An Agile Organization

I got the opportunity to attend an HR conference today organized by NHRDN BBSR Chapter. The speaker for the evening was an HR veteran with over 20 years of experience in various companies covering the entire spectrum of offerings starting from IT to manufacturing set up.

The topic he discussed was very close to my heart. How an organization needs to be agile in order to adapt to changing times. I have always been a big promoter of embracing change, and love to observe the reaction of people to changes that are unexpected. The word that reverberated the entire hour and half was “Agile”. During these ambiguous times, with cut throat competition around for any organization, be it small or big, how can you stay ahead of the game from an organizational perspective? How can you create the much needed agility in your programs and processes? That was the whole crux of the talk.

Co-incidentally, today I also got to hear about a major change, you might call it a paradigm shift of sorts in my organization. And it was such a pleasant surprise. Although I was expecting something on these lines since about a month or so, but reading about it in black and white really reaffirmed my faith in the leadership. Moving with the times and in sync with the thoughts and aspirations of its people, is what makes an organization a force to reckon with. And I think, with this first step, we are very much on our way to challenge the might of say a Google, Apple or FB, companies which are renowned for their entrepreneurial work environment and a culture which promotes freedom of speech and expression.  A company which listens to what the people have to say and takes swift action upon it immediately, is the truest example of an agile organization.

During my MBA days, I read a book, “Built to last”, it was an essay on various companies over the years that had some trait or the other which enabled them to withstand the ravages of time and become world class organizations. And today I can say with utmost pride that, I am truly privileged to be working in such an organization.

A Day in the life of an HR

There is nothing more satisfying on earth, than someone coming to you, with a “Hey Nazia, I have a problem…”, and leaving with a smile. That pretty much sums up the essence of a day in the life of an HR.

As an HR, we are expected to don multiple hats. Strategic, operational, and sometimes softer ones like that of a listener, care-giver, a mentor and of course that of a good friend too. And many a times, the lines demarcating all these sections get blurred. When you are spending over 12 twelve hours at work, most of your colleagues would end up as your best buddies too. You hang out with them over weekends and they are the first ones, to know whenever something good or bad happens in your life.

There would be many employees, who would not be in your direct line of interaction as they would be belonging to different units, but still they would approach you with problems related to their professional or personal life. And officially speaking, you are not supposed to cater to them, but you end up doing exactly that. Because at the end of the day, you are human and you have to take up the “Humane” aspect of your job profile seriously. The fervor comes from within and it is impossible to say “No”, for me at least.

Recently I got a call from an employee, “Hi Nazia, I want to meet you to discuss something.” I said, come down and told him my co-ordinates. (I sit in different buildings, in order to be accessible to most of my people). He happened to be from another unit. And wanted to discuss, whether he should resign or not, as he had been selected in a B-School. Seems like a pretty simple decision. But with the plethora of people friendly policies like Sabbatical for higher education, one has to weigh the pros and cons very meticulously. We had a hearty discussion for about half an hour and personally speaking, it was one of the most satisfying days for me. There is nothing more satisfying, than an employee seeking your guidance and advice for such crucial life decisions.  My own unit folks keep on doing that all the time, but a person from another unit doing it, was really the icing on the cake.

Interacting and spending time with people is very crucial for an HR. Coming out of your silos or comfort zones and connecting with stakeholders at informal platforms really helps. You might have tons of Skip levels or Coffee with HRs, but ultimately the thing that will bring you to closer to people is informal connects. Random chats on the floor, hanging out with them when do late-nights or tea breaks. But to do all this, you have to be genuinely interested in their lives and be a people’s person. Candid and extrovert.

If you do it just as a part of your check-list, this will not last long. If you feel, this is a chore and it needs to be completed, then definitely you are in a wrong profession. So, to be an HR in the true sense, its time to get out of those excels and be truly “Humane”.

NH 10...why should you watch it?

So...I dont actually write a lot of movie reviews and understandably so...'coz rarely any movie leaves an indelible imprint on my mind. But today happened to be different day...when I watched the movie NH 10.

I would be running out of good adjectives...in my attempt to tell you, how great is this movie. What a brave decision by Anushka...to back a movie that focusses on themes so far considered untouchable by mainstream bollywood cinema. I agree, certain scenes will make you cringe in your seat and there is an overdose of blood and gore...but thats how life is in those areas. How can you refrain from the unpleasant truth...if you intend to portray the true picture of honor killings and present status of women in the backyards of Haryana...Gurgaon...etc. And Anushka has done an unbelievable job, when it comes to emoting the fear...the pain...the helplessness...and finally when she succeeds in killing all the villians...you cant help but feel euphoric for her...for all womankind. In life also, when one realises that you have nothing to lose, you get a strange courage and strength from some deep corner of your heart...and finally you succeed.

Personally speaking, I loved this movie and I feel each one of us should watch it...lots of learning here...Dont ever underestimate the strength and courage of a woman.

Happiness is….feeling liberated…

Till very recently, I was a firm believer in not filling the feedback surveys…any kind of survey. Be it employee satisfaction survey or car servicing feedback survey. I used to think, it’s a complete waste of time and organizations do it just for the heck of it, or to be on the right side of the law, as in keeping in mind the compliance perspective. So what is the status now, am I reformed? If yes, why and how did this change came about exactly? Yes yes, I know, you are dying to know…or maybe you hardly care…but any which way, my story needs to be told…read if you are interested…

A few months back, I wrote something in the qualitative segment of the employee satisfaction survey in my org. Cannot divulge what this “Something” is, because of obvious reasons. It was something that I felt very strongly about, and it was a key factor behind my aspiration to join companies like Google and Apple. I am almost 6 years old in my current company and I always felt, if I ever leave, then it would be because of this “Something”.

Imagine my surprise and delight, when I got to know, that my organization has taken a decision to bring in this “Something” with immediate effect. Today is the first day, when I am experiencing this “Something” and yes, I feel on top of the world.

Leadership in any organization defines the culture. Like a mother, does for her family. All of us, are inherently resistant to any kind of change. But if we open our minds and embrace change whole heartedly, then we would realize what we were missing earlier…

That’s it for now…let me cherish and enjoy the moment…

Happiness is….feeling liberated…

OCD on FB

I don’t understand the obsessive compulsive need of some people to constantly let the whole world know through social media, where they are checking-in every single minute of their lives. Be it the nearest cinema hall or the airport while taking the flight to some god forsaken place, they would rather click pics of themselves and post it on FB, than enjoy the precious moment itself. Just yesterday, me and my friends were discussing the crazy antics of these folks, who while running a marathon for some noble cause, were busy taking selfies! (During the running act).

In fact the day is not far, when they are going to check-in to washroom and inform the whole world on FB! J