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Best Wishes for New Year: Happy Networking and Happy Working

Strategyworks — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Hi,

First of all I would like to wish you a Very Happy and prosperous New Year.

I'm purposefully wishing you late, as I didn't wanted to be the one of those numerous best wishes mails, which got lost in Email flood which occurred between 31st and 2nd of Jan in your inbox.

I would like to wish you and your business to grow and prosper this year, get networked more, expand business contact and reap mutual benefits and share profits with all.

This year I have decided to be more proactive and take a step forward to ask and seek help and build a trusted group of friends and peers.

we all are connected to one or more social media platforms , we share news, views, videos , but never thought of asking about the well being of my connected friends, how's his business is doing, is there anything I could do for him to relieve him a bit from his stressful life.

we all have heard and most of the multinational companies follow a mission and vision for their growth is " Colleague Success", I want to adopt the same thing and would like to name it as " Friend's Success" certainly this requires mutual interest and participation.

I wish and hope this year we will get closer and network more and contribute to Friend's Success.

With Best Wishes,

StrategyWorks

Interview Selection Parameters

Strategyworks — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:27:00 +0000

You all would have attended many interview in past and would have got feedback after the interview that "your profile doesn't suits with the requirement" or "will call you back" or some other answer , just to avoid saying "NO" directly.

Generally this happen, because in interviews ,we try to tell what ever we want to tell (all the good(s), not what the interviewer wants to hear. Most of times we just answer the question asked by interviewer, without knowing what exactly the interviewer wants to judge by asking that question.

"Always remember --interview is not a Question and Answer Session. Its time to market and sell your Qualities, achievements and yourself to your prospective employer"

Below I have mentioned some of the Key Parameters, which are used by almost all the companies in the globe and for any job & position. This parameter is applicable to IT, Sales, marketing, CEO's, etc...

Parameters	Description	Possible Question(s)*
Communication skills	Defined by an individual, clarity, presentation, listening skills and understanding of non-verbal cues/body language.	Tell some thing about yourself?
Innovative/Creative	Defined by New Ideas, thoughts, their implementations, using cost effective methods & practicality of these ideas	Given a scenario/situation how you will respond?
Decision Making	Defined by logical, rational thinking, ability to consider all the possible alternatives, resolve conflicts, make timely & independent decisions	How will you develop the market for xyz product or service?
Problem Solving	Defined by an individuals ability to be analytical, deductive/inductive, handle stress	What approach you will follow to develop the brand or increase sales?
Values	Defined by Individuals honesty, integrity, loyalty, stability.	Do you bribe the customer to get the business deal?
Interpersonal Relations	Defined by an individual's ability of being intimate, sensitive, trusting, have an open and transparent communication.	How comfortable you are working with team? How will you convince your colleague (senior) to do his job in some other good ways?
Leadership	Defined by an individual's ability to envision the future, motivate others, delegate effectively, give objective& constructive feedback, and make quick and fair decisions.	What lead role you taken in your previous assignments? Do you handle a team? How you get your work done from your colleagues?
Team Orientation	Defined by an individuals ability to work with others, open to others suggestions/ideas, open to criticism, share one's own knowledge, acknowledge others contribution.	Do you do any other extra curricular activities with your team other than work? What philosophy you adopt to get the work done from your teams?
Attitude	Defined by an individuals perseverance, presence of mind, willingness to learn, being adaptable and competitive	You seem to be very dull, why should I select you? You are very egoist and won't be able to cope with team?
Initiative/Proactive	Defined by an individuals ability to identify and implement a new idea/direction, take risks, start new project independently, willingness to take responsibility	You have to develop a very virgin market, would you be able to take up this challenge?
Assertiveness	Defined by an individuals high self confidence and self esteem, ability to openly express positive and negative feelings(taking it positively)	You haven't done significant work in your previous organization and doesn't suits to our needs, do you have any thing to say?
Stress Handling	Defined by an individuals ability to manage one's own behavior ,remain calm in crisis situation, manage complex task effectively, handle several projects simultaneously	Would you be able to handle multiple projects at a time? We want some one who can do multitasking, can you do this?
Adaptability/Flexibility	Defined as being open to different ideas. Modify one's behaviors in the face of failure/criticism/a better suggestion, being comfortable in any situation	Are you ready for relocation?
Conflict resolutions	Defined as the ability to think analytically, fact finding, staying calm under stress, be sensitive to issues, be objective	How will you react to customer grievances and complaint, which has occurred due to your negligence?
Achievement Motivation	Defined as being ambitious, drive to succeed, result oriented	What was your accomplishment in last assignment? Do you have nay promotion in previous organization?

The * possible Question(s) section contain only few question, but their can be many more question in many ways. It's my sincere request to all the readers to add up the question for the benefits of other job seekers and can of help to them.

Dress for the Job you want, not the Job you have

Strategyworks — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:42:00 +0000

Interviewing is a highly underrated skill. Both for the candidate and the interviewer. This month and next, we'll talk about tips and tricks for the savvy interviewee. Since most interviewers (with a very few notable exceptions) don't really know how to interview, we'll help you prepare to get yourself across as the best things.

Looking Good?

Someone very wise once said, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." It never hurts to model the part of the completely professional jobseeker. Fair warning, dear readers, I'm very conservative about the way a candidate should look.

My take on the situation is: don't give interviewers anything overt to object to. I understand that this may be disparaging to you, but I go with "better safe than sorry." It's a sad fact of human nature that people have all kinds of strange sensibilities. Save your self-expression for once you've gotten the job.

Even if you are told that the company is casual, wear a sport jacket and tie, suit, or tailored dress. Interviewers should never be uncomfortable if you are dressed better than they are. They already have jobs. If the interviewer should point out that you seem a bit out of place in a casual office, you can finesse the point by explaining that your standards require that you dress professionally in an interview situation, no matter what.

I hope it goes without saying that your attire should be neat, clean and pressed. Natural fabrics are best, but wear the best you've got regardless. And when I say the best, I don't mean party clothes. I've seen people in evening wear or club clothes at an interview. Unfortunately, this causes general hilarity when the candidate leaves. Everyone knows the person meant well, but it's still a riot when the door shuts after the interview.

Avoid any sort of high fashion look. It makes you appear superficial. You want to look conventionally professional. The goal here is not to give an interviewer anything to object to. That means no funny ties, no extremely short skirts, no black dress shirts, nothing sleeveless. You get my drift here.

While we're on the no-no's, go easy on the jewelry. You shouldn't clank when you walk into the interviewer's office. No oversized gold chains, visible religious jewelry, anklets, etc. No dangling earrings, multiple earrings, other body piercings visible while in business dress. I'd recommend that guys remove all earrings for interviews, but it's the end of the century and it's your call.

Always Be Clean and Never Wear Green

This is advice that was given in Dress for Success, the early '80's guide to the corporate look. Things have changed, except for the always be clean part. I hate that I feel it necessary to talk about this, but you wouldn't believe some of the stories I could tell. Suffice it to say that your hair should be absolutely clean, with a minimum of styling product used. This isn't the time for a new hairdo either. Make sure it's combed and neat before you walk into the interview office.
Find the bathroom to freshen up beforehand just to make sure. Something a lot of people overlook is the condition of their hands and nails. I've heard many interviewers talk about what details they look for and the state of a candidate's manicure comes up a lot (also the condition of the heels of your shoes; make sure they're not run over and that there aren't any holes in the soles.) Unpolished nails should be short and clean; no dragon lady nails or extreme colors if you polish them.

D-Day
Interview day comes. What should you do?
* Arrive early or on time
* Bring an extra copy or two of your resume
* Have researched the company as best you can beforehand
* Know where you're supposed to come for the interview
* Know the interviewer's full name
* Know what job you're interviewing for

Greet the receptionist politely. As a matter of fact, be really nice to this person. Find out the person's name and whether she/he does this job all the time. This person can be a useful ally after the interview when you call, trying to track down the interviewer to find out what's going on. The value of a good impression can never be underestimated and you never know whose ear this individual may have.
You'll probably have to wait a bit until the interviewer is ready to see you. If there is any information about the company available in the waiting area - read it. You may pick up something to lead the interview into a discussion of your strengths. Or to draw the interviewer out and learn more about the company. Look at any displays of company products or framed awards, reviews etc. for more hints.

High Anxiety
Hope not, but waiting usually increases any nervousness. If the imminent prospect of facing the interviewer terrifies you, there are a few things you can do to calm yourself down. Discreetly close your eyes and breathe normally - in to the count of ten and out to the count of ten. Do this ten times and finish with a deep, but silent exhale. Try visualizing a place where you are always relaxed and calm, like the beach, the mountains, the woods, the bathtub. Imagine yourself there and in a mellow mood.
Or imagine yourself as the best candidate for the job you're after. What would that person look like? Sound like? Act like? Mentally prepare to be that person. Give yourself the pep talk that you wish someone would give you. Then believe it. If all else fails, chant the mantra that I found invaluable in getting through my children's birthday parties: "It's only an hour out of my life."

Don't drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages before the interview if it's not your normal pattern. No need to be overly wired. You might as well limit all fluid intake, since nerves are sure to stimulate the excretory system and who needs that during the interview. Make sure to eat something light beforehand, since a growling stomach can be embarrassing. Finally, don't make the mistake of using alcohol or drugs to calm any jitters. The result almost always backfires.

Showtime
No more time to worry, here comes the interviewer. Stand up, greet him/her, and shake hands firmly (remember to put anything you are holding in your left hand so you can shake with the right.) If you didn't know the interviewer's name before you arrived, repeat it as you shake hands to help situate it in your memory.
As you follow the interviewer to her/his office, respond to the questions or comments being made to you with short, pleasant answers. Seem happy to be there. Once you arrive at the office, do not sit until invited. Ask if the interviewer would prefer you to sit in a particular chair. Take the seat as directed or select the one which lets you look directly at him/her without having a window in your field of vision. Despite your best intentions, it's easy to be distracted by motion outside a window and you can lose focus.

Place your folder/handbag/briefcase on the floor. Under no circumstances should you ever put your belongings on the interviewer's desk or table. It's a threatening power move and a major breach of protocol. Sit up straight in your chair and don't lounge or slump to the side. Look directly at the interviewer and remember to smile.

You may be offered a beverage. It's in your best interests to refuse politely. Though you may be dry as the Sahara, this is a path fraught with danger. You can't put the cup down on the desk and you can't answer with your mouth full. The worst possibility is that you could spill it on the interviewer. This actually happened to me. Luckily, I wasn't the candidate in that situation and I did my best to laugh it off, since it was only water. But the interviewee was utterly unnerved and the situation couldn't be rescued. Don't let this happen to you.
Try Out these stints in your next interview and dont forget to read out next post on the same topic.
All The Best !

For Job opportunities or career guidance please visit Strategyworks

Which is best way to handle career failures?

Strategyworks — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 +0000

Hi Friends,

On personal front accept the reality of failure, be cool & collected, behave well with all, including with family and continue to be-in-touch with friends, network with associates, et al and try to overcome the tide, gain balance and momentum back in life; and,

On professional front, try to acquire marketable skills, reengineer the behavioral patterns, where required, et al and grow positively.

OR,

On personal front, become a recluse, alcoholic, drug-abuser, lose balance and temper, become generally irritable to the neighborhood & the family; (such gentlemen have become as the stinkers of the society, not to speak of becoming notorious as ‘Wife-beaters’ & ‘Child-abusers’); and,

On the professional front, continue to be where one is, curse the fate that let them down, become wild, rave ‘n’ rant against the whole world and hide behind computer to try to take out their miserable-frustrations on others.

You might never have faced such a scenario in your life.

Assuming there was a set back in my career, I would analyze the following:

1. The reason for the set back. Is it because the industry has slowed down, or is it because of the organization I work in, or is it because of me?

The answers on how to deal with a career set back would depend on the answers to the above.

Let us analyze each.

1) Industry has slowed down? Can I move to another industry? Will my skills and qualifications be suitable for another industry?

2) Organization failure? Should I move to another organization, or should I move to another department within the same organization - is this possible

3) Failure on my part - I can fail because my skill set is not appropriate for the job I am required to handle, or because of lack of correct perception on part of my superiors or for any other reason - such as lack of diligence etc. Once again, I need to ask what I must do to rectify the situation, can it be rectified while staying within the organization, or do I need to move away elsewhere and not repeat my mistakes, if the failure stems from my mistake.

The world is shrinking, it is always best to part amicably, even if one needs to start afresh and to be in touch with old colleagues. At times, these very colleagues can help you get back on your feet.

Venting is perhaps good, start a private Blog if you want to vent, discuss with close family and friends, but never ever blame someone else. Step into the shoes of the management and try and see things from their view pt as well.

I welcome your suggestion on this and recommend to mprove it better.

Why Companies sack the top notch CEO’s?

Strategyworks — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:13:00 +0000

Dear Readers

We have seen this trend (as it was as routine in past years) in past years, esp. during year 2000-2003, many of top notch CEO’s were sacked, transferred or their perks were restructured.

The very reason for sacking these heroes of the companies, was just one reason, they were not able to show the credibility to the commitment they made in Board Meetings.

As per the general survey conducted by research companies on this, they came out with very interesting findings.

All the CEO’s were very well known for their performances during their previous assignments, they were good at planning, organizing, and other areas of management.

As per my view, they all just lacked one basic element of “Executing” the plans, ideas. It is the most fundamental sense; Execution is a systematic way of exposing reality and acting on it.

The heart of execution lies in the three core process: the people process, the strategy process and operations process. Every business or company uses these processes in one form or the other.

Generally, when people go in board room for meeting, they all look at the PowerPoint presentation, nod their heads but surprisingly no one has any questions, doubts and the basic “No Commitments”.

These Processes are tightly linked to one another, not compartmentalized among staffs. Strategy takes account of people and operational realities. People are chosen and promoted in light of Strategic and operational plans. Operations are linked to strategic goals and human capacities.
Execution is the Job of the Business Leader.

An organization can execute only if the Leaders heart and soul are immersed in the company. Leading is more than thinking big, or schmoozing with investors and law makers, although those are part of job. The Leader has to be engaged personally and deeply in the business. Execution requires comprehensive understanding of the business, people and its environment.

The Leader must be in charge of getting things done by running the three core process- picking other Leaders, setting strategic directions and conducting operations. These actions are substance of execution, and Leaders can not delegate them regardless of the size of the organization.

Execution has to be embedded in the reward systems and in the norms of behaviors that everyone practices.

Why People Don’t Get It? If execution is so important, why it is so neglected? Because still execution has not been recognized or taught as discipline.
The real problem is that Execution just doesn’t sound very sexy. It’s stuff a Leader Delegates. And during Delegation they forget their basic responsibility of getting things done or executed and reap the profitability metrics, which are discussed in board rooms.

Has Leadership changed in the 21st century..?

Strategyworks — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:30:00 +0000

In the 20th century we have seen that company structures have become more and more focused towards efficiency, creating very specific frameworks for employees to work in. If everyone does his part the machine works, adding to the collective ROI. Leadership was thus focused on maintaining, managing the structure..

In the 21st century we are beginning to see a different model. As more and more business services get automated and web gets implemented into the daily workflow of the company, actions shift from within the company to INTER-action with the client. The client will be more enabled towards his needs (self-service online e.g.), administration and workflow within the company is going to be automated.

We are thus seeing a sift towards specialism instead of addressing and regulating / managing internal needs, and specialism in communication towards business partners and clients (to make the difference).

In my opinion Leadership will thus have to change as well. I believe that Self-consciousness and being Present is the first step towards true individual Creativeness and being open to collective strategic thinking and ultimately...Leadership.

To be a good leader one has to be a servant to those one is leading. The *ego* has to be suppressed and the leader has to yield to the needs and ideas of those around him/her. Basically, a good leader is a humble one.

The essence of Leadership has not changed much over the centuries, only its form. By that I mean that factors such as communication and planning skills have always been paramount and although we have only started to identify and classify these factors in the 20th century, leaders have always employed them instinctively.

So when you ask me if leadership will change in the 21st century, the answer must be two-fold; the essence of leadership will probably remain unchanged, but the business work processes will definitely change leading to an altered method of leadership execution.

Journey to Thirunallar (Shani Temple)

Strategyworks — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:45:00 +0000

“Shani”….Saturn…Ill fate of Life…..there are many names and synonyms attached with this.

Shani...Plays a very vital role in everybody’s life; Shani’s time span in anybody’s life varies from 3 years to maximum of 7.5 years.
As almighty gives us pain and suffering in the form of Shani dosha, but on the other hand he also shows the ways to come out of this.

I’m talking about shani shanti pooja done at exclusive temple of Shani dev at Thirunallar in Pondicherry, around 90 KM from Tanjavour.

I had recently visited this temple and got done the Shani Shanti pooja, it was a great pleasure and I was getting a positive feeling of getting rid from shani dosha.

The Journey was very cool and exciting. I took the train from Bangalore to Kumbakonam, reached Kumbokanam at 6 AM early morning, and then took taxi to Thirunallar.

The drive to Thirunallar by taxi was very eye pleasing, everywhere greenery, serpentine roads, cool breeze…we reached Thirunallar at 8.30 AM.

As per the old ritual , before entering to shani Temple, one has to take bath in pond( situated near Temple) with Oil (Til ka teel) and leave the cloth in pond only , which were worn during the bath and wear new cloths.

Then went to Ganesh temple, side of the pond, offered coconut and went to take darshan of Shani Dev.
We purchased the offering for God from out side then took Abhishekam ticket of Rs 150/- for special shani shanti pooja. I was expecting the pooja will take some good time, but to my surprise, the priest asked my nakshatra, rasi name, etc…and then said...He will do the pooja himself. Once rush is not their…then directed me to take the Glimpse of Lord Shani from near view.

After that we went to collect our offerings , also got prasadm and also gave feed to crows( belief: if crow eats your feed then the ill fate is out from life) and also got holy water in small bottle to take bath with , when back home. And finally the Shani darshan was completed.

I was really feeling very much relaxed after that durshan with hope that everything in the life will be settled very soon.

Note: Remember after finishing up the pooja and returning back, dont ever look at the temple again..else.........Ill fate continues..

Leisure

Strategyworks — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 16:56:00 +0000

Team Work
Objects in the Mirror are closer than They Appear
Work Weds Entertainment
Moving on the Fast Track
Leisure

Strategyworks — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:45:00 +0000

Lage Raho “Munna Bhai"- Gandhian philosophy taught in the best Way

Friends, recently I watched “Lage Raho Munnabhai" based on Gandhian Philosophy. I enjoyed the movie, laughed much on the comedies and felt happy, but I was in some thoughts, while returning back home.

I was thinking about the few scenes in the movies , which touched me to the core, esp. these scenes were intercommunicating in my mind---munna bhai's advice to Zaheer, his advice to Girl waiting to decide about her to be husband , Munnabhai saying sorry to Circuit...etc..
I was able to analyze my self, by putting myself to those situations, and I was amazed to find. I was also wrong to some situations in real life. I also misbehaved to some one at workplace, in streets, at other unknown places...I was really wrong...I would have handled those situations in some better ways...

Truly saying...I'm not 100% fan of Gandhi's Philosophy...but few of his teachings and thoughts are marvelous.

Hope, few of you may be agree with me, and if you are not agree, then please comments on this with your valuable thoughts.

I really appreciate the Film maker this wonderful teaching given to Literate Society in the form of Entertainment " Lage Raho MunnaBhai"

Dear Readers,

I would like to share an incident, which took place just 2 days before of my writing of this blog.
My colleague, Mr ABC is working for a major player in Hard Disk Drives domain. One of his major distributor's Brach Manager (name is XYZ) visits our office and we got introduced to him, and in no time we were friendly and discussing about personal matters and issues.

During our discussion, he started talking about his career and was looking for job shift, due to tremendous pressure in branch.

As this was quite interesting, I enquired about his past experiences and his career aspirations.
He Possess around 10 years of experience in marketing and sales domain has worked with all the major vendors in the hardware industry (Computer Peripherals). With maximum salary offered to him in his present job is in initial six figures. He possesses good reputation in the market, due to his work and marketing capabilities and skills.

His expectation is only to be on managerial position with two digit six figure salary
Now, the issues comes here is that….is this person is obsolete in today's market conditions.

Various questions come to mind are:

1 .Why this person didn't have good career growth, is it due to his education, communication, knowledge, interest …etc?
2 .Was he living in his comfort zone till date, and never realized is he missing something very important in his career?
3 .Industry trend has changed? Industry need fresh blood, rather than old people with experience?
4 .As he was always working with distributors & channels…so he was not able to get breakthrough in principal company?

And their can be many more questions ……as per my observation and analysis…I feel , at the time when he entered in the market, he was ok with his qualification and got job with decent pay of that time…but as time went on. He would not have felt the changes, and didn't upgraded himself…or equipped himself with new leanings and exposure to other aspects of career.

Dear Friends , this situation may come to us also one day or it would have already come…I appeal to you , wake up, see around your self what happening, analyze yourself...what you have achieved till date and what is remaining to be achieved…lets thrive for that ..Rather sitting and waiting for the things to come.

All The best to you!

Feel free to write / comment on this , I would be happy to help and assist you in shaping your career path.