A statement made by a senior HR leader with decades of experience, struck a chord with me. He said that couple of decades back, if a person was changing jobs every few years, he would hesitate to hire that person. However, today if a person has stayed in the same organization for a long time, … Continue reading Employee loyalty is dead; tips for organizations in this new reality
Category: Musings
Are the millennials really so different? Or is the difference exaggerated?
Gen Y or the millennials is probably the most studied generation both by consulting firms as well as academia. Several studies have been done on their work preferences; highlighting the significant difference from its previous generation, the Gen X. Most common findings from these studies highlight that millennials: Don’t work for paycheck instead, they work … Continue reading Are the millennials really so different? Or is the difference exaggerated?
Pathways to success
It happened almost two decades back, but I vividly remember the emotions as if it happened yesterday: sense of failure and melancholy. I was facilitating a session on Key Account Management for the first time, I had prepared for it for days. But, by lunch time, the participants were walking out of the room! They … Continue reading Pathways to success
Employee engagement is not enough
Organizations constantly strive to enhance employee engagement. What does an engaged employee look like? Let’s consider the example of Cyrus, an employee working with an organization for a decade. He is loyal, speaks highly about the company, is committed, comes to work every day, does not complain, works hard and puts in efforts to do … Continue reading Employee engagement is not enough
Afraid of being a narcissist? Temper it with humility.
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.
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?
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?
Perspectives 