You are unhappy with a team member who is taking undue advantage of flexi work hours. He often comes late, and leaves at normal time. He misses deliverables. You give him feedback, yet you don’t see much change in his behavior. Few days later, you express your frustration in a team meeting with 15 other … Continue reading Say to whom its meant
Leadership Paradoxes
To take lead - and to recede into the background To plan meticulously – and to be flexible with your planning To express opinion – and to be create space for other opinions To be visionary – and to be pragmatic To aim at consensus – and to be able to cut through To trust … Continue reading Leadership Paradoxes
Women empowerment is a social and cultural issue
The other day I went for annual health check. When I go to hospitals, I indulge in a bit of chit chat with the technicians, receptionists & nurses. It’s a habit I picked during first few years of my career (I used to sell hi-tech medical equipment to hospitals). The technicians and nurses were gatekeepers, … Continue reading Women empowerment is a social and cultural issue
A Ghost? Really?
The clock showed 3 am. After an exhausting day, I had turned in early last night. Here I was, wide awake at an unearthly hour. I looked out of the bay window. It was a beautiful moonlit night. Instead of tossing and turning in the bed, I got up and made some coffee. With a … Continue reading A Ghost? Really?
4-day workweek – a dream in India?
“Why aren’t organizations in India progressive like Europe? Companies in Europe are moving towards 4-day workweek. Look at us, we want to go back to 6-day workweek. 50 hours’ week is common in India! Why can’t we learn from Europe?” Employees in India often complain about longer work hours and higher work days. While we … Continue reading 4-day workweek – a dream in India?
Individual performance is contextual
“I might be put under performance improvement plan in upcoming performance appraisal, what should I do?” I received this frantic call from an ex-team member Shweta (not real name). I had a long chat with her, trying to understand where things went wrong and helping her work out options. This conversation brings to fore the … Continue reading Individual performance is contextual
Where Color Pink Rules: Memoirs from African Savannah – Part 3
My second stop in Kenya safari was at Lake Nakuru. I said good-bye to River Ewaso Ng'iro, the birds and trees (I believe they sense our emotions) and the friendly staff at Larsen’s Camp in Samburu. On a chilly morning, after a quick breakfast, I started the 7 hour drive to Lake Nakuru. As I … Continue reading Where Color Pink Rules: Memoirs from African Savannah – Part 3
Gratitude and Disappointment
Something in office today left me feeling disappointed. I pushed through rest of the day and left office feeling dejected! On my way back home, I got a call from an ex-colleague..He has always been a strong performer. However the last year or so had been tough for him. The company he was working for … Continue reading Gratitude and Disappointment
6 Ballygunge, Down the culinary memory lane
6 Ballygunge, restaurant serving authentic Bengali food, was recommended by several friends and my husband. I was in Kolkata for a day, couldn't resist the temptation to stop by. The decor is unique, the chairs and some walls of the old kolkata house are adorned with paintings of Bengali men and women. Some walls have … Continue reading 6 Ballygunge, Down the culinary memory lane
Enable Employees Learn to Learn
Couple of days back, I overheard a conversation between an HR partner and an employee, “You have been nominated for this program, its next month, please attend.” When the employee regretted, HR persuaded, “Hey, you should feel privileged, its only by invitation and you have been handpicked by your leader.” The employee’s response is anybody’s … Continue reading Enable Employees Learn to Learn
Perspectives 