Vineet Mehra on Matching Task to Talent to Develop Your People

What I’ve Learned

Early in his leadership career, Vineet Mehra managed everyone the way he preferred to be managed — with empowerment and autonomy. But he realized quickly that not everyone thrives under the same approach. Some needed more guidance. Others needed more encouragement.

“Not everyone is one way on every task. You have to manage the person in the context of the job you’ve given them.”

His realization came from watching talented people stumble — not because they lacked ability, but because they didn’t get the right kind of leadership for where they were.

How I’ve Sharpened

Vineet uses a simple competence–confidence quadrant inspired by the Situational Leadership model to adapt his leadership and strengthen teams:

1. Enthusiastic Beginners (low competence, high confidence) → provide guardrails and celebrate small wins.
2. Capable but Cautious (high competence, low confidence) → amplify belief and encourage them to stretch.
3. Self-Reliant Overachievers (high competence, high confidence) → empower and get out of the way.
4. Uncertain Learners (low competence, low confidence) → coach closely and provide structure.

He sharpens this practice by checking in task by task, never labeling someone permanently. He also asks regularly: “What do you need from me to succeed here?”

“Teams are leverage. The way you multiply your impact as a leader is by building up the people around you.”

Why It Matters

Strengthening teams isn’t about applying one leadership style to everyone. It’s about tailoring your approach to help each person grow in confidence and competence. Vineet’s framework ensures that no one is left floundering, and no one is held back.

When leaders meet people where they are, teams move faster, trust deepens, and performance multiplies.

About Vineet Mehra

Vineet Mehra is a globally recognized marketing leader whose career spans CPG, tech, and direct-to-consumer innovation. Current CMO at Chime and former Global CMO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Ancestry, and youngest President at Johnson & Johnson, he is known for blending brand building with performance discipline. Today, he serves on multiple boards, advises high-growth companies, and champions leadership development through practical, people-centered frameworks.