Imagine this scenario: Two employees, Sam and Sarah, both failed to meet several goals last year. Seems like they're in the same boat, right? Well, not necessarily. Behind the scenes, their reasons for underperformance could be worlds apart. Now, picture yourself as their manager. You want to be fair, but you also need to hold … Continue reading The best managers are terrific detectives
The Roots of Hesitation
I remember receiving feedback few years ago: “You are always willing help others. But if you are to succeed in the long run, you need to learn to seek support.” The feedback took me by surprise, I had never really given it a serious thought. Also, as I reflected on the frequency / areas for … Continue reading The Roots of Hesitation
Time is Not Money
Couple of weeks back, I ran a poll on LinkedIn: "Time is Money" – YES or NO. 97% respondents agreed that Time is Money. Only 3% said that time is not money. I agree with the minority, here’s why: Money can be protected or grown through right investments. Whereas time can neither be saved nor … Continue reading Time is Not Money
The Power of ‘I’
Same garden, same pot, same soil! Yet see the difference in the two hibiscus flowers blooming on the same morning! Not just in size, but in terms of texture of the petals as well. This demonstrates the power of an individual. Living, studying, or working in the same ecosystem, some flourish, some just about survive … Continue reading The Power of ‘I’
What comes first: mindset or behavior?
Few weeks back, I ran a poll: “Can we shift behavior without shifting the underlying mindset?” 10% said YES 15% said DEPENDS 75% respondents said NO Here are my thoughts; quite aligned to these responses. Right incentives or punishment can indeed shift behavior. I am reminded of my early career years with Larsen & Toubro. … Continue reading What comes first: mindset or behavior?
Accountability in Teams: What holds us back?
I remember working on a critical project along with a good team. Our roles were clearly outlined, we supported each other and enjoyed working together. Yet, our manager struggled with some of the project deliverables. She would get frustrated having to be the one to always hold up the standards. As I reflect, I see … Continue reading Accountability in Teams: What holds us back?
Our comfort with discomfort
Few weeks back, our team met for an informal catch up. With the Mumbai rains lashing on the glass windows, our conversation drifted to comfort food. We all described what we loved and intuitively go for in such weather – varying from hot Maggi to vegetable khichdi…. The word ‘comfort’ stayed with me that evening. … Continue reading Our comfort with discomfort
Enjoyable Performance Conversations
Can you think of times when you enjoyed a performance conversation? As a manager or an employee? I am not kidding… performance conversations need not be laden with anxiety or fear. It is possible to have an enjoyable performance discussion, all that’s needed is authenticity from both sides. Three aspects that underpinned every time I … Continue reading Enjoyable Performance Conversations
Feeling Relevant?
Few weeks back, I called my uncle; it was his 75th birthday. After a bit of chit chat, he said, “All considering, I am OK. Anyways, how does it matter to anyone anymore.” His comment tugged at my heartstrings. He was asking “does my existence make a difference? To whom – Family? Friends? Community?” Simply … Continue reading Feeling Relevant?
The masks we wear
Few weeks back, I interviewed a candidate. I asked him to narrate a situation where he faced a major failure. He shared an experience, but in a way that only accentuated his strengths. His response reminded me of the interviewing skills training that I went through in my early career: “make sure your weaknesses also … Continue reading The masks we wear
Perspectives 