Imagine one of your team members, a strong performer in the past, is struggling. Her father is undergoing cancer treatment and she is the primary caregiver. Over the last six months, her performance has dipped significantly. Other members are stepping in, however it is creating additional pressure and affecting the overall team performance. Unfortunately, you … Continue reading Empathy or Accountability
Emotions are akin to Virus
Imagine this scenario: It’s Monday morning; you reach office bubbling with energy and enthusiasm; you are looking forward to kick-starting a new project. You walk into a conference room to attend a cross-functional meeting. Everyone in the room is quiet and tense, perhaps after a heated argument. The leader walks in with a frown. You … Continue reading Emotions are akin to Virus
Making Vulnerability Easy
Early in my career as a customer support engineer in a hi-tech medical equipment company, I encountered a situation that taught me a lesson on vulnerability. I had attended a training on Holter, a machine that measures a person’s ECG throughout the day. I couldn’t grasp few aspects; but I choose to stay silent, as … Continue reading Making Vulnerability Easy
Whose idea?
We see it all the time in organizations… An idea or suggestion from a junior team member is ignored, only for a senior leader to echo the same idea and have it hailed as a breakthrough. The value of an idea depends on its source rather than its merit. Everyone agrees on creating a culture … Continue reading Whose idea?
Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
Are we respecting workplace boundaries? When I was in my 20s and 30s, I commonly heard phrases like, "You are just like my daughter," or "You remind me of my sister," from managers or senior colleagues. These comments were meant to be an expression of care for my wellbeing and development. They were rarely questioned. … Continue reading Are we respecting workplace boundaries?
What’s the number one in your life
I still recall the phone call from my friend, an ex-colleague of ours, also a good friend, had suffered a brain stroke. He had it all – an impressive career, a loving family, financial stability, and big dreams for the future. Yet, as he laid on his bed, paralyzed on the right side of his … Continue reading What’s the number one in your life
Teach new tricks to old dogs
It is often assumed that after a certain age, learning and growth become difficult if not impossible. Neuroscience has unveiled fascinating insights about our brains; one of the ground breaking discoveries is NEUROGENESIS. It is the process by which our brains continue to form new neural connections as we age. Learning is no longer limited … Continue reading Teach new tricks to old dogs
Self-worth
I still remember the day I walked into Taj Bengal, Kolkata in 1993. We had won a big contract and our boss took us out for lunch to celebrate. As I walked into the hotel's grand lobby, I was both wide-eyed and panic-stricken. Thoughts raced through my mind: "Am I shabbily dressed? Do I even … Continue reading Self-worth
Recognizing biases
As I was scrolling through Instagram; a graceful kathak dance caught my attention. As I paused to watch the reel, I realized that it was a male dancer. I loved everything about the dance… except a man dancing in a style typically associated with women.. My first reaction was that of disgust!! My initial reaction … Continue reading Recognizing biases
How far have you come?
Few years back, I was interviewing candidates for a role in my team. After meeting several candidates, I shortlisted two. Person A, let’s call her Jenny, was from Mumbai. Her parents were both highly placed in government. She lived in Malabar Hills and went to one of the best schools in town. While doing her … Continue reading How far have you come?
Perspectives 