Latent Noises

The Human Link

2011-09-10T10:54:00.002+05:30

Finally, I got myself to write my next post. Procrastination is perhaps the middle name of "human nature!"

Getting back into perspective, I will start with a video for this post, where the speaker talks about how individuals attach meaning to things, how various environmental and social variables influence our psyche. It's amazing how with so much knowledge, education, common sense, one can still be prey to marketing communication, branding etc and it becomes difficult to detach those aspects for a more objective view. It is truly said, that "Nothing is Objective," hopefully constant conscious effort can help inch towards it.

My first video post :)

Any thoughts?

Superman (Five for Fighting)

2011-08-14T13:20:00.000+05:30

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me

I’m more than a bird...i’m more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It’s not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I’ll never see

It may sound absurd...but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed...but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me

Up, up and away...away from me
It’s all right...you can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy...or anything...

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me
Inside me
Yeah, inside me
Inside of me

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
I’m only a man
Looking for a dream

I’m only a man
In a funny red sheet
And it’s not easy,

Its not easy to be me

Whirlpool of Technology

2011-04-22T23:25:00.000+05:30

A year back, I got in touch with a school friend after 13-14 years.. (it makes me feel so old...) and very excitedly I remember exchanging numbers and contact details. Thereafter, we spoke once.. twice.. and realised that we are poles apart.. so after sometime of chatting about the good old days, which are not exactly very vivid, thanks to my brain filtering mechanism, we had nothing much to catch up on! We dragged the conversations for a while only to realise that the poles are literally tearing apart.. and the phone conversations gradually were replaced by SMS, forwards, and the occasional pings on chat.. only to be fizzled out to another past memory in the shelf.

Suddenly today I get a hi on "What's App" - the chat application that connects various phone users of BB, Nokia, iPhone etc - and I responded. After the initial tete-a-tete we realised that both of us have BlackBerry. So of course, I got added on to the BBM as well. Now what? He claimed to have a new phone and needed me to walk him through certain features as well as exchange wallpapers, music etc and we ended up having a BBM conversation for over an hour! Bored? Ok.. now I'll get to the point..

It made me wonder that the definition of social networking over the years has been changing drastically, rapidly, and so effectively. It has been smoothly eradicating social awkwardness and giving every person the extra opportunity to network, stay in touch, know one another and be less judgmental about the person sitting in another corner of the world. Its amazing how technology is gradually being infused in such a way to connect to the human psyche's lapses and eccentricities. It forces one to have the extra chit-chat, to form another bond, to know another person which otherwise for most of your life you would not even bother considering! So many times I remember seeing people's status messages and photographs and activity feeds on Facebook only to think "Wow! I didn't know he is so talented" or "I didn't know she had such great photography skills" or "Oh he/she does this too?" and it makes one realise the platform they stand on today, the changes happening around them, the abundance of opportunities around them.

For a good part although I believe we overdo it, I believe that social networking is towards the good.. the better..and I cannot wait to know what's next ..(Oops.. almost sounded like a Samsung advertisement).. so whether you like it or not the virtual world is soon going to be meshed with the real world or rather is, and the faster you accept it, the easier it will be for you to embrace the turbulence ahead :)

Everyday Sagas

2010-12-28T13:51:00.000+05:30

This is how my day was, is and will be:

Scene#1: At Office -
I had enough work to last me all morning (ahem, afternoon). There was a new joinee, thus I coordinated some joining formalities, joined him for a cup of coffee, handed him over to his designated buddy, handled the paperwork. It was already time for lunch! Post-Lunch, I sat at my desk to complete a report, screen some CV's and complete some small tasks. Then, I logged in to the usual iGoogle, and there were 3 chat pop-ups in the span of 3 seconds. I religiously responded and continued to log on to my mail accounts, followed by my Facebook account. I logged on to a video posted on my wall with one of the latest ads from MTV's "Stay Raw" series. This hooked me on to the site for the next one hour where I saw almost all the other ads in the same campaign, and successfully managed to rope in my bay members and my chat friends to do the same. Then I surfed, twiddled, talked about the weather.. and so you get the drift!
Myth#1: Indian corporate firms make you slog like donkeys while the world is celebrating Christmas..!

Scene#2: Out-of-Office -
With the house as my destination, I marched boldly with the chai-shops, coconut water carts and shouting auto drivers passing me by. There is no point in asking the latter to drop me home as they will charge me 3-fold for the 3 km distance. When suddenly one or two hop in your way you ask them knowing well what their answer is. So it's something like this:
Auto 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 - Where do you want to go (in Kannada, hindi, or body language)
Me - Jeevanbhimanagar
Auto 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 - 50 Rs madame
Me - No
Auto 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 - How much will you give?
Me - Meter charge
Auto 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 - Eyebrows raise with shock, disgust, and your-so-stupid look
Auto 10 - Do you want to go to Jayanagar madame?
Me (thinking) - When did autos start having a specific destination like buses?
But then again, on second thoughts, with them anything is possible.
Myth#2: Autos are for public service!

Scene#3: Bus -
Conversation among two girls sitting opposite:
Girl 1 (To conductor): Does this bus goto BTM?
Conductor: Silk Board
Girl 2: Don't worry, we'll catch another bus from there
Girl 1: Nothing's going right
Girl 2: Everything will be fine
Girl 1: Do you like that song which I keep listening to?
Girl 2: Which one?
Girl 1: "Sheila ki Jawani"
Girl 2: Yea. (With eyes lit up) I like Munni too
Myth#3: Sheila and Munni is the topic of discussion among the male fraternity!

Scene#4: Home -
I reach home hungry, tired (don't ask me why) and slightly sick. I contemplate whether I should have dinner or not after which I think what can I cook that is fast, tasty, and filling. After running through a few options in my mind, I begin to romanticize about not eating.
After an hour - Burp! Excuse me.. Just finished the spaghetti
Myth#5: I am soooo thin that I survive by consuming air!

Scene#5: Laptop -
Its been a long time since I have written. Oh, who's going to search for a topic, let me just play some online games, or watch a movie, or wait download the latest episode of "How I met your mother." Oh, but I saw that only yesterday. (Groan) Fine, let me just write.
Myth#6: Do what you love so that it never feels like a task!

Well, the truth of the matter is that WE DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO.
The seasoning, though, is upto us.

On the Fast Track? Move on..

2010-12-07T16:38:00.001+05:30

"Job-Hunting." This is a phrase that brings a lot of thoughts in my mind but mostly it brings back Exhaustion. I read a lot of blogs, understandably a lot on HR, and one striking subject across is the way a candidate should conduct him/herself during the "job-hunting" phase. There is a lot of advise on how one should treat it like a full-time project, dedicate his/her fullest time, have goals and deadlines and mediums assigned, get on to the Linkedins, Twitters, and Facebooks to network etc.

Reading all this always takes me back to the time when I was looking for that job where I would get the right industry, profile, pay and environment but at the back of my mind was still exploring everything well enough to know that I had to make compromises somewhere! It would be double standards for me to now advise candidates not to be desperate, not to do the entire 360 degree cycle of searching, applying, mailing, calling and following-up, not going all out to network.. because I did every aspect of that for the simple reason that among all the excess banter (both offline and online) it is a huge task to be heard and eventually noticed. And, I also agree that the more aggressive your approach is, the more rejections or disappointments you face, and the more you end up fighting your self-worth and self-esteem. You have to accept it as part of that process, you have to accept that it is important to believe, you have to realize that it will happen, in some time, but it will.

What worked for me? It was a bit of everything, but the two primary aspects that stood out was networking and a distinct identity (through my blog). Have you ever been asked during an interview to state something outside your resume? Have you been asked about your views on headhunting and the subsequent morality attached (if you are in HR)? Your political opinions (if any)? Well, your website or blog will help do that for you, and if your not so high on writing, your LinkedIn or Professional Networking profile should do it for you. Whether you like it or not, it is important to market yourself in a way that half of what you want to express can be heard by your recruiter outside the "interview arena."

Apart from this I strongly believe in luck, by being there at the right place at the right time. But then again, you have to be all over the place to land up at the right one! There is no shortcut, atleast not on this one, not as far as I know!

FYI

2010-12-06T16:17:00.001+05:30

This post is more of an infomercial, wherein I am going to do some goodwill marketing that gets clouded among the hyped trash that we are hit by in our everyday life.

Pitch: This is a show aired on UTV Bloomberg. A fresh breath to the reality TV shows minus the drama, emotions, and gossip. This show has a lineup of competing entrepreneurs who have diverse ideas and are looking for some seed capital to take their current business ideas to the next level. Every week they have a celebrity businessman who understands certain aspects of each idea or poses a challenge to all participants to present their area of interest. I admit that when i was surfing channels, I hit the "back" button on my remote due to the show's host - Boman Irani but thereafter it was the show that kept me intrigued for the rest of the hour.

Master Chef Australia: (Yes, not India!) This show apart from appealing to foodies and cooks globally also engages the mass (read: me) due to the way it is presented, the freshness each episode brings with it, the methodologies and equipments used, the science and logic, the different accents spoken in, the personalities brought in by different professions, its all there.

Rangde.org: This is a website for those who aspire to do some social good, but may not be doing enough due to lack of time, opportunities or plain laziness. This organisation supports cottage industries and rural crafts by showcasing their work and raising funds online. The difference is that the funds are not a donation, but rather a loan, a sum that you receive in return with a minimal interest too. So it both serves your conscience and pockets at the same time!

Abhijit Bhaduri's Blog: Finally, this is the latest blog to catch my attention for sometime. The Chief Learning Officer for the Wipro Group, this individual has a very layman tone to his blog and yet those that create a striking impact. He writes about management, about life, satires, and his books. His latest title, "Married yet available" may just be the reason to click away into his blogging world.

Overload of information certainly exits and I sigh thinking "I wish there was an easier way to segregate the bits"

"Chosen" Life

2010-11-17T10:07:00.001+05:30

How often have u planned dinner with friends and took an hour to decide which place you would like to eat at? Have you stood in a mobile store, surfed mobile related sites and enquired with people, only to be more confused in the end? How often have you Googled only to think that there is too much information you are flooded with? It is true that these days we are spoilt for choices, but do we really enjoy the privilege is something I am not sure of!

For example, at work we initially had laptops with no stripped down rights. We shifted to another campus where due to some security issues our admin rights were taken away, followed by that was the scanner rights and then USB drives. We all wondered how drastically our life would be turned upside-down at this intrusion.. Surprisingly it wasn't. As for those whose life was drastically affected,they found ways to soothe the hiccups!

Another instance is the applications/softwares in our computers - you have those that have overlapping functions like, MS Office Picture Manager is a stripped down version of Photoshop, but I still use the former for simple functions like compressing or cropping a picture. For calculation purposes, every once in a while I still use the Calculator rather than MS Office. I just like to keep it simple. Of course, it is also about one's usability but then again these softwares have been part of every new version of Windows/Mac that has been launched, surely with the user in mind.

An interesting article I read in Harvard Business Review might throw more "intellectual" light on the same, have a look: http://blogs.hbr.org/hbr/mcafee/2010/11/why-people-want-less-choice.html

Have been, and always will be!!

2010-11-15T00:23:00.000+05:30

It had been a while since I took such a long holiday. A 15-day vacation where I just got away from everything, even my laptop.. Not to mention, that I even locked up my work laptop in office itself! Post-Vacation I realised that I couldn't actually have gotten more Marwari :) Here's a glimpse..

I started my vacation by going to Rajasthan. I met my parents and cousin at the Delhi airport directly and we drove to Bikaner, followed by Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra. I must stop here to tell you that the tour was for 10 days, so we surely made full each and every rupee and minute count. The beautiful aspect about Rajasthan was that each place was so distinctively different from the other, although they all sport the mystifying havelis, forts, intricate architecture, magnanimous structures. For example, Jaisalmer has vast stretches of desert, Udaipur is hilly and full of lakes and Jaipur is an urban commercial city. I always wondered why everyone said that it is impossible to cover the entire state in one go, which is true, although we did manage to cover atleast half the hotspots there in a record time. The grandeur, (past) wealth, golden sands, and camels were just what we expected, and what we got in return. Most of India has a cultural and historical past, but this western state has managed to sustain, restore and revive them beautifully even in this day and age. An interesting fact is that 60% of Rajasthan's income is generated solely through tourism, and the most prominent tourist communities are a) French and b) Bengalis (Yes, Here too!). Our last destination, was Agra where I saw my First Wonder of the World, the Taj Mahal; History narrates Shah Jahan's wish to replicate the Taj Mahal in black too.. I probably would have liked to see both.

Then we flew to Kolkata, the second home of Marwaris. Personally, I think Kolkata Marwaris are going to form their own sect as they are so characteristic, different - the right word being unique - you have to be one to know what I am talking about ;). So then started Diwali celebrations filled with lights, pujas, crackers and little lesser noise - over the years the Kolkata police has realised what a ruckus we can create and have been proactive in implementing strict guidelines for bursting crackers. My entire Kolkata trip was spent in different festivities and occasions meeting the same people over and over again with difference in venue, perhaps to gauge where the best combination of bonding occurred (if any). It was filled with laughter, surprises, tiffs which was coupled with rich fatty food and sweets. The most fun part every year in Kolkata is the "cousin" gathering sessions where there is a deja vu effect, a pattern of over-planning, plans spilling over, someone missing, eating way past midnight, talking about our lives (even though most of us are on BBM) and sleepovers.

As I landed in Bangalore, I realised how much I enjoyed being a Marwari over the past few days and was glad that this cosmoplitan city would gear me up towards becoming a cosmopolitan again!

Setting up of The HR Department - II

2010-11-13T04:58:00.000+05:30

As mentioned in an earlier article, I would like to share with you how I have helped set up the HR department in my current organisation. Here I am a HR generalist (who is not heading the department, thankfully!) that involves activities related to process implementations, training, PMS, grievance handling and HRIS.

The experience has been fantastic as I can distinctly see the contribution I have been making by doing more hands-on work. Initially, I handled recruitment for a couple of months which gave me an opportunity to explore the operations teams. It helped me understand the functionality of different business units and interact with different teams at a larger level. During this time, some of our constraints and roadblocks came to the forefront.

Post-Recruitment when I moved to a generalist role, our focus was to set the basic processes right. There were a lot of first's for me at TAS in the last 6 months, which give me a sense of substantiality.

I started by designing the induction process and conducting them for new joinees. This gave me a deeper insight into work carried out and gave me scope to interact with the new joinees. Then, I conducted my 1st training program which gave me a big high. A decent feedback after a lot of apprehension always feels a tad bit better :) . Then I moved on to designing the PMS system, which is still ongoing. The research and effort gone behind getting this right was essential and as it has been unfolding slowly certainly seems worth the effort. We are conducting a 360 feedback system which essentially is aiming to help each person in every aspect of their role (Team member/Supervisor/Peer). Apart from this, I have been handling HRIS to ensure smooth operations and track recruiting progress within the organization.

It has been a fun 6 months which highlighted intensive learning, hands-on implementation, and hard work. while the trust placed in me has increased my confidence two-fold.

In short, I am glad I was part of Setting-Up the HR Department and I hope its just the beginning...

The Writer's Block! :)

2010-10-20T01:28:00.000+05:30

As I grew up,
I dreamed of achieving scaling heights,
making that difference in my own ways,
dressed like the next super-hero, or perhaps the fourth Power-Puff gal!

I slowly made the transition into the unknown,
drifting along with baggages
marred by the perception of reality, my reality

.. And I continue,
To hold on to the memories and revive the dreams,
while I win small battles and lose a few!

Atyachaar (in some form)

2010-10-20T01:08:00.001+05:30

John Abraham! Yup.. He seems to be playing the pseudo-Shahrukh Khan version by being In Your Face!! The situation goes like: You settle comfortably in the couch (in my case, a bean-bag) after a long day's work hoping for some distraction, hit the remote button and see a decent face (John Abraham). You think well, lets try another channel and hit MTV.. oh he's giving an interview about his upcoming movie, you flip and hit 9XM, oh.. his upcoming movie's song.. does not sound that great.. flip again.. and now I hit a channel showing Emotional Atyaachar, a reality show.. but wait a second What on this mighty heaven is he doing HERE??!!!

Like Hullo.. When will people realise that excess advertising can lead to adverse effects? There is a guy who is distraught about his girlfriend getting cosy with a stranger and here sits the Spiderman (I like him the most among the 3 man's.. In case you're wondering I know the plural is "men") narrating tales about how he is weaving more intricate webs in his new movie. How on earth is this remotely related or am I just blind?

The movie doesn't look that great.. the songs are not on the tip of your tounge.. John Abraham is not the hot bod anymore.. and reiterating this over and over again is certainly not helping their case.. Will someone be kind enough to tell them that?

I can't believe I am writing a blog post on this.. and am starting to wonder if its the "top-of-the-mind" strategy that they are hoping to nail.. Blech

I have a message for him - Stop stalking me Dude, and GET A LIFE!!! There.. I said it...

A positive verdict!

2010-10-09T12:06:00.001+05:30

I have always been a little disappointed with the pessimism exuded by the Indian Media.. where they flash us with bad news in the early morning paper, highlight the sorrow and wrath of people and ignore the positives. It almost seems like the goons perpetually have a gun on their heads which help them tune the moves.

Well, recently I realised that the media is actually capable of highlighting some good as well, and it sure came as a welcome surprise.

The Pre-Ayodhya and the Post-Ayodhya was managed quite well with the media where they did not exploit emotions like anger, hatred, and ego but instead covered the more positive aspects of harmony, peace, and justice. Also, they did not go to extremes but maintained a balanced outlook while covering the reactions of both Hindus and Muslims. So, the media is still intelligent to understand what is good for the country, what we are sensitive about! The fears, anxiety were well doused with no riots, no injuries, and no heated tension.. it was calm to a large extent although the government was well-prepared for just the opposite.

The media certainly deserves some credit, after all they do play a big role in influencing and shaping our behavior and thoughts. After all, they do bear a large responsibility..

(I just hope that this time it wasn't the Prime Minister with the gun on their heads instead..!)

"Time" to resurface!

2010-10-04T11:34:00.003+05:30

I am back after exactly 6 months.. Yup am sure everyone noticed :) Well, considering that most of you are brimming with curiosity regarding the disappearing act, I will bring you upto speed! Here goes..

I have shifted from Ahmedabad to Bangalore ( It feels so good to say that!) and have joined the HR division of Time Analytics Services. We cater to the offshore operations of Time Inc., the US publishers. In the past, I have read articles where people with varied interests should choose the profession as the foreground and the industry as a background, just so that they don't see the invisible black hole that they can easily be lost in.. I can now relate to that with HR being in the foreground and the media industry being the background. The perks here are fabulous with independence in thought, radical work culture, and the latest edition of magazines to read.. I am surely not complaining :) Its been a great journey so far and my role involves helping set-up the HR department. Here, I am doing more hands-on work with regard to implementation, the details of which I'll spill in a later article!

There has been a lot of changes in terms of transitioning the city, job, home and perspective.. and all of them seem to be positive in nature :) Ofcourse, there have been certain lop-sides too but it is easily outweighed by the former (You can't blame me for ranting considering the time gap!)

Now that I have firmly planted my feet on the ground again.. it is Time for a comeback! (Am sorry, but you'll have to bear with the "Time" statements, atleast for a while)

Looking forward to having some loyal eyeballs redirected to my blog address again.. Till then, Adios

I would like to remember..

2010-04-02T18:35:00.001+05:30

I would like to remember ..

.. The day I smiled,

When my parents celebrated my first birthday

When I pompously sprinted with my best friend

When I scored a 3-pointer in a crucial basketball game

When I saw my first published work with a by-line

When I wore my first graduation robe

When I was profusely thanked for all the support.

.. The day I cried,

When my mother reprimanded me for telling a lie

When I scraped my knee while swinging too high

When I felt guilty for hurting a friend

When I did not pass the test for a single mark

When I experienced the pain of a broken heart

When I was not sure of treading the path.

.. The day I was puzzled,

When my father told me he would always be proud

When I felt jealous of the girl next door

When I felt tears after saving the dog’s life

When I was told that life would be cruel

When I pondered about the existence of God

When I tasted freedom in defying the norm.

I would like to remember

.. Every day that’s passing by.

Are you switching off the lights today?

2010-03-27T14:14:00.001+05:30

The world gears up for Earth Hour today as 88 countries across the globe and 15 cities across India support the initiative by switching off lights and air-conditioners between 8.30 to 9.30 pm today. Offices, Hotels, and Individuals pledge to use candle lights during this hour to support WWF's endeavor for the rapidly growing concern over Global Warming.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. In March 2009, 4000 cities across 88 countries officially switched off its lights making this the world largest Global Change Initiative.

Causing a ripple may arouse the wave! So pledge your support today. Click here for more information.

Can morality and legality be interwoven?

2010-03-24T15:13:00.000+05:30

"... and when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last, Free at last!"

Five decades ago, Martin Luther King, Jr., dreamed of a land devoid of ratial inequality and discrimination, a land where one could express, a land where one could voice opinions without being condemned, a land where one could experience true freedom. Today, he would stand pleased.

A historic judgment was passed in July 2009 when Section 377 was amended to legalise homosexuality in India. This judgement not only reflected the change in our thinking but also sought to condemn discrimination and encourage equal rights. After decades of protests, homosexuals were finally awarded the most basic constitutional rights, the one which many of us are privileged enough to take for granted. There was another important judgement made by the Supreme Court yesterday that caught my eye. One, in which, the courts declared pre-marital sex and live-in relationship to be considered as 'no offence.' You can read the historic case here.

It is important to be part of an environment where one can make their personal choices, define their bounds of morality, are allowed to make their own mistakes, and are responsible for the turn of events in their lives. Remember the time when you wanted your deadline to be revised to 1 am, remember the time when you fought to pursue your career, remember the time when you wanted a chance to explain.. all of us would like to have rights so that we can exercise them as per our judgement..

..as a society it is necessary to push those boundaries, increase the limits, so that we experience true freedom and truly believe that we are

Free at last! Free at last!..

Are 'Plagiarism' and 'Influences' synonymous?

2010-03-23T14:21:00.000+05:30

As I was seeing the movie “Rock on” I couldn’t help but notice its similarities to “Dil Chahta Hai” (Farhan Akhtar's involvement in both certainly din't help!); note the similarities in this Coke advertisement; alternatively, look around and you will observe many influences in different creative’s and different marketing campaigns. So are advertising and media companies just looking to snatch the idea or are they really being creative (read: innovative)?

Every area has its shades of grey and creativity lurks in some parts of the shades itself. Innovation can be both a radical idea or else an application of an old concept well weaved to suit the modern product/service. But some call the latter plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a concept that has grown rapidly over time especially with the characteristic World Wide Web boasting about information-sharing, interoperability, and collaboration. Jargons like CCP (cut-copy-paste), copyright issues are only common. This is true not only for a published copy or a public marketing strategy but also extends to personal blogs and the next due assignment! These days pictures, content, names, movies can all be given copyrights where the owners can sue the defendant but will fake labels, smart alterations, and freakish similarities be charged under the radar?

When we are exposed to infinite media, concepts, ideas it is probable that we seek to be influenced; one cannot also rule out chances of creatives overlapping in two parts of the world when we are breathing the same air and living in the same century. With technologies and easy information access, probabilities are that these issues will only grow with time. A big influence in this regard can be our education system where one is compelled to think new rather than influenced, ideas are rewarded rather than just presentations, and radical concepts gives you more brownie points rather than extensions.

According to Wikipedia, “Marketing is used to identify the customer, keep the customer and satisfy the customer.” With a million products and services being produced and marketing since times memorial isn’t it a little unreasonable to expect a “Zoo-Zoo” or “Hutch Pug” campaign everytime? Maybe. But, then again is it possible? Maybe. The area is still grey… But the important question that remains is if the chord has successfully produced the desired sound.

"March"ing to Goa

2010-03-23T13:01:00.000+05:30

I have heard a lot of people raving about Goa, knowing not what the fuss is all about.. but sure thing, I believe the state deserves it! My recent 5-day trip to Goa was over in 5 minutes.. With the constant activity, overflowing diversity, disproportional choices it is difficult not to get lost in that world. It is truly distinct from the other states where one can genuinely party for all day (and all night) long..!

A quick advice on the places one might like to peek into - For beaches, Zuri (white sand beach), Benaulim and Baga were great. Baga, although crowded, is a must for economical adventurists! I would have imagined Goa beaches to be crowded, commercialised and dirty but to my surprise it was clean, less populated and fun.. For shopping, the Anjuna flea markets on Wednesdays, the stores lined near Baga are pleasent to the eye and a steal for the wallets.. For eat-outs, Tito's for Pizzas, Brittos for Desserts and Martin's Corner is a must for all the greedy palettes. Additionally, the ambience and the crowd is a bliss at Zanzibar, Cafe Looda and Cape Town Cafe!! You can end the day with a dinner at the Riverside restaurant of Leela's .. its ambience will sooth you like never before..

The feeling when that first wave sends you tumbling in the sea.. The solitude when you see dim lights across the land scape.. The constant cool sand your feet always touch.. The everlasting romance in the air is surely worth a few visits..

I am not the biggest fan of The Sun, Sand, and Beach.. I am having second thoughts..

Pepsi, Coke and .. The Green Revolution

2010-03-12T11:52:00.002+05:30

Today, in the 21^st Century, it isn’t enough to be a market leader in one aspect, infact it only states the beginning. To remain and sustain as the market leader one needs to diversify, innovate and market in a way that it produces the right appeal. To measure organizational success in more tangible terms John Elkington, contingent to the need of the hour, coined a phrase called Triple Bottom Line (TBL). The Triple Bottom Line seeks to measure sustenance of an organization in three aspects – Economic, Social and Ecological. With industries like automobile, real estate, furnishings already picking up the concept it was time for the beverage companies to take the plunge. So it did.

Coca Cola and Pepsi have been in cut-throat competition since the last two years to gain some ecological brownie points to cash in on the mass appeal.

Coca Cola made its first real impact when it made an eco-friendly shift to wind power that lit up 30 billboards across important intersections, including Times Square. To Coca-Cola’s delight certain neighboring billboards also joined the movement so that their Social Sustenance rose! The Vancouver Olympics 2010 sees Coca Cola turning green with the brand using bottles, furniture, and other products all with recycled materials and reusable energy. Additionally, Coca-Cola also intends to spend $3 million to perform ‘green’ upgrades to its headquarters in Atlanta so that energy is saved by 23%, and water consumption by 15%.

Similarly, Pepsi is also aggressively seeking to gain environmental dominance with PepsiCo’s intention to purchase 1 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy credits gradually. (Each credit acts as a subsidy that helps produce one megawatt hour of renewable electricity!). Pepsi also introduced “green” machines that use carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 282,000 metric tons/year, equivalent to removing 52,000 on –road cars in a year! The Pepsi Refresh Project, in addition, is riding high with its community and online impact.

While Corporates seek to know if they are ‘green’er than the other, ‘Green’ation is a fast moving trend that promises good potential for Sustainable Development. With the private companies encroaching every industry, TBL looks to shift focus solely from Economic Sustenance. Further to valid concerns on Saving the Planet, Global Warming, Saving Energy, the Sustainability Report does well to put the onus on companies that impact our lives and environment in such a big way.

Sounds refreshing?

(You can also read this article at: http://marketingtransformationforum.com/marketing-trends/coke-pepsi-going-green-with-billboards-and-dispensers)

Progress at a snail's pace or not even that?!

2010-03-10T13:03:00.000+05:30

As a society we love brushing uncomfortable matters under the carpet - even if it means that we blind ourselves as an ostrich does by peering its long neck into a black hole so that it remains oblivious to its surroundings. But, unfortunately, the environment continues to still function in the exact same way!

Irfan Kamal has undoubtedly made an impact in his first movie. Led by Shams Patel, who was awarded the national award, and the Goa Film Festival acclaiming it as the best movie, Thanks Maa is a heart-felt movie that creates a small ripple. This movie is shot through the eyes of street children, their diversities, their challenges but ironically it extends to the entire nation.

Here are some stark statistics:

In 2005, India had the highest number of street children of roughly 11 million
Every third malnourished child lives in India
In 2005, there were 933 cases of child abandonment and this percentage has been steadily growing at 30% every year since 2000
69% of Indian children ( read 2 out of 3) are victims of physical, social or emotional abuse
More than 70% of child abuse cases go unreported/unshared with parents/family
89% of crime is perpetrated by family members

"Thanks Maa" highlights issues related to poverty, malnourishment, child abuse, pedophilia, and sexual harassment by family apart from child abandonment. While seeing the movie, I was reminded of Pinki Virani's "Bitter Chocolate," a book which I left unfinished. The movie is not a gripper, and it loses its way during certain parts., although the direction and acting deserve an applaud. But more importantly it bravely points out social issues that need immediate attention. It encourages one to fight for justice, for what is right and to voice one's concern. There is a certain undercurrent where everyone knows the truth, but when will we be ready to talk about it, let alone face or fight it?

Here's the anti-climax. I went to see the movie in one of the prime malls at Ahmedabad on a Saturday evening. For company, I had 5 others housed in the huge multiplex theatre sitting miles apart from each other!

In 2010, we still choose to be ignorant.. the fight has not even begun although the epidemic is evident.. but wait its still under the carpet.. lets wait some more..!

Hockey - National sport?

2010-03-02T17:56:00.000+05:30

Yesterday while I was watching parts of "Chak De India" (yet again), the pace and the background score excited me regarding the on-going hockey matches. But as the movie came to an end it struck me that in reality I have not seen even a single hockey match! Hockey is supposed to be our national game but it really seems that the newer generations are going to rewrite that. The Hockey World Cup 2010 is unfolding live from India and still the excitement is not even a 100th as compared to a routine IPL cricket match. But somewhere it is sad that the hockey players who sweat as much to bring our country names to the top of the worldwide charts are not even recognised let alone admired (or worshipped!).

"Chak de India" was a fantastic movie that brought emotions of patriotism, passion and perseverance; it also desperately clinched on to the remaining recognition that the sport receives in India. But alas! we Indians are known for our short-term memory. We rise together as quickly as we begin to fall and forget. Do you remember Abhinav Bindra and Vijender Kumar? Do you think you will even bat an eyelid when you hear their name after 2 years.. I fear not! There is a thread of similarity when it comes to more serious issues like security. Example: There is a bombing and there are further bomb scares which follow for a week and on the 8th day you can plant that second bomb assured that people have forgotten. We are so easily smugged by our daily lives that we continue cribbing and forgetting knowing well enough the hypocrisy behind the remarks.

Well, although I may not see myself as an ardent follower of Hockey but let me atleast make sure that the sports news I read keeps me updated about its ongoings. A start is a start.. and what better time to catch up than the World Cup. India has got off to a flyer with a 4-1 win against Pakistan this sunday.. so cheer them on.. they can use a little more support..

Advertising for a reason..

2010-02-26T17:27:00.000+05:30

Imagine that you were given the task to market yourself to a 50-member audience and you have 20 minutes. Possible? I am guessing most of us would consider it as possible. Making it more challenging, lets say the audience grows to 200 and the time allotted is 10 minutes. Well, some of us will still like to take up the challenge. Now consider that you have 5 minutes and your audience size has grown to 5000. Before you start to believe that this is just some stupid hypothetical situation that you will never encounter, take a breath and imagine the plight of advertising agencies. They have 15 seconds to convince millions that they are the best; they have 15 seconds to inform, attract and arouse your curiosity so that when you hit the local market, the malls, the streets, that one ad campaign will reside in your short-term memory and their product will land in your shopping carts, your living rooms and your long-term memories. Further, print and outdoor advertisers are awarded 1 second of your precious time, perhaps lesser!

Rightly pointed out by a friend, India has recently picked up aggressively on Public Service Advertisements. Banks, broking firms, insurance companies, automobile, tourism and several other industries scream out loud hoping you can hear or feel a meek. These ads challenge your current comfort zone, push you to be self-motivated, and challenge you to step out of the norm. Their tasks almost seems appalling yet in their own unique way they hope that, that 1 second will unanimously help to better the world. Their ads are usually shocking, they shoot straight through the layers of logical mind-processing, and hit you right where it is supposed to - Ideally! But behind this lies immense hardwork, passion and intellect - remember they are there to persuade billions of people in only 1 second. Here is a showcase of some brilliant work:

And, here's my personal favourite:

These Ads are taken from: www.adsoftheworld.com
(Please click the pictures to enlarge)

They are making a difference. Are you even trying to?

Recruiter? Generalist? Trainer? Or...

2010-02-24T16:15:00.000+05:30

When we look around ourselves all we see our question marks, choices, crossroads. When we choose a profession there are so many sub-options that you either discover them during your career path or are too engrossed in the forced specialisation that you have chosen. Example: You want to be in the medical profession but you can be a surgeon, neurologist, dentist, pediatrician, dermatologist and the list is endless. In HR also the dilemma remains the same.

If you are at the beginning of your HR career or are not at the right place maybe these tests will help you learn a little more and gauge a fair aptitude in various HR aspects:

http://hrguru.monster.com/careers/articles/485-quiz-series-whats-your-specialization

I was also surprised to know that Monster has a dedicated HR Forum: hrguru.monster.com. I would recommend the forum for some good HR articles which are crisp and add value. Exploring the forum kept me glued to the site for some more time and it made me ponder about the importance of catching up, the need to race ahead and the need to make constant changes. I also seemed to have a sudden new-found respect for Monster and its ability to highlight itself in the crowd. Definitely worth a mention and, in your case, worth a glance!

Career Quiz: What is your Holland Trait?

2010-02-24T12:12:00.000+05:30

It is far easier to judge another than one's own self; similarly it is far easier to advice another rather than hit a bullseye on what you really want or what you really can do. How many times have you found yourself taking a personality test, an entertainment quiz or an interest test. We can never really convince ourselves that we know all about ourselves. So just to give the tiniest peak into what might just be your career type, here is a quiz based on Holland Codes. The six typologies he identified are, according to him, expressions of personality and are preferred by people in descending order. The codes are:

Realistic - prefer dealing with things.
Investigative - prefer dealing with things and ideas.
Artistic - prefer dealing with ideas and people.
Social - prefer dealing with people.
Enterprising - prefer dealing with data and people.
Conventional - prefer dealing with data and things.

So take this quiz to learn more about your career type: http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/careers/

Hope the quiz strengthened your conviction or atleast you had fun :).. Would like to receive some feedback on its effectiveness..

HR Round: Prepared?

2010-02-19T16:09:00.000+05:30

"HR Round" is a step that is considered a cakewalk to most and you know that one will be rejected only if s/he has deliberately rigged the process. The HR interview is usually the last round in a company where it is considered a formality and a forum for final negotiations of salary and notice period. Added to this the questions are rehearsed as much as the answers because it is predictable. It is almost as of all HR's of companies have a question bank of 25 questions which they ask in random order and if you are prepared you obviously have all the answers.

Considering that whatever the role of a person, s/he is also, in this decade, expected to understand the business, its process and then his/her strategic role within the unit, it is important that HR's step up their interviewing process also. Questions like "Tell me about yourself", "Your strengths and weaknesses", "Why the company should hire you" give you a fair understanding of a person's communication skills, confidence levels, willingness to adapt but apart from that it ignores aspects like critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to think on one's feet. How many open-book tests do you remember giving in school and college?

Hypothesis-based questions, Case study method, Deep-rooted work and role related questions and similar methods should be an essential part of a HR interview if a recruiter is really keen to make the right selection. It also helps an interviewer understand the business and the role better thereby forcing him to identify the key competencies and narrowing down the specs for shortlisting candidates.Competency based HR is thus a developing and effective method where competencies are research-driven, pre-defined and also bring objectivity to the process. This method also brings equitable skills in a team so that in the long run the teamwork, productivity levels and effectiveness is significantly heightened.

Would you not like to be a part of an organisation that entices you think, challenges your creativity and offers you an interesting interviewing process? If the surface is able to evoke an intriguing response successive digging is sure to offer you much more!

It's another Manic Monday..

2010-02-15T18:07:00.001+05:30

Heard of the "Bad Hair Day?" Well in much the same way I am having a "Bad Tech Day." I have been frazzled since morning. The internet connectivity seems to be as unstable as the heart-line of an accident patient. After frequent fiddling with the switches, routers, and my laptop panels I have whiled away a good portion of my time at an unsuccessful attempt to race its speed. Adding to the frustration is my cellular phone who chooses to ignore all incoming network signals so that it declares me unreachable to those who are dying to hear my soothing voice!

There are two things which according to me makes our lives so much simpler without us knowing it. One, electricity and two, technology. My plight today took me back to my days in Bangalore where I endured hours of power cuts. No television screaming loud, the mobile and laptop batteries having drained out and the heat (no fan) surely did not help the situation. Its true that when you are deprived of certain essentials you start valuing it more. But the point is, I already value these two essentials immensely.

This post is extracted from my diary which reads "Non-technological Idiosyncracies." And yeah, I am having a Bad Hair Day as well!

Does HR play a role in Employer Branding?

2010-02-09T18:27:00.000+05:30

Employer Branding is an important aspect for any organisation, big or small. Larger organisations thrive on a full-fledged Marketing division that throws out a series of advertising campaigns via various mediums, handles SEOs, investigates out-of-the-box methods and the list goes on. For any activity to be a complete success it is important that the whole team acts as a proof to the word that is being spread around. For example, the dog in the Hutch Ad created a mark but it needs to be supported by a telecom network that is actually widespread, the Naukri Ad with a Hari Sadu was funny but it has to be supported by a good database of companies having requirements.

My recent conversation with my friend Smriti triggered the same thought. She explained that as a company they were more interested in consultants who valued HR aspects along with Technical aspects. For example, as a client, she expected them to be asking questions like: Is there a regular history of candidates who are kept waiting when called for interviews or What is the TAT for response on resumes or What are the induction/orientation procedures for new hires. Now this is noteworthy. I, for one, am in this profession more due to the intangibles associated with it.

One must understand that being part of an organisation means fulfilling the Job Description assigned along with the Company Values. Employer Branding is a part of the same. So as a HR what might be your role? HR interacts with many internal stakeholders that are the face of the company. When the department supports internal employees efficiently with issues like grievance handling, payroll processing, training and employee engagement activities it is a strategic long-term intangible measure of Employer Branding. Your internal stakeholders play a BIG role in word-of-mouth advertising, retention rates and productivity rates. Secondly, the HR department also significantly leaves an impression in the minds of potential employees. When potential candidates have a good experience during the interviewing process there is a good chance that they will re-apply in the future or will be more motivated to be a part of the organisation but a bad experience may result in a personal blacklisting of companies.

Unfortunately, today due to the mad rush and technological advancement these are just written statements. Do you think that we are forgetting what our actual goals are? Why are we letting go of the HR values? Why have we stopped making that difference..?

Mysore aka Maisuru

2010-02-09T16:45:00.001+05:30

I was surprised to see "Maisuru" being reflected on the Live Traffic Feed from my Blog. It did not take me long to figure out that this is equivalent to Mysore (thanks to the State and country mentioned too!) But I was puzzled. I wasn't aware that yet another city has been added to the bandwagon.

I have never really understood the significance associated with changing the city's names. Reasons like "It was english," "It sounds more patriotic or Indianised" fail to make sense to me. A city is known for its people, culture, attitude, tradition and values. A change in the name of the city does not change an ounce of these ingredients that the city is built up of. When I was in Bangalore it started to be called "Bengaluru" but nothing else changed. We were leaving the same lives, the air reverberated the same vibes, the political regime continued to be divided and chaotic, people still seemed to be stuck in traffic signals and we still had college to attend!

The outward changes will never change what we feel or believe within. Thus rather than busying ourselves making meaningless changes it is better to make small meaningful changes that would really make a difference to our lives.. hopefully towards the better.

Job vs Relationship

2010-02-06T13:54:00.000+05:30

There is a lot of humdrum about keeping your personal and professional lives separate. People try hard to bring objectivity in order to minimize influence from one phase to another. However overlaps are inevitable. Similarities are unavoidable. My expertise at "Hocus Focus" in The Telegraph makes me more observant of such similarities and differences. People around me primarily seem to be juggling these 2 decisions, so here goes..

Quitting a job is similar to Quitting a relationship.

You keep postponing the act until you reach the final brink
You think of a million reasons to explain, knowing well that practice will not make you perfect
You are never sure if the decision is right unless you taste the future
Emotional atyaachar is underway
Only if you are extremely lucky will the notice period be waived off
Your next involvement is a sure-shot way to avoid looking back

And most importantly..

There is NO "right" time to break the news. You have to undergo the awkward phase anyway
There is NO agreed or success formula to reduce the shock or pain

So be brave and chant your mantras so that the obstacles can be crossed and you come out a winner :)

The choice is yours.. Which one will it be??!!

A rough day..

2010-02-03T22:57:00.001+05:30

I rushed. As I panted, I ran like the wind past the dark and narrow streets. I saw several familiar and unfamiliar faces that reflected ignorance and aloofness. I looked behind. Those hulks were still chasing me while my tiny leaps were competing the Great Feet. They were inching closer with great speed. Years of experience had taught me how to control such situations. Escape. Exactly what I did. I woke up startled. This is what I like about dreams/nightmares - you can stop them when you want to. When you see something dreaded you just force your eyes open and there you are back to reality.

I got up groggily with beads of sweat and a sigh of relief at my successful attempt to avoid such circumstances. I was wondering about the turn of events if I were a few seconds late. With my skill at multitasking (both physically and mentally), as I got dressed, I pondered how it was already Thursday. I would imagine it to be only the third day but here I was, plopped on a Thursday. Heavily distracted, I tried to disjoint activities of the week but the missing 24 hours confused me. However, I trudged along a little disappointed at the immense loss.

I ran through the day's events like checking my mails, catching up on some news and articles, online networking (chatting sounds lame), blogging, fooling around with my colleagues - all interspersed with work! I could still not push the thought of the lost day. How could I have missed it? My days' events are not so nerve-wrecking and tightly scheduled that it would make a real difference. But somehow it did. I wasn't on a lonely island like Tom Hanks, nor was I part of a sci-fi movie that took me to parallel dimensions of space and time. Yet, I still sat here, one day away from the boring weekend.

As I was wrapping up there was some last-minute interviews that required scheduling. As a matter of habit, thanks to my absent-mindedness, I always use the "Calendar" tool extensively knowing well that the probability of a miscalculated date or day is not so unusual. The icon popped open and in a casual and disheartening glance I looked up to see that 4th of February was a Thursday. Sigh!

Wait.. Nooooo!!! There was suddenly a "Joey" moment where the world glances patiently for him to comprehend. AWednesday! Today was a Wednesday.. The thrill in my mind darted like the speed of the light. I was still on Wednesday! I was right! I did not lose a day. Instead by the end of the day I found another one! I only had the "Calendar" to thank.. and as always it saved my day.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction. Any resemblance to a person living or dead may remind you of me. But, its not me! Really! Although, I like the look on your face..

Silence speaks Volumes..

2010-02-03T14:04:00.000+05:30

Non-Verbal Communication as we all know contributes to more than 50% of getting the message across. We see a person walking towards us and in those few moments we notice his walking style, dressing, posture. During our meeting, we observe his facial expressions, speech, and eye contact. If we are to sync the verbal and non-verbal communication, our mind would be bombarded with a million cues that would be difficult to comprehend. The growing hoopla related to Impression management, Professional behaviour, Interviewing skills ensure that such knowledge be mandatory for success.

The emphasis on Non-Verbal behaviour in the last couple of decades have exposed many to umpteen readings, sessions, seminars that teach non-verbal communication. Thus, if the process is not natural anymore then the word Deception glows in the neon sign ahead! It is going to be a while before biometric systems like Lie-Detection tests, Iris recognition, Polygraphy, Brain observations will start being used extensively and commonly. But before that with the tools in hand what are some ways in which we can differentiate between the genuine and fake, natural and unnatural. (Warning: Beware of differences pertaining to culture and society.)

For starters, one must consciously be aware of non-verbal cues. Observation may not come naturally to all but we must inject this in our behaviour pattern. Secondly, there is a set of non-verbal behaviour like posture, dressing, eye contact about which awareness is well spread. Thus, it would not be wise to make these the key influencers of non-verbal communication. Apart from these, behaviour related to Hands and Legs are lesser tapped and people are still not very conscious in moderating related behaviour patterns. For example, space between fingers, fingertips' steepling, handshake, touch are important indicators of confidence levels, anxiety, dominance when it comes to Hand gestures. So, Third, pick an area of study that is not well explored.

The Synchrony of the Human Body gives us enough choices to choose our area of specialization so that we can gain mastery in understanding related non-verbal behaviour. It may even lead to new career paths as perhaps a "Fingerologist" or a "Toeologist!" Subtle techniques like Handwriting analysis may be more intriguing to oneself and those around you! (Being a palmist or pretending to be one also holds similar advantages)

And Hell, they make a damn good read!

Spreading Happiness..

2010-01-30T14:50:00.000+05:30

Goldman Dilemma. Bob Goldman conducted regular surveys on elite athletes asking them if they would be willing to take drugs that guarantee a gold medal even if their death was inevitable after 5 yrs. Every survey produced results where atleast 50% of the population answered in the affirmative. Similarly if most of us had the chance to live a "happy" life for 40 years or a 100 year old life I would say quite a few would choose the former option.

Denmark and Switzerland have highest overall satisfaction with life.

Subjective Well-Being is correlated to most strongly with Health, Wealth and access to Basic Education. From a global perspective, the biggest causes of SWB are poverty and associated variables.

People talk about success, fulfillment, self-esteem, peace etc. but these all translate to one word - Happiness. We chase different goals, we choose different paths, cross different milestones but the destination is one. We seek our own methods to taste transient moments of happiness knowing subconsciously that it may not last forever. We seek creative ways to capture the happy feeling hoping that this time the experience is longer.

Another surprising fact that I learnt was that we actually celebrate an official "Happiness Day" on August 8 annually. Explanation: Happiness Day is an opportunity to reflect and refuel and remember that the little and big things that we do all year long to try to make the world a better place are helping to make others happy. The more happiness there is in the world, the better the world will be. I would say this is Altruism at its best.

This makes me smile.. but it makes me feel sad that people don't realise that bestsellers, announced dates, "proven" theories are not the answer. The answer is YOU. A small step in soul-searching may lead you to some significant answers.. these answers may just be cues to some winding paths.. these may lead you on to some mystical landscapes.. and the search will continue as in Lord of the Rings (It was intriguing, admit it!) ..

P.S. Once you reach there, let me know. No, I don't want the pointers - just the honour of retelling your story aloud!

My Answer: 40 years of a happy life, infact 39 will do too!

An "Apple" today..

2010-01-28T17:20:00.000+05:30

The iPad reaffirms the fact that small is the way to go. A tablet device that enables one towards Worldwide connectivity, Multimedia ubiquity and a small step in advanced Technology. But ofcourse, surrounded is a lot of noise about its demerits such as no Camera, no Flash support and no Cost consideration.

Now I like what Apple is doing. Their two big products - MacBook and iPhone brought in a flood of customer loyalty, appreciation and die-hard fans. The MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and now the iPad are just plugging the in-between gaps. They are just appealing to those who are convinced about the Apple products but are still not their customers; luring them with what might possibly be an inch closer to their decision making.

The marketers of Apple have done an excellent job to create a Brand Appeal. The iPad is cool, classy, and stylish. A utility which is portable and among the latest. It may not appeal to most for an upgradation from their previous instruments but it sure will appeal to the untapped mass segment.

You want cheap, user-friendly and all the assortments under the same palms.. By the sound of it, Apple did not ever promise them!

The Butterfly Effect

2010-01-25T16:02:00.000+05:30

When often reminiscing, I stop to think of some turning points in my life. I wonder that if those red dots in my lifeline represented different decisions, how would the pattern of my life be today. Often decisions that we take in life lead to subsequent actions which determine the graph of our life - rightly called The Butterfly Effect.

The Butterfly Effect is a metaphor that encapsulates the concept of sensitive dependence on initial dependence in chaos theory; the small differences in the initial condition of a dynamical system may produce large variations in the long term behaviour.

Not so much a believer in fate, I believe that it is our own actions that lead us to where we are and the key reasons being those very strategic decisions that we choose, determine our path from thereon. Important decisions thus should have a logical and thoughtful base as that moment might just be like a flutter of the butterfly's wings that would affect the following moments that may change the course of one's life. Example: You marry the wrong guy, you continue to lead an average life that may detoriate over a period of time, you complain about sacrificing your dreams and have unfulfilled wishes, you become cynical and frown at the world, you look back to wonder what led you to be a victim and then when you manage to get some courage it is too late or you have commitments that you cannot ignore. And thus the pattern of life continues.. right?

Well.. You can make this a wrong. Maybe once we start realising that there is a fault in the system its time to start overwriting that strategic decision. Its important to amend the mistakes and explore ways to override the subsequent effects. That one decision can again help in the Butterfly Effect that may see the graph soaring high again so that the blue skies and green grass reappears.

Try taking a grip of your life.. its yours after all..!

Treading the unbeaten path..

2010-01-23T14:57:00.000+05:30

NDTV has been given bravery awards to children. Three handpicked children represented the population and I sat there glued. There was a 6 year old who read out notes of his bravery about how he saved a drowning child, a 12 year old who explained how he saved 50-60 people in a near stampede and lost his sister in the ordeal and the third was a 10 year old girl who put her foot down against child marriage and convinced 35 other families regarding the same! Impressive! The underlying commonality here seems to be "selflessness." It struck me that the world has not gotten to them yet, they all still seemed to be having their own mind rather than functioning on societal norms that bow you down to said ways.

We are classically conditioned to behave, act and think in certain ways and the impression is so deep that outside those boundaries we are too scared to tread, forgetting that if we fail we still have our conditioned behavior as cushions. Unless you tell a 5 year old that a snake is dangerous, will s/he be scared? We cannot be making all the mistakes ourselves, but shouldn't we be making some mistakes atleast? As for the rest of us who are smitten by external influences, we can use a little conscious effort to break the shackles or atleast crack them..

Bill Watterson has always been an inspiration.. Have a look..

Instrumental Conditioning always seemed a better theory to me .. but then again who is ready to bear that electric shock!

Alumni - The passive resource!

2010-01-08T13:17:00.000+05:30

Social Networking sites have enabled a strange phenomena. It has helped you keep in touch with those away from you, near you: your family, best friends, friends, and not-so-close friends too! I have experienced that after graduating from school and college I seem to be more in touch with those whom I hardly spoke to during my entire tenure in school/college. I finally discovered commonalities after I stopped sharing the same campus, the same food-court, the same class and perhaps the same bench! So after a while factors like diverse needs and interests, differences start to fade away and what remains is the common memories, the laughter, the togetherness.

In much the same way, colleges should recognize this loyalty for the roots (in this case the alma mater) and choose to associate themselves with the alumni once they have graduated. They must seek to collaborate them, keep them informed, demand their services and add value to the existing system. When we are part of an institution we have an innate tendency to handpick the demerits but once out of those "captive" gates its only the merits you advertise. Why? You don't have any assignments to hand over, no classes to attend nor any detention to sit through - all you are left with are the pranks you played, the friends you cherished, the classes you bunked and your evolved personality, thanks to the institution.

Alumni is one of the best ways for advertising, one of the best bets for campus hiring, one of the best judges for various fests and initiatives and one of the best connects to the existing students. A little effort for a yearly reunion, a quarterly e-mail regarding the campus activities, a call to be involved can go a long way. With the current Web 2.0 technologies, colleges have an extra mileage to ensure a simpler, hassle-free and effective process.

An evolved food chain, its the way of life!

New Year Wishes..

2009-12-31T14:17:00.000+05:30

On this New Year Eve I solemnly promise:

To party harder (and work hard too)! .. To grow closer to being a party animal, a nomad, a spendthrift. To experience the small and biggies in life and live the "Larger than Life" Image..

To listen to my heart more often than my head. I think I should be making more mistakes in my life than I already am..

To become more stubborn, put my foot down, throw tantrums so that I fulfill my desires by hook or by crook.. I am not so convinced about after births so I just have 1 life for now..

To crack horrible PJ's and disgust those around me so that I become the "you-can-love-or-hate-me-but-cannot-ignore-me" types..

To learn absolutely new skills so that I am the Jack-of-all-Trades for knowledge, experience, envy and fun! Ok.. Its more about envy and fun.. and am already a master in one - MBA degree remember? (Please refer to the above clause and if you din't get it call me!)..

.. and lastly To leave Gujarat ASAP ...

Amen!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hoping that, along with mine, all your wishes come true!

Continue being reckless.. Your right.. It's fun! :D

Company Website - A useful recruiting tool?

2009-12-28T17:35:00.000+05:30

The print, broadcast and the web media are splashing news about how Recruiters must seek to utilise social networking sites for effective and efficient selection. Considered as a quicker, better and more result-oriented approach, advice columns talk about strategies to draw the right talent towards the right requirements. The benefits of Social Networking sites are established. But if we are moving toward new technologies, new methods why do we forget the older and simpler ones? Why do we forget that it is not feasible for all job seekers to be glued to their screens until the next job requirements pop up?

Solution: Company Website. A company website is accessible, well publicized and established. It is the most logical approach from a potential employee's point of view. You hear that XYZ is hiring, so you quickly find the company website, enter the careers section, register yourself and upload your resume. Lets see this in a slow motion process - I hear that XYZ is hiring. I Google XYZ and find its website. I struggle to find the company's country specific website. I enter careers but there are multiple tabs. I browse through each one sifting through the unnecessary data and finally find where I can register. The long form results in a quick beat of fear but I continue being motivated. (After all, the company is good and a little pain can lead to a lot of gain). Ok.. So here goes.. Name.. Address.. Phone.. Skills.. Achievements.. Work experience.. Eye Colour.. Legs.. Hands.. Phew.. Exhausted but finally done! Save.. Oops an error.. what is it? Oh ok.. I missed something in between which I rectify and hit "Save" .. An error again! Be patient.. its ok.. Rectify.. Save! And suddenly it says that there is some error in the page. You frantically hit the "Back" button. No difference! "Forward" No! Can you imagine the frustration of filling up just 1 company's form for the last 20 minutes and still not being registered. Is there a draft? No. Is there a way to retrieve the uselessly filled form? No. The blank page is almost a smirk for the job seekers with "Oh! So you thought it were that easy.."

I truly believe that if company's established simple instructions where potential candidates are required to save the resume with a certain Name format, customised Subject Line and an uploaded Resume the process would be useful for all. Result: The recruiters have a sorted database and they have another organised source to increase their recruitment pool whereas the candidates do not give up half-way or frustrated so that they never return to the company website again! Another advantage is that when the HR of the company tells you that in case of any future openings they will get back to you they actually have the database to get back to you.

Additional perks with shaken basics translates into a downfall while the opposite atleast conveys promise. When we cater to a wide global audience we must remember to keep it simple. Read User-Friendly; Read Approachable. .. and then Experience Success!

WorldSpace Spaced Out..

2009-12-26T13:00:00.002+05:30

The New Year will not be ushered by music - atleast to the subscribers of WorldSpace. It somehow did not come as a surprise, infact it was almost a reminder of Murphy's Law. But what is actually surprising is why the more-than-a-decade long service carries a mere base of 4.5 lakh subscribers. Why was this number not a whopping figure? Why did the company file bankruptcy in October 2008?

If I were to disjoint the pieces I'd think that WorldSpace was almost an innovative service that offered 36 different channels catering to various music tastes and genres of music. It broke barriers between generations and languages and bound them all into their umbrella.

Initially the cost was very high but then they rapidly started dwindling to appeal in a better and affordable way to the Mango Junta (Haven't you seen "3 idiots" yet??). But apart from the initial investment in the instruments, the users had to pay a yearly subscription as well. C'mon that's justified.

It seemed a perfect service for restaurant and cafe owners who cater to a diverse crowd all day long and can provide them music minus the advertisements, an intense annoyance when we are battered by advertisements in all forms every minute. You fit the ambience to the channel and voila the melody begins!

Advertising and promotions were consistent (I agree they almost lost control at times). A.R. Rahman was the ideal icon as the brand ambassador - his personality almost embodied the product and one could be convinced that perhaps he was the brain behind the excellent idea. The awareness, brand presence, offers were all happening in the world space of WorldSpace. But why the stumble.. and then the fall?

As a third party or a non subscriber of WorldSpace, my guesses are that they could have worked on their pricing. They could have offered different degrees of membership where people choose the channels and only pay for the customised platter similar to the Tata Sky concept of free and paid channels. Better costs and customisation appeal to most!

Again I feel that their market research and target audience were misjudged and faulty. Music is loved by everyone but who among the everyone would be an audience is the important question. Different offers for students, corporates, individuals could have been worked out or perhaps a target among these could have been initiated for a pilot project or been the prime focus.

The quick fall from the niche to the mass brand and then being thrown out of the league just does not make complete sense in this case. I know that the answer is still incomplete.. and I would have liked to get a response from the one who's experienced WorldSpace first-hand or is better versed at this subject. My curiosity remains as I have been asking this question to myself since long but the final straw in the headlines today compels me to seek more answers..

Are Meetings really important?

2009-12-22T14:15:00.008+05:30

I often hear many of my colleagues and friends complaining about meetings. Any organisation which indulges in regular meetings may have its employees backlashing merrily at the time and effort it consumes without any consequence. Come morning, the manager has a mouthful of words and commands followed by long drawn dreary pictures of low performances, ended up with a bleak motivation that is almost negligible. I am sure it sounds familiar.

I would not criticize the need for meetings but I believe that its frequency and agenda is something which can be rearranged. A meeting must begin with a certain objective in mind but if it meanders the destination is lost. Instead, I feel companies must indulge in other processes that help in triggering thinking, encourage participation and make the process more fun and lively.

Brainstorming is one such session which is a useful tool to produce some innovative as well as concrete results. It leads to different people indulging in different though processes, using distinct creativeness to converge towards one direction. It also compels the members to be accountable and take ownership of their job role rather than shifting the whole onus on the manager. Regular sessions might also mould employees to think more proactively and use novel methods to achieve their targets and if the sessions reap results, motivation is automatically achieved.

Eurostar makes Christmas memorable

2009-12-22T13:51:00.004+05:30

As people proceeded to indulge in their Christmas and New Year plan's the Eurostar's breakdown came as a rude bump. 75000 passengers are still said to be caught up in the "Eurostar Backlog" and the waiting queues seem to be only on an increase. Simultaneously, airlines and ferries are making merry when people are desperately trying to hit the Exit Emergency button and are in turn cashing out their hard-earned money so that they can spend time with their loved ones during this special occasion.

Airline prices to Paris have shot up more than 1,100 Pounds while the customer loyalty has shot down as many points under. Remember when Jet Pilots striked. People were part of a mayhem and chaos but the other airlines were laying golden eggs. From a humanistic point of view it is plain cruel but from a business point of view, do you view some business sense?

When I encounter such news and information I always feel that companies during these times throw it all away. All the hardwork through marketing, advertising; the efforts that are made to spread goodwill; the competitive advantage that they try to gain through customer service, is all washed out in one single gesture. But then again, have we personally ever vowed to NOT fly the airline again, to NOT visit the store again, to NOT do business with the company again? I figure not. As customers we forget after a passage of time unless the impact is deep-rooted. So the business sense, I guess, makes sense after all. And even if it doesn't a quick buck or two never hurt, did it?

Lack of tribute to the "real" cricket fans..

2009-12-21T19:08:00.000+05:30

History was created at Eden Gardens! The 146 year-old stadium still had something new to offer and to my surprise or rather shock, it involved the disappointment of the fanatic crowd that resides in Kolkata. For the first time here, NO tickets were sold. The fourth ODI between India and Sri Lanka saw a bleak crowd of 42000 people vis-a-vis the 95000 (and much more) capacity of the stadium. Two stands of Eden Gardens are undergoing a renovation so that the capacity be increased much in time for the World Cup. Digressing a little here is a little FYI about Eden Gardens which I bet hardly anyone knew, including me..

The then Governor General Lord Auckland had two beautiful sisters - Emily and Funny Eden. India being an alien country, Lord Auckland wanted his sisters to grow up in an atmosphere of unfettered joy in the lap of nature. With this in mind, he earmarked the present day Eden Gardens consisting of not only the Cricket stadium but also the indoor stadium, the All India Radio building and the Burmese pagoda for them to enjoy. It was a huge parkland and the Eden sisters nurtured this garden with utmost care and devotion. Alas! All good things have to come to an end and once Lord Auckland's tenure as Governor General came to an end, the Eden sisters with a tinge of sadness gracefully presented the magnificent Eden Gardens as befitting gift to the people of Kolkata.

The constant hooting, the perfectly synchronized "Mexican" Waves (believe me it's an art!), the curses, the smiles, the nervousness is all part of this ordeal. The action is as much off the pitch as on the pitch. A cricket fanatic, a novice, an uninterested all find joy under the wing of Eden Garden as its not about the cricket anymore.. its about the passion, the team spirit, the support, the nation. Cricket is a religion and the cricketers Gods.. don't believe it? The stadium will compel you to!

Anyway so who were the privileged 40, 000? The tickets were distributed to the members and the affiliated clubs. It paid to be hoighty-toighty (I agree that it mostly does anyway!). Tch.. Tch.. what a pity.. The air must have been different with hardly any fanatics, with the stands not on fire, with the crowd not beating each other up and the players for once relaxed that they would not be hit by plastic bottles, sharp articles and mental blows!

Hitting or missing the chord?

2009-12-18T12:51:00.004+05:30

Workplace. A place where you spend most of your conscious time, the place that demands the most concentrated attention, place where you build new relationships and new pathways to your life. Should we then not take some time to jump the gun? Should we not seek better opportunities if the workplace doesn't excite you? Every person has their own idea of contentment based on which they prioritize factors. Further to this we make decisions, make choices. So why are we bothered about what the society "claims" as good or people call as "achievement?" We know what is important for us, then why do we confuse our paths by idealizing other's ideas?

"Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset." Two absolutely fantastic movies. I was enchanted. Accolades to the director for being able to capture such nuances which are nothing short of intriguing. Moments, conversations, intangibles have always moved me - I would not need things to be flashed on my face or words stated clearly for me to understand the depth, emotions or circumstances. I just did. The fantastic part is that the two movies go on to show that life is really simple and it is we who make it complicated. It is we who choose to tread paths that are winding, twisting which lead to a series of miseries, trouble leaving that uncomfortable air that is bothersome.

Just like in the movie the wavelength among the couple matches so well; similarly in an organisation there will be a point when the wavelength will match, when you know that this is where you want to be now. When companies try and generalise the factors for retention, when they boast that they know what will work for their employees, sorry to say they will never hit a perfect success formulae. The reason is simple. People are varied and so are their priorities. So companies that align those priorities are the place to be. Why do some companies take so much effort in employee engagement and talent management programmes? Why do they provide such varied benefits? Are they naive or do they have too much to spend? Neither. They just understand that their workforce is unique and diverse, and that they need to hit that unique chord so that they stay..

The Dont's of "Resume Writing"..

2009-12-12T17:02:00.003+05:30

Further to being asked several times to scrutinize and correct resumes, I thought I'll publish a simple blog post with the basic factors in place. I am no expert or consultant in this area but my words are merely a reflection of few months of recruitment experience, and the added frustration, that I have had. I have seen resumes of varied positions, industries and management levels of different formats, lengths and colours. The new age online services has thankfully saved me from different shapes though! I don't know what the do's of a resume are, but I know the dont's. Here are a few:

a) Fonts - Normal (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, Verdana) fonts work while ensuring professionalism. Please remember this is NOT your wedding card.

b) Spacing - Use proper spacing and do NOT increase the eyesight number of your recruiter. While screening more than 50 resumes a day s/he may just ignore the scrawl; more so when he knows that you will not contribute to his medical bills.

c) Borders - Avoid borders in your resume as recruiters may sometimes mistake it for a closed and non-flexible personality. I know of such an incident personally, did not make sense, but who is the king here?

d) Length - For God Sake, do NOT exceed more than 2 pages. Aaarrgghh.. a maximum of 2 and a half if u must. I know you have 1.13 years of experience but haven't you heard the saying that "wiser men speak fewer words." Kindly comply!

e) Content - The recruiter does not want to know if you won a "hide-and-seek" competition when you were in class II. Please maintain relevant and precise content.

f) Experience - We do not want to know if you can operate a stapler or push the light-switch. Please don't be a kid! Also, we know you are working in the biggest MNC ever heard about and if we want to know more about their antics Google is a good tool. I need no history. If you must, mention the industry but stop right there.

Guys, keep it simple and precise. We are NOT fools to be given scripts of elaborate material to get the point. And if you think we are, then you should not be sending us your resumes! Make our lives easy so that we can help make yours easier... Good luck!

Past life regression

2009-12-12T11:22:00.002+05:30

Yesterday, I had a glimpse of "Raaz Pichle Janam Ka." Aired recently on Indian Television, this programme claims to have a trained therapist who transports participants, through hypnosis, to their past life in order to resolves certain issues and phobias in their present life. "What?" Hypnosis is the communication with one's subconscious and unconscious mind thereby helping us gain solutions to a lot of open questions and puzzles. The ability to align and evoke the deep-rooted thoughts may help complete the picture - Agreed.

What I did not understand was why the participant who was apparently "dreaming" about snakes needed to be "hypnotised" into her past life. Maybe the fear was due to a childhood experience, or an induced fear by media/family/friends etc. Moreover past life regression may be a phenomena achieved by some spiritual experience (although I have my reservations on this one too!) but the use of psychology to pull out data which is non-existent in one's mind seemed appalling. Assuming that our soul transports from one life to another (cycle of life-and-death), the mind and body are new post every birth. By that logic it seems strange that psychotherapy is a technique for past life regression.

Exposure to such phenomenas encourage one to believe that their life is not in their own hands. It leads one to believe that we are mere puppets in the hand of destiny and discourages one to take accountability of their weaknesses, mistakes and failures. These also help people justify having an external locus of control making them believe that external forces control us rather than our inner self and conviction. With the Indian tradition that currently projects a high degree of religion, superstition, traditions I would rather have the media convincing people that they are responsible for what they are rather than the forces of nature. The onus ought to be on the "self" and not the outside entity - The day we stop believing this, that day we have given up.

Will HR live up to the challenges in Public Sector Banks?

2009-12-08T19:41:00.002+05:30

News about Public Sector Banks (PSB's) has been floating extensively with the various challenges, improvements and reforms that are being pondered upon. The PSB's have long fought the battle with the private banks but are clearly losing out due to the emphasized discrepancies between the two. If a PSB employee who is exiting is asked the question "Was the separation avoidable?" He would hastily reply "No." The competitive banking sector along with shrewd offers and policies does not seem to uplift the cause either!

Gone are the days when Power & Status overruled Money & Luxury, where intangibles was held dearly rather than materialistic goods. Unfortunately the PSB's still thrive in the latter while the private sector banks wisely capture on the latter. So what are the challenges that are faced by HR department so that the PSB's atleast become part of the run if not the leader of the pack?

1) Manpower Planning & Strategy - With the hollow in the senior management cadre due to retirement, the danger of a missing management line-up is stark. The desperation to fill this gap is seeing PSB's poaching from other PSB's making the situation even more murky while the officials play merry. You can almost see the cat-fight which is tearing the insides of this sector.
With one on every eight PSB official set to retire over the next 3 years, the bank will soon be hard-pressed to fill vacancies in the senior management level.

2) Attrition - The attrition due to the above issue is already offset, when enter the private sector banks. They offer exorbitant salaries (in comparison), better infrastructure, better technology, better brands. Would you take up the offer? I would! The attrition rate currently is close to 15-20% and to check the same banks like Dena and Allahabad banks are introducing bonds to cover some investment made on training.

3) Employee Engagement - PSB's present a miserable picture with dim lighting, haunted offices, grey-haired and uptight staff, slow technology - in other words, a demotivating environment in contrast to the aggressive, fast-paced, dynamic environment of the private banks which leaves room only for survivors. The image needs to be revised and the employees need to have a reason to unmask "Boring!"

4) Compensation - Yes! The most important of all. The salaries are unmatched due to low capital and tight budget constraints; moreover private banks leverage on the training costs spent by PSB's! Also, the perks and flexible benefit plans are customized which makes sense. If offered a platter, I would rather pick my choice of delicacies as per my taste and appeal, after all am I not entitled to my individuality?

5) Performance and Productivity - PSB's transparently lean towards seniority and loyal employees with performance ranked as a second. This does not appeal to the Impatient (Reminds of the Airtel broadband ad) youth who are here to make a difference and grow at the shortest possible time and why not? If you think you have it in you, then you sure have it in you!
The salary packages of employees of PSBs could have a performance-linked variable component from the next financial year. "We are trying to take the unions along with us..variable pay of 25-30% of salary.. as part of the next hike."

6) Mergers: If this weren't enough Mergers is another agenda on the cards whose perfect transition, operations, streamlining need to be carefully detailed so that the consolidated structure can leverage on each other's competencies rather than lead to a fall-out.
Government officials said the move would enable these banks to expand their business, which would otherwise be hampered by constraints on raising capital.

I think again - and the question in my mind is - Is there a job opening somewhere? Alas, man is a pawn born to deal with petty issues, atleast at this stage of life!

Iceberg Model

2009-12-07T17:16:00.018+05:30

My recent visit to CEPT University, saw me in a campus that reminded me of IIM Bangalore. The long entrance, the open grounds, the pillared hallways, the Nescafe shop .. and as I entered further, stood the various blocks which housed different departments. The not-so-tall buildings did not read magnanimity, depth and wonder unlike the extraordinary work being carried out inside them. Further there was a small field used for cultural and sports activities with average or no infrastructure but if looked beyond then it sported an open culture while let creativity, independence and thoughts flow easily.

The physical environment of the campus was like the "Tip of the Iceberg." It took me back to the popular Iceberg model which extensively applies to various fields like Marketing, Training, Psychology, Culture where the underlying concept states that what is visible is actually a very small part of truth but the actual truth is submerged and is either difficult to observe or is hidden. But it is the invisible portion that triggers the actions and behaviours.

Like the different levels of an iceberg, deep beneath the patterns are the underlying structures or root causes that create or drive those patterns. At the very base of the iceberg are the assumptions and worldviews that have created or sustained the structures that are in place. The important thing is that in solving problems the greatest leverage is in changing the structure - applying deep ocean currents to move the iceberg, which will change the events at its tip.

In other words, we must have the ability to look beyond the obvious, analyse past the tangible, understand more than normal, believe more than told. We must be able to have a 360 degree view of our surroundings so that our opinions are based on facts, information and has lesser elements of biases.

Un-hogging the Limelight!

2009-12-02T19:04:00.003+05:30

Enter India - Enter Sports - Enter Cricket - Soon you will be hit by a world of information, involving different countries, different series, ongoing matches, mind boggling statistics and the humiliation faced by the BCCI once again! The BCCI which is the richest cricket board in the world has been hit hard, and probably where it hurts the most. Undoubtedly a massive viewership and an ardent (read obsessed) follower list has also not enticed corporates to come forward and Sponsor the Indian cricket team. In comparison to the 400 crore deal signed by Sahara in 2006 as a four year contract, the BCCI now expected companies to pay around 162 crores annually!

According to sources in the board, the interested parties were supposed to deposit a security amount of Rs 50 crore by November 22, two days before the actual date of submitting the bid. BCCI is seeking Rs 3 crore for each Test, ODI and T20 match. From 170 international matches India are expected to play in the coming four years, BCCI was hoping to raise at least Rs 510 crore from the deal.

Sounds ridiculous? Funnily, it takes me back to the enormous salaries that MBA's used to lug home when the industry spelt "Boom".. and then the recession came in with such a Bang that the sufferers could only hear that "Life isn't slated to be fair!" Over estimation of value is a dangerous gamble as one does not know where and when to stop but when it does it is nothing short of a stunning bubble burst that cannot be undone. Unfortunately, the observers, seekers, and the inflaters sail on the same boat, the only difference being that they take turns to row!

We shall overcome..... one day.. some day .. :)

Are you sporting the right image?

2009-11-28T12:45:00.004+05:30

How would it feel to be the centre of attraction .. where people are jostling to get a glimpse of you eating, sleeping, wandering; where acquaintances, friends and strangers are flocking from all over the globe to come visit you; where they bring food and gifts to please you; where those around you look towards you with awe and admiration..

Even a Wild Ass from the Rann of Kutch can draw the same attention.. so much so that people are willing to travel and pay to catch them doing nothing! Similarly, it is not a daunting task to be known, recognized and sport a popularity tag but this does not necessarily spell good.. (Does Paris Hilton ring any bells?) Drawing the right kind of attention is more important..

More so for corporates, brands, and celebrities who are much affected by people's sentiments. They must work hard to create and maintain an image that are aligned towards positive signals. These will provide intangible (and tangible) long term-benefits especially when they launch a new product, diversify into a new venture, and ride tough waves. If we compare the Tata and Reliance Group, whose products and services are we more likely to rely on? As an outsider whom would we prefer as an employer? As an investor whom would we prefer being a shareholder of? Ratan Tata or Mukesh Ambani? The brand ambassadors speak.. So do their brands.. while the image sells..

As for the exotic animals who draw attention from the Faraway Lands... the beauty is they don't realize their own worth... Modesty (in this case, ignorance) helps underline that worth...Corporate lesson: Never overestimate your own worth!

"Sweet" success ...

2009-11-26T13:09:00.001+05:30

Imagine two instances - One, in which you receive a box of chocolate and the Second, in which you won the box of chocolates as the winner of a competition. Which will you treasure more? Ok, I know both(after all, chocolates are chocolates!) but as an afterthought we are more likely to remember the latter instance more vividly. In life we learn and experience that our most significant achievements are those for which we have toiled hard. The sweetest fruits borne are those for which we have doubled our energy and effort so that when we reach our destination we can feel on 'top of the world.' Parents scold their children warning them that only once they start receiving that hard-earned money will the value be known. The boys who are given a hard chase by the girls (before they grudgingly say "Fine") tend to treat the girls better!

Similarly, this is true for the Recruitment & Selection process of a company as well, especially a knowledge-intensive industry where human assets are the most expensive and prominent possession. Companies must make efforts to make the hiring process rigorous as this leaves an imprint on the selected hires' mind. The challenge and the effort will make a hire believe in his potential while he will also treasure the offer much more opposed to a loose interview process that was easy to crack. It also sends a message to the candidates that the company provides a quality work spectrum as they are determined to make intelligent decisions rather than those based on instinct or the dire need to get people on-board.

From an employer's point of view, the rigorous process will help organizations reduce the probability of making costly mistakes (recruitment and training costs), evaluate the competencies of the candidates as against the job, benchmark quality and define the company's work standards.

Most significantly, companies who are said to have rigorous procedures will also tend to build a more dedicated workforce where Attrition will be significantly reduced. A workforce which thrives on talents, potential and quality - one that is boasted by the Microsofts and Googles of the world. It is an underlying secret practiced by most where you must always Keep your bosses happy... why not extend it to your potential hires as well... Self esteem has only hurt a few while the majority has marched towards success!

Engagement through Facebook!

2009-11-24T18:14:00.002+05:30

As we were driving down, my mother suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! The brinjals are going to wither." As we have a terrace garden back in Kolkata I brushed the remark assuming it is one of the garden plants she forgot about, but that did not quite fit. So the frown on my brow remained only for her to explain thereafter that her virtual brinjal plant on Farmville was soon going to die if she did not access the internet soon. I did not know how to react..

Statistics, dated February 2009, show that Facebook has undergone a 150% increase in the number of visitors in the last one year. Facebook has the highest growth rate currently in India, followed by MySpace. Facebook did not rush in with a radical concept, one which was already established by the likes of Hi5 and Orkut but what Facebook did was Engage its users.

Facebook blurred the line between public and private lives, encouraged communication among acquaintances and friends, allowed you to share articles, videos, links and additionally threw in a thousand applications out of which some or the other would appeal to you.. in short it managed to create a one stop shop for entertainment, gossip, and awakening (of course, social in nature).

Similarly organisations must make that extra effort to engage their employees. Employees form the backbone of the company and employers need to engage them by valuing their talent, recognising their efforts and applauding their achievements.

Engagement is the measure of people's willingness and ability to give discretionary effort at work. Highly committed employees try 57% harder, perform up to 20 percentiles better and are 87% less likely to leave with low levels of commitment.

Employers must continuously provide forums internally to voice opinions and incorporate suggestions for a better work environment. The famous Sears model provides a live case study regarding the improvement in employee engagement, which led to significant increase in customer satisfaction and productivity. If an organisation learns to manage and care for their human assets well, the employees will in turn engage in forwarding the treatment to customers compelling the cycle to function consistently and smoothly.

Who will "talk" their way out of this?

2009-11-21T19:20:00.000+05:30

"Followers of mine are fools" - this is a common statement seen on Bangalore roads sported by bikers. Unfortunately this was the mantra practiced with dedication in the telecom industry but things are set to change and the statement is starting to hold meaning here as well.

The hammer is struck on telecom players yet again! Just when telecom players have been rushing to preserve their market share by slashing prices due to Do-co-mo's (The ads are all over the place and the tune is quite tacky!) revolutionary tariff plans and Reliance's Simple Plan the TRAI has schemed to give them much heartaches.

Come January 2010, consumers will only have to pay Rs.19 to change their telecom provider while retaining their number. Although this was to be implemented this October or perhaps earlier, due to the various fallouts and voices the process has been delayed. But the long due controversy between the telecom players and the consumer forums met with a rest after this announcement.

It will be interesting to see the upcoming changes and strategies of the telecom providers. What will be their competitive advantage - cost, quality, customer service or all. I can almost see the industry in a whirlpool which will read unpredictability, destruction and chaos.

Four new firms, including ventures of international telecom operators, Etisalat and Batelco, are set to start services in India this year, and MNP would clearly make it easier for them to lure existing subscribers, according to an analyst tracking the telecom sector.

MNP - Mobile number portability - will be a rude awakening for those who have been thriving on hidden costs, poor customer service, high subscription and maintenance charges. Those who always wondered what was the useless cry about retaining consumers, loyalty programs, and happy customers have an answer engraved in bold with an underline.

The common man will be smiling as now the free will (Stop complaining about 19 rupees) applies in the true sense while the Christmas Santa will be visiting a little later on the 31st of December! Happy talking!

Thoughts meet reality..

2009-11-20T19:32:00.003+05:30

"India won its independence in 1947 thanks to the Mahatma Gandhis and Bhagat Singhs while the rest who went along were lamely trudging along"; "Indira Nooyi has reached such great heights while your mom has been busy trying to give you the best life by sacrificing her desires"; "Swine flu still does not have a cure while those researchers have been lazing around so that they can devote their entire life to save yours"!

If we look around, people are always talking about Great things.. Great people... Great organisations.. no one seems to bother about small contributions.. small gestures.. small sacrifices. It bothers me sometimes to see people always going after the BIG picture while ignoring the embedded jigsaw pieces. I am not sure if they are deliberately ignored or is it plain out of sight.. The same goes with people who choose to see black and white while ignoring the grey shades in-between.

The smaller things in life are like an undercurrent that determine the quality of life, their influences may not starkly blind our eyes yet they help shape our psychological being. As an individual you don't need to conquer the world because you will continue to gain as much respect by being heroes to those who matter around you. In our course of lives me must not fail to appreciate the landscape, the rains, the sunshine in the same way that we should not fail to find time to turn our heads around and tag those along who are working hard to bring the smile on our faces and the peace in our minds..

Enter OB's theories of Need for Power, Need for Affiliation, Need for Achievement. Result: The reality today! .. and thus appears the twinkle in my eye .. and slowly the thoughts subside... :)

EURAPJEEFW99

"Impressed...??"

2009-11-17T14:03:00.002+05:30

"All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players", famously quoted by William Shakespeare is the crux of social relationships today. Split personality disorders have not remained as disorders while the concept of Machiavellians is not restricted to a genre. To sum it all up, let me present to you the theory of Impression Management.

Behavioral scientists have recently identified two components of Impression Management - Impression Motivation and Impression Construction. Impression motivation is particularly applicable in organisations where employees try to control the perceptions of their superiors about them. Impression construction refers to the methods adopted by a person to create the specific impression that he wants.

Impression management is a concept of self-presentation where one presents himself to create an image. This image may be created for various reasons viz. to hide one's flaws, to rise to the demand of the situation, to fulfill expectations of a role - If observed carefully then all of them converge towards a better fit in the environment that one operates in. In our own ways we have instilled this as part of our values from our very childhood. Our parents teach us the difference between conduct and misconduct, our schools teach us the difference between respect and disrespect while our management institutes introduce us to professionalism.

This concept is growing so rapidly that today it is also an important criteria for selection of candidates. I clearly recall an interview where we, the candidates, as part of the feedback system where marked on a separate category called "Impression management". Reputed organisations like Audi, during the first round of interview, request the candidates to make a presentation of their own self. Seminars are floating around where speeches are delivered on how to advertise yourself as a chicken (Confused? Well you know how both the egg and the chicken are equally sought after!) There is thus a growing need to be able to market oneself in the right manner, not only to create the right impression but also to be spotted among the faceless crowd. So how many people do you manage to impress in a day? And how many right people do you manage to impress in a day? If not an innate ability, how important is it to adopt it?

...Competitive environment.. sure.. it just keeps getting better :) !!

Latent hues..

2009-11-16T12:25:00.004+05:30

As I was flipping channels, I chanced upon a song from the directorial venture of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. I stopped. The black and the dark blue shades of the movie seemed different, out of the norm. It potrayed the dark, gloomy side of life. I began to imagine our lives as a black and white reel where our clothes, bags, shoes and everything we possess reflected (or refracted!) only the tones of black-and-white. It was an uneasy feeling. I could not imagine how dull, boring and remorse our lives would be without the splash of colours, the different spectrums and the non-verbal communique that colours established.

Our subconscious is such an amazing entity that it is able to seep in umpteen signals of varied nature, among which colours also play an important role. The colours we wear are said to reflect our personality characteristics.They can also be established as mood-reflectors and mood-uplifters. Additionally then can help to shape perspective when it comes to shape and size. Infact, several ancient cultures, like the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced Chromotherapy or the usage of colours to heal.

Colour psychology is established as a strong communication tool especially when today everyone is looking to create a niche, to differentiate, to establish. I can almost imagine all heads turning when a Yellow car flashes by .. As an afterthought, I can almost recall the times when all heads turned towards my Yellow shoes!

There must be a reason regarding why a company chooses a certain colour to paint its brand.. A reason why some colours like blue, green and white are recurring.. A reason why the black colour is the colour for the night. So, next time when you pick up your favourite pink shirt from your wardrobe, pause to wonder if its a reflection of yourself, your mood, a complement to your complexion or just a pick which is baseless. Non-verbal communication such as these may not be the standalone entities for judgements but if observed as a whole package they may provide insights to read between the lines.

How dull would Bollywood be without Govinda.. How frustrated would a man be if his walls screamed a blazing red.. how would a Mac have its nose up in the air if it weren't for the royal white look... and how would people run after the pot of Gold at the end of a colourful rainbow!

Attrition rates doing a U-turn..

2009-11-11T17:49:00.002+05:30

With the advent of recession, Headlines flashed with the news of attrition rates plummeting across companies, industries, professions. It was a honeymoon period for all employers where without much effort not only were they able to retain employees but also increase productivity, treat the employees like donkeys (downsizing, remember?), cut costs. You could almost visualise each employer with their eyes popping the dollar sign, collars held up and the smirk on their faces. They swooned with the "Now-it's-our-time" feeling and went about crowding the engineering colleges, reputed B-schools, research students so that they return triumphant with the best pick at an "Off-season Sale Rate!"

Alas! This wasn't to last forever. The markets have already started opening up globally and the attrition rates are back on their feet. Employees have again started their exercise to seek greener pastures, negotiate the pay structures, demand for their hard-earned worth. So should companies not have taken advantage?

Its amazing that although part of the business world, companies often fall prey to the short-term syndrome when they overlook the fact that changes will occur eventually. This was a golden chance for companies who usually (due to budget constraints) do not hire such candidates adopted methods to retain such hires through employee engagement methods. But instead they chose the shorter route where they exploited candidates, continued with unprofessional processes, forced them to instill the disorganised practices and took advantage of the situation. Companies could have used these employees to enhance the internal systems, train other members the act of professionalism and create an improvised mechanism. Thereafter even if attrition occurred, the organisation would have been able to reap the benefits of quality hiring.

However small or big the company is, strategy and planning can surely double the returns and see anyone through tough times. The recession has been able to demarcate between the strong and weak ones, irrespective of name, size and stature. Unfortunately, one's worth always remains intrinsic.

Japanese Influence on Cricket!

2009-11-06T18:27:00.009+05:30

Yesterday when I was digging into my nails while watching the breath-taking match between India and Australia I realised that I have been dedicated to this sport for the last 13 years. The last 13 years have reflected a series of changes when I stepped into high school, then changed my base to Bangalore, even completed my MBA and now I am at Ahmedabad. So why does my interest for Cricket remain consistent?

If you look at Cricket as a product, you will notice that it has gone through a series of changes since its first establishment. Although it is nearly worshipped in many countries the sport's managament has steadily implemented continuous changes to improve the game, mitigate the biases, increase the interest and lastly cater to its audience.

First, the third umpire still stands tall in the middle of the ground but the Hawk-Eye (a Virtual Reality technique) helps a layman viewer to judge the accuracy of his decision. This puts competitive pressure on the umpires as well to make a sound judgement. Second, the Powerplay has been left to the discretion of the batting side where instead of a joint 15 over game it is divided into three 5-overs session. This makes the game more strategic and challenging. Third, the No-Ball is followed by a free hit to compel bowlers not to take advantage of the batsman so that he loses ground. And lastly, the most significant change is the pattern of cricket being changed to a 20-20 game which, although drives a lot of controversy, has been hugely accepted by the audience.

This reminded me of the Japanese theory of Kaizen which emphasizes on continuous improvement. It establishes that nothing in this world is perfect and there is always room for improvement as well as the need. This helps in keeping customers engaged, satisfied, and wish for more. It also makes one realise that even if you are the best, improvements must occur failing which you will soon be dethroned.

Although not as a worshipper but the sport has surely engaged me as a follower.. and I applaud its efforts for the same!

Will HR cater to industry needs?

2009-11-04T16:39:00.010+05:30

It's quite interesting to read the various changes and trends in the field of HR. It feels like I have enrolled in another module or course that is teaching me the transition from the old to the new practices and the shift towards future trends. Say, we believe that HR has finally managed to leave its footprint in the strategic world of business and left behind voices of HR being an administrative and a paper-pushing field. What next?

Many companies (especially SME's and start-ups) still consider the HR department as a Cost, given their limited resources and the lack of expertise also deviates their focus from the department. These businesses cannot be ignored given the stated facts regarding SME's in India:

There are 13 million + SME Units
They employ 42 million people
Account for 45% manufacturing output
Account for 40% national exports

... Source: Business Today

Thus, if the need arises (and it eventually will), they prefer outsourcing various HR functions like Recruitment, Training, Payroll and Legal activities. The ERP modules help in integrating Grievance Handling, Customer Relations, Database Management and so on. So as a business person one would look for HR Houses that can cater to their various needs rather than relying on different vendors for different needs. So you can picture numerous HR professionals with different functional and domain expertise under one roof catering to various clientele needs. XYZ is my recruitment consultant and my excellent experience propels me to avail the payroll services as well. The client saves time testing waters, briefing and ensuring a complete understanding of the company's work profile and functioning, and also calms his apprehensions and nerves! This reminds me of the trend which is moving towards Social Networking Aggregators like TweetDeck, Orsiso, Digsby which are aiming at integrating the various social networking sites (Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter etc) so that an individual has an organised web presence rather than an incoherent and disjointed effort.

The online forum already has a framework implemented in the form of CiteHR, HRLink which houses voluntary HR professionals of all HR functions to discuss, share, exchange businesses. If these sites are well monitored and their sanctity remains so that the goal to brainstorm and grow HR is still considered primary, then these sites can become a big hit with the web which is already starting to prove as "The Second Life."

It isn't enough to be the Jack of all trades, or the Master of one.. we need to be the Master of all trades and the King/Queen of one (atleast!).

The bleak silhouette...

2009-10-31T13:02:00.008+05:30

As I flip the pages of the morning newspaper, surf the 24/7 news channels, filter the news of iGoogle, I remain disappointed. My day starts with the knowledge that wars are being fought, people are being burnt, terrorists are posing a threat, the global warming is taking a toll etc etc. Is the world really as dismal as is potrayed? Is there no ray of hope? This reminds me of the story we read in our literature books during school with regard to the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where the author rightly pointed out that he will not describe the gore, the trauma and distress in great detail as after a certain point, people will become insensitive to the pain and the purpose will soon be lost! We are already facing that loss...

When a molestation case or a murder case evolves, the news seem to include it in the Top Stories for the next one month but if there is some noble deed or an achievement, if lucky, the news occupies some share in the limelight for a maximum of 2 days, like the recent news about the Nobel Prize laureate Ramakrishnan. When a certain YSR (former CM of Andhra Pradesh) dies he occupies the first page with his glorious deeds only to sum up with stories of people suiciding due to the same. Was the media unaware of his contribution so far? Did he have to face a death to make his contribution felt? Half of you might have even forgotten the 2- month old story by now..

We talk about the world ending, people going to the dumps, lifestyle going haywire but what we don't realise is that at every aspect of our life we are attuning ourselves towards a certain direction. By only highlighting the pessimistic news the reporters are underlying a current that makes the cynical smirk and the optimist shudder. We are subconsciously becoming more fearful to take the right step, displaying hopelessness at any endeavor started, adhering the urge to point fingers and also getting used to this pathetic scenario.

Its time that the Indian press and media take charge of the responsibility laid on their shoulders. They, with their massive reach, can make a difference, can create an opinion, can motivate the masses but I wonder what is hindering them to do so.

I know most journalists will say that the masses like sensationalism, they like action but its like giving a shark a taste of blood. The shark will enjoy the odour of the kill, warmth of the blood and seek more meat which will eventually lead to destruction. But is it such an impossible task to condition the shark to stray away? People have instilled remorse and pain so deeply within themselves that some even consider it beautiful and poetic. The surrounding news just helps in triggering such emotions as they have nothing different to offer not because it isn't available but because they choose to hear the cash registers ringing (at any cost).

In all corners of the world, there are a significant few who are trying to move grounds, fighting for a cause, hoping that their work leads to the betterment of some being. Would it not help if they receive a little motivation, share a small piece of the limelight and get a fair share of public support. Who knows, it might also encourage us to join in...it can do the world a world of good :) ..

"Mind"Space, "Mind"Book ..

2009-10-28T17:30:00.015+05:30

Kolkata is a city where I have seen the highest amount of "Outdoor Advertising", in terms of banners, billboards and hoardings. There the hoardings are found in various shapes and sizes that almost cover the high-rises that mark the urban-ness of the city. Out of the thousands of brands screaming their lungs out, I remember one distinctly - Docomo. Why? On my way to the airport and back, Docomo advertising clearly dominated the rest in terms of number and distance covered. I clearly remember Hutch advertising in much the same way.. when all the orange logos turned pink overnight! (Fantastic Work!). As I look toward other cities I felt that outdoor advertising has been on an increase. An article I read reiterated my observation.

Traditional media platforms like television, radio and newspapers, are operating under tremendous pressure in the current economic recession. However, outdoor advertising segment is expected to register a strong growth in the coming years. After online advertising segment, the outdoor advertising segment has been the most dynamic in recent years. Outdoor advertising has been capturing share of advertising from television, radio, and newspaper.

Is there any particular reason behind this? Why would a company resort to branding in the same manner for a couple of kilometers without hardly any variation in size, design and concept? How effective is it? This century offers us a very unique thing that our previous generation did not enjoy - choices. The choices we have are so varied that it leaves us confused and traumatized. When there is an overload of information, decision making becomes as difficult as without much information.

This somehow brought me to link the other popular media today i.e. the Internet. Companies today mark their presence through various tools like corporate website, online advertising, facebook, twitter, linkedin, blogs etc. The reason primarily is to enhance reach but the underlying motive is to increase brand presence. The more that the company logo gets familiar the more share it will occupy in one's subconscious mind. The conscious mind with the infinite offerings may not be able to take a decision by itself and here the subconscious mind can play a vital role. The familiarity of the colours, shape, tag line may not lead towards that choice but it will certainly be counted as one of the options towards the final "Yes." The reason that a lot of companies offer new packaging(Tropicana), new look(Yahoo!), new logo (Canara Bank) is solely to enhance mind share, to appeal subtly that "I'm here."

Holidays in Kolkata

2009-10-27T13:18:00.002+05:30

The laughter, fun and excitement filled the air when I arrived at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport at Kolkata. I was glad to be home on Diwali.. the prayers, diyas, decorations and people - all seemed to be in sync with the festivities. Suddenly there was a gush of noise, relatives, activities and it felt good to be amidst the humdrum.

Kolkata has not changed. Its as noisy as ever with people blaring on the loudspeakers, hoardings screaming at every inch and in every direction, everyone clothed in their best attire showing off their gold and diamonds, people trying hard to meet social obligations hoping desperately to find a few minutes of solace, people cursing at the traffic-filled roads hoping to reach the 2 km length in the next half hour, kids trying to fit into a "metropolitan" setup and portraying their coolness at various coffee joints.

There I was in the middle of it all having a great time with my family and friends. I had no time to breathe and I was busy all day doing nothing! It was a great feeling .. to be eating (yah lot of people admitted that I have grown fatter!), partying and socializing without any consequence. Although I am glad I don't have to do it everyday.

9 days in Kolkata did not even seem like 9 minutes.. it was like a clock ticking so fast that I was wishing that I could break it and stop the time from rushing past. It felt like a dream to be with my parents, my cousins and friends, sleep on the same bed, walk the same floor. I felt like I was in a trance on my return from my house to the airport. I couldn't believe that I was driving past the same road and my vacation was over. Just when I started wishing that I'd stayed longer there was a sudden split that ran across the dream.

At 7 am in the airport there was a huge queue in the entrance of the airport. Patiently crossing that I reached the "baggage-screening" area which was filled with people screaming and arguing, educated people cutting across lines and slyly trying to overcome the one in the front while others took pleasure in pushing another. Next, I went to the check-in counter where I again observed the bus-stop like attitude where there was no difference between a professional, businessman, housewife and a child. Suddenly I heard a scream saying "Move forward".. I looked here and there only to realise that I was to move half an inch forward as the person in front decided to shift his feet!

The journey had just begun.. I had yet to survive the security check.. the 4 hour flight.. the rush to office and I couldn't wait for the day to get over. It was a rude awakening but I think it was important. Made me thank my stars once again!

My Dell Latitude..

2009-10-27T12:51:00.002+05:30

Adieu! I may have replaced you with a new machine but I would like to thank you for the 24/7 support you provided.

I thank you for serving me well day and night, you were overworked and I pushed you many times to work beyond your capacity. But you hardly complained.. I would treat you badly, throw you around and throw things over you, am sure you were pained but I continued.. I would let others treat you worse than I did, they continued to harass and use you but you survived.

You were the dream machine who did not give up on me and were there with me during my tough times (exams), fun times (games and movies), tensed times (unemployment days) and memorable times (photos and social networking). You have been more a part of my life than any living being, you have been more loyal than a friend, more helpful than a saint.

I will always recommend your efficiency, your toughness and endurance. I am sure that now that hands have changed you will be find a better owner, who will take care of you and give you the life you deserve. Surely, I will miss you!

Festive Greetings!!!

2009-10-16T18:02:00.002+05:30

The shortest post on my blog.. !

HAPPY DIWALI!!!!

The war since Generations amongst Generations...

2009-10-15T13:29:00.003+05:30

"Today's generation has no values", " Today's generation does not want to take risks", "Today's generation has no patience", "Today's generation....." and the voice drifts away... only to leave the thought behind. What is wrong with Today's Generation?

Personality is shaped mainly by two factors: One, Heredity. Two, Environment. Likewise, today's generation is again a result of two similar factors - One, Upbringing and Two, Surroundings. There is always this debate on how times have changed and with that people. But of course, what do you expect? Hasn't the world around you changed?

Values are important and that is why we talk about family upbringing, country origin, morals and ethics. But these cannot be generalised, rather these need to be personalised. Who has drawn the line between a white lie and a black one? Who has defined moral and immoral acts? Is there a book which can be used as "Reference to context" which lists these according to context, culture, race, country etc. (Thankfully not!) It is You and Me who need to decide this for ourselves. These values, which we create for our ownselves with the help of our family, will create the foundation and will reflect as an offshoot of our decison-making while our actions will be a great influence of our surroundings. (See, we know what values are and we understand their importance too! Its just not so cool to talk about them ... Kidding...)

Darwin talked about Survival of the Fittest. As I see it, every generation changes its values, its mode of thinking, its actions to best adapt itself to the world around. When a message can reach from India to Africa in less than a second, the sender must be quick enough to keep in par with the pace too. When globalisation has become a way of life one needs to adapt to other cultures too. When the world thrives on competition, aggression, the Generation needs to be impatient. People complain that today's generation is less social and want to keep their small social circles - Sure! due to the busy lifestyle one would rather spend quality time with their closed ones instead of his father's mother's second cousin's sister's husband! The Generation is more crass, task-oriented, practical because that is the demand of today. To cling on to old values is fine as long as you can accept its variants that exist today but to hope that we must reiterate the values subscribed by Ramayan and Mahabharat is a little far-fetched. (I wouldn't be caught dead sitting under a Banyan Tree with an orange sari saying "Swami"!)

The argument is never-ending.. the urge for regression will always remain.. the generation gap will always be a constant phrase but change is inevitable. Moreover, even the environment seems to be more accepting of the change and thus we talk about phenomenas like "global warming," "the degradation of environmental resources" etc. "Urbanisation, Globalisation, Commercialisation and the future tions have to have a cost attached and the next generation will surely be paying that price.

For now, I love being a part of Generation Y and I love paying the price for it too!

3's a crowd....!

2009-10-14T19:26:00.001+05:30

Jostling past the crowd I weaved into "National Handloom" this afternoon for a tiny requirement. "Diwali Dhamaka", "50% Discounts" blah blah ... The population overflowing; The Salespeople overworked; People nudged, pushed; the AC was surely not enough to stop the sweat from dripping. I winced helplessly.

The density population of various countries are as follows:

Australia - 2.833/sqkm

U.S. - 31/sqkm

U.K. - 246/sqkm

Japan - 337.6/sqkm

India - 364.4/sqkm (Mind Boggling!)

I always imagine myself being in places where the crowd is scanty, roads are deserted, people are few and freindly and one does not have to huff and puff to get a breath of fresh air. It must be nice to go to a mall and see just about a 100 people; a beach where you can run by yourself without the litter, picnic spreads and dodging kids; a restaurant where you can find a cozy seat wthout grabbing the first dirty table after an hour of waiting.

Festivals bring its share of hustle and bustle (a gross understatement, atleast in India). The Park streets of Kolkata, the Brigade Roads of Bangalore, the CG roads of Ahemdabad are thronged by crowds, vehicles, hawkers and even cows! One may almost find solace inside the house and wish that he could hide under the sheets until the lights are dimmed and noises fade.

Entity - I like; Herds - I like; Flocks - I Disdain...

.... Diagnosis: Agoraphobia (perhaps a lesser degree of it).

Setting up of The HR Department

2009-10-12T16:27:00.002+05:30

As an MBA graduate, fresh with HR concepts, theories and passion in mind I applied for the position at X company through campus (Alliance B School, Bangalore). The profile said that the candidate would be required to setup the HR department for them. This was exciting.. a golden opportunity extended to few, recession or not,.. and a place where definetely the HR fundas would come to the rescue.

Fast Forward... Application.. Interviews... Selection.. Offered.. Accepted.. Joined. Thoda re...wi...nd.. Yes! When I joined I felt lost. I was drowning into the sea of facts and data and was desperately trying to make some organised sense of the information provided. The quick facts read as follows: Employee strength 55-60; SBU(s) - 6; Location Presence - 7; Industries/ Product Lines - 7-8; HR functions - Haphazard; Policies and Procedures - None!

Every SBU head and/or location head chose their own ways of functioning, their own procedures of discipline, their own methods of appraisal (actually just the salary hike). I was (and am!) required to create policies that would run uniformly throughout the division which would have to take into consideration the existing systems, the pecularities of different SBUs' and find a way to weave in the similarities. And so my journey began...

I began with Employee files and documentation - the employees were so reluctant to 'dig out' the documents and exclamations screamed on their faces, voices and mails. Although the procedure is still under process after 3 months I have quite a bunch to show off as The HR Department. Next, Offer Letter, Appointment Letter and Confirmation Letter had to be restructured - before this we provided a 1 page offer cum appointment letter which seemed important only once a candidate referred to the "Subject Line". My HR supremacy helped me finish this procedure quickly! Then, I started with some orientation document called the Induction where a new employee atleast felt he was famliar with the foundation, walls and pillars of the organisation if not the internal workings.

Further to a sample of the Employee Feedback and based on the data recieved we planned on conducting certain Training Programmes and implementing a Customer Feedback Form. Here I recieved my first real obstacle as an HR where I had to explain that this was not a cost to the company but a strategic measure. Voices rose, tension filled, dates rescheduled and finally the procedure is underway. The Attendance and Leave policy followed which was implemented after a lot of pre-and post research internally, interspersed with a little dissapointment. This was my first real stint at grievance handling when my days would start by explaining, listening, being crass, being nice and phew...! Internal Referral Policy, Grievance Handling procedure, Consultant Base.. and the list is endless. No guesses to assume that my plate is full and slowly my appetite seems to be decreasing.

At the end of three months I have a new-found respect for the HR profession and the bar seems to be rising. It is so easy to bat an eyelid, to snigger at the 'insignificant clause,' so easy to find the loopholes but behind every policy lies a history, context, arguments, hindrances, corrections, suggestions that is lying invisible in the chapter of an HR manual. "HR is mundane, HR is administrative, HR is unnecessary, HR is a burden, HR needs no skills, HR knows no shit" - Really? I invite you to step into my shoes (Its prominent yellow in colour and is starting to wear out though!).

"Jewel of the West" (Pun Intended)

2009-10-08T12:30:00.001+05:30

In the west of India, there is a "pac-man" like structure called Gujarat and within that is a dot somewhere, yes right there is Ahemdabad.. (oops pac-man just gobbled that up too!). Ahemdabad is known for its textiles, spices, agriculture etc. The CEPT, IIM, NIFT stand tall here and the city proudly shows of its cultural acumen but alas! it is equally (in) famous for other pecularities.

For starters, they actually believe that all men and women are their brothers and sisters so once you enter this state you are automatically a ben even if you don't want to be one!

Laziness is the middle name of every person in Gujarat. It is so laidback and casual that at times it feels that you are part of a 50's black-and-white movie where every note of music is also strained. One may almost dare to wish that there be a fast-forward button plugged in to help them stay remotely connected to the pace of the world.

Foodies.. Yes they are but foodies whose bodies almost ooze butter and oil instead of sweat.. the dripping ghee, the sweets are like gravitational pulls towards their mouths which eventually reside in different part of their body called Fat!

Money.. they've got plently.. hidden under their carpets, locked in the ceilings but not fathomed in the shape of haughty lifestyle, designer clothes, Mercs much to the dismay of the onlookers. For an outsider it actually translates into a low-profile city with less money and a simple lifestyle.

Lastly (Actually I am ending this because I am too scared to be thrown out of the city..), Gujarat is a dry state.. yes.. really.. not a hint of a drop of alcohol, okay I admit the black market is therefore flocked with bootleggers consequentially leading to the recent havoc on the elaborate deaths due to spurious liquor sold in the labelled bottles.

Apart from the above, as a state there's lots that it offers.. tradition, history, values, comfortable life, socialization, but somehow the zeal, passion, competition, killer-attitude, cruelty seems amiss.. and then I could almost see the halo developing around my head (insight, you see) .. I am just not the right fit!

I can almost remember those classroom discussions where we were told that it is important to find the right person for the right job; for a company; and now I may add for a state! The intangibilities are so fascinating.. atleast I am convinced that for my profession I am the right fit.

"Missed Call" Syndrome

2009-10-06T14:18:00.001+05:30

It struck me that sometimes a habit is established so well in our sub-consious that when we act in a certain way neither do we realise it nor do we find it outside the ordinary. Only when one's attention is especially directed, does one probe regarding the reasons. The telecom providers' plight never occured to me earlier nor the differences in communicating amongst various other cultures or countries! But the more I read regarding the subject, the more questions I had...

The Headlines in Times of India reads "Indians Pro at giving missed calls", The Telegraph says, "Missed Call Mania", and according to Business Standard, "Missed call virus bugs telecom firms." These Headlines range from the years 2006 to 2009 and along with the headlines even Indians seem to be consistent in being rated the #1 country when it comes to using the "Missed Call" Facility.

We have come a long way since the time mobile users were charged for incoming calls in contrast to the present where currently we are charged according to every second that we talk (Thanks to Docomo!) but mobile service providers have still not been able to convert the missed calls into paid calls. The student plans, corporate plans, CUG plans have although helped a small percentage of the conversion but the transformation has not been significant enough to remove the crease from the brow of the Airtels, Vodafones, Reliances etc. In India, missed calls is not all about saving that extra penny but rather it has been established as an encoded message customised according to the reciever.

The various "uses" of a missed call may be as follows: When a person is leaving the house a missed call acts as a signal for the other to leave the house; a student might use the facility to inform his parents to call him back; a tourist might give the cab driver a missed call as a signal to bring the car to the decided destination; a planned missed call maybe used as an excuse to get away from a situation; the number of rings also denote different messages. It is even said that due to Sunil Mittal's hectic schedule, when an urgent message needs to be communicated to him, he is given a missed call to convey the need to prioritize the same!

It is true that the cost-effective and time-consuming nature of the Missed Call has helped it sustain longer than expected. It is evident that this facility has been refined with time where there is a clear transition from simple to complex messages being conveyed with a ring or two or even three! Although these codes can be interpreted in infinite ways, for the group using the facility amonsgst themselves these codes are established and well-defined. It is a habit that has dissolved well in the Indian culture and the cellular providers are finding it difficult to seperate the molecules.

"Should I give you a missed call when I post my next blog?" :)

An "Animated" Evening

2009-10-02T17:57:00.002+05:30

A narrow path encircled the green patch which was dark enough to leave no trace of a shadow. Beside that was a mud pitch with swings and see-saws. The kids flocked the green pitch to play football, shouting and signalling to one another. Couples enthralled the well-spread benches - some talking animatedly, some reprimanding the other, while some just enjoying each other's presence - and of course, not a single inch of a bench left unoccupied for those flaunting the "single" tag!

The sounds began to drown when I started listening to 'Iris' by Goo Goo Dolls. My body flushed with energy, my face sweating as I heard every beat of the music. Those few moments I loved being alone -without my cellphone, without my laptop, and surrounded by strangers. It felt like a painting whose strokes were consiously imagined by the artist and deliberately ironed out without a crease.

A sudden flash! The yellow halogen streams flooded the park and swept the calm off everyone's feet! The romantic melody changed to interrupted screeches. The 'girlfriends' quickly disappeared like rodents from Taliban (they covered their faces with dupattas only enough to reveal their fearful eyes) into their dens while the disoriented 'boyfriends' stared helplessly as they apologised silently to those in the vicinity. A wide grin smeared the faces of the footballers as tables turned with their "opponents." The serene picture changed to a caricature with explicit expressions defined on each face.

Phew! My evening walk finally ended with the thought in my mind - "How many calories did I burn today?"

Surviving a Turbulent whirlpool

2009-09-30T12:51:00.001+05:30

On my way to office today, I stopped at a signal. When I looked left and peered out of the window, I saw 5 children ranging from age 4- 12 approximately. With their clothes and faces smeared with dirt, they were almost huddled together. The 6 year old girl trying to neatly pin-up the hair of the little toddler; the 12 year old boy hungrily swallowing the white liquid of the vessel and shoving it to the 8 yr old while the third boy patiently awaited his turn. I wondered where their mother was? I wondered if there were all siblings? Was that small girl playing mother to the even smaller kid? How were they fending for themselves? If we were to exchange lives would I survive ...

It made me wonder about instances when I had to fight hard for something, deal with my own ordeals and surface from all those painful times... it felt like someone had thrown me into a turbulent whirlpool without teaching me how to swim.. but wait a minute I still managed to reach the shore and here I am! In such instances I was forced to stretch beyond my own self.

In order to move from one gravitational pull to another, we must become comfortable with being uncomfortable, face our ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts), WORMS (deap-seated unconcious beliefs that lie dormant in our conciousness and activates on the push of a button) and FEARs (False Evidence Appearing Real) and learn how to handle next level thinking. When you expand consiousness, expand spirtually, emotionally and psychologically, you automatically move into another vibration or gravitational pull. You will also bring along wth you for the ride a new set of ANTs, WORMS and FEARS whose sole purpose is to push or pull you to yet another level by making your current level content and hopefully uncomfortable.

Why do you think that managers give targets that are practically unachievable? Why do you think companies forecast unrealistic figures? Why do you think that before we start becoming complacent by the oh-so-good feeling we realize that we have to dive the approaching truck again? Only if we pass the testing phase will we be certified to be upgraded and if we fail the same we need to make amendments in our existing state.

"Tell me about yourself"

2009-09-28T16:44:00.000+05:30

The other day at office we were having a discussion on what a candidate should answer if he/she is asked: "Tell me about yourself." Although the question is asked during most HR interviews, the perspective and reasons for this question may be varied just like the answers.

Candidates usually prefer vomitting their bio-data during such instances while some deliver long sermons which are evidently rehearsed but what is it that an HR is actually looking for? As a HR professional I feel that a person must highlight his personality characteristics which help distinguish him from other individuals and also align the same with his profession. for eg. A fresher is preferred by companies so that they are receptive to learning or so that they can be moulded. Thus they might prefer a candidate who highlights his "willingness to learn" and "flexibility."

These questions are usually asked for two-fold reasons: One, to gauge basic communication, presentation skills and one's confidence levels; and two, the answers recieved are also threads for further questions. During an interview process (which I wasn't too keen for) I was asked how I prepared for the interview. I told them along with HR concepts I had been reading current affairs. Wham! came a current affairs question and my unpreparedness stood out starkly and needless to say I did not crack the interview. My spontaniety and presence of mind failed me. The point being that the questions asked may be simple but the reasons behind them may not be as simple. If you ever wondered why people told you to think 10 times before publishing any word or sentence in your resume, here's your answer.

Word-of-mouth...

2009-09-28T14:25:00.003+05:30

I am planning to pick up a new Laptop and I keyed in on Dell and Vaio. Now, there were three factors which were to influence my judgement - Price, Durability and Mobility. My personal experience guaranteed the durability attached to Dell and Vaio obviously was a better product for mobility, the price among both the models I chose was not a significant distinguishing factor.

Enters Abhimanyu (my cousin).. He suggested the MacBook. We debated for the next half an hour and compared all 3 brands vigourously and sure enough I was convinced. He offered to even lend me his "student" status so that I could avail the Student Discount that Mac offers. Later he told me that he had convinced 4-6 other members of the family to change their decisions and opt for Mac! To a third person this might seem "joblessness" but Abhimanyu genuinely cared. There was no selfish gain...

He hadn't been assigned on a secret mission to ensure the spread of Mac by Apple nor was he assure of a guaranteed commission on every sale that he makes. Then what has motivated him to self-appoint himself as the Apple Propogator. The answer is simple.

Today, when we are bombarded with varied logos, colours, tag lines, different modes of advertisements, the easiest way to create that long-lasting impression is to let the product do the talking and then let the user continue the echo.

The story of a blog created successfully...!!!

2009-09-28T14:15:00.002+05:30

I am thrilled! I finally managed to create the "on-my-agenda" blog. Reading and writing has long been my passion and I pursued writing with dedication during my 3 years in Christ College. I wonder what made me discontinue the practice.. maybe lesser opportunities, maybe other interests, or maybe plain laziness. Allright, I vouch for the latter too...

Procrastination is a dangerous insect and once an individual gets stung by it, it is not so easy to find the cure. So today I make a solemn promise in the public space to sustain this blog and voicethe LATENT NOISE regularly.
Amen!