INVEST IN POTENTIAL HIGH PERFORMERS



Yogesh Misra



“Training is for the job-at-hand, while development is for future needs, so training is more about the skill which are needed for a position.”



Training is generally imparted in three forms, namely, formal classroom training, on-the-job training, and reading of literature. Some people are faster learners than others. Therefore, an organization, while hiring should try to ensure that they hire fast learners, for which they should use testing tools which measure fluid intelligence. So while dealing with the fast learners, intensive training can work, but if the learners are average, then the training has to be broken down into smaller modules.

Another important factor is the style of learning, as different people prefer different styles of learning, and these could include classroom training, on-the-job training or abstract conceptualization. Once the specialized certification programs on products are over, the person needs to shadow a senior person in the organization for one year.



The aim of providing training for an organization should be to ensure cross-functional expertise so that employees are able to relate theory with concepts, and can confidently face clients. Training efficiency can be measured through assessment centre, wherein employees undertake simulations of typical scenarios that they may face with clients. They are also asked to frame proposals and presentations based on which competencies are identified. They also follow a 360-degree method which helps to assess gaps and shortcomings.

BACK TO BASICS - Business Leadership Excellence Mantras In Uncertain World

Dr. Prakash Bhide

Business world is facing tectonic upheavals in unpredictable, complex & uncertain world. Competition is coming from unrelated sectors and unexpected new competitors. The only constant is ‘Continuous Uncertain Major Changes’. Shareholders, customers, employees and society are holding the CEO’s accountable for quantum growth and accelerated profitability. In this scenario, CEO needs to stand on firm rock like foundations and principles to guide them. Back to basics can help leaders in sound decision making in this uncertain world.



India used to be the envy of the world. We were Number One in every aspect of development. Pupils across the world turned up at our door for seeking knowledge at our temples of education such as Nalanda and Taxila (Like Harvard, Wharton and London Business School today).
The rich insights of our epics, such as Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagwadgita, have stood the best test of times for guiding our lives over centuries. Back to basics stresses simplicity and adherence to fundamental principles and values for excellence.

Our gurus & role models have always shown us that Back to Basics is the best way to deal with crisis and uncertain times. Principles and teachings of our epics are the gems and jewellary in the history of mankind. They can act as ‘Amrit’ (nectar) which can be a Sanjeevani (life giving) to all business enterprises. We are proud of Panini (originator of grammar), Aryabhatta (great mathematician and astronomer) and Bhaskaracharya (originator of concept of zero). India is the birthplace of three of the world’s major religions – Hinduism (7000 BC), Buddhism (487 BC) and Sikhism (1699 AD).

Recently, Business Leaders have been lured by western management theories and best practices. We need to go back to our basics & roots of Indian Cultural Ethos & Values. Building on the solid foundations of character and Indian values, we can customize western technologies & skills with discretion for modern times. We can thus move from BEST PRACTICES to NEXT PRACTICES, which will come from India. Mahatma Gandhi relied on the teachings of Bhagwadgita, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Upanishads, Bible and Koran and scriptures for decision making in crisis situations.

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND STORYTELLING



Dr. Prakash Bhide

Effective Leadership and influencing stakeholders (followers, customers, bankers, board members etc.) with storytelling, is a cutting-edge practice and still evolving as a special competency.



Effective leadership is influencing others and is helping them in aligning their efforts and commitment to achieve a shared vision. Leaders paint an exciting picture of the vision and can effectively communicate the same through a story. Many times, leaders have to use the art of persuasion to get the full commitment of their followers. Storytelling is an effective method to achieve this as it appeals to the heart & emotions. Leaders know the way, show the way and go the way to achieve this major change from present to achieve the future vision. Dry PowerPoint slides with lots of data can convince the mind, but an effective story can galvanize action.

Storytelling is nothing new and we can find impactful & motivating stories from ancient ages. As children, we have been not only fascinated by mythological and fairytales helping us to improve our imagination, curiosity & creativity, but also forming foundations of our deep-rooted values, beliefs & character. Aesop’s fables and Cinderella and ‘Alice in wonderland’ have left long-lasting impressions on our minds. Moral Science stories also help us to make right decisions at crucial moments in life.

Indian mythology is rich with enchanting stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. There is a story of a king who was worried that his two young princes were not studying and learning. He engaged many teachers, but none was successful. Ultimately a teacher, Vishnu Sharma, was able to teach the young princes the act of kingship, through stories of animals which we know as ‘Panchatantra’. Stories of Birbal and Tenaliraman have fascinated us as children.