me - WE: Making organizations succeed

A senior executive from a multinational company was never satisfied professionally after all 25 years he served in around 12 organizations. He was known for his innovative thought process, timely execution, new ideas but relationships, Micro/Macro management across structures in organization, short temper were always a challenge specially with the ones in his team. Various feedback sessions and annual discussions did further spoil the concern and his life sailed against moist breeze for long. Passion was something he was known for But this had taken a stroll on personal space where not many were there to accept him now. His approach had massively won hearts across organization and induced business gains made his way in the executive management team

Now what - was something which was bothering him in the last leg of career while personal goals have been achieved and there was not much enriching in his personal space – the relationships both in personal & professional domains were baked with the intensity of his professional passion. He was struggling with perpetual thoughts about that missing aspect as job was still something he looked up to as it was a means to his post retirement needs while he wanted to be consultant somewhere for reasons all known to him. Many a times he felt inferior among his peers and juniors who laughed their heart out while his mind engrossed in planning & execution even at lunch hour. He knew that people around him are not close and do not share information suo motto largely on personal fronts. He had developed a habit of staying late and many of his juniors developed the same, not because he asked them so, but out of Corporate courtesy (Basically fear) which may hamper relationships and thus appraisals irrespective of work assigned. He also tried getting close to some couple of times but results were not warm.

The story still had few years (if God permits) and he made up his mind for a sabbatical of 12 months. He traveled extensively covering religious, tourist destinations and finally breaking a deal with 2 month last leg stint in mountains - He & His Life partner. All he preferred were destinations within his country as he already had spun 4-5 rounds of globally which was Indeed a requirement in his role

The lady was also surprised for she was witnessing engrossing holiday of life in just 6 months. In last 20 years of their marriage, holiday packaging was incomplete without a laptop and Cell phone was the preferred companion of her partner. But this time, it was something different. Camera, Books, Diary & pens were occupying prime space in handbag. During this stint, her partner was more open, did no discussions about profession, targets, colleagues but was just witnessing what was present around. He cheered the sunrise, slept early, showed least interest in TV shows and news. While travelling, he was more interested in country side, places around than being engrossed in smart phones on social/ professional networking sites. Their day was full of activities and to her surprise, Mr. Executive preferred hut shops and roadside eateries than grand doorway of alluring restaurants & hotels.

Accommodation was also planned largely in home stays and in not much known lodges. Shopping was something Madam had resorted in past (As pass time hobby) in custom outlets but this time there was a big No - That too from his partner who always insisted for specialty brands and lifestyle decorum. After all that was a standard norm of his routine – to be unique, different & The nest in appearance and style among his colleagues & business partners.

The last leg particularly did not have any activities but long walks with soothing breeze in valleys and mountains filled deep corners of lungs which were exposed to central ventilation of building for years altogether. The mind, in any case was in tug of war- what I have missed, what have I gained, was that right or is that true, did i spoil relations...? Adapting to simplicity was a challenge but determination and outlook acts as antispasmodic to Brain which indeed was his story (He was a strong willed man). Turmoil always chased his mind but he fixated his thoughts in what he was witnessing. Chirping birds, water with Chik Pik tickling sound down the streams, stray cows, dogs, long trees, shallow paths and simple food made their life different to what it was before but not for ever. They both knew that it is not for long but wanted to experience this side of life to the fullest.

While we become aware that 'this too shall pass', that makes a person much involved in present situation much deeply and he pays attention to what lies at present ass he knows this is temporary- In short that is the story of Human Life too!

The outcome of this stint for the last leg of his career was something which he never planned in his career goals, something which he never admired, something where his mind was never aligned to. He chose Mentoring & Coaching - in his current role over management & execution and decided to groom fellow mates. after he joined, people were as usual keeping a ten feet personal distance as this was his mandate earlier but he was trying to be different. There were challenges but the stories he experienced, read and learnt entourage in 12 months were connecting dots. He realized that there was so much his team members were looking up to him, there were potential candidates who were magicians in execution/ Collaboration/ leadership/ Orators, Scientists executors, there were better ideas, there were story tellers who tied interest even for heavy subjects that too by making other giggle in their presentations.. there were many and scope much beyond. was this realization not enough for next 8-10 years where he could make up well?

Choice is ours - Execution, ideas, cash flow, Business plans, sales targets are something which is core of every business and must be dealt diligently. The operational rules for managing the same change over a period of time and it takes a toll on health and relationships both if not balanced with life. It is not just We, Me or Us who are the best but people around us who can contribute even much better if groomed and given a chance to.

We need to be the beholder who identifies the beauty and carves the painting on the canvas choosing the colors around. Organizations which lead and run centenary marathons inspire, attract, empower, and on the top Mentor people which becomes their culture.

There are many Mr. Executives who realize that even being at the top is not much satisfying and they are still held up at operational levels. Share the wisdom, make friends, spread the giggle and all is yours- you win and organization wins for long. It is not important & is just an apprehension that organizations/ departments only succeed by Management from top seeds but those who succeed make their succession plan at all levels and grooming is the culture being followed there

A sole musician cannot give & even derive the joy of an orchestra & the horizon of Maestro is beyond comprehension & Fulfillment.

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“ It is not how much we give,

But how much Love we put into giving”

-        Mother Teresa

- Krichh Ponders...