X-Engineering (or Cross engineering)

BPR (Business Process Reengineering), the quite popular buzz word in early 90s focused on automation and transformation of an organization from operating a business in traditional ways to modern ways with the help of IT systems. Now that most of the organizations have done that job, the future is to look at innovating these business processes that are already mature with IT. X-Engineering (pronounced as Cross Engineering) aims at one such method.

Cross Engineering looks at business process improvements across the organizations involving their customers, vendors, business partners and any other mutually interested third party with an IT system. This process takes advantage of the fact that these participants have matured IT systems and can exchange information in understandable formats.

I believe cross engineering paves a big way for integrating loosely coupled systems. Which actually means, the recent buzz word - SOA (Service Oriented Architecture). Already major application software vendors are moving in this direction and cross engineering has a good potential to support SOA.

Disappointing day

Today is quite a disappointing day for me. I am disappointed on myself. On one side I dream of creating an organization, be an entrepreneur, be somebody, do something different, challenge status quo, challenge ex-bosses, complain the old-system to create a new one, beat few successful people's success blah blah blah. But I realized today that I lack the right attitude more than anything else. The way one of our guys went an extra mile to speak to a prospect and get some business where he was not even remotely connected to such a task made me feel humiliated on myself, while appreciating his efforts.

I dont know where my life is heading and what am I going to do !! I just wish I do the right things.

Self belief

There are three stages in achieving victory. (1) Knowing what to do (2) Knowing how to do it (3) Doing it - without which, of course, the knowledge of 'What' and 'How' is useless. Each of the stages hinges on self-belief: belief that you can master the subject or the sport, belief that you can apply that mastery in real-life situations, belief that you will succeed in execution. More, all three stages are informed by the belief that you can continuously improve, forever raising your game or your management performance.

Picked this from the article: http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/learning-organisation.php

Jack - straight from the gut

Currently reading that book. Few lines I liked...

• When your boss asks you something (I am talking about a smart boss), he already has an answer. He is just looking for a confirmation.
• Business is not quite similar to engineering where it is a list of procedures and mathematical calculations. Business is to feel, smell and then make intuitive decisions sometimes. Its not necessarily one single big idea - it is a collection of ideas and making them work.
  

T20 (Twenty Twenty)

My usual prelog to any thoughts and then the thoughts...

Cricket - the game most watched in India, a bat and ball game with an objective to score maximum runs. The team with most runs wins. It is about runs. When I was a kid, I remember very well - a 5 day test match used to take 7 days because it included a two day rest in between. One day after first two days and another day of rest after next two days of play. In 1939, there was a longest test match between South Africa and England that lasted for 11 days (Ofcourse due to rain and the play that followed till the result). Each over used to be 10 balls, later it was reduced to 8 and then to 6. There were not many TV sets in India at that time. Times have changed, technology has improved, satellites were sent to receive live transmission from anywhere across the world and beam them over to India. Indian matches are scheduled to be played over the weekends to attract maximum crowd. Corporates started sponsoring matches and players. Money started to pour. Cricket boards become cash rich. Market potential is unveiled.

Now, how could the boards or TV channels or companies make more money? By making more people pay for it. But again how? By making more people watch it. So... shorten the play time. Give the audience the entertainment they want. A full game of cricket could be watched in the same time span that a family block buster takes. Watch it on any day weekday or a weekend. Watch it after your work hours. The highlights take just 15 minutes. You could watch them too, incase you missed the match.

And to make the game little bit more interesting than usual game they have re-written few rules. For example, a ball following no-ball is a free hit. Incase of a tie, winner is decided by the maximum number of times the bowlers hit the wickets. Hello...!! Is not the game of cricket about making more runs?

Epilogue
Anyway, the point is, this game has become an entertainer than a skill game. A player would not like this form of cricket. I would not like it so much to myself. And unfortunately due to the time constraints and the money, I am worried that this will be the only way cricket might be played in future and the next generation have to watch the same.

60 years and still young

That's the most striking sentence that one would observe on independence day of India. What does this mean to me as an Indian? Till I was in the school, I was singing the National Anthem. That has always been inspiring me. There were two three occasions where I spoke about independent India during my school days in the assembly of students. Ofcourse, it required some preparation and courage to speak. I was not so much of an independent thinker then. Now, may be I dont depend so much to think. So, I started to think. First thing, Independence means, the right to live. As long as you are in the country the government ensures that you could have a good night sleep and dream. This thought inturn is in sync with what 'Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak' said 'Independence is my birth right'. Next, the fundamental rights that constitution confers on every citizen of India, living in Indian democracy. They include individual rights common to most liberal democracies, such as equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to constitutional remedies for the protection of civil rights such as habeas corpus. And if you were to enjoy these fundamental rights, you also need to be aware of your fundamental duties. Such as to abide by constitution, to uphold and protect sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, to defend the country, to promote harmony, to value and preserve rich heritage of our country, to protect and improve natural environment, to safeguard public property, to strive towards excellence so that the nation rises higher levels of achievement, to participate in such a nation building process. Now that I am aware of my fundamental rights and duties, I started to think how many Indians could honestly say they live by them?

Few incidents I could recollect - most common ones.

- destroying public property such as government buses, trains, offices

- poaching of rare animals & national birds

- cutting trees, encroachment of forest land, lakes

- women and child abuse

What is the guarantee that you are not going to be a victim in sometime? If you want to enjoy the fundamental right, you must responsibly discharge your fundamental duty as well. Otherwise, there is no meaning to life and hence no meaning to 'Independence'.

Why suddenly...?

Did you not hear this expression when somebody said, I am resigning? Especially, from your boss when you told him you are quitting. The typical response is 'Why?', 'I am shocked to hear this', 'I never expected, that "you" would do this', etc etc. BULL SHIT!!

If I were a team leader, I exactly know who is reporting to me, what is the work being carried out, what are individual aspirations, what is the value addition to each team member and how each person is peforming. Even if a small disconnect between individual's expectation from the organization and his/her aspiration ignites the negative thinking. I fully support the theory that people quit not from the organization, but from their immediate boss.

And to enlighten the poor boss's soul, the chicken starts to think at the first negative sign and many things keep adding up. Finally the individual either encounters a spike that completely demotivates him/her or reaches a saturation state accumulating all the encounters in the past (like illogical appraisal talks etc). This process could take anytime from 6 months to one year. And then the employee announces his decision to be free from the boss (not from the organization). So my dear bosses, when somebody says I want to resign, please dont pretend to put a shocking expression on your face. You better be aware of whats happening in your team and atleast verify where the 'disconnect' is. Mere talking does not help, act.

Leader and Manager

I have been thinking about this for a while and asked my sister whats the difference. She told me Leader is the one who leads and Manager is the one who manages. Hmm... thats a trivial answer, but not clear enough. Infact, when I started writing this, I gave the title as 'Leader vs Manager'. I wanted to distinguish the roles that each one play. Later I realized, these two roles do not really compete with each other, but sometimes are best performed complementing each. Based on the situation one of the qualities come out from the same individual (not induhvidual). The reason I started writing about this topic was, simple organization behaviour. I believe work atmosphere should never create 'challenging confusions' among work force.

Let us look at a typical team structure in a Bangalore based software services company. A team of size 30, has one line manager, has 4 or 5 project leaders (or team leaders) reporting to him/her and the remaining (24) is a mix of senior and relatively junior set of developers. In such a set up, a project leader (or team leader) is the one who is closest to the work force. He/she knows about business intricacies and execution. Seldom is the manager aware of them.

In this kind of setup, the ideal role for manager is to do 'measure and control' and interfere less in the daily operations of execution. May be the manager could look at measuring the productivity or 'observing' the quality process or motivating the work force or providing a safe and inspiring work environment, matching their professional and personal goals, etc. It is upto the project lead to ensure that deadlines are met, team members are skilled to perform the tasks, there is a great degree of inter and intra team co-operation, quality processes are 'followed', ensure transparent reporting of activities for better visibility etc. If the project is adequately staffed and project leader is able to manage the execution and still has time, there is no harm in sharing few responsibilities of line manager. BUT I would expect its a great disaster if manager tries to micro manage the project leader's functions. It hurts the confidence of team members and the project leader.

I conclude with the fact that a leader is more result oriented person with a team to produce results and a manager need to steer the energy in right direction. A manager has got 4 to 5 engines and he/she needs to make them function with synergie to make the vehicle move in right direction. But a steering could never try to become an engine.

One liners...

I am currently reading 'High Performance Entrepreneur' and came across this sentence. I thought I dont always have to write minimum of hundred words to make up a post. So, here it goes.

"Do not try to solve all the problems you face, some problems do not need to be solved and in those situations try to change the rules of game".

For example, if you are running a business where its no more profitable and has negative margins and with no proven business model, it does not make sense to pump in more money. Just forget it and start a new life. Or you picked up a stock without your own research and later realized its a dead investment, just get out of it even for a loss. Atleast you are free of the space it is occupying in your mind.

Saving Earth and filling pockets

Shai Agassi calls it quits to commit himself to alternate energy, environmental policies and other issues. Norway aims be zero emission country by 2050 and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 30% before 2020. Carbon trading business is reaching close to a billion dollar per annum and its growing.

ICICI Bank announced a Rs. 100 crore fund on April 26, to support innovation and development of green business in India, focusing on energy-efficient and environment-friendly ventures. Well, needless to say the interests on saving earth from greenhouse emissions are growing. This concern has been there for a while. So, whats new now? Let me explain what motivates countries like India and China in this program.

Before I proceed, let me introduce to one buzz word, carbon trading.

• Under Kyoto protocol, developed countries agreed that if their industries can’t reduce carbon emissions in their own countries, they will pay others like India (a signatory to the Protocol) to do it for them and help them meet their promised reduction quotas in the interest of worldwide reduction of greenhouse gases.

• The “currency” for this trade is called Carbon Emission Reduction (CER). One unit of CER is one tonne equivalent of carbon dioxide emission.

• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change registers the project, allowing the company to offer CERs produced by the project to a prospective buyer.

Now that we know the currency for carbon trading, lets look at who is gaining this currency in India.

Vadodara-based Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd (GFL), and Gurgaon-based SRF are likely to see their bottomlines grow more by selling carbon credits, a waste product, than their main business, refrigerants.

SRF made Rs 149 crore from the transfer of Certified Emission Receipts (CERs, also called carbon credits).

So far, GFL has received around Rs 350 crore (including advances) toward sale of carbon credits. They claim a potential of upto Rs 400 crore per annum if they are able to sell all of 6 million CERs.

It was the first Indian company to get registered for a CDM project in March 2005 for 3 million CERs. With 114 CDM-registered projects, India is currently the world leader.

Meanwhile, SRF which got registered for its 3.83 million CERs in December the same year, has taken the lead in actual trading accounting for 39 per cent of market share in the country.

Coffee day is expensive

Coffee day has revised its pricelist since last month. One of my alltime favourite 'Cappuccino' that was priced Rs. 30 now costs Rs. 45. Its a 50% jump straight. I think its either planning an IPO (to show good balance sheet) or the costs have gone up really high. If we say, costs have gone up high, milk did not really go up so much in the past one year. Fuel prices have come down, the number of people visiting coffee day did not go down, the staff remained same, rentals would have been agreed upon before and one could expect a rise of about 10% max in a year. Salaries would have gone up by 15% more. Total expenses would not have rised more than 15 to 20% considering the above facts. And finally coffee prices. Weighted average prices of coffee in the last three years did not change much. I understand there are fluctuations, but as I said overall in a year not much of change (google on coffee prices). But a straight 50% rise is a surprising move. I would be consuming less coffee there.

Are you over-achiever?

Picked up this from smbconsultinginc.com.

10 Dynamic traits of over-achiever

Are you a successful over-achiever? Considerable research has been done about the characteristics that typify the successful business owner. Most experts who have studied the subject tend to agree that the most important single factor is an overpowering need to achieve. In other words, a person's attitude seems to be the main determinant of success in business, more so than education, intelligence, physical attributes, or having a pleasing personality. The key characteristics that have been found to be part of the makeup of all successful over-achievers are:

1. Powerful need to achieve -- which should not be confused with a mere need to exercise power or be liked or admired; the way in which different entrepreneurs "keep score" in assessing their level of achievement varies, and may range from accumulating great wealth to creating a better mouse trap;

2. Perseverance -- the characteristic trait of following through on commitments and not abandoning objectives when difficulties are encountered;

3. Positive mental attitude -- the self-confidence in one's abilities that allows a person to remain optimistic in new, unfamiliar and unexpectedly difficult situations;

4. Objectivity -- an ability to accurately assess the risks associated with a particular course of action, including a realistic understanding of one's own capabilities and limitations. This includes being willing and able to abandon an ill-advised project without having ones' ego get in the way.

5. Foresight -- the ability to anticipate developments and be proactive, rather than constantly having to react to problems after they arise;

6. Well-developed personal relations skills -- being cheerful and cooperative and able to easily get along with people, but often without being close to employees and associates;

7. Strong communication skills -- the ability to communicate well in written form and in making effective oral presentations, either one-on-one or before groups;

8. Resourcefulness -- an ability to solve one-of-a-kind problems in unique or creative ways, including the ability to handle problems for which you might not have had previous training or experience to call upon;

9. Technical knowledge -- broad and well-rounded technical knowledge and understanding, especially with regard to the nuts-and-bolts physical processes of producing goods and services

10. A respectful attitude towards money -- a tendency not to look upon it as an end in itself, but to view it as a means of making things happen and accomplishing business goals, or as a type of objective feedback from the outside world, which lets the entrepreneur know if is on the right track with the business.

So, there you have it...10 successful business traits. If you see yourself in this list, then we will be seeing you at the top!

Be your own life coach

I was reading this nice article in RD March edition by Keith Ferrazzi, CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight and author of Never Eat Alone. He emphasizes on the following four aspects that sound quite logical.

Focus: Identify your needs first. Form a focus. Many times it is not easy for us to answer this simple question 'What do I want to do?'. But its not that difficult too. Its a matter of focus. Dont let others define your success. Once you know what you want, just follow the next three steps.

Diagnose: You need to identify what is the behaviour that stops you from moving forward in achieving these goals. Identifying weakness is as important as knowing strengths. The good behaviour and the bad one work in opposite directions to prevent moving forward. For example, I was raised in an environment where I was told to respect elders, do not question them and give them what they want. Unfortunately I observed that I carry the same with me in my professional life where I seldom question my manager in the fear of sounding too argumentative and also in fear of making my boss feel uncomfortable with me. But when I found such a problem with me, I consulted my friends and got an advice that I need to handle the conversation in a professional way. Put all the information in black and white and let him know what I want, instead of work towards what he wants me to be.

Share: Help others to let them help you. Let others know what you have in mind. Be open to receive feedback. If somebody is giving you a 'gift' saying your behaviour is not good or certain aspect of you is not good and few more people share same feeling, certainly there is some change needed in you. A good behaviour is always respected and makes you feel good. Someone would not bother to give their opinion on your behaviour if you are going to contradict everytime you receive some feedback. Perhaps the best people who would know your weakness are your friends, colleagues, or your spouse. If you receive some negative feedback, seek clarifications if you dont understand. Ask more like 'Could that person give more examples', or 'What exactly do you mean by that?', 'What came to your mind when I was doing this?'. You could work it out by forming a group of trusted advisors to you and let them know that you give importance to their advice. 

Milestones: You cant manage what you cant measure. Once you got the focus, you need to see if you are going in the right direction. Periodic checks always help. It is possible that the contents of checkpoint change. For example if your focus is weight management, check everyweek changes in the weight. Once you got the weight into control, perhaps next checkpoint would be to see if the waist is reducing.

Guru - the movie

Watched this movie two weeks ago. I thought of writing this blog because of one reason - many people told me that its an inspiring movie and gives some boost to start a business. I am not sure if this movie is such a booster. So I want to focus on two aspects in the movie in that direction and I welcome your comments.

First one: Starting Business - As Mani Ratnam portrayed in the movie, 'the passion todo business' makes the 'hero' to make 'life turning' decisions. It makes him think, makes him not to think, makes him goto extremes, makes him take the power into hand when required: I mean... the essential leadership qualities are displayed. These qualities come from the 'passion'. The true passion to be someone, to do things differently, to dream and then to follow that dream. Well, the point here I am trying to make is... its the passion that makes the difference, not some movie or someone's life story.

Second one: Sustaining the business in ethical way. In other words doing the business in true spirit and with ethics. Zero means zero. However tough it may be... how many years it may be. This is one thing I wish everybody takes from this movie. And the director has nicely put it in the role of chief editor 'The Independence' newspaper. In my opinion its a real tough job to stand for what you believe in life and carry on with it. If such an ethical business is practised we would not hear any Harshad Mehta or Enron stories.

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