Success Blog

This time of the year when covering the agenda of tax amount is just over. If you have not invested enought in order to save on your tax, then today’s tips gonna help a lot. I found an article on rediff.com featuring 30 tax savings tips for the salaried class. Basically, you need to start investing early in the year, even though it may be in small amounts. Do not procastinate as this will lead you to pay more tax at the end of the financial year. There are time when you may find very difficult to invest but try your best to make atleast little investment. This way you will get started and will be in track. I feel investment is also a habit. If you make the correct habit of investing, you will be drawn by it. And needless to the more you will be able to, the more you will feel good.

Do invest regularly and the magic of compound interest will work to create fortunes for you and your family.

In this age of materialistic wishes may end up taking loans more than they can meet. If you keep procastinating, you will end up having visitors in the form of Recovery agents. I found a article which you tread this situation. It mentions the RBI’s rules for recovery and also gives a good list Do’s and Dont’s in such a situation. You can read the article here.

Job seekers has one more place to find info in companies and employers about executives at Glassdoor.com. Here you can rate your company, rate your boss, share or review a salary etc anonymously. Read more ……

When you turn down an offer, do it so that you leave behind a good impression.

Creativity is the ability to see relationship where none exist.– Thomas Michael Disch

When you are looking for job, you tend to send your resume to a string of organisations and search consultants/agencies. As a result, you get many interview calls. To keep your chances of employability high, you also start attending them one by one. The problem begins only when you are amongst those fortunate few who land up with multiple offers on hand and don’t know how to decline some of them and yet leave a positive lasting impression.

While reading this, some of you must be wondering what’s the big deal? It’s so easy - just don’t respond or keep postponing it till the message gets home. If you think, then you surely in for a disaster. as you will leave behind a bad reputation. So what do you do then? How do you handle this situation? The five steps mentioned below will not only help you reject a job offer gracefully but also build a new relationship:

Do not procrastinate: When you have decide to turn down a job offer, it is best to communicate your decision to the employer without any delay. You may choose to do so by meeting her/him in person, on the phone or formally through an email or letter. it is considered rude and unprofessional to ignore the offer or keep the other person waiting.

Be friendly, but firm: There is no need to sound apologetic and feel guilty about not being able  to join their organisation. Handle this with great tact and professionalism. Thank the person for the offer and appreciate things about him or the organization which impressed you. Just make sure you are specific as it create a greater impact on the person.

Keep it short: There is absolutely no need to get into explanations of the way you choose to take up another offer. Avoid mentioning details about the organisation, position or role that you intend to opt for. Also you should refrain from talking about the higher salary or better position you are getting as this nay create heartburns.

Show your gratitude and mention how honoured you feel to be given an opportunity and would definitely be interested in working with this team in future.

Stay connected: Make an effort to call this individual up after a week so that s/he does not feel personally rejected by your response. If the idea of speaking to him makes you uncomfortable, then there are various other ways to keep in touch. You could send a mail, some good articles/s related to your specialized field or even an invite to add him to your professional.

Recommend someone: This is one of the best ways to show your concern towards the employer. When you suggest someone, like a friend, an acquaintance who can replace you and fit the role requirement, it shows your thoughtfulness and inclination to help. Even if the friend doesn’t ultimately take the job, your act of  introducing someone is what counts. This small gestures go a long way in building relations. Watch your action and behavior. Ensure that you leave a good impression as you never know when your paths may cross again in the future.

- Originally written by Rashi Dubey and published in Bangalore Mirror.

The first step to better result is to get a winning team in place. Today we will see how we can go about this. Keep these essentials in mind when motivating your team.

1. YOU WILL NEED A MODEL

Workplace teams are different from sports teams so someone has to show you what to do. As a first step, I would start by sharing with all your managers successful examples and case studies. it is also good idea to develop your team through effective training where they will learn basic communication skill as well as strategies for setting up good teams.

2. DELEGATE FOR BETTER RESULTS

They don’t just bring employees within the department together for a weekly meeting just to pass on information or listen to complaints and excuses. Instead, even worker teams at the project level should be asked to identify problems, including the costs associated with them. They then should be empowered to solve those problems.

3. ENCOURAGE TEAM INTERACTION

Many of the successes team-oriented workplaces have seen come because they bring together groups of workers who never before talked. For example, technical/project management and customer service teams frequently are at odds with each other; Customer service wants the product out as soon as possible but project management has multiple deadlines to meet and doesn’t want to give poor service to anyone. However, by bringing the two groups together to solve a problem, they will agree on the results and both sides will feel as though the other understands what their concern are.

4.TEAMS CAN GET STALE

The whole idea of teamwork is to bring together people with different areas of expertise to address a specific problem.  As a result, teams should be formed and disbanded as needed. When a person or group identifies a problem, teams are formed by gathering employees with the necessary information to help solve it. when one task is complete, the team ends, new problems are identified and new teams are formed.

5. YOU MUST PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR TEAM

To be effective, teams need access to key functions and services such as varied technical skills and processes, customer service, marketing, HR as well as continuing management and technical education via consultants. They will need money to conduct studies such as comparison of two processes or benchmarking process with other companies.

6. DEAL WITH DIFFICULT CO-WORKER

we all have people in our lives that we don’t like but we can’t ignore. We also know the toll these relationships take on our own mental - and sometimes even physical- health. You dread having to be in the same room with him/her. Your heart rate start to skyrocket at the mere through of having conversation with him/her. Worse yet, you spend hours of precious time you could be working just dealing with the bad feelings. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to like everyone you come into contact with, but you can make the relationship easier on yourself by following a few key communication tactics.

BEGIN IN A FRIENDLY WAY

You’ll realise a huge difference when you make a conscious effort to smile at your co-worker and ask him a non work question, such as how his family is doing or what he thought about the local football team’s latest game

SHOW RESPECT FOR THE OTHER PERSON’S OPINION

Never tell the person he or she is wrong. This can be especially difficult, especially if the person is antagonistic or poorly informed. However, we’ve found that it often doesn’t take long for a difficult person become more easy- going once he’s truly being listened to.

SEE THE THINGS FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVE

Again, this can be a challenge when you’re convinced that the other person is coming from a completely alien mindset. Yet,  with a little practice, you can begin giving people the benefit of the doubt and start see why they might feel that way.

GIVE HONEST AND SINCERE APPRECIATION

Remember: ‘ if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’ It may seen quaint, but it works, especially when you’re in a contentious realtionship.

Of course, there will still be tense moments, but you and your co -worker will be able to handle them as professionals, instead of letting your emotions get in the way. The higher you are in your organizations, the more important it is to work in teams and know how to deal with people. As you learn to successfully manage your inter-personal relationships at work, you will have a definite leg up on many of your peers.

- Originally written by Pallavi Jha and published in Bangalore Mirror.

There are some key criteria to keep in mind before you decide to accept an job offer. Lets check 10 important points in this regard.

Organization

Background information on an organization can help you decide whether it is a good place for you to work or not. Some of the factors that you may want to consider include the organization’s business or activity, financial condition, age and size. You can generally get this information through public resources such as internet, through annual reports, press releases, company newsletter or magazines.

Location

This is primary factor which you need to consider before taking up an offer. There certainly no point in working for an organization which is located extremely far from your residence resulting in a substantial amount of money and time being wasted in commuting to and fro. In addition to this, long hours of travel also leave you fatigued by the time you reach office leading to lower productivity at work.

Environment

Everyday you will be spending a substantial amount of your waking hours at work. It is important that the environment be conducive to your health, happiness and general well-being.

Workplaces very widely in terms of their feel and you would not want to work in an environment where you are not able to maximize your productivity or where the noise and distractions overwhelm you. Find out about the work environment such as-do employees acknowledge each other in the hallways? Is the workplace in an urban or suburban area? Are the workplaces clean and spare or do employees put up personal effect?

Work Hours

Most jobs involve regular hours for example, 40 hours a week, 9-5, Monday through Friday. However other jobs require night, weekend or holiday work. In addition some jobs routinely require overtime to meet deadlines or sales or production goals, or to better serve customers. And thus, it is essential to consider the impact of the work hours on your personal life.

Benefits And Perks

It is impotent for you to review benefits and perks offered by an organization such as health and life insurance coverage, vacation, sick time, disability, and other benefit programmes like day care centers for working parents, gyms on site or transport options for employees.

Job Content

If you are a person who gets greater satisfaction doing quality work then this criterion plays a vitals role while selecting a job. you need to figure out the scope in terms of your responsibilities and if there is enough challenge to keep you interested and focused. Also, does the position meet your personal goals and objectives? What have been the opportunities for professional growth and advancement offered to others, and what can you expect? Do you prefer team a activity or independent work, and which does this position require?

Flexibility

Many of you, with small children elderly parents , studies or other personal considerations, need flexibility in your schedules. Thus important for you to opt for an organization which gives you such kind of flexibility.

Advancement

When considering job offers, looks at the company structure and think about whether you are able to see yourself as a manger or executive. Ask about leadership potential in your interviews to help gauge the atmosphere. Which position will look better on your resume if you decide to pursue other career paths in few years? Will you get to learn new skills, increase your earnings and rise to positions of greater authority? Are there opportunities for mobility within the firm? What is the appraisal system like? Do they have training programmes for employee? All these question are very impotent to plan one’s career graph, with the next step in mind.

Security

Security is a major concern especially if you are amongst the older employees nearing retirement. In such situation, you should ask about the future direction or goals of a company, or do some research. Look up the company’s competitors and see how they are doing. Check news articles for updates on the growth or decline of a company. You do not want to hop on board an organization that cannot support you in the long term.

Your Manager

Before accepting an offer, develop an understanding about the demeanor or attitude of your manager. Any immediate red flags could tip you off about working with this person. Additionally, establishing a rapport with a prospective manager can ally any concerns you have about taking a job.

Factors That Comes Into Play

Pleasant surroundings or office space

location:

• Appeal of city or town
• climate
• Commuting time
• Proximity of family
• Cost of living

Size of organization

Flexible work hours

Overtime vs no overtime

Variety in work

Creativity

Learning potential

Skill transferability

Independence

Significant responsibility

Positive relationship with supervisor

Opportunity to supervise others

Level of pressure on the job

Opportunity for advancement/mobility

job status

Company image

Company ethics

Industry growth

Travel

Health/fitness

- Originally written by Rashi Dubey and published in Bangalore Mirror.

Unless you’re at the extreme top, you can’t choose who you work with. Here what you need to keep in mind when dealing with a difficult co-worker

MOVE AHEAD OF THE BLAME GAME

Do not get into direct accusation or blaming a single person for any blunder. Often, indirect language works because it puts the focus away from any one person and gets focus towards the problem at hand. A small change in words here and there will  go good. For example, instead of saying “You need to complete the report by xyz time”, try “Reports must be completed by xyz time.”

FEEDBACKS WORK

When somebody misses the deadline, let them know what’s in store for them and for the company. That would ensure he or she has an idea of how ugly things can get with delay. So be aware of the situation at office.

ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH

E-mails may be great when you are in no mood to speak with someone. But it’s very easy and vulnerable to come accross as sharp and rough with wrong words used. Use the phone or drop by their cabin to address sensitive issues.

KEEP IT BRIEF

While discussing problems, make sure you keep it short and direct.It minimises the stressful situation at both ends.

HANDLING A WHINER

Let’s face it. You cannot change a whiner but definetly keep a check on your interactions with them. Stay clear of open-ended questions limit your greetiongs to ‘Good Morning’ and’Good Evening.’ And who saying you can’t be busy alll the time, right?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

You are going in to voice an idea or a report to your boss. And fumbling at key issues can get you in a lot of difficulty, especially for the boss who is waiting to find something to pick on you. And the only way out is getting a thorough research by your side.

DONT’ COMPLAIN

Think before you speak. Bring out negetive issues only if you plan to rectify them. VComplaing for the sake of complaiining can leave a bad impression and creat an unheathy environment.

LET GO OFF YOUR ANGER

It may be hard to let go off your feelings but on many occasions, that’s the best way out. A good way to get rid of them  is to write how you feel on a piece of paper and tear it off. Does sound kiddy but it works for those looking to drain those memories out.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY

 Keep it separate. A criticism (constructive or intended) of your work is not a criticism of you. Don’t let it come in your way of good self-esteem.

STICK TO THE POINTS

Whenever you’ve got to discuss something with a difficult co-worker, write down the main point and stick to them. No matter how many times does the conversation drifts away, come back.

KEEP PEOPLE IN THE LOOP

Keep your co-worker and bosses updated about every small development, maybe like a new deadline. Or else they cant react negatively.

DEAL WITH A SCREAMER

Tell the person that the screaming just makes the situation even more difficult and their can’t be a consensus till the screaming stop. Also remind him/her how unprofessional it is.

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

 Your own words can either create or solve a problem. Don’t make a situation worse by using harsh words or even abusing the person. Use neutral words.  A more diplomatic way would be to sympathise with the person, saying, “I understand it’s difficult for you to deal with this situation.”

MEASURABLE GOALS FOR EMPLOYEES

These goals should be measurable and specific rather than vague. Don’t expect your employees to achieve illogical standards in a short time. Give them the necessary period to put in that effort to get the desired results. For example, instead of saying, “I expect you to improve your attitude, “Say, “There will be no more incidents of raising your voice to another employee.”

STOP GOSSIP

If other people around you can’t stop gossiping, at least you can. Respond to the gossip with surprise and leave it over there. Gossipers just want to stir up trouble but if you make sure that you don’t respond, they will move on and the damage will be limited.

BE FRIENDLY WITHOUT GETTING TOO CLOSE

You need not be the best of friends with every one at work and need not gel with everyone. And yes, it’s perfectly okay. Its more important to have a friendly and cordial realtionship with your co-workers, but for emotional fulfillment, look outside work.

CULTIVATE SMALL TALK

Small talk can break that initial barrier and also make sure that you won’t be a stanger charging at them in alarming situations. Ask them about simple things like music, movies and hobbies. It need not be fun-filled exercise. But some cordial sharing of information is fine.

Keep Your Temper

The most important thing, do not raise your voice whatsoever. Keep your voice normal because there are high chances that the other person will be highly tempted to go overboard. Not only does it keep the tempo even, it also actually forces the person to listen.

DISH OUT COMPLIMENTS

It is a human tendency to look at other’s mistakes and dish them out with great ease. However, what’s difficult and more important is to look at what’s right in the person. An optimistic attitude in life goes a long way. It is just fair, isn’t it?

STAY OPEN MINDED

When someone criticises you, regardless of what you feel about them, think about it with an objective idea. Be responsive and consider improvement. It is actually oppurtunity for growth. Making an effort to be flexible means that you will have an easier time adapting to your company’s (inevitably) changing structures, and your open-mindness will make others want to work with you.

- Published in Bangalore Mirror.

Inspiring and leading older team members is a challenge, but if you can harness their experience and wisdom, targets can be a calkwalk

Here are some tips to successfully manage older members on your team.

PROVE YOURSELF

Do this without showing off. For this you need to have enough knowledge and expertise in your field of work. To build credibility especially with the older employees in your team,  it is important that you are perceived as knowledgeable.  Afterall, power comes with knowledge-goes the adage.

HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

To get respect, you must in turn show respect. Avoid using authority or your managerial position to get work done. If an elderly person on your team points out mistake, do not get defensive about it. Acknowledge it and make efforts to learn from them. Also never shy away from asking questions if you dont know something.

On the contrary, be forthcoming in seeking their advice on important decision or key issues. This way they will be less likely to consider you as an “arrogant” and ” know-it-all” boss. Instead they will see you an avid learner and respect you for that. Remember there is plentry to learn from the experienced generation even if you are the boss.

BE SENSITIVE TO EMOTIONS

As young manager you need to have an understanding about issues that may upset your older employees. Also be aware of the fact that they might hold some grudges against you because you are making more money or enjoying greater authority than they do. Such situations need to be dealt with some tact, patience and a lot of emotional maturity. Listen to them to them empathetically and encourage them to express their feelings and vent out their emotions. This will help you to garner respect for yourself and in turn foster an environment of openness.

COMMUNICATION STYLE

Understand and use the style of communication preferred by them. Older employees tend to be high on building relationships and consider communications via emails as very cold way of interaction. Thus as a manager when you need to assign them some work, it is best done by walking upto their desks or communicating over the phone. The more human contact you share, the more comfortable they feel scheduling face-to-face meeting on regular basis for feedback or other reasons also makes them feel wanted.

SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

Don’t assume that they know what you expect of them. It is important to be very clear on what you want done and waht the measurement of completion and of success will be.

DO AWAY WITH STEREOTYPES

Your older employees are individuals like others in the group, so it’s essentials that they are not differentiated on the basis of some pre-concived notions of age. For instance, believing that all the older employees will have no desire to learn new skills is one of the biggest mistakes people tend to make. Instead, you must encourge them to explore fresh horizons and remain abreast of latest developments in their area.

Send them for training programmes. Research shows that older learner are keener to learn and are as capable as their younger counterparts in grasping new skills.

Use Their Experience Right

Re-engage them in fresh assignments and knowledge sharing roles. Let them coach and encourage younger workers, since these people have a wealth of knowledge and experience they would love to pass on. Give them the opportunity to do so and the entire organization will benefit.

Value Them

You should explicitly acknowledge their expertise and knowledge accumulated over the past several years. These workers can be a great source of wisdom, particularly when it comes to company and customer history.

Synergy Time

For any team or organization to deliver, it is important to bridge the generational conflict. When you synergise your confidence to execute things with the experience and wisdom of older employees, achieving targets becomes a cake walk.

 - Written by Rashi Dubey and originally published in Bangalore Mirror.

These days with hectic schedules and time constraints, one may not have the time carefully plan their finances and investments. Internet is a huge aid in this regard by one may not have the expertise to choose the correct info. So one naturally choose to look for an wealth adviser. However, it is important to make sure if the adviser have the required expertise, experience and track record.

A good financial adviser should be able to -

• Answer specific questions, organize and orient your overall financial picture
• Asses your needs and make sure you have all of the basic insurance you need to protect yourself, your family and your assets
• Avoid costly mistakes, manage risk, save time and improve your overall investment results.
• Guide your through the maze of legal and tax implications and can put you on course to have a flexible financial plan.
• Decrease your tax liability
• Provide the emotional discipline required to make sure plans are acted upon
• Provide guidance, reassurance, support and stability to reach your goals.

Choose an adviser who -

• Comes across as a pleasant personality who can listen
• Has at least 8 - 10 years experience in the advisory domain
• Can be with you for a long time
• Not just tells you when to buy, but also tells you when to sell and protects you from the downside of the market.

Written by Debojyoti Gosh and originally published in Times of India.