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.
Moonlight! – Precious moments captured from Mumbai nights
Deep in the night I woke up to a bright light shining on my face; My sleepy brain questioned, Oh! What’s the light, where’s it coming from? My eyes opened to a surreal vision! Can it be true? A beautiful full moon shining in the sky, smiling at me, smiling at the world! Spreading peace … Continue reading Moonlight! – Precious moments captured from Mumbai nights
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?
Two evenings in Emergency Room of a hospital!
I spent last two evenings, a couple of hours each day, in the Emergency Room of a hospital. I had to take injections through slow IV as part of a preventive treatment, I was not a patient in true sense: I was not in pain or any physical discomfort. As the medicine slowly flowed into … Continue reading Two evenings in Emergency Room of a hospital!
Perspectives 