Connectedness

I was reading an article the other day on "What do top leaders do..." and underneath the article, a raging debate was underway, focusing on the pros and cons of staying connected 24X7, and constantly focusing on your emails. I smiled to myself, as i count myself part of this infamous group.

Why do i percieve it that way, consider this :

• I have my official email configured on my blackberry, previously my Nokia, my IPAD, and can access office email through my personal laptop, kindle and my official laptop of course
• I have connectivity at home with a high-speed broadband, a work provided tata photon when i am on the move, wireless internet at work, an international wireless card, for working at airports, a personal Tata Photon connection etc.
• I check my emails in the morning, when I wake up; I check it precisely every 3 minutes 
• My inbox has always '0' emails
• I worry about internet running out, hence always take unlimited GPRS plans :-)
• I work through most plane journeys
• I catch up on email while driving to work or a client location
• I have BBM, Google Talk, Yahoo Chat, Office Communicator all enabled on my mobile

..... i can go on


Some of this will seem bordering on obsessive compulsive disorder but I will argue the Yin and the Yang to this connected ness.

• To me the customer is paramount, and hence responding to an email or call within 12-24 hours is a non-negotiable, except when I am away, and I have an assigned delegate for the time frame.
• Social media allows me to meet old friends, so it is a blessing
• BBM is cost effective, and allows me to connect with people all over the world  including my local husband :-)
• Listen to some great music from all over the world thanks to the amazing radio stations

In the last so many years, this is one trait, which has worked for me and my clients surprisingly well.

But let us look at the flip side....

• Having so many avenues for staying connected and over use, kills your ability to focus, innovate, and confuses your senses
• It even numbs your ability to exercise your core brain functions, why think when you can google..
• Your body is more tired, if you work all through plane journeys
• Typing or even touch typing stresses your limbs, this is coming from some one who wore a splint on her left hand owing to over use of her blackberry
• Social skills if not used a lot, tend to get rusty....

Now there is enough research to argue the merits of staying connected as a fast track to the top, there is enough push out there that top leaders take time for self, to reflect on their next big win.

It is not my business to tell you what to do; am sure you are wise and all there... Keen to hear what works for you....:-)

Say, Stay and Strive... the Key is Trust

In any relationship we have all heard Trust is the key... More so in a supervisor subordinate relationship especially at the workplace. Seems common sense right. Absolutely, take this scenario.

You are a Business Head, who has just recieved the results of the Annual Engagement Survey or Satisfaction Survey or People dip stick (whatever name you choose to give). The results indicate that you seem to be doing well in Corporate Branding, People's perception of their Leadership etc, however there is improvement required in Coaching, Mentoring, Employees's understanding of the firm's direction, managing change etc. You spend hours with your business partner and the leadership team to get additional information, insights, and devise action plans. Well, you have crafted three actions for the next Quarter: Comprehensive Communication Framework, a formal Coaching Program for all People Managers, and Leaders conducting "Floor Walks". How does an employee feel the impact of the same at his or her workstation, in his or her life? Where does the onus of all the action lie - with the Individual and his Immediate Supervisor/People Manager/ Manager.
I can teach a Manager how to coach; but making the best of the coaching situation, ensuring that there is the right amount of sharing and guidance give and take between the two parties, needs a strong catalyst which is "Trust".

How does one build Trust? By not taking advantage of the confidence placed in you, maintaining sanctity of the relationship, maintaning confidentiality of the issues discussed and most importantly, not letting your 'self' / or your 'ego' come in the way of the relationship.

Well this is easier said than done. A few tips to make your team high performing and effective

• Listen with attention, don't do lip service
• Follow through, in actions not just words. If you cannot achieve optimal results, provide transparency
• Do not let title and authority give you false ego
• Be Genuine
• Know your people
• Coach people to think through options, don't trouble shoot for them
• Laugh.. Nothing like laughing the stress away
• Be present and visible, Hiding in your cabin or closed conference room is not helping anybody
• This is not about you, it is about them. Think what might work for them
• Ask permission to share information. People confide a lot of things, hoping that they can trust you. Trust once breached, can never be repaired.

I have used this time and again to build trust with my team members, my colleauges...my friends... It really works. Hope you liked it.

You asked for it

Interesting conversation yesterday evening. The Geetika Sharma case was on Television; and we were discussing the merits and de-merits. A point of view proferred to me was "Well she is an air hostessor a TV Actress, and you know to get into that kind of profession, we all know what she might have to do". and the second opinion proferred was, "He paid for her education, what was she thinking", another opinion was - "The issue with women is that they are willing to compromise to get ahead to fulfill their ambitions, but when things start to get serious, the women scream blaming the guy and half the scenarios being discussed on the media these days fall in that category", and the final opinion was "Why do women wear such revealing clothes to invite temptation". I know that such behavior is rampant, I know that there will be people men and women who will compromise values (maybe it is my moral compass) to get ahead however that is not the point at all.

I do not want to get into the debate of whether the recent crimes against women are justified. I have a set of simple questions for my fellow bretheren.
- Who gave you the right to violate my self respect? No you think it is the right of your sex? You are made that way.
- What makes you think that because i go to a Pub at night, I want your attention?
- Just because I have a drink with a friend/colleauge, you have to judge my character?
- Just because I have a job that ends at 9 pm, the next best thing we need is you and not a cup of tea? So blah !
- I should cover myself head to toe (not that it has ever stopped you), so that you have the freedom to dress lewdly, talk crudely, and do whoever,whatever wherever, and whenever. YES YES and YES.

But you know what, I as a woman, have to curb myself, so you can live your life, because that is what you are. Poor Men, they are like that only, so let them be.

So next time, you want to start this debate, DON'T. I will be told, you asked for it.