H R Era,     Issue # 21,       Aug11th, 2002

1. Moderator's Space

2. Are You Managing to Lead? - by Monty J. Sharp

3. Tomato Soup for the Soul

The IT Interview - sent by Amareesh C Arora

4. New Members

K.Soundarraj, Abhisheka Varma, M V Vasudevan

5. Readers' Forum

Who is Right? Satyam Arora or Ashit Sarkar!
Is Money the only motivator?

6. Quotation Corner: Wisdom - by K Jayaraman

7. Ten Positive Sources of Energy - by Myrtis L. Smith

8. More from our Members & HR Era Website

9. HR Training Programs (India)

10. Best HR Jobs (India)

11. Aims of HR Era, How to Contribute Articles, Legal Stuff.

As promised, the re-designed HR Era is here.

Firstly, you will receive HR Era every alternate sunday. Emailing the issue on sundays is more compatible with my commitments at work / job, so you will receive it regularly.

Secondly, each issue will carry article on HR, Best HR Jobs, HR Training Programs. So you will have something to learn every fortnight. And info on training programs as well as HR jobs will reach you faster, when still hot!

Greater success depends on all the members. The more articles you send, the more members you refer, the more HR Era will contibute to us as a learning platform.

We welcome 100+ new members and especially Mr K Soundarraj. Look forward to him for enriching the group with his knowledge.

Regards.

Rajeev B Bhatnagar

2. ARE YOU MANAGING TO LEAD? - by Monty J Sharp,
Personal & Business Coach, http://www.success-synergies.com

For many people, the terms "manager" and "leader" are synonymous. In the business world, they are often used interchangeably, i.e. "team leader", "team manager", "project manager" - you get the idea. And why not? After all, leaders and managers do basically the same thing, right?

In some instances, there do seem to be commonalities between the two and management techniques are sometimes confused with leadership traits. However, there are, I believe, some key distinctions to be made that radically separate the two.

Here then, are what I consider to be some key differences between a leader and a manager:

1. A manager administers. A leader innovates.

Managers take policies and procedures and ensure that they are carried out. Leaders are constantly challenging the "status quo" to achieve bigger and better things.

2. A manager maintains. A leader develops.

As long as things are running smoothly, the manager is typically happy. The leader is never satisfied with the "status quo" or "the way we've always done it". Leaders are constantly asking for more and bigger things - of themselves as well as those they lead.

3. Managers rely on control. Leaders inspire trust.

Managers can feel threatened by subordinates who don't seem to be "towing the line". In doing so, they create a co-dependency in the subordinates who, in turn, rely on the manager to dictate nearly every step of the process. Leaders know how to tap into the inherent strengths of those they lead and then foster those strengths to the benefit of the organization.

4. A manager has his eye only on the "bottom line". A leader has his eye on the horizon as well.

In orienteering (using a map and compass) you must set your sights on a distant object to get an accurate bearing. If you take only short-range sightings, it is much more likely you will stray far off the right course. In the same way, "bottom lining" only without also "visioning" can result in ending up at a destination you did not plan on.

5. The manager imitates. The leader originates.

While using "tried and true" methods isn't always a bad thing, someone else's methods may not be exactly right for every organization. Leaders aren't afraid to try new, and even unorthodox, methods to achieve optimum results.

6. Managers focus on product. Leaders focus on process.

While still holding to the principles of quality, productivity and efficiency, the leader is able to recognize the effort as well as the "end-product".

7. Managers need lots of positive feedback. Leaders have an innate sense of their own self-worth.

Everyone likes a "pat on the back" for a job well done. However, managers rely heavily on things like "performance reviews", "appraisals" and "kudos" from their supervisors and their subordinates to demonstrate a job well done. They also tend to rely heavily on those tools as motivators for their subordinates.

8. Managers need subordinates. Leaders strive to develop other leaders.

Leaders are always in the process of developing other leaders. Managers tend to feel very threatened when they perceive someone may be "passing them up".

9. Managers tell "what". Leaders share "why".

The manager is primarily concerned with simply giving the steps to achieve the desired result. The leader also takes the time to explain why those steps are crucial to the desired result. In doing so, the leader is also imparting his "vision" to those that help make that vision a reality.

10. Managers are more concerned with doing things right. Leaders are more concerned with doing the right thing.

Managers tend to be very "order" and "structure" oriented. Leaders have a keen sense of the "spirit of the law" and aren't afraid to "bend" the rules if it will achieve a greater good for everyone.

Contributed by Monty J. Sharp, Personal & Business Coach. Monty J. Sharp works with executives and managers who want more than a title and a fat paycheck. To schedule 2 complimentary coaching sessions, contact Monty at mailto:monty@success-synergies.com or visit http://www.success-synergies.com . Subscribe to Success Steps E-magazine. It's FREE! subscribe@success-synergies.com .

Copyright (c) 2002, Monty J. Sharp

  

THE IT INTERVIEW

This imaginary interview is based on the common PJs and conceptions in IT industry. By the way all the characters in it are fictitious and any resemblence to any living or dead is purely coincidental.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Candidate: I am Rameshwar Kulkarni. I did my Tele communication engineering from BabanRao Dhole-Patil Institute of Technology.

Int: BabanRao Dhole-Patil Institute of Technology? I had never heard of this college before!

Candi: Great! Even I had not heard of it before getting an admission into it. What happened is - due to cricket worldcup I scored badly in 12th. I was getting a paid seat in a good college. But my father said (I prefer to call him 'baap') - "I can not invest so much of money". (The baap actually said - "I will never waste so much of money on you"). So I had to join this college. Frankly speaking this name - BabanRao Dhole-Patil, can at the most be related to a Shetaki Mahavidyalaya. he he he...

Int: ok, ok. It seems you have taken 6 years to complete your engineering.

Cand: Actually I tried my best to finish it in 4 years. But you know, these cricket matches and football worldcup, and tennis tournaments.. It is difficult to concentrate.. So I flunked in 2nd and 3rd year. So in all I took 4 + 2 = 7 years.

Int: But 4+2 is 6.

Cand: Oh, is it? You know I always had KT in maths. But I will try to keep this in mind. 4+2 is 6, good, thanks. These cricket matches really affect exams a lot. I think they should ban it.

Int: Good to know that you want cricket matches to be banned.

Can: No, no.. I am talking about Exams!!

Int: Ok, What is your biggest achievement in life?

Can: Obviously, completing my Engineering. My mom never thought I would complete it. In fact, when i flunked in 3rd year, she was looking for a job for me in BEST through some relative. (My moms's exact words were - "Melya, kiti divas fukatache gilat basanar aahes?")

Int: Do you have any plans of higher study?

Can: he he he.. Are you kidding? Completing 'lower' education itself was so much of pain!!

Int: Let's talk about technical stuff. On which platforms have you worked?

Can: Well, I work at SEEPZ, so you can say Andheri is my current platform. Earlier I was at Vashi center. So Vashi was my platform then. As you can see I have experience of different platforms!

Int: And which languages have you used?

Can: Marathi, Hindi, English. By the way, I can keep quiet in German, French, Russian and many other languages he he he...

Int: Why VC is better than VB?

Can: It is a commom sense - C comes after B. So VC is a higher version than VB. I heard very soon they are coming up with a new language VD!

Int: Do you know anything about Assembly Language?

Can: Well, I have not heard of it. But I guess, this is the language our ministers and MPs use in assembly.

Int: What is your general project experience?

Can: My general experience about projects is - most of the times they are in pipeline!

Int: Can you tell me about your current job?

Can: Sure, Currently I am working for Bata Infotech ltd. Since joining BIL, I am on Bench. Before joining BIL, I used to think that Bench was another software like Windows he he he..

Int: Do you have any project management experience?

Can: No, but I guess it shouldn't be difficult. I know Word and Excel. I can talk a lot. I know how to dial for International phone call and use speaker facility. And very important - I know few words like - 'Showstoppers', 'hotfixes', 'SEICMM', 'quality', 'version control', 'deadlines' , 'Customer Satisfaction' etc. Also I can blame others for my mistakes!

Int: What are your expectations from our company?

Can: Not much.

1. I should at least get 40,000 in hand.
2. I would like to work on a live EJB project. But it should not have deadlines. I personally feel that pressure affects natural talent.
3. I believe in flexi-timings.
4. Dress code is against basic freedom, so I would like to wear t-shirt and jeans.
5. We must have sat-sun off. I will suggest wed off also, so as to avoid breakdown due to overwork.
6. I would like to go abroad 3 times a year on short term (preferably 1-2 months) assignments. Personally I prefer US, Australia and Europe. But considering the fact that there is a worldcup in South Africa in Feb 2003, I don't mind going there in that period.
As you can see I am modest and don't have many expectations. So can I assume my selection?

Int: he he he ha ha ha. Thanks for your interest in our organization. In fact I was never entertained so much before. I request you not to apply in our organization for next 100 years. After that we might consider you!!

The candidate still doesn't know why he was not selected.

Sent by Amareesh C Arora
Sr Manager (HR), Tata Infotech Limited
Email: amareesh.arora@tatainfotech.com

K.Soundarraj, National Vice President of National Institute of Personnel Management, Kolkata

Meassge: I am happy to see your news bulletin this morning . I congratulate you and all those who contributed for the same.

Soundarraj has done MA., M.L. (Labour & Industrial Law), and a Post Graduate Dip in Industsrial and Business Administration.

Presently he is Dy General Manager (Corp HRD), Chennai Petroleum Corp0ration Ltd, Chennai.

He has recently been elected as National Vice President of National Institute of Personnel Management, Kolkata. As you are aware, NIPM is a premier professional body of HR Professionals in India and has 52 chapters throught India.

In addition, Soundarraj is a Life member of ISTD , MMA member, CII-HR&ER sub committee member (SR), Life member Hospitality Association and also Humour Club of Chennai.

He has wittten a book on Discipline in Industry. He belongs to Pollachi and has two daughters .

Contact: ksoundarraj@rediffmail.com , Chennai

Abhisheka Varma, Recruitment and HR Manager, Panoramic Group Of Companies, Mumbai .

Message: To have a job profile that will enhance my skill's and knowledge in conjunction with organisation's goals .

Abhisheka completed MMS at the Indian Education Societies College of Management from University of Mumbai. He has an experience of 1 year . His hobbies include music, travelling, cooking and interacting with people . He was executive member of cultural association of his college and organised many cultural activities .

Contact: abhisheka_varma@indiatimes.com

Vasudevan M V, Senior Manager- HR, EID Parry India

Vasudevan did his commerce graduation, LLB from Kolkata University. Thereafter he completed his DSW from IISWBM, Kolkata University and Post Graduation in PM & IR from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai. He has an experience of 15 years in IR & HR. He hails from Kerala. Vasudevan is married and blessed with a son studying in class 6th.

Contact: vasudevanMB@murugappa.co.in

Who is Right? Satyam Arora or Ashit Sarkar!
Is Money the only motivator?

To: Mr Ashit Sarkar

dearsir,

i am in my final year at symbiosis center for management and hrd ,pune specialising in HR. nice to read yr article, but i am very disappointed by the extent of words that u have used here.

the more u try to describe HR in words , the more idealistic it becomes. infact HR has become a very idealistic department in companies, trying to talk about motivation, culture , empathy and other big words. whereas at the end of the day we all know that its all about money, which really makes a man work.

anyways, great article, someday, i would hope to write something similar for some other magazine or website

regards
satyam arora
satyamarora@yahoo.co.uk

From: Mr Ashit Sarkar

Dear Satyam,

Thank you for taking the trouble to express your feedback on the article in HR Era.

Your perception that HR function is idealistic - only using big words (obviously without understanding or belief), certainly has validity in some Companies, and that is the very concept undergoing change, or requiring so, for any progressive organisation has been historically presented in the article. It seems that I've not been able to be successful in communicating it convincingly to you!

Your statement "whereas at the end of the day we all know that its all about money, which really makes a man work" must in itself be a reflection of your strong personal belief as of now before actually being employed, which goes so contrary to the reality of today in other than at the most basic need at the lowest level only.

This concept of need weakens with maturity and rising to higher levels of existence. You might wish to re-examine this concept of yours with your professors (or even your co students), or from other individuals actually working in successful organisations for validity.

Good luck to you for your future career.

Sincerely,

Ashit K. Sarkar,
ashitsarkar@vsnl.com

From: Moderator

Two strong view points exist. Personally I find that money is not the only motivator. The true answer is important for HR Professionals.

MEMBERS PLEASE EMAIL YOUR OPINIONS TO HRERA@REDIFFMAIL.COM

To handle yourself, use your head.
To handle others, use your heart.

Deal with the faults of others as gently
as with your owm.

If you want to get the best out of a man,
you must look for the best that is in him.

If you judge people, you have
no time to love them.

Never let a day go by without giving
at least three people a compliment.

Contributed by K Jayaraman,
Larsen & Toubro Limited, Chennai.
Email: kj@lntecc.com

People will get that energy from anywhere, even negative sources. Many individuals rely on caffeine, adrenaline, sugar, even drugs or alcohol to give them the push to make it through the day. But using negative energy sources will take its toll on your body and mind, often leaving you feeling worse than you started.

So the next time you find yourself in a mid-afternoon slump, try one of the sources below for an energy boost instead of reaching for that candy bar or cup of coffee.

1. Exercise

2. Sleep

3. Children (their laughter is contagious)

4. Motivational books or tapes

5. Food (the nutrient rich type, not the caffeine or sugar laden type)

6. Positive people

7. Successful people (who also are often positive people)

8. Pets

9. Music

10. Meditation

Contributed by Myrtis L. Smith,
(c) Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved.
Myrtis Smith is a personal coach. She gets people to stop hating thier jobs. To see how she might be able to help you, sign up for her free newsletter (Change Now!) or visit her on the web at www.premeditatedlife.com .......because life doesn't just happen!

Mental Vacation - by Rajesh V Kamath

Here is a technique we can use for relaxing our mind, de-stressing. Short and simple. Rajesh has not told me whether he has tried it himself. Click Here to view.

Points to Ponder - by Ranjith Menon

Last time we carried 3 extracts from Ranjith Menon's forthcoming book. Here are 7 more. These ones are more philosophical than the previous. Click Here to view.

Free Service: Training Institutions & Trainers can email their Programs to HREra@rediffmail.com . We reach them to 1100+ HR professionals for free.

For detailed calendar of major Institutes visit http://hrera.tripod.com/trainings.htm

Free Service: Employers can email their job vacancies to HREra@rediffmail.com . We reach them to 1100+ HR professionals for fr

HR Manager, Indian Pharma Company, Kolkata

We have a good vacancy in Calcutta as under

1. Orgn: Indian Pharma
2. Exp - 3-6 yrs
3. Position: HR MANAGER
4. Qualification: HRD SPECIALISATION MBA
5. Salary: 2-3 LACS P.A
6. Location: Kolkata

PLEASE SEND CV'S ASAP WITH CTC

Incase you know of an CA's with 8 years experience please ask them to contact us for the same company listed above.

Thanks

Bala

Email resumes to: careeradvisor2002@yahoo.co.in

Training Professional, MNC Insurance Organisation, Mumbai

Dear Members,

We are looking for a Trainer for an MNC Insurance organisation based in Mumbai.

The candidate should be 5-8 years of experience in HR from premier institute out of which at least 3 years in Training.

The candidate will be responsible for identifying of training needs,conducting of training programmes for top management , conducting management development programmes.

The position will report to the Head of Training.This is an all India
assignment which will involve a lot of travelling.Compensation will be as per industry standards.

Interested candidates can email their resume to namrata@consindiaglobal.com.


Thanx & Regards

Namrata Mohanty
Manager
Consindia Hr Services
Tel - 4606791/92/93

HR Executive, Large multinational FMCG company, South India

A large multinational FMCG requires for one of their Units:

H R EXECUTIVE

Age: Around 30 yrs

Qualifications: P G Degree in Social Work / Personnel Management from an Institution of repute

Experience: Minimum of eight years out of which atlease five years independently handling personnel and Industrial Relations in all its dimensions, in a Unit having good systems. Exposure to TQM / TPM concepts would be an added advantage.

He shall be a self starter and be capable of setting in motion initiatives for further fostering the prevailing the excellent IR Climate at the Unit.

Knowledge of Tamil would be essential.

Please respond in confidence to

N SRINIVASA RAGHAVAN
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
ANUBHAV TQM & HRD FACILITATORS
CHENNAI

anubhavtqm@vsnl.net or nsr@eth.net

Aims of HR Era:
It aims to enhance CAREER GROWTH of its readers by bringing to them practices & ideas they can apply in their work, opportunities to network with other Professionals, training opportunities, jobs available, and techniques for self-management.

Contribute Articles & Other Contents:
Contributions from readers are wholeheartedly solicited. Contributions are the things that enable sharing of learnings. Lead Article should be about 800 words, others 400 words. Please send details about yourself also as we would like to post them along with the article. Kindly note, no honorarium is paid now! Please email contributions to HREra@rediffmail.com

Legal Stuff!
All information in HR Era is presented in good faith. However, before using, please consult relevant experts. We do not accept any financial responsibility for accuracy.

Visit our Website at http://hrera.tripod.com 

Copyright (C) 2002 by Rajeev B. Bhatnagar