Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in me

I recently got to know that an ex-colleague, who had made my life miserable few years back, is going through a rough phase in career. I gleefully thought, “serves him right, he is tasting what he had dished to others!” Few minutes later, a small inner voice cautioned, “Come on Padma, let bygones be bygones, … Continue reading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in me →

#Organization culture

Organization culture exists whether intentionally developed or not. Question for leaders to reflect, "Is the existing culture creating desired experience for the most important stakeholders - customers and employees?"

Comfort and Learning are not best of friends

Indeed, learning happens only once we step out of our comfort zone. I still remember the day I stepped on a podium, for the first time, to present to 500+ audience. I was scared and worried that I would stutter; or worse still completely forget what I had to say. I practiced and practiced, but … Continue reading Comfort and Learning are not best of friends →

Go beyond the obvious

Early morning scene at airport security check: “I travel every week; no one has ever stopped me”; screams the agitated passenger. “I have been working for years, I know my job”; says the CISF person sternly. Argument continues! The passenger gets angrier with every passing second; he refuses to budge. This goes on, much to … Continue reading Go beyond the obvious →

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 →

Employees leave companies, not just managers

Several factors influence employees' decision to leave or stay. Managers are neither superheroes nor wicked villains. It's inappropriate to say "employees leave managers, not companies"

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? →

Carve out the Middle Path

Every woman has to carve out her own middle path based on her context, preference and needs.

Relationships and their Ecosystem

Ecosystem for relationship is like soil for a plant. It can nourish the plant with its rich nutrients or kill it with its toxic contents. Similarly, the ecosystem can enable a relationship to deepen or turn it superficial or toxic. Last couple of weeks I was lucky to have met several old friends, ex-colleagues and … Continue reading Relationships and their Ecosystem →

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 →