An article in the Harvard Business Review once said, ‘The most valuable skill for the 21st century manager is the ability to work across cultures.’ Around the world, it is increasingly recognised that an understanding of a country’s work culture plays a significant part in success at one’s job. Every group of people has subtle drivers of behaviour, values and beliefs that could help you navigate your way around the workplace. Indians are no exception. We have some innate strengths that we seldom take, or are given, credit for. Like our resilience and ability to work in difficult situations. And the uncommon capacity to deal with ambiguity and to think on the fly. But Indians have some negative traits too. Why do we say ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’? And why are we willing to work on holidays? Based on extensive interviews with corporate leaders, How India Works delves into the average Indian’s psyche and is a guide to the cultural nuances and complexities of working in India.