Iam frustrated! Why? Because I have worked for 7 different organizations in 11 years and Iam having to do the explaining to the prospective employers every time I shift. It is an emotional drain.
Why would I want to shift, is the question every one asks. The reality is; it is either because the job sucks/the manager sucks or plainly because the company is on the verge of a shutdown or Iam the victim of ‘Re-structuring’.
I think Naukri or Monster, don’t know which ad, beautifully depicts the current employment scenarios. A cricketer is shown washing clothes, a dancer is seen manning the signals for an aircraft in taxi mode, a rock guitarist teaching kids etc. This is the unfortunate reality. Most of the people I know (me included) are stuck to their jobs because of various commitments, almost everyone is in search of that ‘dream job’. I feel so dwarfed at times when I experience the ‘system’ (now that’s an entirely different topic :)).
Funny, when an organization could interview 100 odd candidates to select the ‘right fit’ for a role, why can’t a ‘Human resource’ do the same? Why shouldn’t he/she work in an organization and decide if it is right for him/her? The organizations evaluate performance and decide if the resource could stay or not, why can’t I? The organizations want overnight results, why can’t I? Well, we always have the system to blame; it is bigger than any normal/average individual.
Some of the wise and experienced professionals say ‘Loyalty’ or ‘long stints’ in an organization talks about one’s stability. Well, I know that when water stagnates it stinks and becomes a breeding ground for disease bearing organisms. Iam not disagreeing with what they say Iam just differing in my view! There is an adage in Hindi that says ‘The water that flows is pure’.
Then there are multiple human resource management, culture, organizational development theories that our MBAs and managers are exposed to, which are only used in a negative sense as though it applies only to the ‘Others’.
Iam a Human Resource, who, like any other resource needs to be harnessed well to reap the benefits. Human resources are not just tools! Well, in letter we have moved from HRM to Talent Management, Talent Retention, Talent Building etc, but in spirit, are we there?
Here’s what Jack Welch said, “HR matters enormously in good times and it defines you in bad.”
Never get emotionally attached to an organization, you never know when it won’t need you, Move out if you must! This is something in essence to what Narayana Murthy once said.
Deadwood stays, Talent moves! This is something I think Azim Premji said.
The reality is, managing a Human resource is a far bigger skill; it is not merely ‘handling’ employees. I could pull up a lot of theories now and start building a case, but it is not exciting for me to do it anymore. It is humbug, because most of the senior people I know use theories to talk big and in practice they demonstrate nothing. It is a matter of pride for us to know the theories and showcase it in interviews. When the rubber meets the road the true colors come out!
There is a place for everyone in this world and it is not right to be judgmental.
My reality is, Iam a ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Iam educated with the several experiences I have gone through. I don’t need to possess educational ‘qualifications’ (though I have quite a few qualifications that way) or professional stability (loosely defined by others as loyalty to an organization) to answer the 'questions'. And just like in the movie such abilities may be doubted but the reality is, experience is a far bigger teacher and I will be a ‘Billionaire’! I just need to be at the right place at the right time! My quest is on for that right place! If it is non-existent maybe I’ll create one! All of us should build castles in air and remember to put strong foundations under them.
Shakespeare said 'Cowards die many a time before their deaths but the brave only die once'. I have a different connotation in this context and I leave it to the imagination of others to interpret. It is the beauty of life; fortunately, one size does not fit all!!
There are more such ‘Slumdog Millionaires’! Wait, the opportunity will soon knock!
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Mama its a great read, however 1 suggestion, I know that I'm no one to comment on your communication, you gave explanation reg life till lesson 5 using traffic, vehicles and when u started writing about practicality, there was no link! you abruptly started about Dhriti! i know what the crux is but when u make it public, i think u need to take care about all these things.
ReplyDeleteThanks mama!
ReplyDeleteI dunno what u r mentioning about mama! Is it about the PPO, that was in written earlier this year? I write based on topics of interest and topics of concern in the current times forme and the young and middle aged. I keep writing more to express on key concerns that keep me awake and also based on what I get to see in and hear from others. I try to keep it as close to reality as possible and really the need for me is to express. Iam sure you would agree with the expressions in all my blog posts. Keep your observations going, it helps me identify with people. If possible read all my other posts, especially the one on ' Lessons from my child' and Oxymoron: Life is...I personally enjoyed writing each post...and will continue to express as and when I get time. Keep letting me know about your observations! Cheers!
@ Vikram: Mama all the posts were written at different times, just clarifying because your comment seems to indicate that I have written it in continuity. Different times, different expressions, different concerns, different moods/needs! :)
ReplyDeleteHi... next line I write sounds silly.....but its ok. This is the first time I'm commenting/sharing my veiws on somebody’s blog. Its really a nice feeling :) alright, let's get back to the topic. I have similar experiences as you (Pavan)- More jobs in less time. A screening and Interview procedure's ultimate aim is to find the right match to the job description. Most of the time it really goes the bookish way or the foolish way ( I know I'm curt here.. this statement is purely based on my pervious experiences only and is not intended for all) only rules are followed but not in true spirit- as Pavan said. Why should somebody 'JUDGE' somebody, instead of 'assessing' the candidate? Passing judgment in few hours of interaction (so called interview) about our ‘x’ years of work experience is PRIMITIVE (I didn’t find a better word).
ReplyDeleteIn recent such interactions (so called Interview) I was asked repeatedly a question in fact it was a doubt expressed explicitly about my loyalty, that if I would stick for the company for long period? I thought about it and put it to them ‘why people quit? Roughly I can see two reasons.
This applies to only people with competence, skill, qualified, talented, intelligent etc….
1- People quit because they may not be happy in terms of monitory benefits or lack of role change- lets call that ‘Ambitious’
2-People quit because of boss, team mates, work itself- lets call that ‘Work Culture’
I would now cut it short: I strongly believe that Organizations have bigger role in holding employees for longer period. Because- employee is small and Organization is big. Organisations needs to listen and make best of ‘Talent’ than treating them just as ‘resources’.
Back to my formal interaction- I really do not want share it excuse me plz