7th January 2009

This date on my calendar could have been just another day in my life... but it happens to be the day of shock and unfolding of unbelievable stories... yes, I am talking about Ramalinga Raju's confession to SEBI about inflated financials of the company.

I have chosen to speak to my friends about what goes on inside our organization as I have got so many calls from my friends and family enquiring about my well being and that of my family.. I feel responsible to share this with you all. However I am not in a position to share any of my knowledge on this fiasco of this huge scale. So bear with me...

I still remember the scene... I was in an internal meeting with my taskforce team, passionately explaning my strategy to improve 'Employee Satisfaction' (We call this as Associate Delight Index - ADI). Suddenly one of the members stepped out for a minute or so only to return back that there is a news on TV that our chairman has resigned.

We all rushed to the common room where TV is played... to my utter shock and disbelief.. the story slowly unfolded in front of us... the stock price is dropping quickly by the minute... in a span of few minutes the price nearly halved.. Even then the entire story did'nt sink into me.. I immediately called my wife to update her and told her not to panic if someone calls her for clarification and I would'nt be able to confirm or deny any news either.

The next thing I realized is I am in the middle of an ad-hoc meeting at Labrynth with some senior colleagues... all huddling to digest what we saw in the media for the last hour and half.. the same thing was being repeated with more drama..

The meeting was more informal, we had the audacity to crack jokes (I guess that is a natural reaction to calm yourself from the stress you are going through) and thankfully the leaders handled the situation very well..

After a small huddle, we dispersed only to gather back in small groups to further carry out our discussions... the common questions (Not in the same order)I could hear in the aisle and hallways:-
1. How is this possible?
2. How can he do this?
3. What should we do now?
4. What will happen if the Share Price goes to 'Zero'?
5. Will we get our Salary this month?
6. How will our customers react?
7. Why are they using words like 'Fraud'; 'Scam'; 'Enron of India' etc?
8. How can one individual bring us down?
9. Are there other leaders involved in this? What was CFO doing all this while? Where is he now?
10. Whom should we believe / not?

Many senior colleagues who have spent more than 5 years (Loyalists) were very much emotionally disturbed... I have no words to comfort them..

The day was longer for all of us... I found myself hanging around till 8 pm at office with my team members..

I will talk more about what happens inside an organization (Emotions and Stress levels of associates) that is going through such a massive crisis.

I was affected too by what was happening to me and around me... after so many days, I have chosen to come out and post these thoughts of mine now, just because I feel I m in control of the situation than the otherway around...

watch out for more...

Cheating – 12 steps to cure…

On the Oracle Certification team blog, one of the most thought provoking post has been the seven part series on the topic of cheating. If you did not get a chance to read them, here are the links:

Cheating Part 1: Who Benefits from Cheating?
Cheating Part 2: Cheating Hurts The Cheater
Cheating Part 3: Cheating Hurts Present and Future Employers
Cheating Part 4: Cheating Hurts Legitimate Certification Holders
Cheating Part 5: Cheating Hurts the Oracle Certification Program
Cheating Part 6: "The Lone Beneficiary" (And It's Not You)
Cheating Part 7: What Can You and I Do About Cheating?

 

The word first reminded me of high school memories of pranks of the past similar to those portrayed in a hilarious comedy that you can watch on DVD - Cheats. However, the issue is more serious when it pervades the world of professional certification where the 'test of purity' of the gems for an Oracle jewel is doubted as there are hundreds of 'fake' ones available for 'sale'.

 

For those who are 'addicted' to this habit, allow me to propose a twelve step method to get a cure. The twelve step method is inspired from a highly successful program followed by Alcoholics Anonymous to rid themselves of their love for the bottle.

 

Step 1: The initial feeling - "I can't pass the exam without it"
For those who have adopted the bad habit of looking at help kits that promise 'guaranteed' questions and answers among other cash-back promises, the intital feeling of failure is justified. One has to recognize this fear and look towards people and institutions who can help them follow the righteous methods.

 

 

Step 2: Recognize that somebody else can help you
There are dozens of individuals who are regulars on Oracle Certification forums, blogs like this one and your peers who can guide oneself to the most effective methods of Oracle certification exam preparation.

 

 

 

Step 3: Welcome others to help you

"No man is an island, entire of itself". Introduce oneself to the experts as well as peers who have taken the certification exam. Express your fears and shortcomings to them. If someone comes forward to help, allow them to start the healing process instead of insulating oneself against them.

 

Step 4: Take inventory of your skills and knowledge level

Having decided on taking a certification exam, scan the exam content and take an inventory of your knowledge level. You may be surprised how many topics you know quite well and maybe fewer where additional study is needed. The more practice and hours that you spend of preparing for the exam, the better are your chances of performing after the exam - that is on the job. Knowledge never goes waste. You may not be applying it immediately but sooner than later there would be opportunities to utilize it.

Step 5: Share your knowledge and experiences

Knowledge is an unique resource that increases when you share with others. Sharing exam preparation experiences, study notes and tips from those who have taken the exam are all priceless. Share your doubts and questions of Metalink/OTN forums and see how dozens of members are ready to help you with the answer.


Step 6: Show your willingness to change

It is indeed a difficult path at first on the road to change. For those who are fighting a battle against their bulge, remember the first time giving up your favorite dessert when dieting or going to the gym on a regular basis. It is a change in lifestyle to say the least. It all starts with a willingness to change like getting a gym membership.

Step 7: Work towards removing your shortcomings

The Seven Wonders of the modern world like the Great Pyramid and the Taj Mahal were not built overnight. Thousands of skilled workers worked decades to build them. To achieve the wonders of Oracle certification, work on your areas of deficiency for days, if not weeks. No mountain is high enough for a determined climber.


Step 8: Identify those you have harmed

It may not be difficult to identify those you harmed because of your habit. Some of these have been discussed in the Oracle Certification Team blog posts. The person who has been harmed most is yourself as you have missed a great opportunity to be evaluated sincerely and be recognized as one the best.

Step 9: Make amends
Each individual has one's own way to make amends. Would leave the thought here for individuals to think of their own positive action to make amends for their past deeds.

 

Step 10: Daily or weekly review

Review your addiction on a daily or weekly basis. Soon you would not even require a 'nicotine' patch to overcome the 'withdrawal symptoms' because none would be there!

 

Step 11: Grow out, grow yourself

Within a few weeks, you would be more confident about your skills, your own self and your work and communication would show this difference. Last but not the least, the joy of achieving success in the certification exam would not be clouded by any doubt of your capabilities or colored with unfair means of the past.

Step 12: Carry this message to others

Spread the word about your success. Spread the message that one can succeed without the 'addiction'. Forward this blog post - "12 Steps to a Cure" to those who are 'addicted' and are suffering. It is our dream to have this menace eradicated and elevate Oracle Certification (and your self) to the high pedestal that is richly deserved.

This blog post has been inspired from the best-seller "Understanding the Twelve Steps" by Terence T.Gorkni, Prentice Hall-Parkside Publications

Happy New Year - 2009

Performance Consulting

watch this video to know more about Performance Consulting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCBAnqNdEes

Lavanya's Birthday

Many Many Happy Returns of the Day!!!

The more I talk about it, the more I am convinced about the three step change process. During one of my Real Time Learning (RTL) sessions, (this happened in-the-moment without much preparation) I came out with three 'A's for successful habit formation:
1. Awareness
2. Acknowledgement
3. Action

If we need to bring about change 'collectively', we need to follow this 3 step method. i.e. create as much Awareness around that subject (the pros and cons) - generate enough 'data' from the system and validate with group every now and then before proceeding to the next step.

The next step is acknowledgement. i.e. gain acknowledgement from the group that in order to move from 'Current' to 'Desired' state, what are the things that we should 'Start', 'Stop' and 'Continue' doing? Again a series of validations from the group helps (sometimes individual leaders may play an important role here).

The final step is taking 'Action'. This calls for commitment from the top leaders and everyone in the system to make that desired change happen.

Then the set of questions,
1. "What support you may need to make this change happen?"
2. "What risks you foresee in this journey?"

3. "What investments are you are prepared and willing to make to see this happen?"

4. "By when you would accomplish this change?"

5. "What are your measures for successful completion of this journey?"

Thus a new successful habit is formed. I started liking the sound of this logic.

The more I elaborated on this, the more I am convinced. Maybe I would have read this somewhere in a different form.

Stonehenge

STONEHENGE

We were staying in a hotel near Euston, London. Changing couple of trains (underground) and buses, we reached Salisbury. From Salisbury, we took a tour bus. This is the place where if you turn left, you will find yourself next to this world heritage site called, Stonehenge. You can see that even from distance. This picture was taken from the bus we were travelling, from the top deck.

History about this place (Source: various websites)
Mystery surrounds this 5,000 year old World Heritage Site. As old as the pyramids in Egypt, was Stonehenge designed as a place of sun worship, or as part of a huge astronomical calendar?

Each monument was a circular structure, aligned with the rising sun at the solstice. Erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, the stones were carried hundreds of miles over land and sea, while antlers and bones were used to dig the pits that hold the stones. An awe-inspiring family visit, Stonehenge is a powerful reminder of the once-great Stone and Bronze Ages.

If you look closer you will find that only a part of the structure is still standing. The audio tour and the museum tour would reveal that many people believed tales around these structured and took stone peieces along with them to build their homes, hence this view. I have attached an artists' view of the full temple (?). Each stone is weighing many tonnes and in those days without cranes and heavy machines how did they manage to lift and bury them under the ground is still a mystery? Yes, what you see is only two third of the length. What on earth these guys were building, it beats me till date!!

To tell you the truth, I was a bit dissapointed at the sight of this monument. It could have been better protected, the kind of hype that it created in my mind about the mystery is short lived after I saw this structure for the first time. In the village side of my country (India, South India in specific), you will find such structures. ofcourse in small sizes and many by the road side. The purpose of such structures is to offload your luggage on the wayside to take rest and continue the journey when ready. Those days there were no vehicles to move around. Most of the people walked long distances and those who carried heavy luggage found these stone structures extremly helpful. But the mystery surrounding these structures haunts you too!

However, I would like to admit that this place grows on you, the more you see this place it brings in that feeling of magic and takes you to a different place. I went around this place wearing just my sweater, in the biting cold... I did'nt carry my windsheeter and found it extremely difficult to bear the cold wind. It affected me very heavily, I was suffering from running nose till I landed in Delhi airport. Travel tip: Pls carry warm clothes in case you are travelling in the month of October /November.

THANKS TO K7, without her, I wonder if I would have ever ventured out of London, this far. She is the one who braved the little detour and helped me understand that touring around alone can be fun. I always thought, sight seeing can be fun as long as you have good company. A good companion is all I need to enjoy my trip. She infact subtly made me understand both sides of it. Next time around, I would venture out on my own to far off places and test myself.

In case you are wondering what did we have there for food, half a slice of bread. Yes, I am not kidding, by the time we ordered some soup and bread the bus arrived. That was the last bus and we need to pay heavily to get back to the railway station, so I dropped the idea of waiting for the hot soup and instead grabbed the bread piece to catch the bus in time.

Tip: Please buy your snacks while visiting such places in UK, esp, if you are a Veggie lover.

London Bridge

What we call 'London Bridge' is actually not the real 'London Bridge'. Did you know about this?

Fortunate to see the bridge open to give way for a ferry.. the traffic on both sides stopped, there was a whistle, slowly the boat crossed the space between the two pillars and then the bridge closed for the traffic to return normal. what a wonderful sight?

Sunset

The most enjoyable moment for me in life is to watch Sunrise / Sunset. Which ever part of the world you go these two are amazing sights to cherish.

This is a picture (not taken by me) that inspired me to write this post and it tells a lot of stories for its viewers.

Hope you too enjoyed this!

Manasvini's Family Tree & Shelter

Manasvini's first school assignments

I am not sure if Lavanya found it tedious, but I did. I was wondering, if the school teacher can outsource the creation of 'Teaching Material' then why we are paying so much of tution fee for a 'Play School and end up spending a good fortune in buying all the chart papers, feviqwick, water colours, spending time (esp. my precious Sunday).

Then I understood from Lavanya that she enjoyed the whole activity and helped her to unleash her drawing skills (which she actually did!.... see these picutures). I am thrilled to see the creative side of my wife. In the last 8 years I know her, this is one special moment I saw her with colors. She did some research on the 'Family Tree' over internet. She found out some sites where they posted samples to inspire creativity.

Lavanya was more interested in entering the competition for Manasvini and willing to go the extra mile for her anyday.... I can imagine how Manasvini would grow up to beat her mom in her own terrain.

This is just the begining!!!

Mannu's First day @ School

Manasvini's first day at School. She goes to Chirec Public School, Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad.

I was just remembering my first day at school and how my Aunt struggled to drag me to school, while i howled all the way, crying.... ha ha ha... times have changed. Lavanya has prepared her for almost 6 months for this day. Parenting is an art.

tuesdays with Morrie

I am currently reading this true story by Mitch Albom (a successful sports reporter writes about his teacher).

Living Funeral: When you know that you have a terminal illness (Morrie had ALS- Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis) and your days are numbered, what will you do? You have options, says Morrie, “when all this started, I asked myself, ‘Am I going to withdraw from the world, like most people do, or Am I going to Live?’ I decided I am going to live- or atleast try to live – the way I want, with dignity, with courage , with humor, with composure.”

When asked, “What do you dread the most about this slow, insidious decay?’. Morrie looked into straight into the eyes of the most famous interviewer in America. “Well, Ted, one day soon someone’s gonna have to wipe my ass.”

This book moved me beyond words can explain.

Currently I am reading this book. Interesting to note how early imprints on our mind create lasting impressions about day-to-day things. Read on to know further!

I liked this...

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

Lavanya is a Chartered Accountant

Lavanya is now a Chartered Accountant (CA). It is very difficult to clear this certification requirement in India. I am extremely happy for her. She finally realized her dream to become a CA after these many years.

Pongal in Peoria

This year Pongal @ Peoria...

My Second Trip to US!

Time moves on... before I could realise I am here again for my second visit. This time it is Peoria, a small industrial town with Victorian style houses, large spaces between houses, big broad roads, icy wind (yes, it is freezing out here!) and friendly people all around!!!


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I kinda like this place... It is already third day today and I have explored this place with my colleagues. I shall get used to Burritos (one ad reads like this, "Burritos, Larger than you head!"... I thought it is funny!!!)

I shall keep posting about my adventure here!

My First Visit to USA

Hey,

I am back. This time with some exciting stuff. Recetnly I visited San Francisco (San Ramon to be exact) for some field work. For a boy from a small town, it's a big leap. Everything is new. Right from crossing the street (Can you imagine! I spent close to 10 min in figuring out that push button to cross the road!)


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Whether it is about printing a train ticket myself on the vending machine from SFO Airport to Dublin Pleasonton route or taking a cab from the BART station to the hotel (Sierra Suites) where I had booking it was first time for me and luckily it turned out to be a pleasant one!

I braved outside my room in the night to have some snacks as I was hungry. I could find only a Taco Bell outlet and struggled to find something 'Vegetarian'. Finally ordered something and it turned out to be some meat preparation. I didn't like it, but had no heart to throw it in dust bin, somehow gulped and washed it down with the raspberry flavored coke that came with it as a combo pack.

The second day I took a train to SFO airport (Still disoriented in the new timezone!) slept on my way and missed the SFO station. No one around to ask for directions, but somehow figured out that if I stayed on the same train, it would shuttle back to SFO airport. Felt relieved, stayed awhile on my seat (meanwhile, I prayed all the gods I know that no one should be checking my ticket or no camera around to beep that I am carrying an invalid ticket). Finally, understood the system and felt comfortable moving around without any hassles.

Rest of my journey I shall blog when time permits! So Long! :-)

OD - Organizational Development - A Discipline

The first time I heard this term is when I was in Symbiosis (SCMHRD), Pune. I thought it is just another fad and tried to ignore this subject.

But as things unfolded, I started liking this subject and showing more interest in learning this. Now, at Satyam School of Leadership we are doing RealTimeLearning (RTL)based on OD principles of Performance Consulting. 

Now lets, look at OD briefly...

Organization Development (OD) is a powerful approach for applying behavioral science to improving organizational effectiveness and human fulfillment at work. Its primary emphasis is on relationships and processes between and among individuals and groups. OD also encompasses the overall performance of the organization, its effectiveness, structure, and internal/external system impacts. All of these components are critical success factors in the results-oriented organization.

For anyone interested in more about OD, here are some links:

ODNET: http://www.odnetwork.org/

OD Institute: http://members.aol.com/odinst/

The Nine Steps to OD: http://learningvoyager.blogspot.com/2005/06/nine-steps-to-successful-organization_21.html

I am Reading...

1. Survival of the Savvy: High-Integrity Political Tactics for Career and Company Success  
by Rick Brandon , Marty Seldman

2. The Leadership Pipeline - Ram Charan

3. Leadership without Borders - Ed Cohen

4. How full is your bucket? Tom Rath & Donald Clifton