Designation: The greatest appreciation

Thirty-six years ago, when I received my first business card with a designation of “Sales Executive” – I was ogling and staring at the business card with ultimate pride and happiness. I was given two boxes of business cards and would try to find a pretext or a chance to share my card. In those days, designation would be described as a “title” bestowed upon an individual. The designation also highlighted the “position” which we hold in the company – indirectly highlighting our level/grade. The business card had great value as limited quantities were printed and we were advised to use it prudently. So, this is how I began my corporate career during a time when everyone would use the cliche - “climbing the corporate ladder”.?

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????????????????“Strive hard to reach to the top – because the bottom is over-crowded”

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My first salary those days was Rs.1500/- (Today’s value will be around AED 75 PM) in the city of Bombay (Mumbai today). If we calculate inflation at an average rate of 5% over the last 36 years – this would become Rs. 56,000 (Today’s value would be AED 2500 PM).

Note: The above is just a simple calculation and might not be totally accurate.

Even though it was not a great money, it used to suffice to survive the whole month – as money had “great value” at that time (In India Rs.56,000/- PM is still a decent income). ?Above all, it was the start of my career in the corporate world.

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????????????????????????????????“If you do not value Money – Money will not value you”

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As highlighted above, my first designation was “Sales Executive” which was a junior position. It warranted me to scout the Enterprises and Government establishments and generate a pipeline of opportunities and generate revenue for my company. Performance was the only criteria as Mumbai was a very competitive city full of smart sales personalities. In my Eleven (11) years of journey in different companies, I could gain many designations like Senior Sales Executive, Territory Manager (TM), District Manager (DM), Key Account Manager (KAM), All India Business Development Manager (BDM), Channel Manager (Western Region) and finally Branch Manager. I was always hungry to get promoted and move up the corporate ladder. With every designation – came a better salary package and exciting perks.

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“Success comes from having dreams that are bigger than our fears”

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Twenty-two years ago, I got an opportunity to come to Dubai and hereon my first designation was a “Product Manager - Audio” which was like a junior position managing Africa. ?I had come to Dubai with great expectations and belief’s that I will be taking bigger responsibilities. And…this was like a “reverse gear” and a “fall back”. ?However, within two years of exceptional performance – I was back in the “Hot seat” (negotiation table with my boss) and got into the mainstream of Video as a “Regional Manager” with a great territory - UAE. Another three (3) years later, I was back in the race for “General Manager” (GM). I must admit that my Five (5) years tenure as a GM were the most profound and beneficial wherein every member in the team - as well as our company witnessed outstanding richness and success.

After all this, the hunger continued – I worked in many organizations and could attain exceptional designations like – “Vice president” (VP), Chief Operations Officer (COO) and lastly Chief Sales Officer (CSO) – all through continuous performance.

Note: During this journey, I had many setbacks wherein I was unemployed for months (Multiple times) – but there was always a belief that :

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“If there is a setback – you need to make a comeback”.

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·????? And - By the grace of God – every time I could make a strong comeback.

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Many a times, I used to wonder when people say that they do not care for designation or position – and only care for money. I do agree that it is not wrong to have a “one -track” mindset of making money…However, happiness comes from appreciation, responsibility, and respect. When we take up a responsibility of selflessly winning along with the team – it becomes a very happy journey. Appreciation and designation bring value to your life and career. Hence, I would encourage every young and newly joined member to aspire to move up and forward in their career in the corporate world…Remember, money is just the by-product – it is not the purpose. Where there is excellence – money will automatically follow.

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Designation Matters. Money Matters. Success Matters. And above all:

“Happiness Matters”