Sunday, June 23, 2013

Who will win Modi or Rahul?

 Kedarnath Temple Disaster is giving an advantage to Modi.  It is amazing the way he has taken advantage of the situation and for being with his native people.  I am reading in the news that NaMo landed there, created a task force, held discussion continuously till early morning with 2 IAS Officers  and an IPS Officer as to how he can help the Gujaratis to reach home safely. This is something commendable and shows his concern for the public who are in trauma. On the other side Rahul Gandhi is not seen anywhere in the scene!!! He just not seen anywhere in the media too. One can argue that Kedarnath Temple issue is related to a State and he may be busy in strategizing as to how  can he take India to next level. Will people of India appreciate this and his absence? 

I always respected and admired politicians on various issues.  I have great respect for Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal, Bal Thackery, Sushma Swaraj, Narasimha Rao and recently Jairam Ramesh and Narendra Modi. They led from the front.   We are witnessing the debate that next Prime Minister will be Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi. We know Narendra Modi has very authoritative way of functioning. This is possibly benefit for a State because the complete administrative control is with Chief Minister but  may not be the case when NaMo becomes Prime Minister because very few states are run by BJP. Is he good in working in consensus model?! Now let us consider Rahul.  Though he carries a charm to attract public in his rallies, he disappears from all critical incidents and controversies. A strong Leader need to drive from the front. How can India trust a Leader who does a disappearing act at every critical juncture!

While NaMo is emerging as an undisputed Leader of choice for PM within NDA, Rahul Gandhi needs to travel a long way. Same time, it may not be easy for NaMo  to become the PM as BJP may not get full majority as the internal rivalry may bring down the party. Congress on the other hand has to do some real wonders and godly act to capture the capital once again.

 At this point in time, I am not seeing any political party heading for clear majority. Meantime,  let us enjoy M-ODI - one day international of Modi till Rahul jumps in to the fray with a 20/20 series.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Believe only after you experience!!!

Sometime you spend sleepless nights thinking how to tackle new Boss. Or get head ache when thinking to go to office and meeting the  Boss.

Earlier I narrated my experience with my Boss... Debashish.  Now..... suddenly it changed and I got a new Boss, Mr. Vinodh Chelambathodi, Global Head - HR.

His appointment was most secret one in the Company and this created a  hurricane on joining. There were lot of rumous .........he is short tempered, very agressive, going to fire all old timers, creating his own Team ...can abuse and say "get out"...... unending!

When Debashish resigned, my function got merged with HR and I started reporting to Vinodh.  |Many people mentioned me that Vinodh meeting a new prospective Head of Recruitment every week and my days are counted. Watch out!!!  I was very worried! 

I started inter acting with Vinodh slowly.  First, I found him to be very simple ....and transparent.... getting along with seniors and juniors very easily. I used to work from a different location far from Corporate Office so all I heard is conversations from different people.  One thing I immediately observed on my visit to Corporate Office was that he goes for a Tea or Lunch break with junior most people to nearby joints. One of the indicators of simplicity.  Though worried about my job in my mind, I went with him couple of times and found him to be very approachable and at ease.  I saw him communicating serious tasks in normal conversations and found those very interesting. Many in his capacity will call you to the Cabin and as a Student you need to sit in front of the Boss, take notes and then execute. 

I planned to go to Palakkad for my niece's marriage and while taking leave approval he asked me how am I returning. And suggested why cant I accompany him while return.  I never expected this from a Boss who is going to end my life in Polaris. I must detail this out ... as I was on a vacation,  I did not carry formal shirts and when Vinodh asked me to accompany him I started worrying what to wear.  I told Beena that  I will have to purchase a new plain shirt.  I dressed up very formal (including my cufflinks) and landed at Ottapalam where we decided to meet. It was a shock when I met him, HE is in a Jean, Tee and wearing a Reebok Slipper.  I was completely out of place. We got into the Car and I told him "Vinodh I am feeling very bad .. will change this shirt to a Tee ... I had to change.  That is my Boss, Vinodh. Then, during my journey from Ottapalam to Kochi and then to Chennai,  I got to know him better and found that he is absolutely transparent and simple.  Rest everything is stories.

My function Talent Acquisition Group is the most thankless one.... and it may be in most of the companies.  So, my job is to deal with escalations on every day basis and Vinodh will be in cc in almost all mails. One wonderful thing I observed is the way he deals with escalations.  You would have seen Bosses who will push you to the water when you are already drowning, contrary whenever I go to him with tension, he will be the "coolest" person on earth and will advise in one sentence what to do. He will support you completely.

 I always found him very open to take suggestions and gives free hand.  He has deeper understanding of the subject and quickly understands the challenges being faced. Very good in empathizing with you. He is one person who will make you think beyond the limits.  Vinodh's idea of adopting "gamification" in HR was an eye opener for me.   I never had any idea OR heard of this. After this, I started thinking applying "Total Football" concept in Recruitment and currently mentoring the Team as how to follow SPIRIT of any game ..the spirit of a T20 Cricket or a Football Match.

It is amazing to know that Vinodh had different interests ... he likes to go for movies, parties and to Temples. But his main interest is  GYM... GYM.... I cannot accompany him to any Gym but got wonderful opportunity to visit Sabarimala along with him and his friends. Everything was well organized to the dot.  I repeat ... in all these occasions .. he demonstrated his simplicity. Now,  very interesting turn in my life is that I am going to report another new Boss .... Ghana Syam who comes from Delivery background and no more with HR Department.  What it means is that I need to bow out of Vinodh's leadership and this is very painful for me.  I am definitely going to miss all the conversation about HR strategies, gamification, movies, Gym, Parties ...... big list of things.  I am opening a new page in my Career. However, I will love to work with Vinodh any time in my life. Vinodh  .. none can match you and you are amazing!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Vacation!!!

I met Preman, my old friend after twenty years. He still looks younger...great feeling. His daughter studying in class 8th and Preman asked me "Enthanda Vacation Plan?" (What is your vacation plan). Hmmmmm..... I asked..... vacation plan? My son Vishnu just started training in one of the top IT Companies in Pune and my life has completely changed....so no more so called "vacation".. that happens in May and June every year for school going kids.


However, we used to enjoy the "vacation" ..1990s. It was interesting......every year after the "vacation" we will be in huge debt!! Every year we had to struggle for train tickets..... invariably use Railway Board contacts to get a last minute reservation!! Every year our LONG journey in sleeper class (that was the best we could afford) in Kerala Express from New Delhi to Palakkad used to be most memorable ones... getting down at station and stand in a long queue to fetch water, playing rummy with the fellow passengers, my son's pranks and meeting his demand to buy a Twinkle or a potato chip packet, my wife's complete "rest" in the train....i.e sleeping for hours together.... and experiencing wonderful hot climate inside the train.....with no fan...no water in loo....stale food served in the train....and entertainment by the Beggars!!!


There is an unforgettable incident in our "vacation" chapters..... :). It used to be very difficult to get train tickets.. however.......I had right connection at all Government Offices including Railways. With great difficulty, my friend in Railways arranged for three berths...Beena started packing bags, making ready enjoyable snacks, Poori and Lemon Rice for the journey of three days. I went to nearby ATM to get some cash and we all set to go!! Autowalla is at door step. Now time to count bags, check .. my purse.....all doors in the house... all electrical appliances and then the last one..... Ticket. Suddenly I realised that the ticket is missing....... if we lost ticket there was no hope in those days to make it second time!! Happy Husbands can think of what all happens in the situation..... it is real fun... shouting, argument, blame, scream!!!

Beena advised me to be cool and to go and check whether I lost it near the ATM.. where I went to take cash... we were loosing time! I am using all the force to walk fast... not able to due to the tension. I reached ATM ... checked with the Security Guard and few over there whether they could see any Train Ticket lying any where..... I got response... Nahi.. No..Nahi Ji..... I was sure of cancelling the trip! Disappointed!!


While returning I came across a Cow busy in eating all that lying near road side... in Delhi, Cows will eat anything  ..... and then I saw a small paper piece similar to the Train Ticket flying in the air...near to the cow. I wanted to check whether it is my ticket and by that time it is almost near to the mouth of the Cow.  I was afraid as to how will I ?? Frankly, I fear .... unpredictable behaviour right??!! However, like Dharmendra or Salman Khan.... I jumped in front of the Cow and don't know what I did but screamed .....shooo......... pooooo...... kooooooo.....kha..kha... .due to tension I was not able to shout also........the Cow would have wondered what is this happening.... but shown mercy..... turned back. I got hold of the small piece of paper and then closely checked..... yeah it is my ticket. I reached my house in a minute and we started!!


This was one of the funniest experiences in my life but most adventurous!!