Superior-subordinate: Words to avoid

The other day, I heard someone say, “I will check with my superior and let you know”. By superior, he meant boss. At times, team members are referred to as “subordinate” Aren’t these words – superior and subordinate – undermining equality; laced with assumption that manager is inherently better than the employee. Does being higher … Continue reading Superior-subordinate: Words to avoid

Does my manager care for my well-being?

"My manager cares for my well-being" - An oft asked question in employee engagement or manager effectiveness surveys. "What does an employee think of when responding to this question?" asked my troubled friend. His organization had conducted manager effectiveness survey; he had received his manager score card couple of days back. While he scored reasonably well … Continue reading Does my manager care for my well-being?

Air travel in India, a crucible experience

Air travel has taught me what motherhood is supposed to, but failed to teach me- patience! That's right, patience!! In last 2+ years that I have been shuttling between Mumbai and Hyderabad, and to several other cities to add spice.. I have imbibed unbelievable doses of patience. While flight delays remains the major contributor to … Continue reading Air travel in India, a crucible experience

The X Factor in Corporate online social networking

Cooked a new dish at home or dining at a restaurant? Meeting friends or having a get-together?   Travelling for work or pleasure?  Received an appreciation or won an award?   Feeling excited, happy, sad or depressed?  Have spoken in a conference or published paper somewhere?  These experiences (and many more) seem incomplete without posting on … Continue reading The X Factor in Corporate online social networking

Notwithstanding lay-offs, organizations crave for employee loyalty – Time to evolve

Rarely does a week pass these days without news of a company shutting shop, or restructuring or planning to axe jobs; thus leading to hundreds or thousands of lay-offs. This ‘does not happen in India’ phenomena, even a couple of decades back, has become a new normal today. It is not just limited to start-ups … Continue reading Notwithstanding lay-offs, organizations crave for employee loyalty – Time to evolve