rishabhagarwaldotin

It was not my badluck when I failed in achieving ordinary goals rather it was my too good goodluck as I was destined for achieving Xordinary goals!

The above line is quite interesting to me, I think. And many times sooner or later one realizes this in his or her life. Understand like this. Your bucket needs to be empty before it can be filled with any opportunity. Sooner you fill it with medium opportunity then there is no space left for filling it with bigger opportunity. That’s why probably Italian philosopher Michelangelo famously once said:

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.(Michelangelo)

Consider one example. Suppose you wanted to do post graduation from a prestigious institute after your graduation. But due to xyz reasons you fail to do so and started doing some job in a private organization. Later with course of time after gaining few years (say 5-10) of quality work experience you suddenly came to know that few of the top institutes in the country or globally now offer newly created one year post graduate programs in addition to their ongoing two year post graduation programs aiming for candidates like you and giving due importance to your hard earned quality work experience. (for e.g., one year MBA programs being offered globally from institutes such as INSEAD, HEC, IMD, IIM A/B/C/L/I, Cornell, IE, etc.) You pass it out and sooner or later you realize that it was for good that you studied the above program.

Consider another example. You failed to get into a job after passing out from your graduation (consider B. Tech). Now in order to have a livelihood you work hard and qualify Bank PO (probationary officer) job. After course of time you realize that it’s a better source of livelihood than many the high paying but stressful private jobs which majority of your batch mates are now subjected to.

There is one more example.  You were having polio since childhood. You always thought you are struck with an immense bad luck since birth. But you continued to work hard towards your studies and completed your B. Tech from a reputed Govt. Engineering College. But because of the Handicap condition private organizations not hired you from the campus. You started preparing for the CAT exam. Because of PH quota, you get a seat in one of the top IIMs, and later you set up your own company. (I’m not justifying quota system here)

Note that the above scenarios I’ve observed personally among my friends’ lives.

There is famous Indian households saying which I’m sure majority of you must have heard “jo hota hai ache ke liye hota hai (all happens for good)”

However there is a caution in this strategy. In this context I recall one good story from local folks or colloquy. Its like below:

A farmer daily prayed God for turning around his status for better. One day God came into his dream and said you have one stone lying since long in your hut. Go and fetch its value from another farmer, local shopkeeper, money lender, and a jeweler. Next day he started for the same. First he met a fellow farmer friend. His friend replied after seeing the stone that he can give in return a bag of grain. The local shopkeeper thought it can be used for putting in weighing scale and offered 5 bags of grain. The local moneylender realizing that stone looks precious offered 10 bags of grain. The farmer however knowing that he has not to sell it, turned down the offer. In last when the jeweler realized that stone is nothing but a diamond he went speechless and offered whole of his shop in exchange for the stone and said to the farmer he can give a full warehouse of grain.

The farmer realized the value of something not lies in the eye of holder but lies in the eye of right estimator. And that is the caution one should understand.

You see it happens with the Entrepreneurs. They cannot excel in mediocre jobs because of the quality (adverse or blessing??) that they are born for leadership roles.

Last but not the least. Here I share an example of my best friend. He is struggling with finding a good match thru matrimonial portals since last more than 2 years (or probably more). He date almost twice a month with fresh prospects. He has a good profile overall. But surprisingly he is not able to fetch a good match so far. I only advice him the subject line. That you are meant for bigger things. :):)

God Bless!!

www.rishabhagarwal.in

Today H’ble PM of India Shri Modi is going to unveil a mega govt. plan for supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups.

I always felt there is something seriously wrong with established (say more than decade old) Indian Companies and their mindset. I penned 2 blogs on this topic similarly sometime back: Importance of Manufacturing and Does Mindset the real cause for Dismal Condition of Indian Manufacturing!! and Indian Organizations VS Foreign Origin MNCs: Key Differences

The new aspiring youth is tired of companies which want 6 days a week working model with meager  benefits or compensation. But somehow older established companies in India has refused so far to face the new realities. They are like Ostrich Head in Sand refusing to change.

Consider example of recent success of Aam Aadmi Party VS older established political parties in India. This new party was able to clean sweep the Delhi state elections one year back and is constantly in news. While the older political parties are not able to make a mark on psyche of public especially youth.

How?? if you see AAP leaders, they approach people in shirt and pants not in formidable khadi and kurta wear. People now have some kind of averse thinking for leaders approaching to them in “Neta” style.

Now coming back to the topic of this blog. Similarly,

Indian companies has simply resisted to the Change and approach their employees in “Neta” style.

(Indian companies are like above VS Start-ups like below)

Start-up India is already making waves. Indian now has 8 unicorns start-ups (valuation exceeding One Billion USD). Traditionally USA has been mother of start-up culture and pioneered the new businesses such as Google, Amazon, Dell, Tesla, Space-X, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

Old is passe. (I like old things though).

Why not Indian Companies embrace 4.5 working days a week model like alternate Fri off (with Sat & Sun offs).

It will help them to embrace change in them and become innovative (something which they are seriously deficient of). They need to connect with the new world and youth. And they should explore in the whole world for new business opportunities rather than sitting inside the homeland and keep running stupid business models.

I hardly knew any names of truly global Indian MNC. Few exceptions are Tata, Mahindra, Infosys, etc.. But the names are very few. Even the biggies such as Reliance, etc. never truly explored outside boundary of India.

With the new wave of Start-ups, Indian job market diaspora is rapidly changing. The new companies are coming with flexi office timings, flexi working culture like work from home, employee friendly HR policies, fast growth career plans, etc.. While the established Indian Companies with full believer in Crony Capitalism will continue to stick to 6 days a week working model, fix office timings, sycophancy inspired career growth, etc..

In my view its the right time for the established companies to change their mindset, to embrace innovation, and the best foot forward towards this direction is implement the title of this blog.

My thoughts only. God Bless Mother India!!

www.rishabhagarwal.in

We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts – Aristotle

Sometime back I wrote 2 blogs The Bovine People and The “Agyaatvaas” Strategy. In the first blog I discussed how sometimes a section of people get tied up in mundane life. Thought it doesn’t mean that they are not socializing or attending offices. Rather it is opposite. They are attending offices, giving EMIs regularly, maintaining small circle of friends and relatives, keep focus on their increments, etc.. In the second blog I highlighted the benefits of getting into low profile and strike back after a certain period.

I think there is one another angle to the above 2 blogs and discussion. It is The Caveat or Satisfaction of becoming Oblivion.

When you are not in a good growth trajectory at job, doing a repetitive work for many years, not updating yourself on Social Media websites (for e.g. on LinkedIn, or on Facebook, etc.), you will face a tough question before yourself: is this Oblivion is a satisfaction or a caveat.

In today’s hyper active competition and life we have made our lives too stressful.

I’m sure use of Facebook surely brings more stress when you always notice others living a fantastic life and updating fabulous status of themselves.

Somehow things are not happening that good with you. You are not succeeding in career or personal life. You are a loser. You are doomed.

So in that case when I suggest The “Agyaatvaas” Strategy or even “Vairagya”, an ancient Indian art of Dispassion Strategy, it is not that easy to walk on that road. There is risk of getting Oblivion.

Now Oblivion is interesting. If you really believe in yourself then it is for you. Have Satisfaction rather than taking it as Caveat. Keep building on your skills.

Just as Steve Jobs chose to learn Calligraphy in his low life days when he was fired from Apple. Or like Hero Mark Wahlberg in movie Shooter. Or like John Rambo in movie Rambo IV. Etc.. If we refer these 2 movies, the hero, went into Agyaatvaas. They were not having any plans to bounce back. But destiny brought them on some road towards greater goals. However they never harboured desire for fame.

Oblivion is a by-product sometimes out of Agyaatvaas or out of Being Bovine. The former i.e. Agyaatvaas Oblivion is good but the latter i.e. Bovine Oblivion is bad.

Taking “The Road Less Travelled” can either lead to Oblivion or Glory. But isn’t Oblivion itself lead to Glory??. That is an interesting question.

However, Yes, if you are okay with a low profile life and satisfied with a Countryside Living then in that case Oblivion doesn’t matters.

It is more important to have a meaningful life and it’d be great if you contribute to upbringing of less privilege of society.

My thoughts only. God Bless.

www.rishabhagarwal.in

Shri Modi perhaps is one of the greatest leaders India has seen in last several decades. As I said in my previous blogs Shri Modi and Jim Collins – Good to Great  and BJP vs Anti-BJP and The Toothpaste Strategy on this admirable leader that I’d like to write more on him in coming months, so here I am.

Its really interesting to note what Mr Modi is doing from last more than a year.

1. International Traveling: He beat all the world leaders in terms of visiting other countries for improving bilateral relations of India with rest of the world. His tireless working attitude is probably shocking and can bring envy even to a young corporate guy.  He covers more than 2 countries sometimes in 24 hrs. He is simply re-setting long paused relations with many countries where Indian PM has not visited from more than last 2 decades including Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, Seychelles, Nepal, etc..

Leadership is always top driven.

Just like in corporates, in political setups if your leader is demonstrating hard work, followers automatically get inspired. Scams which were common in previous Govt.(s), with each minister busy in making thousands of crores in dubious deals. And citizens were told these are compulsions / unavoidable results of running a coalition government. What a shame.

2. Defence Preparation: I’ve noticed India has suddenly became quick in acquisitions of lots of military systems. Whether its SAM deal from Russia, or similar weapon system from Israel, or Rafale deal from France, or Combat Helicopter deal from US. Though I’m not a supporter of war mongering but such a big nation as India needs to keep updating its defence readiness.

3. Kick Off India 2020: Recent 15 Billion USD deal for India’s ambitious and first Bullet trains project with Japan is another feather in the cap of Modi’s Govt.. Such a project can change the overall country’s desire for march towards a mature industrial economy. 

I once visited Japan and ride via Shinkansen train there from Tokyo to Nagoya. They built this network in 1965. Fifty years before. And still in India no other political party ever envisioned such a project in name of non worthy/ too expensive/ who will ride it/ high ticket cost/ etc.. These kind of excuses are similar to preferring bull carts over motor cars.

A project of this magnitude can have ripple effects to overall business environment in India. China is clear beneficiary of a robust bullet train system now fully in place there.

Modi Govt.’s plan to supply 24 hrs electricity down the line is another truly praiseworthy vision.

4. Cap on Black money: black money flow in the economy has taken a hit now and obviously its good for the people. Real estate market has crashed since BJP came to power. Property rates are now down by 20-30% in many prime real estate markets. Real buyers can have a sigh of relief. People with black money may not share this thought.

LPG subsidy leaks has been successfully capped. Account transfer schemes already has saved thousand of crores rupees of the Govt. which was going to illegal beneficiaries.

5. India truly on world stage: thanks to Modi ji, India is finally emerging as a nation set for serious role on world stage. UK, US, France, and Russia has already publicly expressed their full support for India’s candidature for permanent Security Council seat. India has topped FDI recipient state this year.

6. Make in India campaign: one of the most ambitious visions of the present govt. is Make in India campaign. The thrust is highly praiseworthy. Mfg. sector can create employment on a large scale. Govt. is already supporting entrepreneurship like never before (there are talks that soon Mr Modi will announce a detailed layout and support plan on entrepreneurship in India).

On one hand we have such a hard working PM in India and on the other hand we have opportunistic politics of opposition political parties in India.

1. Cleverly false accusations: Can anyone (or any party) accuse anybody wrongdoing without presenting evidence and then ask him to resign from responsible positions like country’s cabinet minister position? Funny isn’t it.

Opposition parties have exceled in art of comparing pebbles with mountains.

For e.g., if BJP leader takes some 2 lakhs worth decision related to any Govt. contract, suppose some controversy arises at later stage then opposition party in India will compare it with this scam as good as 2 lakh crores 2G scam. I saw on TV actually. One Delhi party was accusing BJP in ref. to the 2 lakhs bribe case of their previous spokesperson. Come on. Now you want BJP to remain on backfoot for all these trivial past cases. You don’t see previous Govt. 2G scam, Coalgate, Commonwealth, Aadarsh scams, etc.. which can easily sum up to 5 lakhs crores. Is this way of comparing.

I’m not supporter of any party but supporter of India.

At least compare mango with oranges (at least they are similar size fruits). Not pebbles with mountains.

2. Family rule: Another National Party in India is long waiting to appoint its Yuvraj to the position of party president. Recently in newspaper I read that their party members are waiting when he will give his consent to be elevated to the party president position. I got astonished. Compare it with BJP. Their it is competition for position of party president and contenders are many. And here another party says there is no contender. Funny.

I guess it is applicable to many parties in India. One family rule.

You can’t follow democracy internally in the party. But want to lead the largest democracy in the world.

3. No Ideology: its simply opportunism. Before elections you take false oath that you will not take support of any party to make Govt. or make xyz promises and later give xyz reasons or excuses. But you do. Former foes seeing bigger threat forgets all animosity and unites. Pure politics in play. And janta (people) watches with wide eyes.

This is politics and it shall continue like this only.

The only reason to cheer is that at least there is one leader to which we can look at with hope for the change which nation is yearning for long.

God Bless Mother India!!

My thoughts only. Saludos.

www.rishabhagarwal.in

Few months back I wrote one blog on OSCAR Strategy (Organizations Strategy and Cars Across Roads [OSCAR] Theory) which I conceptualized how when looking at cars across roads can give you interesting insights and useful strategy tips for Corporates and also highlights the state of economy. But this tool according to me is not limited only to corporate strategies. Rather it can be extended to understand and can be used in personal life as well.

Suppose you are a fresh IIT or IIM or top engineering college or top B School freshly pass out guy. Now lets consider 2 friends Ram and Sam pass out from same institute. One chose to join a PSU or a reputed business house within India and joins as management trainee. The other chose to pursue higher study in US and make his career there only afterwards.

What happens say after 20 years. Your friend Sam is now heading Google and world knows him as Sundar Pichai or he is now heading Microsoft as Satya Nadella or he is heading Softbank as Nikesh Arora or she is heading Pepsi as Indra Nooyi. While Ram is working as DGM in the Indian firm (he might be having house loan of 1 crore).

There was one another blog which I wrote very recently and useful in this context: Indian Organizations VS Foreign Origin MNCs: Key Differences

Some time back I read a good book by Amy Chua: The Triple Package

Amy explained how an average Indian family/ Jew family earns almost twice of an average US family in their own country. According to her 3 key reasons are there which drive this difference: Superiority Complex; Insecurity; and Impulse Control (You will have to read this book to understand in detail how some races excel)

But I think the reason which I’m going to mention here in this blog is probably also an important point which others might miss to note.

Now coming back to the topic of this blog.

Suppose you are not a human being but a car. (Please read my Oscar Strategy blog to understand this perspective).

If you are a car coming out of IIT or IIM or other top institutes then lets take it that you are a 6000 cc engine high performance car. If you are passing out from many other institutes your cc can vary from 600 to 6000 cc depending upon the competition to get into these institutes.

The road ahead of you of life is proportional to the state of economy of the nation. Right.!!

Hence if you want to run at a speed of 300 km/hr which is possible from a 6000 cc car, you simply can’t run beyond 60 km/hr because of the road and traffic conditions. (please note that traffic is proportional to jams on roads and analogically proportional to inefficiency of the system and economy of nation).

VS

(on a jam road of life both cars are as good)

So more or less throughout your life Ram or you are bound to run no speedier than 60 km/hr despite your potential of 300 km/hr when you are in India or any developing country. On the other hand Sam can take speed to 300 km/hr. When you apply compound interest on your perks vs Sam’s perks, later in some stage of life say after 20 years the difference will be of more than 100 times. You might be earning as DGM 25 lakhs p.a. while Sam must be making 25 crores p.a. back there in US.

When I was doing my MBA at IIM Calcutta, I still remember that how many fellow batch mates of engineering time wanted to return from US to India after a career stint of several years because of love for the country or because of family reasons. In last few years we have seen several successful entrepreneurs in India who are US returnees. We all know many names. For e.g. Mr. Dinesh Agarwal whom I know personally. He is founder of IndiaMart. He is one of the rare entrepreneurs who was in this arena long back when there were hardly any start-ups. He withstand the long slow pace growth of e-commerce but he remained resilient.

There are few examples always like this. But this number is far less than people who are making real money and career growth successfully in western countries.

My blog is not recommending that leave this great nation and head to US. I’m simply analyzing the growth pattern and flaws of the system. Nevertheless I enjoy to be here.

My thoughts only. God Bless.!!

www.rishabhagarwal.in

Though I was about to write a blog on “The Theory of Tapasya” which is again an ancient Indian art of single mind focus for a goal, somehow I got the subject topic writing here first.

“Vairagya”, an ancient Indian art of Dispassion, is quite interesting and useful in today’s stressful and over-connected world.

In ancient times in India, people used to take “Vairagya” nearly around age of 50, when their children are grown up to age of 30 possibly, they have even seen their grand children by that time. It was considered appropriate to leave the world of “Maya” (which is again ancient Indian word for “materialism”), and to adopt non-interest or more specifically dispassion, and start living a retired life.

Today I see people working till age of 70 (I’m not saying its wrong), still having greed for money, fame, power, etc.. You can see such commonalities among politicians who are not ready to give up even at age of 80 (in India at least). One reason is competition these days is too tough and one attains moderate success by age of 45 around. We have made our lives very complex indeed.

Why “Vairagya” is useful in today’s environment. It helps you to rediscover yourself. How you used to think as a child. How you used to play with your grand parents when you were kid. “Vairagya” not necessarily directs you to complete retirement. But you don a role of a Teacher. More philanthropic in nature. You don’t expect a return for your kindness. You can have it if someone reciprocates voluntarily. You acquire Wisdom.

Most importantly you are least bothered about the over increasing “materialism” in this world.

I’m not sure but I think in today’s world “Vairagya” can be surrendered after 4-5 years and one can consider returning to moderate life style. In the long run it will help you to rejuvenate yourself and you will do greater benefit to your immediate family by “Vairagya” rather than running madly after materialistic things and being over-connected.

I know lots of my friends are over burdened with loans or other types of liabilities these days, which is common at this age group. Running blindly in a “race” of proving themselves worthy among peers, etc. And they are turning their hair “grey” far more fast than ever someone probably did in history in their own family tree. My question is what you gain out of it. It is well accepted truth that Health is Wealth. More important good mental health is difficult to sustain in today’s stressful lives.

I think “over connectivity” these days offered by networking and social websites down the line has a toll on your mental health. It is recommended from me at least to refrain from over-running in your life.

There was one previous blog from me on The “Agyaatvaas” Strategy where I argued how it is useful to Bounce Back after a period of elope. “Vairagya” is similar in line but it more focused on denouncing the materialism which has plagued the minds of people specially working generation 20 to 40 in age.

My thoughts only!!

I invite comments from readers. Thank you and God Bless.

www.rishabhagarwal.in

How “Vairagya” is define when you Bing:

Vairāgya is a Sanskrit term used in Hindu philosophy that roughly translates as dispassion, detachment, or renunciation, in particular renunciation from the pains and pleasures in the material world (Maya). The Hindu philosophers who advocated vairāgya told their followers that it is a means to achieve moksha.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, But I think I’ve ended up where I needed to be”.. Douglas Adams

Well, its one of the favorite topics which we discuss among our friends. Almost a year back I wrote one blog on this topic in a similar fashion.

Why Choose MBA and What You Really Get Out of It!!

However let me put my additional thoughts here.

When you chose an MBA program, you basically chose One New Road in your Life. You chose to deviate from the routine which you were doing.

If we see Life is all about evolvement. So its important how you chose to be evolved.

I think, with an MBA, the road you chose to be evolved is more holistic and you are accepting that you shall be embracing new thoughts down the line.

Also in order to break cocoon of a routine and regular lifestyle requires courage. Obviously a new road brings new challenges along with opportunities.

Lets talk about how we define an MBA. First of all MBA is more for people who are related to corporate world/ new trends/ public facing/ financial implications/ marketing applications/ projects/ human resources/ supply chain/ operations/ general management/ business strategies/ etc. (students can take specialization and electives depending on interest). I won’t say it is appropriate program for any hard core researcher or someone similar.

Many times what I notice people run for MBA programs because of packages on offer for its graduating class. Its not a recommended way of thinking in my view.

Its also important to understand that these days MBA programs can be of different durations such as: 10 months, 12 months, 16 months, 20 months, or 24 months. So don’t get confused from the duration. More important an aspirant should take a note of is: contact hours, course structure, class profile, diversity on offer, alumni connections, work experience of the students, reputation of the program and institute, etc.

One thing more I’d like to add here. There are quite few other Post Graduate Programs running which though are not exactly MBA programs but many times people accept or confuse with MBA programs. But they are also equally good. For example some well known institutes run Masters in Public Policy which is an MPP program rather than MBA program. But nevertheless they are also highly sought. Situation is comparable that you are enrolling at IIT for B. Arch. instead of B. Tech (which is probably more sought). In my view, one should consider his or her career priorities and choose the Management Program accordingly. One should refrain from running in a cattle fashion after any degree without giving proper due consideration to all factors.

Now again, I won’t be praising MBA or Management Programs too much here. Education is all about skill development. When you become a Doctor your skill is now that you can treat a patient. When you become a Computer Programmer (irrespective of whether you are Engr., or BCA/ MCA, BSc/ MSc, Computer Language Certificate Holder, etc.) your skill is now of coding or programming.

Generally MBA degree is sought for career growth because of the skill to see situations holistically. You can call it Lateral Thinking.

Hence in order to develop this skill, for e.g. which at IIMs is taught thru Case Studies method, is what is sought by recruiters.

But many times recruiters also fail to see the importance of these skills. Then a mismatch happens. They give non relevant job profiles to MBA graduates and fail to realize their full potential to mutual benefit. Both employee and employer gain at the same time when goals are aligned. But in developing countries like India, students mostly have not much negotiation options before the recruiters.

Now coming back to the topic of this blog. I reemphasize that winning this coveted degree can be someone’s dream but understanding the true context of your burning desire is equally important. Nevertheless wishing aspirants good luck.

Last but not the least. Remember.

Your college name becomes your middle name and remains with you throughout your Life.

God Bless!!

www.rishabhagarwal.in

Well, finally BJP, the ruling party in India, faced the consecutive second drub at state elections. This time in Bihar, one of the most populated states of India.

I agree its easy to do failure analysis rather than projecting the fail in advance. However, let me attempt this in lieu of one of the strategy which I conceptualize (The Toothpaste Strategy), some of the key observations which I noted in BJP “going to election” strategy and probably what led to their debacle (in my view) is as follows:

• Shri Modi unnecessarily participate in state elections. Given the international reputation of this great leader doesn’t require of him to participate in the state elections as such.
• It is true that BJP not took lessons from its fail of Delhi state elections. There also they brought the high stature of Shri Modi in the state elections putting his reputation at stake. Its a dangerous and a loss making strategy.
  

  Sometimes it becomes fairly easy for  David to hit Goliath.

One doesn’t need a missile to kill a person. One simply needs a pistol.

• The votes of anti-bjp are consolidating successfully while bjp supporting core voters are somewhere in the range of only 30-40 %.
• Marcus Antony, the famed Roman General, after the murder of Julius Caesar famously said
  

  Even 12 mangy dogs can kill a lion.

Now how the The Toothpaste Strategy plays a significant role here and can well explain the failing of BJP

Traditionally Indian voters have always been lured by multiple parties within states with different ideologies, and attract the voters’ loyalty in name of castes, or other agendas. But its very surprising to note that all these parties except bjp and very few others, overwhelmingly or covertly supported congress at the centre and at the states.

Now consider there are 2 companies X and Y, manufacturing toothpaste. Now X has almost 10 different brands under its umbrella with names a, b, …j while Y has only 2 different brands with names r and s (just to illustrate). Hence for an end user its like having 12 different toothpaste brands on offer irrespective of which are the two parent companies. Here one can take HUL and P&G for understanding purpose. (Disclaimer: this blog  has nothing to do with these MNCs).

But here is the big game in play. For a typical Indian voter he is mislead that he or she has 12 different parties to vote for. He chooses accordingly in name of loyalty towards a particular party mostly known for one of the key agendas which the voter is concerned for. Very tactfully these parties launch their candidates under central leadership of X to suit their goal that any of the 10 brands get successful in terms of winning the public taste. But finally their allegiance is to none other than the central leader of theirs which is X.

While the poor Y never understood how it is having only 16% chance vs 84% chance of X given that Y has only 2 brands to lure consumers while X has 10 brands. Poor Y is always under the illusion that it is fighting against X. It never realizes it is basically r and s are fighting against a, b, ….,j. So Y is loosing the battle from last many decades and only comes in power when there is nationwide anti incumbency vote surge.

It is worrying to note that these 10 brands brazenly make a consortium and fight the poor Y and then make fun of Y that they defeated it.

Its basically hilarious that almost every Indian party is against bjp.

When Modi ji don’t speak on petty issues then opposite parties make hue and cry why Modi ji is not speaking. When Modi ji speaks on state issues then opposite parties says that how demeaning Prime Minister of India has become of, that he is speaking on local issues. Its wickedly funny.

I’m not here to support bjp or any other party but my point is that there should be fair game at least.

Or what if if it goes like this that “everything is fair in love and war”

My recommendation, that better is USA electoral system that there are only 2 school of thoughts i.e. Democrats vs Republicans. At least there it is fairly easy for voter to decide where to go.

Not like in India, that voter is going to aap and aap is going to congress from back door.

God Bless India!!

It is a known fact hardly 4-5 Indian Companies are able to make an entry into Global Power list of Top 500 Companies, I mean Fortune 500.

The Fortune list worries me. Despite being a nation with 1.2 Billion population which translates into a very big market; and a good talent pool of aspiring youth, why we are lagging.

In last one decade I got chance to work both in Indian Major Business Houses and Foreign MNCs. I also discussed many times with my friends about the companies (and their strategies) where they are working. And I noticed striking different ways of doing businesses. There may be some common grounds but not many. Let me narrate few of major different styles of the two:

(Consider IP for Indian Player and FP for Foreign Player.)

IP: no long term career plans for their recruits. Indian Managers are used to hire from a pool of many and give little importance to your talent. They want sycophancy. HR in India is more often used to daunt employees from freely speaking rather than understanding their grievances.

How many Indian Companies are ready to sponsor their long time employee for upgrading his skills via MBA programs. Rare it is.

FP: typically Indian setups of Foreign Players are localized now. So they are not very diff. from their Indian counterparts. However globally they have good career paths on offer and HR is a strategic department which can be used for variety of expectations.

IP: no thrust on Innovation in general. There are few exceptions such as Mahindra, Godrej, Tata, etc. But the names are few. IP don’t see much benefit of Innovation and investment in R&D.

FP: globally they have inherent culture and thrust on Innovation. It doesn’t mean one can change working practises, but yes top management is well aware of importance of Innovation and investment in R&D.

IP: offices or production lines are untidy in general. Non luxurious attitude is common in Indian setups (but don’t misunderstood this for “modesty”, it is more near “stingy”)

FP: These companies are good in making hell lot of money by their superior business models. Offices are swanky by large. Its visible they follow high standards e.g. stationery is freely available, woman employees can ask for office cab if they get late in office, travel in Business Class, etc..

IP: no long term business strategy. Averse of risk taking. No global expansion plans.

FP: by default they have tendency to go global. MBA hires are sought by these companies in their Business Development and similar roles.

IP: Long term employee concept in India has decreased a lot. It is common that increments are to the tune of 2-10%. So employees keep looking for opportunities in other companies where they can switch with an increment for say 25-30%. (FP: Increments are on higher side and can be in the range of 10-20%.)

 

 

 

FP: Training first, and assignments are clearly defined. Put it like this, whatever you work there is some end result.

There is some Displacement from your efforts.

IP: No training, start working from day one. There is chaos. Employees are leaving always and filled by young graduates. They start working on those positions and in parallel keep looking for jobs in other companies. Growth is slow. Promotions are rare. You are encouraged to change job for a promotion in your role.

There is no Displacement from your efforts. Only you are covering Distance.

FP: Growth is fast accompanied by Global Exposure. Talent recognition is debatable. If you work abroad in those companies you can climb to the top out of your hard work but same might not apply in Indian offices of these MNCs.

IP: not system driven but People dependent. Paper work is common. Job transfer or change in job profile is less.

FP: highly process driven. Paperless working style. Transfers and job roles changes on a faster note (It can bring stress).

IP: it is common in Indian set ups that even till last working day of a resigned employee no hand over is taken from him. Moreover, worse is that when some new one joins he is expected to take the charge from day one.

Over the period you are expected to be good in making lies and passing the buck to others’ court. Else you are doomed.

FP: they go for immediate replacement and hand over of work. Files are saved in central folders. Even important projects if you are working on, then email is not used as person’s name. It is like scm@xxxx.com, or hr.director@xxxx.com. Hence employee is well aware after his departure nothing is hampering the daily working of the company.

 

Now comes the advantage part of Indian Players:

IP: Job safety is higher. Firing or pink slip is uncommon. Not careful towards local taxation, rules, etc.

FP: Merciless. If the company is not performing good, actions can be taken by top management in form of reducing employee strength, etc. MNCs don’t believe in false kindness at workplace (according to them). Very careful towards local rules and won’t take any decision in that regard.

IP: sense of belongingness. Since it not a foreign headquartered company, chances are good that you can interact top management and one day you can  reach till there based on your performance. I mean chances are higher to reach to top in Indian set-ups.

FP: there are few examples where PIO made to top management of major FP such as Indira Nooyi, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Nikesh Arora, etc. but names are few and they were able to do so because they worked in their country.

IP: basic facilities such as peon service, etc. is there in place. Guards at office gates or factory gates gives you importance. You have fair degree of ownership and authority when you arrive in the office.

FP: you are made realized from day one that you are just a resource.

Now comes last but probably most important difference:

FP: Only 5 days working model. Rather I knew companies which are running offices in India on alternate Fridays off as well. Which translates into 4.5 days working model. There is huge importance to work life balance.

IP: I really don’t understand why IP HR insist on 6 days working model. Worse, people are even asked to come on Sundays. And it is common. Let me tell you. You work in a Factory or you work in Finance Sector, you can be called for 7 days working. IP simply don’t believe in employing sufficient manpower.

The above difference is probably the most critical difference and have key to failure of IP model. It clearly shows they are insensitive to their manpower.

We can see there are pros and cons in the two structures. But for sure IPs need to take some good practises of FP if not all.

I wish that more Indian Companies make to Global Order and Hall of Fame. Surely there is a long way to go. We need our own global biggies to bring more employment, fame, technology, and business in our country.

My thoughts only. God Bless!

www.rishabhagarwal.in

India has now turned into a nation of “call drop”.

Talking on mobile phones is so much painstaking these days (from last 6 months at least).

Today morning I was going through an English daily where it was mentioned how the present Finance Minister of India Shri Arun Jaitly ji informed angrily to the visiting CEO of Vodafone Group that he now uses landline instead of mobile phones for talking.

A month ago same concerns was expressed by the present Communications and Information Technology Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad ji. He also tried to placate public anger over ever increasing “call drop” menace by issuing warning to the telecom companies. But I’m just wondering what he actually did on ground despite having all the powers and despite H’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Modi himself expressed his displeasure on this issue.

So finally Cat is out of the bag.

In my opinion its an example of naked cartelization of telecom companies in India, which is running since more than last many years. They together plundered the scarce spectrum which the nation witnessed in the form of 2G scam.

Its hard to believe how these companies which once were offering 1 GB data for less than 100 INR now offering to its hapless customers same for nearly 500 INR. Very surprisingly the rates instead of coming down has increased manifolds while quality of service (at least voice service) has actually deteriorated.

Same is with the call rates. While initially it was way cheap with unlimited calling options for affordable 500 INR schemes, per second billing of 0.50 paisa, etc. and now it is to the tune of 1.2 INR per minute pulse. Why they have switched to per minute pulse rate when the whole nation is suffering from severe call drop menace and they should have remained stick voluntarily to per second pulse option (if they could have considered walking on way of being ethnical). They are clearly busy in looting their customers brazenly.

Like “crocodile tears” these companies air misleading TV ads on useless topics that their internet is 44% faster than average (why you just don’t get specific), or get idea song, or 4G network, etc. etc. But none talk about “call drop” problem or something meaningful.

More surprisingly how come all these companies have nearly same strategy of call rates/ plans/ top-ups/ packs/ etc.. Nearly every company is having very close call charges, data charges, etc. with almost negligible differences. How??

One may also wonder why state owned public company BSNL instead of doing a good business has always showed deliberate actions to shoot itself on its feet and having negative growth throughout last many years. Can’t anyone smell something fishy in all this??

It is also now apparently known that all these private telecom companies are using spectrum for more profitable data services at the cost of voice services. The end victim is poor customer who uses mobile for talking rather than buying thru apps. It also appears that TRAI instead of protecting customer rights is rather having hand in gloves with these private telecom entities.

Consider example of Automobile Companies competition pattern in India, they are doing far better business and value creation. Almost every company is working hard to bring great 4-wheeler or 2-wheelers for their customers. In last few years one can easily observe how thru R&D these companies brought great models with greater fuel efficiency, low cost, etc..

Clearly there is no cartelization in Automobile space. In case of telecom companies everything is none other than a naked cartelization.

Its a matter of concern that despite India now has a change in Central Govt. known for high ethical standards, this cartelization is still running without any brakes on it and Competition Commission is doing nothing when this cartelization is obvious.

Wake up companies until it gets too late and be ethical.

Thnx