosys became one of India's most admired technology companies and played a significant role in placing the Indian information technology industry on the global map. Murthy has received several honours, including the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan, for his contribution to business, technology and corporate governance.
Murthy is recognised for his discipline, ethical leadership and belief in meritocracy. Throughout his career, he has emphasised honesty, transparency and respect for people over short-term gains.
MEANING OF THE QUOTE
The quote presents success as a sequence rather than a shortcut. According to Murthy, everything begins with performance. When people consistently deliver quality work, they naturally earn recognition from colleagues, customers and society. Recognition then develops into respect because others begin to trust their ability and character.
The next stage is influence or power. Murthy explains that real authority does not come merely from a title or position. Instead, it grows from the respect earned through sustained performance.
However, he adds one final lesson that is often overlooked—humility. He believes that people who remain humble and graceful after achieving success strengthen not only their own reputation but also the dignity of the organisation they represent.
The philosophy encourages individuals to focus less on seeking rewards and more on creating genuine value. Recognition, respect and influence become lasting only when they are built on consistent effort and ethical conduct.
OTHER QUOTES BY N R NARAYANA MURTHY
The real power of money is the power to give it away.
When in doubt, disclose.
Progress is often equal to the difference between mind and mindset.
Love your job, but never fall in love with your company.
You become a star not because of your title; you become a star because you are adding star value to the company.
N R Narayana Murthy's quote continues to inspire because it shifts attention from chasing status to earning it through excellence.
His message reminds people that success begins with performance, grows through respect and becomes meaningful only when combined with humility. In every profession, these values remain timeless foundations of trustworthy and effective leadership.
"Performance leads to recognition. Recognition brings respect. Respect enhances power. Humility and grace in one’s moments of power enhance the dignity of an organisation.”
This is one of the best-known leadership quotes by N R Narayana Murthy. The statement appears in his speeches and Infosys communications, including the company's 2006 Analyst Meet address, where he explained the values that helped shape Infosys into a globally respected technology company.
WHO IS NARAYAN MURTHY?
Nagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Sidlaghatta, Karnataka. He is the co-founder of Infosys, established in 1981 with six other engineers.
Under his leadership, Infosys became one of India's most admired technology companies and played a significant role in placing the Indian information technology industry on the global map. Murthy has received several honours, including the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan, for his contribution to business, technology and corporate governance.
Murthy is recognised for his discipline, ethical leadership and belief in meritocracy. Throughout his career, he has emphasised honesty, transparency and respect for people over short-term gains.
MEANING OF THE QUOTE
The quote presents success as a sequence rather than a shortcut. According to Murthy, everything begins with performance. When people consistently deliver quality work, they naturally earn recognition from colleagues, customers and society. Recognition then develops into respect because others begin to trust their ability and character.
The next stage is influence or power. Murthy explains that real authority does not come merely from a title or position. Instead, it grows from the respect earned through sustained performance.
However, he adds one final lesson that is often overlooked—humility. He believes that people who remain humble and graceful after achieving success strengthen not only their own reputation but also the dignity of the organisation they represent.
The philosophy encourages individuals to focus less on seeking rewards and more on creating genuine value. Recognition, respect and influence become lasting only when they are built on consistent effort and ethical conduct.
OTHER QUOTES BY N R NARAYANA MURTHY
The real power of money is the power to give it away.
When in doubt, disclose.
Progress is often equal to the difference between mind and mindset.
Love your job, but never fall in love with your company.
You become a star not because of your title; you become a star because you are adding star value to the company.
N R Narayana Murthy's quote continues to inspire because it shifts attention from chasing status to earning it through excellence.
His message reminds people that success begins with performance, grows through respect and becomes meaningful only when combined with humility. In every profession, these values remain timeless foundations of trustworthy and effective leadership.
