Being labeled a narcissist would rarely be considered a compliment. Narcissism is an inflated sense of self, extreme self-focus and self-importance. The word originates from Greek mythology where a young Narcissus fell in love with his own image. Think of a leader with high sense of entitlement, constantly craving for admiration, considering himself the best … Continue reading Afraid of being a narcissist? Temper it with humility.
Author: Padma Rajeswari
At the outset, I would like to thank you for stopping by my Blog.
I believe that there is nothing right or wrong in this world. What’s right in this moment and context may be wrong in another moment and context. This belief has inspired me to name my blog ‘Perspectives’.
Perspectives is a platform for me to share my experiences, thoughts and perspectives on various subjects. You may have a different point of view. I look forward to hearing them, these are the triggers for rich and deep conversations.
On personal front, I live in Mumbai, India. I love to read; Somerset Maugham and Nevil Shute are my favorite authors. My favorite books are The Razor’s Edge, Mrs. Craddock, Chequer Board and Gone with the Wind. I am thankful to my father who inculcated the habit of reading in me early on.
I am also passionate about traveling, I have been to most parts of India and to several countries across the globe.
On professional front, I work in Human Resources function. Over two and half decades, I have worked across multiple industries and cultures. I focus on Leadership Development, Talent Management, Visioning and Culture, Large-scale change, Employee Listening & Engagement, Employee Well-being, Inclusive work culture, HR effectiveness, Behavior and Mind-set shifts through sustained interventions
I currently lead Organization Effectiveness Function for Aditya Birla Group, a $44.3 billion conglomerate with 120000 employees across 35 countries.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading my blog. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you!
Moonlight! – Precious moments captured from Mumbai nights
Deep in the night I woke up to a bright light shining on my face; My sleepy brain questioned, Oh! What’s the light, where’s it coming from? My eyes opened to a surreal vision! Can it be true? A beautiful full moon shining in the sky, smiling at me, smiling at the world! Spreading peace … Continue reading Moonlight! – Precious moments captured from Mumbai nights
Ekla cholo re – “If no one responds to your call, then dare to tread the path alone”
These are opening words of a song composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Last couple of years, I saw this song come alive right in front of my eyes. Here’s the story. There used to be more than 500 lakes in Hyderabad. Most are dead today, encroached by the ever-growing human population. I mutely witnessed … Continue reading Ekla cholo re – “If no one responds to your call, then dare to tread the path alone”
Disengaged, yet hanging on!
I remember having lunch with a gentleman few months back. It was our first meeting. After a round of pleasantries, our conversation turned towards his work which quickly became a downpour of grievances – how he had slogged for more than a decade in the organization, but never got recognition, how his career stagnated, how … Continue reading Disengaged, yet hanging on!
Who are we recognizing: the deserving or the visible?
My son recently participated in a freedom bicycle ride organized by TAF. There were two types of rides: pleasure ride of 5 kms and full ride of 68 kms. He participated in 68 kms ride. We reached early as we were keen to be present when he reaches the finishing line. When we arrived at … Continue reading Who are we recognizing: the deserving or the visible?
What stops us from listening – to everyone, all the time?
In the middle of a conversation, my team member said with frustration, “Padma, will you please allow me to complete. Please listen to me.” I said, “Go ahead”. While I thought, “why are you getting into unnecessary details, just come to the point.” I have also been at the receiving end. I remember working with … Continue reading What stops us from listening – to everyone, all the time?
Two evenings in Emergency Room of a hospital!
I spent last two evenings, a couple of hours each day, in the Emergency Room of a hospital. I had to take injections through slow IV as part of a preventive treatment, I was not a patient in true sense: I was not in pain or any physical discomfort. As the medicine slowly flowed into … Continue reading Two evenings in Emergency Room of a hospital!
Competency framework – are we using it blindly?
Several organizations use competency framework as an anchor for hiring, managing performance, developing and managing talent. Are we using it blindly? Indeed it’s a million dollar question, and by asking this, I am probably stirring up a hornets’ nest. Before going any further, let me acknowledge that I am not against competency framework. I have … Continue reading Competency framework – are we using it blindly?
Who is making your boss powerful?
Probably you! Can’t believe? Let’s see why and how? Let’s begin by defining power. Power is the ability of a person to influence others to do certain things, willingly or unwillingly. We often hear comments like, “Such and such person is a powerful man or a powerful woman.” Is power a personal attribute? Are there … Continue reading Who is making your boss powerful?
Discipline is not boring
I was chatting over lunch with few colleagues on a Friday afternoon. And the conversation naturally turned towards weekend plans. Few talked about going for late night movie, waking up late on Sunday, having brunch and just lazing around. When I said that I wake up at 5 am even on a Sunday and continue … Continue reading Discipline is not boring
Perspectives 