Blog
Inspite of being a Woman…
“Inspite of being a woman, she says she has zero tolerance for terrorism”.
A slew of debates have erupted post Modi’s comments on a speech while visiting Bangladesh. I was in the audience when I heard it and I remember cringing a bit on this statement. An inner voice rationalized it immediately saying this is political talk where the astute speaker is playing to the corridors; and interestingly I was ok with it.
Since I heard the before and after context of the speech in its entirety, I can safely say that the honourable Prime Minister was in his own way lauding ‘women empowerment’. That was his lens of looking at things, where he felt highlighting women for the roles that are not traditionally bound must be applauded. It’s another matter that he had temporarily suspended his thoughts to talk about a woman who is his equal in world politics, is a head of a country, and her role demands this action. It’s nothing about a ‘man or a woman’.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on June 6. Modi arrived in Dhaka for a two-day state visit to Bangladesh. (Rafiqur Rahman/Reuters)
Everyone’s thinking differs depending on what situations they have been into and what they could perceive from it. The educated bandwagon that I am blogging to maybe doesn’t need this encouragement. But have we given a thought to the deep rooted patriarchal society that we live in, especially in rural India and Bangladesh. This could possibly be a motivational statement to push women to move out of traditional roles, structures and decision making. Haven’t we felt motivated to take on the world when we read about ‘mardaani jhaansi ki raani’ in our 5th grade books? Haven’t we applauded women for bravery, for fighting, for showing her masculinity in a not so feminine world ?
While I do work in the space of diversity and inclusion and analyse a lot more on these things than others do; it does connect me to the point that inherent bias is bound to surface even if it is polished to a certain level. So interestingly we have a line of public personalities doing a faux pas in this over critical world with respect to women.
There are real and meaningful differences between people and their requirements. Continuous engagement in understanding social and systemic structures is something that we need to collectively look as a society. Failure to develop an open mindedness to each other’s issues and each one’s perspective could be a moot point. Till then I would encourage people sitting on either side of the fence to be tolerant to each other’s thoughts.
8 Dos & Don’ts for a Great Mentor
While I have had mentors throughout my life – colleagues, boss, friends, parents and my own brother – none of them were formal or structured mentoring. I was nominated for a Global Women leadership Mentoring program in 2012 which was my first experience of a Structured Mentoring Program,. The program was sponsored by Fortune & US State department and we had women from different regions of the world being mentored by Fortune 500 Global Women leaders for a month.
This experience made me realize how structured mentoring can lead to leadership. While formal mentoring has its own advantages but it can also be ineffective at times. I personally had both – great and not so great experiences with my mentors.. But as someone who has been both a mentor and a mentee, I want to share a few tips for mentors to guide their mentees in a more meaningful way.
At the very minimum, relationship skills required for mentoring include, showing kindness, practicing patience and flexibility, and conveying a sense of appreciation for the individual’s accomplishments. Following are some additional suggestions for mentors:
DOs
- Respect your mentee’s time as much as your own.
- Be explicit about the ‘norms’ for your meetings and your own needs and limits (e.g., time, style of interfacing, etc.).
- Always ask if you can make a suggestion or offer feedback.
- Tell your mentee that she is not expected to follow all of your suggestions.
- Expect your mentee to move toward his/her goals; not yours.
- Express appreciation for any help your mentee gives you.
- Recognize and work through conflicts in a respectful way; invite discussions of differences.
- Keep the door open for your mentee to contact you in the future—if that is your wish.
DON’Ts
- Assume that your schedule always has priority.
- Commit unless you have the time .
- Make your mentee guess about the ground rules for your meetings.
- Automatically give advice or criticism.
- Assume your advice will be followed.
- Expect a clone of yourself.
- Take your mentee for granted or assume the she/he doesn’t need positive reinforcement.
- End the relationship on a sour note.
A mentoring program done right can be very effective. It offers many benefits to an organization as it develops a growing, seasoned workforce, increases productivity, improves strategic planning and provides better succession planning and cost-effective training.
To know more about Biz Divas Mentoring Leadership program or to apply, please click here.
Daughter by Court Order – Ratna Vira
Ratna Vira holds a masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a masters in English Literature from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. She also holds an MBA. She is the daughter of senior journalist, Nalini Singh, and SPN Singh. Ratna juggles her corporate career with her writing and love of art. She lives in Gurgaon with her daughter and son, where she is at work on her second novel.
Q1. What does ‘Daughter by Court order’ mean to you?
‘Daughter By Court Order’ is my debut novel and is very close to my heart. Aranya, the protagonist of the book, is a modern Indian woman, with aspirations and a mind of her own. She is overly trusting, despite having exposure to the reality of the world and has an excellent education. There are so many women like Aranya that I have come across and identify with. I am absolutely delighted by the reader reaction to both the book as well as to the character of Aranya.
Q2. How has the book changed your world?
The response to the book has been astonishingly good!
Numerous women come up to me with tales similar to that of Aranya, with situations that I could not and did not imagine when I wrote my novel. The book portrays a message of hope, courage and standing up for one’s rights, and that is what readers have picked up and commented upon. The general reaction has been of overwhelming support for the ideas raised in my novel and this has opened up a new world for me. I have been spoken to at the University of Oxford in their Two Cultures Seminar, at the Said Business School, Oxford, at King’s School Canterbury and more recently by women’s organizations and FICCI FLO. Also, I have spoken to school children and more importantly at some of the best all-boys schools about changing mind set. I was invited back to my school, Convent of Jesus and Mary as a Chief Guest and that was very special, for me.
My book has been featured in the New York Times and has been written about widely. Some of my readers have become personal friends…so; life has changed and continues to do so.
Q3. What are the challenges of being an author in the digital world where a lot of he content is for free?
Yes, it is true that the digital world has a lot of content and most of it is for free, however, some of this content is also of very high quality; there is a readership that looks for an author-publisher commitment, such as I have.
The digital world is also one where a first novel, such as mine, can be read from Japan to Brazil, and readers are willing to pay to buy physical books or download digital ones.
Thus, there are both challenges and opportunities that the digital world offers.
Q4. What have been the biggest challenges in your journey as a writer?
The idea for a negative mother-daughter relationship is highly unusual and therefore, was a challenge. I knew I had a story of interest when I was able to combine this thought with the traditional and joint family systems. Some nuances of relationships are hidden and not spoken about; I felt that this would be a good central theme for a novel and the story was waiting to emerge based on this relationship.
I have also grappled with myself because writing is a lonely process. There have been days when the words would come easily but on other days, writing was a difficult and tedious process. It took immense perseverance to get through those stages.
The biggest challenge and a worry, was to find a publisher given the context and content of my book but now, luckily that is in the past,
Q5. What has been the biggest success?
I was greatly honored and happy when Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong supportive message for the book, saying that “whenever there is any instance of harassment against women, we are overcome by a sense of despair. It is nothing but a national shame.”
Q6. Your book will be made into a motion picture; could you tell us more about it? Who is making it and what about the cast?
Yes, it is correct that the book is in the process of being made into a motion picture. A leading LA/Indian film producer has bought the rights to make a film out of my book. He has short-listed a director and is in the process of casting for the lead roles.
Just like you, I am also waiting to know more!
Q7. What is the next in pipeline? Is there another book that you could tell us about?
I am working on my second book. All I can say right now is that it deals with people, relationships and society. I also have a strong idea for my third novel and for my first non-fiction book.
Q8. What is a typical work-day for you? Any productivity tips you would like to share?
I write during the day. Mid-morning to early evening are most productive. Writing can be lonely and some days I miss the teams I worked with while in a corporate job. I find setting goals for myself is difficult and my word targets stretch me.
Writing is creative and there can be great days and bad days. Accept it and don’t fight yourself is my advice. Take time off and watch a movie if the ideas don’t flow. Watch your weight in case you reach for comfort food when stuck.
Q9. What advice would you offer to women starting out their careers today?
Writing, like art, has no start or stop date. There is no retirement or superannuity.
I would strongly urge women to explore their potential and to define for themselves who they are and where they want to be.
Q9. What is that one change you wish you could see in India or in Indians?
India is my country and I love it, warts and all. I do recognise that much needs to change but so is change required in most other countries. What I would like to see is greater respect in India for people who are different from us … specifically, a true understanding that men and women are equal and should not be treated any differently.
Q10. If you could offer any advice to yourself 10 years ago, what would you say? Anything you wish you’d done differently?
I write for the younger me and hope that among my readers there are young people who realize that the strength to change their lives is within them and within their reach. I sincerely believe that I would have had more self-esteem and confidence if, ten or maybe fifteen years ago, I had known that I would survive the challenges life threw at me.
Q11. Which is your favorite book and why?
I read a lot and across genres, so I wouldn’t want to single out any individual authors. Indian writing in English has come of age. As a student of Literature, I can see the evolution and maturity that has emerged in Indian writing. We are now well beyond the post-colonial literature stage and into a new era of writing, which is wide and exciting in its scope.
Q12. What do you like to do to unwind and spend your free time?
Writing is a big part of my life and only time will tell whether I can be a full time writer or not. Perhaps, I will go back to the corporate world, as that too is a part of what defines me.
I also paint and exhibit. I do believe that I have at least two more novels in me!
Q13. Who is your inspiration? Why?
My children, who are my immediate family, were and continue to be extremely supportive. They have seen me develop the characters and helped provide their teenage perspective to the issues of patriarchy and kinship in families.
Through the writing of this book, my daughter and son understood the complex relationship and inheritance issues of Indian families. My children are my greatest inspiration and my book is dedicated to them.
“RARE” Travel Experience with Shoba Mohan
Shoba Mohan of RARE has been introducing travelers to small, independent hotels that lack the usual frills of a star rated property but offer a unique experience.
Q1. “RARE” represents boutique hotels in India; what is the profile of your travelers like?
A typical traveler to a RARE hotel is someone who is well traveled, and has a diverse and wide range of interests. Someone who adores nature and is set out to explore their desired destination and spend their vacation away from their daily routines. Our travelers are adventurous and are always seeking new experiences. They are also inclined to experiment with numerous new cuisines. In our hotels, one can find joy and solace in the interaction with people from all walks of life. Many people tend to leave with lifelong friendships with the owners and managers of the lodge/retreat, they have travelled to.
Q2. How many hotels do you actually represent ? Which one would you say is your favorite?
RARE represents a total of forty two hotels in India and Nepal; about 14 states and two countries.Each hotel is special in its own unconventional way, so, it is always difficult to single out a favorite.However, I always love a hotel that is as close to being a home as possible, a meticulously run, and gracious and welcoming place where you can enjoy great personal attention.That is why hotels like Sarai at Toria, Kipling Camp, Chhatra Sagar, Shahpura Bagh, and Stok Palace are some of my favorites.
Q3. What is going to be the next big trend in this market?
In terms of trending, the small and boutique, private and luxurious has not reached its zenith yet. Concept hotels are still evolving, ideas are getting more and more interesting, and luxury is being redefined.
Sustainability is now accepted as a norm, community involvement an essential quality and conservation as a core value. Concepts like conscious luxury and indulgent spas are still coming up but set in destinations that are unique and of exquisite natural beauty.
Q4. According to you, what is the take on the new concept of un-hotel?
I like the term implying unlike the usual and conventional hotel. I call it the “non-hotel”. This concept began many years ago but was sought after only by those widely traveled and the more evolved travelers. The whole idea of a “non hotel” is encompassed by the owners of the property, which establishes the character of the hotel evolved around the interests and quirks of the owner and host.
Q5. What have been the biggest challenges in your journey?
The biggest challenge though 11 years of our journey and which still continues to be is to seek the perfect traveler for each of the RARE Hotels and a wide spread awareness generation. Also, to convince the non-hotels to stick to their niche and not fall prey to number game by getting into dynamic pricing, random online promotions etc. Though we understand the compulsions of revenue, we advocate higher and inclusive tariffs, with exclusive value additions.
Q6. What has been the biggest success?
Our biggest success has been among the foreign travelers from UK, USA, Australia, France, Germany etc. choosing experiences over standard cookie cutter hotels. We have been able to achieve this through our training and promotions to the inbound tour operators, bloggers and international publications.
Q7. What is a typical work-day for you? Any productivity tips you would like to share?
My typical day begins with a to-do list, some social media updates, writing a blog or two. Most weekdays are spent in meetings and training sessions but I like to spend time with my young team engaging with them and directing them to think creatively, manage time better, and keep their eyes and ears open for detail and personal development. It is amazing that you should ask me about productivity, our Friday sessions for the last couple of weeks have been on productivity.
“My belief is that productivity is all about time management, focus and creativity.”
Q8. What advice would you offer to women starting out their careers today?
Women starting out in marketing which ever profession they may be in travel, hospitality, fashion or advertising should always remember to keep their eyes and ears open and to never give up the will to learn though travels and meeting people. I believe that women should develop hobbies, keep fit and read. These are things that open their eyes to opportunities and help them evolve.
Q9. What is that one change you wish you could see in India or in Indians?
I wish India to be free from garbage and pollution, so that our cities, towns and villages are pure and pristine, and offer spectacular glimpses of a rapidly developing India. I hope that Indians can travel but leave behind no litter, explore the jungles and be aware of the sanctity of our jungles, and can travel to RARE hotels with our thinking that if they have paid for their hotel room, they own the property.
Q10. If you could offer any advice to yourself 10 years ago, what would you say? Anything you wish you’d done differently?
Over the 11 years I have made many mistakes but I have learnt along the way and have evolved to be one of the biggest collections of small boutique independent hotels under one banner. The only thing I would have liked to have done differently is to have a better revenue model in place.
Q11. Which is your favorite book and why?
I love historical novels, travelogues and biographies. Since, I read so many books it is very difficult to pick a favorite. Some of the best books I have read are Cuckold by Sudhir Kakkar, Ramanujam’s biography, Curry – a story of cooks and conquerors; these are books I love to refer to in my training sessions and review meetings.
Q12. What do you like to do to unwind and spend your free time?
Bird watching is something I love to do when I have some time to myself. Other hobbies of mine are sketching and writing which is now reflected in Facebook posts, blogs and letters.
Q13. Who is your inspiration? Why?
Not any one person, people in general inspire me. Of late, I am inspired as much by children and young people as I am by older people. As I travel, I seek opportunities to speak to people from various walks of life.I am always inspired by how people eke out a living and live through hardships in our cities and villages. Even if you speak to people living in America or Europe you will be amazed at their life style and their challenges.
A wrong job search strategy is like searching for a white golf ball in snow
Whether you are a fresher, mid-level executive or a senior professional, job search and finding a job is a job in itself. In todays competitive world job search without planning and strategy is like looking for a white golf ball in snow. And for sure, no one wants to do that. We all want to spend time and efforts on job search strategies that work quickly and effectively.
But first, here’s what doesn’t work:
Resume bombing – left, right and centre doesn’t work. After all how much time does it take to click at Submit button? Less than a second right? This strategy hardly yields any results and more often than not ends in disappointment and frustration for a job seeker. Besides wasting your time, this approach is less likely to get you an interview call. Recruiters and hiring managers are a busy lot especially when they have to scan thousands of resumes in quick succession. If you click ‘Submit’ whenever you come across a job posting that slightly matches your qualification and skills, in most likelihood you are not taking the time out to customize your resume in line with whats required or what a hiring manager is looking for.
A job search doesn’t end with an offer letter! It probably does when you and your prospective employer find a common ground when it comes to your salary expectation. At times, this is where a job seeker gets stuck. This is a point where none of the parties prefer to break the relationship, particularly when they have spent time and energy in understanding each other. At this stage playing hardball when negotiating your salary may deprive you of a job opportunity. You must be prepared not only to answer what is your salary expectation but be well informed to understand your worth in the job market.
And here’s what works:
It is not important and essential to apply for all the jobs that slightly match your key skills and qualifications. However, in order to maximize your chances of getting an interview call, it is mandatory that you read each job description carefully, especially the minimum requirements. If you are short of two or more of them, do not apply. But if you meet all or most requirements, and the role excites you, then do take time out to customize your cover letter and resume.
While it is acceptable to negotiate once or may be twice, pushing too much however, could go against you. It is important to find a balance between your expectation and what a company could finally offer.
Networking is another good way of landing an interview call. Reach out to your friends and former colleagues. Networking on social and professional platforms could also prove helpful. Monster is a great place where job seekers besides searching for jobs can also professionally network for jobs.
Participating in a job fair is another interesting and useful way of increasing your chances of a landing a job. A Virtual Career Fair (VCF) is yet another modern and effective way to reaching out to employers and recruiters.
This article was first published in Monster.com
An Interview: Aparna Sharma on her book “Reality Bytes-the role of HR in today’s world’
An Interview: Aparna Sharma, Senior HR Leader
–in conversation with Priyanka Awasthy
‘Authenticity, Conviction and Hard work are the keys to Success’ says Aparna Sharma, author of “Reality Bytes-The Role of HR in Today’s World”. Aparna was Country Head- HR, Lafarge India till recently, and is a much awarded leader. Her vision is for Human Resources (HR) to be Centres of Excellence for organisations by influencing best human capital outcomes.
- Priyanka : Can you tell me what has been the biggest influence in your early life, from being born in Ujjain to studying at TISS?
Aparna : I went to boarding school during my early school days as my father was in a transferable job. Later, I lived with my doctor Aunt for six years in Ujjain. These were my formative years and my Aunt, who was a child widow & later evolved into a strong career woman, greatly influenced me. I learnt the meaning & significance of being “independent” very early on in life. She was the first lady doctor in Rajasthan in the 1950’s, Dr. M. D. Vyas. She was always there for me, encouraged me and was my guide throughout. I did well in Sports, Academics, was Captain of my school and excelled in all extracurricular activities- an All Rounder. As a tribute to her, we initiated “Udaan” 2 years ago- a scholarship in my school in Ujjain for deserving girl student/s in Class X. All applicants go through a stringent selection process & finally one or two girl students every year receive the scholarship -in a state where higher education is still not easily accessible to all the girl children. “Udaan” scholarship comprises of a Trophy, Certificate of Achievement & also their annual tuition fees of Class X.
- I see that you are much awarded, what is the main factor that has contributed to your professional success?
My success comes from loads of hard work and conviction in my values. I listen to others , take their views into consideration, however ultimately I have always done what is right for the organisation. I will take a stand if I believe in something, even if I end up alone. I am fairly flexible in my approach and am open to different ways of doing things. In short, I’m very very different from a textbook manager. I believe in authenticity, more of substance and less of flamboyance. My success and awards acknowledge these very virtues.
- What motivated you to write this book?
Initially, the publisher approached me and tirelessly pursued & finally persuaded me to write. I wanted to write in my capacity as a professional, not centred on where I was working. In any case, I have always wanted to write. As a young student, I lived in small city/ies and all my information about careers came from publications such as Employment News or Competition Success Review. Those days, girls in small towns did not have the various options available to those in metros, besides limited information. So they are my motivation- I want to give back to the younger generation practical knowledge & information about HR, to help them make informed decisions. Over the years, I have counselled thousands of students & continue to do so. My website www.aparnasharma.in is a platform to connect with aspiring students & early career professionals for guidance & discussion on various thoughts & subjects.
- Is this book targeted at HR professionals or can Business leaders also benefit from it?
To begin with, the book was intended for students and early career HR professionals. However, it has been found to be a practical guide for line managers and business leaders as well. Two prominent business groups in India have already bought the book in bull for their line managers. A team leader has to understand aspects of HR to be an effective leader. Some professors & academicians have found it very useful and it is now being included as a reference book in the HR Syllabus in 2 colleges in Mumbai. Even entrepreneurs, who do not have a full fledged HR team, are finding it very helpful.
- Can ‘Human resources’ be the catalyst for change?
Absolutely. Workplace dynamics are changing rapidly. Unprecedented economic change calls for increased productivity and a more future ready workforce. ‘Human resources’ has to be responsible for change management plus it has to lead transformation. But driving change cannot & is not an HR priority alone, it has to be co-led & driven by business leaders. I strongly believe, that especially in today’s times, HR is a line function- not a support function as in the earlier days.
- How can the HR Manager build a positive perception and be effective within the organisation?
Very good question. Every HR manager has to be authentic in thought and action. Employees need to get the support and genuine concern of their HR manager/team. I believe in the three C’s –Competence, Connect and Care. These 3 C’s help to establish the Credibility of HR, however a very delicate balance has to be struck between all of them. If there is only Competence – you cannot impact culture deeply. If there is only Connect and Care, then you are only being nice and trying to network all the time by camouflaging incompetence. You may become very popular in the short term but will lack true respect.
When employees experience all 3 C’s in their HR team members and find a culture of development and positive change—then you have succeeded.
- What is the best thing about “Reality Bytes”? Can you explain the title of the book?
Aparna : ‘Human Resources’ is of course, a very vast subject. I wanted to simplify concepts & share practical knowledge without jargons for the sake of students, so I have only covered topics which are of prime relevance currently. For example Change Management, HR Analytics etc. I was given an outer limit of pages, so had to do justice to these topics and include crisp caselets as well. This book is about the ground realities -what is relevant today, the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of HR, not the ‘how’. The word “Bytes” in the title creates impact. The book is my expression of useful contemporary topics of HR and is endorsed by Dr. T. V. Rao, who has written the Foreword. I have received overwhelming positive feedback from many CEO’s, CHRO’s, students etc. Dr Santrupt Mishra, CEO-Carbon Black & Group Director-HR, sent a testimony saying “ Aparna’s book “Reality Bytes” will help the newcomers in the field of HR to understand the nuances in HR and its components very easily. The illustrations and case studies are short and quite powerful. Overall, the book is a very good guide for Management of Human Resources and enhancing effective Talent Management. I wish the book & Aparna all success !” The book was first launched on March 20,2015 & recently BMA launched the Reprint of the book at KitabKhana in Mumbai. So, I believe it is creating the right impact J.
- What message would you like to give to the young women professionals in India?
I had once been asked the same question at an event, I answered it in the form of key ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts” as follows:
DO’s
- Be a “Professional” first, “Woman” later! Knock out the cobwebs and doubts in your mind.
- Work hard. There is no shortcut to success for anybody- man or woman.
- Stay abreast with the latest tools, techniques and knowledge in the field. Competence is the bedrock.
- Network! It’s a good skill to develop.
- Learn to be Politically Savvy!
- Ask! Ask for your due raise/ promotion if you deserve it.
DON’Ts
- Don’t expect or pitch for concessions on grounds of gender. Do your bit to make it a level playing field.
- Don’t portray an image of being weak or vulnerable. You’re gifted.
- Don’t make gender an alibi for incompetence.
- Don’t shy away from asking for what is due to you. Assert yourself.
- Don’t be hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. You were not born perfect.
- Don’t wallow in self -pity. Each one of us is unique in more ways than one.
How to answer: What is your salary expectation?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you are asked: What is your salary expectation? A number or a figure thats on your mind from the moment you got an interview call. Our advice, dont blurt it out. Do not make the mistake of quoting a number without understanding what the interviewer has in mind.
The finest approach to answer the question of salary in an interview is never to be direct or specific. The idea behind this tactic is to gather as much information as possible about the job responsibilities and the benefits that are attached to it before you jump into the negotiation dance. Be diplomatic in your answer and try to throw the ball into the interviewers court. You should always try to find out more about the job, what it entails, and what number or salary range the interviewer could offer for this position.
But the truth is no matter what experts say; to take things forward, you have to share your salary expectations with the interviewer. And heres how you should do it if an interviewer insists on a number, which most recruiters generally do.
First of all do not offer a direct answer. There are ways to get around this question. For example: My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications or if this is the right job for me, I am sure we can come to an agreement on salary. Moreover, you may ask for time to understand or learn more about the job first. You may then check various salary tools like Monster Salary Index that provide an indicative salary for a function or position on the basis of years of experience. The Monster Salary Index offers you comprehensive information to evaluate what youre worth in the job market.
The next best answer is to give a salary range. This could be the maximum compensation you think a company can pay for this position and the minimum salary you think you can settle for. The other way of deciding a range could be based on your current salary and what people in the position you have applied for could be earning.
This article was first published at MonsterIndia.com
What’s Right with the World??
We have come a long way, for sure – from a world that was divided into silos of nationalities, communities, tribes, genders, castes (especially in case of countries like India) to a global village where boundaries are friendly and permeable, if not entirely insignificant.
Not that we are completely there where there is no discrimination and everyone is equally respected, we do need to pat on our collective back for being where we are. So what brought about that much required change? A gradual evolution in human consciousness and realization that everyone is important in their own unique way?
Yes. Plus more. Apart from the intellectual discourse around inclusion, there is enough data and real world examples to show that inclusion makes sense – in every sense. Whether it peace and harmony, economic affluence, social progress or any other aspect of life – inclusion adds incomparable value to each one of it.
Also, inclusion makes perfect business sense.
Take MakeMyTrip, for example. The last decade has witnessed the phenomenal growth of MakeMyTrip. From being a small organization fulfilling the ticketing needs of a niche segment of NRI’s residing in the United States, they are now recognized as the largest online travel agency in the Indian market. While volumes were growing, so was competition, forcing them to constantly question their approach.
Having always professed the need for a diverse workforce, they came upon conceptualization of the Holiday Expert channel. Born in the year 2012, the Holiday Expert channel was created to hire women who had corporate experience, loved to travel but could not sustain the 9-to-5 work schedule due to domestic demands. What they offered women was simple: work from home, give your best and get high commission-based returns based on how well you do.
The advantages of this sales channel for MakeMyTrip were numerous. The biggest one was that this channel offered them a large talent pool of capable resources – competent enough to create travel packages and empathetic enough to ensure high customer satisfaction levels. Needless to say this step ensured a high repeat rate. Since its inception, this channel has grown at double the rate of the total company growth and 20-25% of the holiday business can be attributed to this team of homemaker Holiday Experts. These women earn upto one third of the profits which MakeMyTrip makes on every booking. To add the cherry on top, MakeMyTrip’s infrastructure costs on the Holiday Expert channel is negligible. Their only investment is the training & development costs and those incurred on engagement activities.
At present they have 1000 such holiday experts in 8 cities and it is evident that they have just hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to harnessing the potential of women!
Another case in point is Costa Coffee chain that actively encourages recruitment of hearing-impaired individuals. Not only has it created jobs for these differently-abled people, it has created a strong buzz for Costa Coffee in social arena. In today’s world of maddening marketing overdrive, it is easy to appreciate huge worth of goodwill. It’s not like money can buy you positive limelight, well, not anymore!
They have obvious benefits like lesser attrition rates and not-so-obvious ones like higher customer loyalty. Call it human connect or whatever, it has been noticed that customers tend to develop a stronger bond with employees having disabilities. Once there is a good rapport going, worth-of-mouth does rest of the work for them. Another interesting thing that works for them is that other employees are inclined to be more cooperative with their disabled colleagues and there is harmony at workplace.
“It’s a learning process both ways and has its light moments. After dealing with their hearing-impaired colleagues for long, the rest of the staff often tend to speak to each other in sign language, forgetting their own gift of speech and sound,” a staff-member at Costa Coffee mentions.
Lemon Tree, another champion of inclusion, started by employing differently-abled people with no grand vision other than to provide a couple of them livelihood. But soon they found great employees in them and realized that 10% of India is disabled in some form or the other. It’s with no sense of charity that they have employed hundreds of differently-abled people presently. 90% of such employees are speech and hearing impaired but there are other categories like orthopedically handicapped.
They face issues like working on their qualifications, skills and career graphs along with sensitizing other employees towards them. Challenges notwithstanding, Lemon Tree is looking forward to expanding its vision and integrating 20-25% of disabled employees by 2019.
Tata Second Career Internship Programme, a career transition management programme for women professionals who have taken a break of 6 months or more for any reason, and wish to re-enter the professional space is another example of embracing inclusion. The programme provides opportunities for such women to take on flexi-hour assignments with various Tata group companies. Launched in 2008 on International Women’s Day, the programme provides live business projects requiring approximately 500 hours of engagement spread over 6 months on a flexi time basis. Aimed at developing alternative talent pools in traditional/non-traditional formats, it provides access to mentors and guides on the project and HR support.
More often than not, these initiatives are highlighted more from a “helping women out” standpoint. Nevertheless, studies have shown that inclusive options like these increase productivity, have happier employees, decrease attrition and reduce infrastructure costs, not to mention having access to a huge talent pool. A total win-win situation!
I think the verdict is out. If you want to make your business great, make it a great place to work at (or work with, keeping flexibility option in mind). Any system will flourish intellectually, financially, emotionally, spiritually and wholistically only when all voices comprising the system are heard and acknowledged. And before that, when it is made sure that all voices are made a part of the system.
Translating it to organizational context, it is not just good to have diversity, it is of utmost importance. And once there is diversity, it has to be made sure that everyone is included, recognized and celebrated for their contribution.
The world needs all the flavors it can offer!
With inputs from MakeMyTrip, http://www.dailymail.co.uk, http://www.tatasecondcareer.com/, The Lemon Tree Initiative (YouTube)
Terracotta Commander of 21st century!
By Preeti Lamba
Hema Balakrishnan’s Color D Earth empowers a modern woman with her very own terracotta army – jewellery made from clay. With exuberant pieces full of character and panache she sells style and to many artisans of India she sells hope. In her pieces she weaves the magic of collaboration. Balakrishnan talks to Biz Divas this week and shares her amazing journey..
When did you form this beautiful relationship with the products made from clay? Is there an emotional connect? What does it mean to you?
I started working with clay in 2003 after I did a hobby course with my kids. Touching the first ball of clay felt like déjà vu. I find it hard to describe it in words. At the expense of sounding unreal, I’d say that it felt like there was an unfinished chapter from a previous life. What began as a hobby soon turned into my calling: elevating the lives of all the amazingly talented but struggling terracotta artisans. It’s going to be 12 years since I began this journey and there has never been a dull day or one where I have regretted even a single moment – however challenging that might have been.
What are the cultural taboos/mindsets you feel you’ve broken/changed along the way?
When I started out, few people believed that I would make a success of a venture that makes jewellery from riverbed clay! Also fewer women were even aware of this form of jewellery. But, many women who could never think beyond gold and diamonds for their accessories, happily wear our work today. Customers today understand and appreciate the value of a product that represents a cause.
I have also been able to prove that collaboration works better than competition, especially in handicraft business. By collaborating with 11 artisan groups from 6 different states rather than just growing my own group of artisans has brought more diversity, variety and uniqueness to our work.
If you could, what advice would you offer to Hema of 10 years ago?
To be more assertive, more systematic and not have the fear of excel sheets! J
What are your future plans for Color D Earth?
My dream is to bring 500 more artisans under our umbrella by the end of 2016. To set up 2 more stores in tier-II cities and grow our online presence to reach more and more conscious buyers across the world.
ISB told you, they weren’t confident of your model and you switched to a social enterprise model? Could you tell us more about how a handicraft business functions and grows?
Growing a handicraft business can be extremely challenging because it’s tough to maintain the highest standards of quality while constantly increasing your production capacity. Constantly juggling with financial constraints and yet sticking to the fair trade model has been crazily tough. To sustain the enterprise with constant growth, keeping all the stake holders happy, has been our constant endeavour. A keen understanding of our customers’ needs and changing trends has helped us constantly to innovate. By not compromising on finish or variety, we have been able to grow our customer base around the world.
What has been the biggest success so far?
- Success to me has always been about bringing more artisans into our umbrella and constantly increasing the work orders we give them. The turnover has always been reflective of the fine work all our artisans put in. Ensuring they all have sustainable livelihoods through this work has been the driving factor
- When a dear customer turned friend wears terracotta jewellery at her own wedding reception, that to me is success
- When women want to wear our jewelry for the most festive, joyous occasions, that is success to me
- A couple from Mumbai recently walked into our Studio and said that they wanted to shop for terracotta at Color D Earth rather than pearl jewelry in Hyderabad. That to me is the true measure of the value of our artisans’ work
When was the most trying time and how did you get past it?
There have been many challenges along the way, with labour, finances, mindsets of people, but I always believed that each challenge is a learning that would take me to the next higher level and that kept me searching for answers, made me push past my own limitations.
One of the most challenging times was in 2009. I was still struggling to break even at the time. I was operating out of a small 50 square feet retail Studio in an unknown corner of the most expensive city, Mumbai and supplying to well known boutiques through the consignment model. That was just not working for us. All I knew was that I had to make it happen for my kids and all the artisan groups that I was responsible for.
I made the conscious choice to move back to Hyderabad where I had grown up, where I was confident that I would do better with the customer base I had already grown over the years.
That was the best choice I ever made, because this magical city has given me all the love and success that I always dreamed of. I owe much to a few dear friends who lent me money even without asking because they believed in my cause. That has helped Color D Earth to reach where it is today.
Which is your favourite piece in terracotta jewellery?
Over the years I have managed to collect quite a treasure trove of earthy pieces of jewellery. Each of them has a special place in my heart and its really tough to select one. It’s like asking a mom to chose her favourite child. J
This is one of my most versatile terracotta necklaces. Handcrafted by one of our most talented artisans from the east, its rustic appeal combined with classiness makes it a frequent choice. I have worn with a simple sari to a festive ensemble, and never cease to get compliments for the style statement it makes every time.
What is that one change you wish you could see in India or Indians?
For us to be less judgemental, to be more accepting of people’s choices.
We need to stop living in fear of what others would think, if we need to live to our highest potential. Our country has some amazing people doing work at the grass root levels to bring about social change, but we need many more highly qualified people to join in and help expedite the process.
Which is your favourite book and why?
The Alchemist is my all time favourite, because it shows you that following your dream, following your inner calling is a magical journey! You find treasures that you never even imagined. I am blessed to have found my inner calling in this lifetime.
Can you think of one person who can carry your jewellery with much élan?
Vidya Balan. She wears her attitude! She carries off a classic kanjivaram sari with such style and verve..with an ornate terracotta necklace and jhumkas she would make the best style statement!
The Power of ‘I’
By Shilpi Singh
I grew up in an altruistic environment where ‘I’ was not considered to be good. ‘I’ was equated with selfishness, lack of empathy and insensitivity towards others. I remember the first time I read The Fountainhead, I almost hated the author Ayn Rand. I found the protagonist full of everything I mentioned above. It remained so till the time someone gave me a magical lens which changed the meaning of ‘I’.
Recently, emceeing at the annual conference on Inclusive Leadership by Biz Divas, I-Inspire Season 3, I felt the room energised by the power of ‘I’. Those ‘I’s who did not wait for the world to change but believed they were the ones who could mobilise the change or be the change.
Priti Patkar, Founder of Prerna, an NGO working with children of prostitutes; Anjali Goplan, Founder of Naz Foundation, working with transgenders and children affected with AIDS; A. Muruganantham, the man behind low cost sanitary pads which has impacted thousands of women; Sonal Kapur, founder of Protsahan working for the education of street children – each one of them started their journey with ‘I’. How their ‘I’ could create the change they wanted to see, experience and good Lord, how many lives have they impacted, how many smiles have they painted?
In the more popular canvas, we can find hundreds of fine examples – Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Abraham Lincoln, Florence Nightingale. The list goes on. The story of each of these inspiring people, was a story of ‘I’ – a story of one. How one person, one day, decided to bring about the change in his or her individual capacity.
So what stops us from leading the life we want to lead? Because it is ‘I’ who has to make the decision. It is ‘I’ who has to change gears and make the shift and it is ‘I’ who can make myself happy and perhaps others around me also.
So, when it comes to work, my goals, my dreams, only person who can take me forward or stop me from moving forward is ‘I’. Know your ‘I’. Unleash the power of ‘I’.
And, forgive me for putting on my mentoring hat for I cannot resist giving advice. Do believe in your ‘I’. For it is belief which will make it happen or not. I find it very strange when non trusting people are ready to put their trust in what others believe and not what their ‘I’ would believe.
Start with a simple, “what does my ‘I’ want?” note, and then start working on it. Step by Step. Do it for yourself. This is the opportunity to get rid of ‘I never did anything for myself’. Do it for the larger fraternity. As the saying goes, just do it!
For further details on Biz Divas and I Inspire 2015 go to www.bizdivas.org
