Those were the days...

Family time is the most cherished time for every individual. Listening to the tales which our parents narrate so lovingly, reminiscing the good old days of their childhood, the simplicity and authenticity of the people, the purity of things available, and a beautiful world which was yet undiluted by the monster named Television.

My mom was brought up in Kolkata and Cuttack. Kolkata as such, doesn’t need any introduction. Cuttack has earned its share of fame by being termed as the poorer cousin of Kolkata. Many call it a mini Kolkata! Same crowd, narrow gullies/bylanes, a place which still boasts of Cycle rickshaws… in short a city which still retains its old world charm.

When the term “neighbour” meant much more than the entities who share just your compound wall. BTW, the concept of compound wall didn’t exist then at all. Houses were stacked close to each other, and the tradition of visiting each other’s house through the main front door was unheard of, where terraces were common and back-door entries were always welcomed J. And yes, daily curry/subzi exchange was a sacred ritual, never to be broken.

When a family used to subscribe all kinds of newspapers just for the benefit of its neighbours, knowing well enough that nobody in their own home could read or write. When the beneficiaries would visit the family, they would be kind enough to read aloud the events of the day, and explain the nitty gritties of the world to even old grannies J Such honesty, large-heartedness and selfless attitude in today’s world, is like searching for dew drops in a parched desert.

Every house had a large courtyard, which would be multifunctional. It would be the drawing room/dining hall/gup shup area and the kitchen as well. People used to go into the rooms only to sleep at night, that also in winters only. Petty thefts were common and that too for inane stuff like chappals, bucket, utensils etc.

One funny incident that my mom loves to narrate all the time. One fine evening, a thief climbed up a guava tree which was at the centre of the courtyard at her neighbours place, with the intention of climbing down and doing his act when the family would retire for the day. He waited till midnight, hunched up quietly at his precarious perch, hoping and expecting to climb down once the household became still. But alas! The family went on tinkering and tottering around the courtyard till the wee hours of the morning, to the chagrin of the thief who was losing patience with each passing moment. Finally, he lost his cool, jumped down from the tree, and landed with a thud, shocking the family members who were caught unawares. He marched forward and said, “You guys are too much! Have been waiting since evening to rob this house, and you’ll are Ulloos (Owl), jo sone ka naam hi nahi lete!” (He said the entire thing in vernacular language of course!). Then he marched forward, slapped a few members and ran off in lightning speed! J Bad day at work, for the thief! Lolz!

This particular household used to be the hub/database of all the gossip in that area. So many folks visiting their home to browse through the newspapers, obviously had its share of benefits! J My mom has very fond memories associated with this particular family. Those were the days, when you could not imagine of escaping a neighbour’s place, without being force-fed a meal or two! And the most fav of all the snacks used to be “Semai”. Tea used to rule the roost, and coffee was still an alien concept. Breakfast used to be paratha with a dollop of ghee and a generous amount of sugar on the ghee! Can you believe it, guys!  Every time, my mom tells me this, I vow to have the same for breakfast at least once every month. Haven’t succeeded yet. J

Ladies used to go out in cycle rickshaws, with a saree tied around the rickshaw, which acted like a “Purdah” to take care of the privacy and protect them from the evil eyes of men. My mom was the first lady to go to school, college, university and subsequently to work, (She worked as lecturer in S.B College, Cuttack) in her entire extended family, hence faced lot of resistance. She is my role model in life and I believe the best mom in the whole wide world. Well, I suppose, everyone feels the same about their respective moms. J That reminds me, at Infy BBSR, last year we launched a path-breaking initiative, called “Mother’s Day Out”, on the occasion of Mothers day. Moms of the employees were invited to the campus and we had organized a plethora of activities in honor of them. Received so much appreciation for this initiative, it also enabled us (HRD Employee Relations) to win couple of awards! J

Oops! Time to catch up on my reading now!

Cya, next Sat! Love you all!

Stay spunky, and cheers! J

What they don't teach you in a B-School?

I still remember the Leadership jargons and categorization explained by Robbins of the Organizational Behaviour Fame, idolized by every HR aspirant during his/her MBA days. This mammoth of a book is a bible for every HR student. If HR is in your blood, then you are supposed to chew this book, inside out, including the cover pages and bookmarks! J Which of course, I did, like a diligent student. And it sure helped me to gain a foothold in a blue chip company, which is the poster boy of the IT world. The HR Practices and processes in my organization are taught in leading B-schools of the globe as case studies! I am really very proud of living, breathing and doing the stuff, that has created history in the HR world.

Now, what I actually wanted to talk about today is, how much of the stuff that we are exposed to in a B-school really helps us in corporate? No no, I am not trying to open a pandora’s box here! J I know, each one of you, must be having very strong views on this topic. And I respect that. Let me narrate my POV here. (I will give you a chance to present your POV, on FB, when I post the link of my blog, and we can have hearty debate/discussion on it.)

So the answer to the above question would be, near about 75%. This 75% is the text book knowledge that’s going to be of use in future. And the rest 25% would be the quintessential “Other” gyan that you gain, from activities during MBA. Now what constitutes the “Other” gyan?

PFB the description of the “Other” :

1.      De-mystifying diverse and interesting Personalities : You spend 2 years with about 200 odd folks, you are with them 24*7, being exposed to their idiosyncracies, day in and day out. Learning from folks who are intellectually and emotionally superior to you, and learning to survive the moments with folks who are nothing but a pain, and finding out reasons to love the ones who have given you all the reasons to hate them. Quite a handful! But believe me, the learning that you imbibe from this, will give the best platform to launch yourself in an HR career. After all, its about understanding human beings and helping them grow. Initially it was like a bolt from the blue, but gradually it started getting easier, and by the time I was in second year…I could love each one of them! J (Not kidding).

2.      How to get work done from unwilling folks : In corporate, you cannot expect to work in silo. There are various kinds of teams, DC level, Corporate level, track level and what not! Your style of working, level of commitment might not be the same as others. How to create a synergy amongst yourselves, in order to finally deliver an excellent product, is what ultimately counts. The MBA gives you the best training for that. All the activities in MBA are group based. Sometimes you are stuck with a group, which refuses to work, so what do you do with such free-riders? Do their share of work as well, so that it doesn’t affect your grade or just give up? Or sensitize them regarding the importance of group work, or allocate different tasks to them or just break down the task into small parts and ask them to do their share. So many options and so little time. Now this is called actual learning. And no text book on earth, not even OB by Robbins can teach you this. At the most Robbins can explain the details or the Group dynamics….Forming, storming, Norming, Performing …Adjourning etc etc.

     Recently I read somewhere, there is a 6^th stage too of group dynamics, called “Mourning”. When you get along with a group very well, and its time to part ways after the work gets done, you are in a state of mourning! J Now that is interesting J That’s what actually happens, I guess, when its time to leave an organization and you start composing your adieu mail. I have this strange fixation for adieu mails, dunno why! I read each and every word of all the adieu mails that I receive and also make it a point of replying to each one of them. (Even if I don’t know them, personally). Dunno why. May be ‘coz I can identify with the pain of letting go and I really understand and respect the efforts that they have put in, to write such a beautiful and painful mail, jotting down the memories/experiences of years in a mail, which you know is going to be your last, how heart-wrenching it can be…I can truly understand. L

3.      You can read thousands of leadership fundas in OB book, but you will gain an insight only if you get a chance to meet and mingle with great leaders/personalities. I have been very lucky on this front. I sit in a cube which is surrounded by cabins, occupied by some really great ppl, each one of them a true leader in his/her own area or field of work. In fact, my building has too many of them! The way they speak, behave and work…just observing them, helps you learn so much! One of the common features of all great leaders I feel, is their style of interaction…how they communicate with people across Job levels. Be it an executive or a person with 15 years of work exp, the true leaders never differentiate and behave in a similar fashion with all of them. And they are so soft spoken, ever-smiling, always first one to greet you in the morning, even when you are engrossed in your lappy. “Hey Nazia, wot u doing!” This coming from a top leader is really exemplary behavior to say the least. As if, I am a great scientist at work and might shout “Eureka” anytime coming up with a great formula! I am just a simple girl, at work! The kind of attention, respect, consideration they give you, acts as a catalyst and helps bring out the best in you. Each one of them is an OB book, so much to learn from them. Whenever I am in their company, I try my best to be a sponge…absorbing each and every word, and mannerisms etc. Now which book teaches you this?! None J

4.      Now coming to written communication : A true leader is very careful of the words he chooses to use. Words are like arrows, once out, you cannot take it back. If you use impolite words, the damage can be detrimental not only for the person it was intended for, but also for you as well. How? Words spread like wild fire. One instance of impolite behavior and your reputation goes for a toss! J So leaders need to be careful about this J Though my fav ones are always superb on the written communication part too! J

This is a huge topic and I think, I should save the second part for next Saturday. J

So this much for now, have a wonderful weekend, love you all!

Cheers!

Rajo Celebrations at BBSR DC

This was the third edition of Rajo Celebrations at BBSR DC and with each edition we have taken it a notch higher than last time. Rajo festival holds a special significance for people in Orissa, it’s a 3 day affair where ladies are pampered and given special attention. They are treated like queens for those 3 days. This festival also marks the onset of monsoon in Orissa. Today is the third day of the festivities and as I am typing down the words, I can hear thunderstorms outside and the wind howling between the trees. What a relief it would be, if it actually rains!

Today I got stuck in a crazy traffic jam for 30 minutes. It really numbed my brain and soul. That’s what happens during Rajo! Ok, the word reminds me of an interesting debate that was happening in IWIN BB in office. Some ladies felt it should be written as Raja and not Rajo. While some others felt Rajo is correct. A lady came up with a very good idea, she wrote, it should be “Raw-jaw”! Now that’s intelligent! J This particular IWIN folder can be accessed by ladies of the DC only. Men strictly not allowed :P This is our very own bit of heaven on earth, where we can discuss anything under the sun, where guys don’t have the liberty to infringe our privacy. We can discuss women-related issues/themes, fun/leisure stuff etc. BBSR is the only DC amongst the 11 DCs in India to boast of this special platform given to women! J One more reason, why BBSR DC happens to be the DC that cares! Tomorrow truly rises with us!

Now coming back to the topic, Rajo. We had organized many events as a part of the week long initiative.

1.      Rajo Swing.

2.      Rajo Paan Kiosk

3.      Rajo Mehendi Kiosk

4.      Rajo Pitha Kiosk

5.      Rajo Food festival  

6.      Ethnic Day

7.      Rajo Story writing competition

8.      “My Rajo Story” mailers by 3 senior women leaders of this DC.

Two swings were set up near the Food court area outside in the lawns. They were beautifully decorated with Marigold flowers. Folks enjoyed swinging on it, remembering their childhood moments.

Rajo Paan Kiosk was the innovation introduced this year. It got such a huge response, that just after lunch on the first day, it was sold out. Next day, the vendor turned up with approx. 3000 Paan leaves learning from the previous day’s experience. We all had such a gala time, chewing Paan that day!

Rajo Mehendi Kiosk was another innovation. Again it got overwhelming response. This time, egged by my friends, I decided to go for it. Got it done on one hand only, that also on the back-side, so that my work doesn’t get hampered J The color came out really well. J (My future mom-in-law will love me a lot :P ) That’s an old adage, if you mehendi color comes out well, u will be loved by your MIL :D

Rajo Pitha Kiosk also received tremendous response. Almost 1000 pithas got sold out in just an hour’s time on the first day! I avoided eating those, as its rich in ghee, sugar and what not. Sinful indeed.

Rajo Food Festival was a big hit too. We had arranged for typical Rajo meals like Chakuli and Mutton Curry etc etc. Couldn’t have lunch that day, was preoccupied with some other stuff L Had to manage with just a cappuccino.

We celebrated the final day by coming to office in our ethnic best. Ladies in beautiful sarees and guys in Kurtas! J And what a sight that was to behold! Frankly speaking, the way a saree enhances the beauty of an Indian woman, no other attire does. And yes, guys look best in Jeans with Kurta, and if the Kurta is from FabIndia, then I don’t think any girl on earth can resist the charm! :D

Hmmm…FabIndia…I am totally crazy about the stuff…be it kurtis, dupatta, sarees…stoles…bags….anything! The ambience of the shop, the helpful salespersons, the smell of handicrafts and dyes…is just so very intoxicating. Not getting time these days to venture out. Will surely visit it next month.

We had the Rajo story writing competition going on in the IWIN BB for the 3 days. Lovely childhood memories were jotted down, how folks celebrated Rajo when they were kids, it was really heart wrenching to read the stories. I could identify myself with many of them! Wish I could show you all the lovely stories, but its copyrighted, so cant. J Will try and coax them to start blogs of their own, since they are such terrific writers!

We identified some senior ladies of this DC, and requested them to share with us, their Rajo story which were then published to the 900 odd ladies! It was a big hit! J All 3 of them, very kind to share pictures of their families too!

Ok, let me end todays article, on this happy Raw-jaw note!

Cya next weekend…till then…rock on!

(Pssst : I dedicate this post to all those friends of mine, who look forward to reading my blog every Saturday…since I was suffering from writer’s block in the morning, couldn’t write, they waited and waited and finally asked me just now  about it. Felt so very touched, and immediately, the writer’s block vanished and words just started pouring out of my mind. Love you all, thanks for motivated me!)

Little pleasures of life

How many times do we get blessed with little moments of pleasure in our day to day lives, but very often fail to appreciate that. Somehow, it has been deeply ingrained in our minds that we need to equalize happiness or pleasure with being in a holiday destination away from the maddening crowd and the hustle bustle of the city life. But those moments when acquired, are so fleeting, that we are left gasping for more. Happiness is not a target or destination to be reached, it’s a journey to be enjoyed and relished with each passing moment of progress.

Little pleasures of life…when I succeed in squeezing my car in the last parking slot left in front of CCC…when I catch a passing glimpse of RKHS Poha neatly garnished with coriander leaves during breakfast time, which the vendor ensures nobody gets, god only knows who gets the precious leaves…when I take the first bite of my RKHS Upma with chana daal…or sip my morning MDP Coffee, which the MDP vendor serves with an omnipresent smile. Its really astonishing, how do they remember the preferences of 4000 odd people in the campus. Out of 4000, I guess at least 1500 would be drinking tea/coffee. Remembering their drink preferences, serving it even before they start to narrate their particular style of drink, requires not only great memory, but a true spirit of ensuring customer delight.  I am not saying that the other vendors lack basic service etiquette, its just that MDP is miles ahead of the pack. Same goes for CCD. “Good morning mam, h r u?”, C’mon now, which vendor welcomes you like that!!! Yesterday, I had the best experience ever at CCD. They even let me prepare my own version of cold diet cappuccino. They followed my instructions to the letter T and the outcome was heavenly. God bless Snehashish! I guess, my loyalties would shift towards CCD now, from MDP :P

I am extremely fond of interior decoration, be it my home, car or my cube. (Home away from Home). You must have heard of extended workplace, its time I introduce you to the concept of extended home. Yes, that’s my cube. I have decorated my cube with extreme care and love, each artifact has been picked up and placed with great thought. Every time, somebody gives me a compliment, “Nazia, your cube is so lovely, can’t take my eyes off it!”, that makes my day! And it happens very often, believe me, not kidding! J It so happened one day, I felt somebody standing behind me, and not speaking. I turned and said with a smile, “Hi, How can I help you?” The lady gasped, “Well, I was just passing by and couldn’t help but admire your cube, its mesmerizing, Can I stay here for a while and absorb the scene?” I was stunned, blushed profusely and could only manage to say, “Yeah, sure”.  After about one month, I came to know that the kind lady had taken a pic of my cube and shared with her friends in MFG! That was “Oh so flattering” J. I also got a prize recently, “The eye candy award”, in HR BBSR Fun Awards series, for having the most beautiful cube. J Another good friend of mine, who exited from the company recently, wrote a mail to me, on his LWD, “Nazia, your cube, has been a great source of employee engagement.” Now that was really sweet of him. J

When I reach home at night after a hard day of work, switch on the TV to watch Masterchef, with a coffee mug in my hand, and my roomie sitting next to me on the sofa, with her lappy ready to dive into the world of online shopping…yes….that is another moment of joy! Immediate stress buster! Now why can’t we have more such simple unadulterated moments of pleasure in life. Why do we have to depend on vacations in exotic locales all the time…May be ‘coz of peer pressure! Ever since I stepped out of B-school, it has been like a tradition for me and my bestie Anu, to take an annual vacation together. Last year it was Pondicherry and this year it was to Munnar! The rest of the year, we stay contented with the pics of our trips, lolz! Its very important in life to have like-minded friends in your circle. And I consider myself very fortunate on that front. Be it Anu, delightful roomies, colleague cum friends, work is fun, only coz of them!

I feel, I am meandering too much in todays article…cant help it…there is so much stuff to write about and the world limit of 500 (Self-imposed) doesn’t help at all. J

Chalo, cya then…

Cheers!

My Fitness Mantra!

Yes! Its weekend again and my creative juices are all set to flow!

You all must be wondering, what is keeping Nazia busy nowadays? Well, lately I have realized there is one very important life-skill that I lack! That is swimming! So I started learning swimming couple of days back, 2 classes down and craving for more. Hopefully, I would turn out to be an expert swimmer in next 15 days, as per my instructor J

Last year, I learned driving and this year swimming and what else remains…Difficult question J Lawn tennis, maybe! Now question is, why LT and why not TT? ‘Coz of the glamour quotient and raw power associated with LT, I have been attracted to this game, since childhood. Pete Samprass happenend to be my first crush! Always dreamt of playing LT one day. Only prob is you need a partner for such activities, which is difficult to find.

In corporate world, ppl are always hard pressed for time, and it’s a herculean task to find a person who is unmarried and who shares your interests/passion. I have stressed on “Unmarried”, not ‘coz of any ulterior motive, but only ‘coz married folks need to rush home after work ‘coz of family constraints. And these activities are to be relished just like Biryani, and strictly not to be done in a hurry, otherwise the charm is lost and it becomes more of a chore, rather than a stress busting activity.

The pool at my workplace is the best in town, seriously! And the instructor is just superb, though a bit strict! J He often laments, “Nazia madam, aap gappe zyada lagate ho, aur practice kam karte ho!” Lolz! Well, why lose another opportunity for employee connect!? It’s the best way to connect with folks and share lighter moments! Not sure about how many calories I am burning though, anyways just to be on the safe side, I prefer running for 10 mins in the gym, just before swimming.

Ok, enough about my fitness mania! Cya next weekend!

Cheers! J