👉 “You are expected to be always on.”👉“You are teased as you are a teetotaler.”👉“People are baffled when you leave an office party early.”In today's diverse workplace, where multiple generations, genders, and backgrounds converge, boundaries are more important than ever. Yet, they often blur, leading to a workplace that's less respectful and inclusive.Here are the four … Continue reading Boundaries
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!
Longer or smarter?
Sonia regularly spends long hours at office. Whereas, Anita leaves office on time most days.🔵 Is Sonia a high performer? And Anita a work shirker?🔵 Is sitting long hours regularly a sign of productivity or a sign of ineffectiveness?🔵 Do long hours show dedication or is it a performance illusion?Truth is sitting longer is not … Continue reading Longer or smarter?
What’s your frontline feeling?
I recently visited an electronics retail chain to purchase an OTG, a relatively simple product. Despite the product's modest price, the sales rep took time to understand my specific needs and suggested a product that fit them perfectly. When I showed interest in a different option, he patiently walked me through the pros and cons … Continue reading What’s your frontline feeling?
Empathy or Accountability
Imagine one of your team members, a strong performer in the past, is struggling. Her father is undergoing cancer treatment and she is the primary caregiver. Over the last six months, her performance has dipped significantly. Other members are stepping in, however it is creating additional pressure and affecting the overall team performance. Unfortunately, you … Continue reading Empathy or Accountability
Emotions are akin to Virus
Imagine this scenario: It’s Monday morning; you reach office bubbling with energy and enthusiasm; you are looking forward to kick-starting a new project. You walk into a conference room to attend a cross-functional meeting. Everyone in the room is quiet and tense, perhaps after a heated argument. The leader walks in with a frown. You … Continue reading Emotions are akin to Virus
Making Vulnerability Easy
Early in my career as a customer support engineer in a hi-tech medical equipment company, I encountered a situation that taught me a lesson on vulnerability. I had attended a training on Holter, a machine that measures a person’s ECG throughout the day. I couldn’t grasp few aspects; but I choose to stay silent, as … Continue reading Making Vulnerability Easy
Whose idea?
We see it all the time in organizations… An idea or suggestion from a junior team member is ignored, only for a senior leader to echo the same idea and have it hailed as a breakthrough. The value of an idea depends on its source rather than its merit. Everyone agrees on creating a culture … Continue reading Whose idea?
Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
Are we respecting workplace boundaries? When I was in my 20s and 30s, I commonly heard phrases like, "You are just like my daughter," or "You remind me of my sister," from managers or senior colleagues. These comments were meant to be an expression of care for my wellbeing and development. They were rarely questioned. … Continue reading Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
What’s the number one in your life
I still recall the phone call from my friend, an ex-colleague of ours, also a good friend, had suffered a brain stroke. He had it all – an impressive career, a loving family, financial stability, and big dreams for the future. Yet, as he laid on his bed, paralyzed on the right side of his … Continue reading What’s the number one in your life
Teach new tricks to old dogs
It is often assumed that after a certain age, learning and growth become difficult if not impossible. Neuroscience has unveiled fascinating insights about our brains; one of the ground breaking discoveries is NEUROGENESIS. It is the process by which our brains continue to form new neural connections as we age. Learning is no longer limited … Continue reading Teach new tricks to old dogs
Perspectives 