Great Places To Work

I happened to attend a one day conference yesterday hosted by Great Places to Work Institute. It was an interesting experience for me being a line manager. Most of the participants are from HR function and I am probably representing a minority population from ‘business function’. I would like to mention few key takeaways from that conference for me.

1. This one hit me instantly. Most of the time we (leaders or managers) assess people (read it as our direct reports) based on their actions, but we assess ourselves based on our intentions. I feel its true to large extent. When I reflected my behavior and observed few at work, I realized then how important it is for managers to be very explicit about their intentions to their people.

2. The importance of branding can not be undermined at all. I observed many initiatives that Google has are already present in our company in some form or the other. However the way Google presented and the pride that carries in saying that a “Googler does it in Google way” is what is creating the “Wow” factor. Its so important to brand the initiatives so that the perception formed in the minds of internal and external audience remains high and positive.

3. Putting people first. Vineet Nayyar said it, Vijay Thadani did not say it but has been practicing it ever since he founded NIIT. When he started NIIT with his friend Rajendra Pawar, they decided to create an organization where people are respected, treated fair and committed to their success. NIITians say “our [organization’s] growth is a derivative of growth of each one of us”. That’s a powerful collaborative statement.

Golden Issues in Indian Econony

This is one of the 'Did you know' series posts. I had an opportunity to attend Dr. C Rangarajan's speech on 'Indian Economy and the way forward' yesterday. The speech went on for about an hour and half including Q&A from audience. It was a very good refresh of my Macro Economics class I attended 3 years ago. One particular point caught my attention and I felt its my responsibility to create awareness about it.

He mentioned about various challenges that Indian Economy is facing and one of them being Current Account Deficit (CAD). Its basically net of inflows and outflows of foreign currency. We are financing our foreign currency needs (basically arising out of imports) using the capital inflows from foreign countries. This is certainly not sustainable. If there is a fluctuation in foreign capital, we cant service our current account resulting in depreciation of rupee, hurting our exports. One of the prime reasons for wide CAD is import of Gold. I was astonished to know that not an ounce of Gold is produced in India. Every particle of yellow metal we see around us produced outside of India. We imported close to $54 billion worth of Gold in last fiscal year. At the moment we have close to $90 bn CAD. 

Why do we love Gold so much? Gold is generally purchased in two modes, one as Jewellery and other as Asset (in physical form or ETF) for investment. When the inflation is hovering in double digits and India Inc putting pressure on RBI to lower interest rates, Gold appeared like a great investment option for Indian citizen to save money. Gold in the form of asset does not result in any productive form of investment. 

Dr. Rangarajan suggested that as the inflation comes down, hopefully investment in Gold comes down resulting in lesser imports. Guess how much of Gold we imported in last fiscal year? A thousand tonnes !! Woah...

THE SALES GIRL IN CHENNAI GIRI STORE, THROUGH THE EYES OF “WASHINGTON POST.”

After the Temple Darshan at the Kapaleeswarar Koil at Mylapore, we entered the "Giri Trading" stores and started searching for this Book on "Thatva Bodha".

We found many people buying various Books and CDs and from their smart walks and accumulation of CDs from Abhang to Aruna Sairam and Bhajans to Bombay Jaishree, sent a nice feeling in us, that we have come to the right place indeed. I was looking for this Book while my wife started collecting Bharathiar's songs and MS's Music.  I searched everywhere for this Book.

There was this Girl, standing next to the Cashier, sincerely watching all our movements - a dark complexioned Girl, should be from a nearby Village, might be 17 or 18, should not have crossed 8th Std., might be out of poverty she is here..  All my Journalist's brain unnecessarily calculated about this Gullible Girl..and tho' she was repeatedly watching me, I ignored her and started searching for "Thathva Bodha".

I saw many books from "Sandhya Vandanam" to Swami VIvekananda's "Chicago Speech" but having spent a good 40 minutes.  I looked at her, she also looked at me curiously.

I did not asked her, knowing fully well that such a girl cannot have any idea of anything, leave alone "Thathva Bodah".

  

"Sir, may I help you?" (in Tamil)

"Yes. I am looking for 'Thatva Bodha' "

"Sanskrit Text or English/Sanskrit?"

God..she knows.  "Sanskrit & English"

"Do you like to have the Publication from Chinmaya Mission or Indu Publications or by Ramakrishna Mutt?"

"I don't know..I just want to only Learn you see.. I don't really know indeed"

"Do you read Tamil Sir?"

"Yes I am a Tamilian " (thinking to myself how most of mylife time I like to act in most Other places that I am not)

"Then Sir, you can take this"..she ran to the shelf where I had searched for 30 minutes, removed the books in the front and came out with a Book in Tamil.

"This one in Tamil by N.Sivaraman by Indu Publications infact is simple and wonderfull.  You have the Sanskrit Text too inside."

My God!  Why did I under estimate such a Genius.  Just because of my Arrogance that I am an NRI.  Or Just because I presumed such a Black, dark complexioned, gullible girl, who would have come for this job out of absolute poverty, wouldn't have any idea of "Thatva Bodha".

I decided to change my attitude and realized that I am absolutely an 'Idiot' at this moment in front of this wonderful girl and submitted myself in all humility. 

"Madam, I really don't have any idea of even who wrote 'Thatva Bodha' till yesterday.  I just attended a lecture on this subject and was fascinated by the lecture and hence....."

"Did you attend Goda Venkateswara Sastri's lecture in Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan?"

"Oh God. How did you know?"

“He regularly takes classes on such subjects.  In fact he is one of the best Sir, in the city on such subjects."

"You are interested in such subjects?"

"Yes Sir, I read a lot about Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna and Thathva Bodha incidentally is my favourite Subject"

"Do you mean to say you have read Thatva Bodha?"

"I have read this one by Sivaraman.  Once you read it you won't feel like keeping that book on the table at all."

"Why what is so great about this Book?"

"Sir,you must be joking that you don't know about 'Thatva Bodha'."

"Really.  I accept my ignorance."

My wife was watching from the corner, admiring all her CD collections.

"Sir, according to me, if you read this it gives the entire Vedanthic Saramsam and to say it in-one-word you become a bit more humble in life, leaving Ahamkaram once for all."

"Is it a fact that reading this simple book one would get so humble?"

"Of course one should be involved totally into the text.  Needs a lot of conviction and devotion."

My wife joined the conversation and she felt this girl is indeed a very very talented intelligent girl, so she told me, "Why don't you interview her for Washington Post?  Why at all you should think of Paris Hilton?"

I also felt that I owe something to her..  So, I asked her whether she can spare sometime for an interview.

She politely refused saying "My boss is to give me permission.  Besides, many people are looking for guidance or help, like you and hence I have to go."

"What is your name?"

"Kalaivani."

My wife's admiration for her devotion to duty and her total involvement in her work, made her go direct to the Boss and said, "Sir,that girl Kalaivani."

"Yes very hard working Girl."

"This is my husband Viswanath."

"Nice meeting you Sir"

"He is the Senior Journalist in Washington Post."

The Boss stood up." Washington Post?"

"Yes Sir.  I would like to interview this girl. I am highly impressed with her ethics."

The Boss called her.  Time was 5:45 Pm.  "Kalaivani, they have come all the way from USA., They would like to spend some time with you.  Can you?"

"Sir, there are so many customers waiting for some guidance. as it is a rush time.  If they can come again tomorrow."

"OK. I can come again tomorrow."

I came back next day morning leaving all my appointments with 'Times of India 'and “Madras Press Club “ just to see this girl.  It was no rush hour.

  

My wife and myself found out.  Kalaivani is from a small village near Arcot.  She has 5 sisters, she being is the eldest.  Her father was a drunkard and he died a few years ago caring for none of them.  Her mother used to work as a helper in Masonry and passed away two years back, leaving all the 6 on the streets. This girl who had completed her 9th std decided to search for a job and 'Giri Trading' came forward to help her out.  She brought up all her 5 sisters with her and with her meagre salary she is tak ing care of them.  All the 5 sisters are going to a nearby Chennai Corporation School.

"Kalaivani. But when did you get this enthusiasm to learn about 'ThatvaBodha'?"

"Sir after joining here, I decided that the best way to be of help to the customers is to know the Subject first.

I took small Books on Ramana, Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and started reading.  I found the subject so fascinating..

I decided to read other books in Tamil like Bhagavad Gita, and Viveka Choodamani. Thats how...."

"What is your salary?"

"Rs 2,500/ a month, Sir."

"Are you able to manage all your expenses with the 5 sisters?"

"Not at all Sir, but the Boss helps me a lot."

"What is your aim in Life ?"

"I want all my sisters to get education. Then they would easily get employment.  Is it not Sir?"

"If I give you Rs 10,000 per month, for meeting all your expenses, would that suffice?"

"It is indeed too much, but I would accept it only through my Boss."

We took her to the Boss and told him that we would like to send Rs.10,000 every month so that all her sisters' education would be completed.

The Boss said "She deserves it Sir.  You can trust me - I will hand over the amount to her every month or alternately you can open an account in her name and start transferring to the account."

My friend John Paul, who is the Regional Manager of 'Times of India' had also come with me.  He said, "You have done a good thing."

My wife said, "I pray that 'Karpagambal' helps Kalaivani to become an expert in 'Vedantha' and start giving lectures in USA .  We can arrange for her lectures."

We left wonder struck!  If we go into the interiors of India, how many more 'Jewels' like Kalaivani can be found!!

I really became humbled!

-------------------------------------------------------

A True Story forwarded by a friend.

Microsoft dominating Smart TVs slowly

Skype was acquired by Microsoft last year, but lets Skype operate autonomously. Skype is now coming as one of the standard features in Smart TVs. I like this feature of course since I dont have to boot my laptop before I could start a skype call. I could switch on the TV instantly and go ... quite similar to iPad facetime. 

Leadership Democracy at leadership village

Wayanad is a beautiful district in Kerala amidst western ghats with dense coffee, tea plantations, spices and enchanting celebrations during festival season. A team of 11 Development Managers from SAP labs headed to Wayanad to interact with some students at Leadership Village co-founded by Anil Emage in Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad. The managers were given a brief about Leadership Village and the efforts put in by Anil and his team. We realized that we have not arrived for a joy trip after understanding their hardships and tough life.

Wayanad - Greens or Blues

Wayanad is one of the 12 districts of Kerala and unfortunately is also one of the backward districts. Majority of the population depends on agriculture. During 1995 to 2004, 90% of farmer suicides in Kerala were from Wayanad. While tourism is one of the sources of revenue, when compared to other commercially developed places, Wayanad stands low. Most of the families are conservative and they do not appreciate their children to go an extra mile after school to get exposure in the outside world. Most of the parents do not want their children to use internet connection at home. The best students get pushed by natural selection while the back benchers remain without much encouragement.

Leadership Village

Anil Emage did his schooling in Kalpetta and he was afraid of public speaking when he was a student. He said he never had an encouragement or opportunity to work on the much needed skills as he was one of the backbenchers. The children in Kalpetta and surrounding areas have limited opportunities to hone their skills and pursue their choice of career. Many times they are not even aware of many potential possibilities they can take up. They are usually forced to settle with limited resources and unlimited aspirations. After working as a journalist and moved by the situation in Wayanad people, he decided it’s time to show courage and leadership. He teamed up with Laila to create the first 'Leadership Village' ever in the world in Wayanad. Their philosophy is simple - create a leadership democracy where every individual has equal opportunities to discover their true potential irrespective of birth or living conditions. That is very simple but hard thing to implement in the context in which Anil and Laila are in.

When we visited Kalpetta, the students of Leadership Village, typically in the age group of 12 to 20 welcomed us and engaged us the entire day where we could learn from each other. Most the children there are highly committed and motivated. One of the students of Leadership Village participated in a global conference recently and presented her insights quite confidently. The results take time however they are quite effective. Their language, communication and confidence levels are on par with any student living in a metro city.

Living Library

One of the pillars for the success of Leadership Village is the concept of "Living Library". In Anil's words, "When you read a book it is not so personal, but when you talk to a person, you make a mental connect and create a relationship between the two resulting in effective way to communicate". People who visit LV periodically share their success stories with the children and the children ask questions, clarify their doubts and seek some guidance. It has been a wonderful experience for me personally, trying to understand their mindset and aspirations.

Learning for Managers

On the second half of the day, SAP managers gathered around Anil and Laila to understand the process behind and how SAP can help reach their goals faster and better. We discussed Anil and his team's aspirations and probed further on areas of improvement. Their priorities are to conduct such events once in a month where the children have opportunity to interact with people from various streams to explore the options they can have, create a methodology for leadership learning for these children and possibly create a model to replicate this setup in other parts of the country.

The SAP Managers summarized the discussion and came back to Bangalore to check where we could help in various capacities. The trip was fun and at the same time we had invaluable learning from the experience. The entire program is organized by the students including setting the stage, inviting guests, getting sound system to work, making flower bouquets for the  guests, arranging for lunch, preparing the agenda and ensuring all they can to make us feel comfortable. One student mentioned Anil and Laila are like second parents to her. We started to wonder, how could Anil get their commitments, make them so motivated? His selfless service is quite apparent, leading the children, their parents and other influencers in the society to give them support. Can we at SAP emulate some of these philosophies to create more engaging work atmosphere? We said "Yes" and we rearranged ourselves into teams to support Leadership Village in whatever way we can.

Indian consumer market is no longer far behind

I am happy to see Sony's latest LCD-LED TV HX850 being launched in Indian market without much of time lag. This TV was announced in CES 2012 in January and in just 5 months launched in Indian market. The 40" one carries a price tag of INR 93,000. Check out the comparison of similar models of Sony here. 

Siemens game plan for developing economies

Just read this interview - http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/smart-products-meet-local-price-levelsthereby-ensure-profitable-business-felix-scheffler/473581/

Every winning MNC operating in developing countries require SMART products in their portfolio. Simple, Maintenance Friendly, Affordable, Reliable and Timely-To-Market.

Please note that SMART products are not stripped down versions of popular products. These products meet local requirements and local price points.