Management – Diary of a mind

WHO IS THE FACE OF YOUR COMPANY?

May 9, 2013 Soumya VilekarLeave a comment

What and who represents your company? What is the distinct feature that makes your organization stand at a different level higher than the rest?

Of course,your people,your staff and the management group that handles the pattern,behavior,exposure,growth and planning of your concern are the ones representing your firm.

The three level system consisting of the lower management,the middle management and the senior management form the base of any company to run in a successful way. It depends on the efficiency of the person in these levels and also on the co-ordination of the employees among themselves.

An organization having people of great caliber and potentials can be at a loss if the people in that talk do not possess the quality of working together as a team and always are head on with every other person for any issue arising .

“A company hiring certain hard-core professionals out of a belief that masters of certain specialized areas will provide their company with good solutions or find a way to market their products globally or can enhance the output of their production is nevertheless like having a dream “.

Every individual besides being a professional is a person possessing his own traits and behavioral pattern.This pattern should be compatible with the working methods of the system or should be advantageous to the company.If there has to be a change in the prevailing format other than the one running in the company, it will have certain frictions arising within the core,but not a collapse of the infrastructure.

Many organizations suddenly replace their hired top personnel out of a notion to accommodate the best talents available in the industry and still go around with losses in spite of having the best people with them.

“A degree of any specialized field will make one well versed with the nomenclature and thorough with the ideal ways of working that is explained in the books,but wont teach a person ,how to deal in certain situations of crisis which are unique and exceptional in every case irrespective of any country. The work experience ,the thought process , overall thinking and managing ability of the person shall endear to the perfect solution.”

Remember what we had learnt in school is the basic knowledge,life taught us the real ways of living. So the ones who used to sit in the last benches of the school are top businessmen of our times, for they know the real art of running a company and have not stuck to any predefined written methods. They may hire excellent people to represent their company on certain levels and to know the views and suggestions of the so-called intellectuals.But remember the wisest of all always listens to the people around him , but he does what his heart and mind proclaims.

For an organization to run smoothly with success by achieving the profits and earning a repute , it is essential to have a combination of people merging together and blending the top brains with the wise heads and the excellent performers.

One who cares for the organization as much as he does for his career,the individual having a real connection for the company for which he is working and who has the sense of thinking alive in him to bring about the best from his team and their efforts is the one who can take the organization to a different strata.

PHOTOCREDIT:godshack.blogspot.com –

What is needed is the sense of belonging , intelligence, dynamism in thoughts and behavior,ability to take and face risks,courage to accept challenges and the endurance to complete them along with a nature of a good human being,which when summed can be the face of the company!

Pressure on Business (venitism.blogspot.com)
Core Job of Middle Managers: Dealing with the Exceptions (orangearchipelago.wordpress.com)

“DECORUM IN PRESENCE OF YOUR SENIORS “- SOFT SKILLS

February 6, 2013 Soumya Vilekar1 Comment

Decorum at work is often a set of guidelines that is written and followed. There are still few codes of conduct which aren’t written anywhere nor do they find any mention in the book of organizational behaviour.

Remember the day when your boss was supposed to visit your working premises ,or your work area, did anybody tell you about the disposition you should follow and the etiquette you should have?

Besides the people around who have the habit of smudging their seniors with all the negative thoughts, there is no one who can guide you to know what exactly should be your behavior?

If you are supposed to spend more time with your boss , while together on a journey or a visit to a customer or be together in office,what are the points that need to be remembered?

Do you think besides talking about work there wont be any other topic to discuss? What should be the limitation of your verbal expression that would not hurt him as a person or as a senior?

Is it necessary to stay just formal with him or at times you can be casual?These are the few questions that arise in mind and storm your day when you come across such a situation.

For your behavior shall decide what lies in future for you in the organization.

Before pointing out the details let me just tell you that at the end of the day he is your boss and his place demands respect . He might be a person of great character ,a large-heated person,still it is your duty to make sure that you do not cross the line of friendliness that he has crossed for you.Being with your senior at workplace and at other casual gatherings or visits commands different approach to him.

Few points which you need to remember:

Your boss is a person who is in a senior position than yours and you need to respect his stature.Respecting does not mean to flatter him with words nor does it mean to be a timid follower.You need to give him the facts without letting down his presence in front of others.
Always preinform him about any issues that has arisen which can create a problem in field or within the workplace. Before he comes to know from anybody else,if you are the person who confides in him about any such trouble,he will be rest assured of your sincerity and faith towards him and company.
On certain issues you both may or may not agree completely,in such a situation make sure you don’t directly argue with him in front of others specially his seniors.That sets a very bad example of bad leadership,which could affect his presence in the company.
For any reason if you are convinced for any step to be taken or not,confide in him,prior to the meeting apprehending that a conflict there in front of everyone shall damage his position.
As a senior , listen to his words with utmost attention and importance even though you feel they aren’t of any use.
While conversing with him,erase the mindset of your psyche that you are better than him and could have done everything more efficiently.Such a thought shall always hamper your growth in life for it increases the ego of your self.
Learn whatever you can from him by observing and by communicating. An inquisitive mind is always progressive and your inquisitive ness to know more about the activities in the organization about work or anything else shall create a positive impression of yours.Posing to be curious hardly sustains, for you lose interest the moment you start knowing about it.
Be friendly towards your senior when he is in a light mood,but never try to act over smart or cross the friendly line between .
Assure him always of your work and results ,so that he develops a sense of belief in you as a person,which shall always be helpful for the company’s growth as well as you as an individual.
Restrict yourself from the petty activities and the politics of narrow-minded people.Someday the tables turn and one who starts all such trivial topic suffers.Neither such a person gets any sympathy from anyone then nor can he acquire back his same earlier position of respect and power.

All these points are essential for you when you think of your code of conduct before your seniors,but imposing them without actually realizing their importance would be forceful.

Few things below would clarify your such disposition:

If you respect a person ,it will not reduce your status.
Being humble ,doesn’t mean being weak,in fact it means you have more endurance to sustain.
Following your leader is not a way of flattering,it displays the sense of faith you have in him and your work.
Helping your boss in any other work,besides being in office does not mean you are being exploited,it says you are trusted more than anyone else.
Avoiding your boss is not a way out for any situation,it shows your lack of interest in him and being in his company.
Arrogance lets everyone down whether he is a senior or you.
Arguing in form of a discussion is always welcome,but remember at the end of the day ,your leader’s point will be accepted,so it is better to convince him first if you are very sure of your own explanation.Such confiding will reflect your interest in the growth of the organization and not only in your own.
Besides everything,if you find anything illegal or nefarious activities going on in the organization and your seniors involved in it,rather quit the job than making them realize their follies.
If for any reason your senior is taking advantage of you physically,mentally or emotionally,be firm and refuse uprightly.If still unheeded directly approach the senior most person of the organization without hesitation.
Code of conduct applies to everyone and hence there should also be a set of codes for the leaders too.

Gain the Confidence of Your Boss (psychologytoday.com)
9 Subtle Traits Of The Most Talented Leaders (businessinsider.com)

ACHIEVING YOUR FIGURES!

January 30, 2013February 3, 2013 Soumya Vilekar10 Comments

Whether you are a businessman or an executive working for an esteemed company, whether you own a small shop or are a salesman knocking doors every afternoon, the hanging sword for everyone is the same! SALES TARGET!

Remember the days you had a smooth time working with people around and could achieve your monthly figures quite easily ,those days seem to have vanished. The scenario has changed to the increasing competition in the market and the upcoming trends. Everyday a new invention or a gadget is introduced in the market ,or a company launches a product that claims to be different form the other prevailing one ! The race for being on the top increases its speed and the urge to excel and be different is never-ending!

Few years ago ,the times were different and neither there was any such slit throat competition nor had the dominating, supremely efficient Chinese people had penetrated so deep into the market with all their products.

Still it is n’t the end of the world even if the situation has become more critical and delicate.

For any company,organization or a business to grow,we need to constantly reach the target that has been set keeping in mind the growth and the demand of that particular sector.

Even a small shopkeeper in his mind aims for a sales figure which shall make ensure his profits and will provide him with more network of customers.

For an executive running around to customers constantly to mark the company’s presence is a way to be aware of the market trends to attain his goals.

So for everyone who is involved in sales,there has to be a pattern of working or thinking which shall guarantee the outcome and give them maximum results.

Following are few ways in which you can get your aim efficiently and within time:

A person looking after the sales or marketing of any product or company needs to proactive.He should be aware of every other similar range of things available in the market whether by his competitor or by any third-party.
A person who handles a monthly target should have a plan chalked out for himself and his team to be able to cover up every customer in his area or range within the specified time .
He should be positive minded in his approach and should display confidence in work and behavior. Absence of confidence leads to a very poor reputation of the person and the organization.
He should be dressed according to his designation and in compliance with the place he shall be visiting. A poorly dressed or oddly dressed person leaves a callous image of himself in the visiting places.
He should be well aware of the product line in which he is dealing along with the other available services that his organization deals with.Lack of information about the company he works in shall render a lack of interest from the visiting customer.
He should be convinced about the quality of the product he sells, the sense of belief in his own company and products ensures that the clients too shall believe in the conviction.
A gentle and a helping approach always helps in dealing with irate, confused and dominating customers.Giving respect and importance even to the lowest staff present there shall always have a good impact and will not reduce his status .
The person should be well conversant with troubleshooting and the failure analysis whether for any type of technical product or even in case of simple ones. The problems differ but are always present.So to be able to deal with such problems is a plus point in your score.
Being in regular touch with the network of clients and users increases the chance of getting your things across when there is a demand.
To make sure that the assignment of any given order is completed in time and if so ever for any reason is delayed ,he should be apologetic for the inconvenience which shall strengthen the bond of the existing customer and he shall in future recommend you to new ones after getting reassured of your services.
Discipline should be an important part of his life and punctuality the most essential one. For people who do not reach o time,tend to lose big opportunities.Even though the rest of the people are late for any reason, a person in sales should be there in time to mark his presence .
Invent new areas of possibilities of the product line to be introduced,he should be aware of the upcoming and new set ups coming around in his area.
Lastly he should have a positive frame of mind and a peaceful approach for his goal. Determination and hard work along with a sense of belonging to his company shall bring him a feel of responsibility which shall assure the work being done in ,sincerely and with care.

These are only few points which could help a person to achieve his goal and aim for the highest every time.The conditions change with every business and place of working ,still overall the basic points remain the same ,without them ,selling is possible but achieving your target will be impossible…

If You Believe In You, They Will Too! (thebsca.com)
Are your strengths also perceived by your customers ? (leadsexplorer.com)
Market Exit Strategy 101: Leveraging Partner and Product Ecosystems (openviewpartners.com)
Work Your Brand (thevirtualvirtuoso.wordpress.com)
Small Business Marketing Magic: Re-engaging Existing Customers (amsterdamprinting.com)

WRITING CHALLENGE:The Devil is in the details

January 22, 2013January 22, 2013 Soumya Vilekar2 Comments

TARGET v/s GROWTH

The clock strikes 9 and its a chilled foggy morning with visibility reduced to 100 meters and a distinct alarm of the old timepiece on the wall rings!

A man in his early forties with a slight tinge of greyish hair around his ears,wearing a light grey suit with distinct handsome features walks across the silent corridor between the compactly made glass cubicles,where in the people have flocked and occupied their places.

He enters the conference hall on the same floor around the corner like a fresh gust of air!

There is a meeting called for the board of directors and the top management executives.

As everyone gets seated,the place looks filled with people of different characters,personalities and traits running an organization together.

Few look old,tired ,bored and messed up.Some have a facial expression of having a zeal and enthusiasm to accept any challenge given forth to them.One or two are complete expressionless about their presentability and reactions making them look like snobs and arrogant members.

As the meeting proceeds ,each goes on well with his presentation regarding his field of work,the targets given and the figures achieved.Comparing statistics ,mentioning and marking the growth alongwith the profit they have contributed as individuals to the organization.

Seeing the sales reports of the company ,the board isn’t happy nor satisfied with the results .

The real process starts now of blaming the executives and the main management of the organization for not dealing properly with the various factors and unheedingly ignoring and neglecting the basic facts.

The management team tries to explain its position that as all the employess on the middle management level are new,as the old ones left and few had been sacked due to certain discrepancies,so it would take sometime to stabilize the system and its functions.

The chairman ,an aged man is too buffed up with the situation.The CEO of the company,a middle aged man , known for his intellectual tactics too is tight lipped for any further commitment.

Suddenly in the middle of the conversation,the gentleman in grey suit,who had been silent after presenting his report gets up to speak.

Reopening the statistical reports,he points out ,”We haven’t achieved our quarterly targets doesn’t mean or imply that we won’t be able to achieve the yearly figures.The graph clearly shows the year on year growth of this quarter in the summary.If a significant growth has happened through the years and also during the present year when we had so many drastic changes in the system,it is ought to grow more in the next quarter till the completion of the financial year.”

There is a pindrop silence in the hall and a smile is seen on the face of the chairman.

Writing Challenge: the Devil is in the Details.

Why Do Middle Managers Obstruct CX Progress? (experiencematters.wordpress.com)
IBM Study: Middle Management Slow on Social Tools Adoption (thevarguy.com)
Middle Managers Struggle with Enterprise Social Media, IBM Finds (scooprocket.com)
Operations & HR Consultant – Communicate, Educate & Empower! (alanpavey.wordpress.com)

TIME MANAGEMENT

January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 Soumya Vilekar7 Comments

Just another day ends without any change in the routine…Sometimes I think what makes the life move on…our routine or our time…We all seem to be puppets in the hands of time…

Time is never the same and it keeps on changing ..Neither it stops nor it comes back again… How extraordinary time is…!

Right from our workplace to the industries that are involved in production all are busy managing time..Time management is really a bigger issue now as 24×7 working is getting bit common..A person is available 24 hrs on a cellphone..on mails..and the communication is on continuously..After going through the management programmes and trainings on “Just in time management“,”Six sigma” and lot more ,we continously strive to organise our time schedule and use it properly..

All this pertains only to our work..But have we all ever thought, or tried to organise our time that we spend with our family..for better results ,more output,perfect tuning ..We never bothered to do so,as that was considered our free time ,our leisure period when we are supposed to relax..

But one question remains is we try to organise our work according to our schedule …just because we are getting paid for it or we have been asked to do that?

And if we ever manage time at home with our family ,planning things to work out so that we can give quality time to them…is it being professional or we are being asked too much ?

Whatever, the fact remains that a homemaker manages her time to adjust everybody in her schedule and still keeps the balance between one and all…without hampering the daily routine..And yes! she too works 24×7..remember those days when your child was a baby and she was on toes for the whole day..still managed to get up in the middle of the night for the change of diapers or refilling the feeding bottle..and again the next early morning she is ready to say a good-bye to you to see you off while you leave for the office..

What a soul! I just want to make you think that if we can follow management programmes and schedule for better performance at work..why cant we just do it at our place..?

Reason being it brings smile on everybody’s face,children will get good time to spend with us and will feel secured .. and won’t just dig their heads in PS2 and PSP‘s .They will be with the family learning the values and morals which will always help them in being a good human being for tomorrow..

And we all in return will have peace in our heart because we would have the motivation ,the energy to work back again the next day with better efficiency …