“I don’t agree, this is not the best way to solve the problem” “I know you want me to do it, but I don’t want to because ....” These are snippets of my conversation with my son. This is not unique! Similar conversations are happening between parents and children across families in India. There is … Continue reading Can employees shift corporate culture?
Category: Musings
Why leaders can’t stop sharing?
How often have you sat in an informal get-together with your colleagues and ended up listening to your boss’s stories? Stories about his or her travel, family, pets, life incidents etc etc. If the boss is good at communication, the stories are entertaining. Still they run the risk of irritation after a while. It gets … Continue reading Why leaders can’t stop sharing?
When Everything is a Priority
"Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters" Margaret Peters It feels great returning to social media after 3 weeks of forced hiatus. I was so occupied with other things that social media and blogging became a distant dream. During these 3 week, I often wished for few more hours to fill … Continue reading When Everything is a Priority
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?
Perspectives 