Strategic focus is key to corporate leadership
Most successful companies are focussed on one core area. But knowing when to diversify is critical to long term survival. »
Colour coding HRD, Samsung style
Rising and dipping, the road snakes through the verdant landscape and ends outside a large, modern building set on rising land. It could well be a resort. It is, though in a diff... »
Is honesty the best policy?
Some time ago, the Stanford Graduate School of Business asked its 75 member Advisory Council to rate the capabilities which leaders needed ... »
Banning is not the answer
Last week's query on whether companies should impose a digital time-out on work has majority of the readers opposing the idea. Edited excerpts: »
Hire for passion
If you don't look for passion in the people you hire, you could end up with employees who never engage ... »
Winning the war for talent
Today's high performers are like frogs in a wheelbarrow. They can jump out any time,” warns an expert, while talking about the war for talent. This only underscores the importance of... »
Because recognition matters
As the battle for talent gets fiercer, employers are using new ways of engaging with and retaining the best talent. And non-monetary rewards can often be just as effective as monetary rewa... »
Should companies impose a digital time-out at work?
The trouble with being a workaholic nation is that work time and personal time become inextricably intertwined. Thanks to digital convergence, work follows you wherever you go — e-mails, phone cal... »
Prisoners of process
In 1976 I joined Macmillan's as the Economics Editor. I was only 25 years old. It was my first proper job.
Six months later the Managing Editor summo... »
What motivates more, a good appraisal or a great increment?
Appraisal season presents a special kind of headache for both managers and the managed alike. HR practitioners will insist that appraisals are all about evaluating an employee's performa... »
Should companies use notice periods to retain employees?
A senior official of a staffing firm says companies are insisting on adhering to a three-month notice period clause these days. And, they are trying to convince and retain employees who resign, in... »
Role models, heroes and Gods
All of us grow up looking up to others who we believe are our role models. People whose achievements we admire and whom we would like to emulate. Thus it has been over the millennia. As... »
Raymond seeks to be ‘the complete' employer
Four-and-a-half years ago, when K.A. Narayan met Gautam Singhania, CMD, Raymond Ltd, he was told that the organisation needed a change. He was told that there was huge brand equity for R... »
A manager's lexicon
Statements that paint the picture of an organisation that operates as a team, but could well turn out to be cruel lies. We're in the game for the long haul. A visionary sta... »
The multi jobs approach
A.R. Rao, President, Tube Products of India, in the Rs 17,000-crore diversified Murugappa group, didn't come from a manufacturing background, but from the HR function. S.S. Gopalarathnam,... »
Why work experience for MBA admission?
A manager's lexicon
Building a rapport with the western world
Should mass media be used to prepare people for lay-offs?
What they taught me at my workplace
Can ‘saving' be ‘fun'?
Targets should be relevant and encourage growth
A manager's lexicon
It's all about the experience
When an employee does well, he gets a BOMB. Don't panic, it will not explode. Instead, it will take the employee and his or her spouse or a dear friend to the latest movie in say an IMAX.&... »
Appraisal, a recognition of potential
Last week's query on whether a good appraisal or a salary increment works better has the majority of readers plumping for strong appraisals, though monetary rewards have been preferred for employee... »
ISB to step up research focus, increase intake of fellows
The Indian School of Business is stepping up its focus on research, especially on issues related to the emerging markets. “There has been a steady increase in our research progra... »
Purpose of the notice period
Last week we asked readers whether companies should use a long notice period to retain employees. The responses are a mixed bag, with some in favour of the requirement and others against it. Edited... »
Innovation is the ‘new normal'
It's not enough for a company to have a great business idea, with the talent and performance strategies in place to deliver on that idea.
Innovation is the ‘new normal' in... »
Shut down at 7 p.m. to improve productivity
We asked readers if a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.office should be shut down compulsorily at 7 p.m., and employees be asked to leave by that time. A majority of responses are in favour of the move, but there a... »
A manager's lexicon
Statements designed to forestall attempts by colleagues to find out the how and why of failed projects or indeed the actions of those in charge. For strategic reasons, we are shelving... »
Should the office be shut at 7 pm?
In a bid to boost efficiency at work and improve the work-life balance of employees, this company has announced a policy of ‘shut down' at 7 pm. Power to the office premises would be switched off,... »
Work experience aids classroom learning
Last week we asked whether work experience should be mandatory for MBA admission. If so, how much. The responses are a mixed bad with some readers in favour of the mandate, and a fair number agains... »
Joining the dots
Navaratri is a time for great celebration in South India — as joyously celebrated as Dussehra in the North and Durga Pooja in the East. As I passed by many residences during that festive t... »
Speak directly, not through mass media
A framework for the future
Logical negotiations, differentiated offerings
I lived every moment at Bharti Airtel
A manager's lexicon
The art of management by influence
Does change of guard affect partner delivery?
‘Look for potential buys in Europe'
In spite of the current crisis scenario in the Euro Zone, it is unwise for Indian companies to ignore Europe, says Mr Hans-Paul Bürkner, president and chief executive officer of the Boston Consulting Group (www.bcg.com). »
Five ideas to retire in your forties
Want to hang up your boots when you still have the energy and zest for life? Put your twenties to good use with these tips for a comfortable retirement.Ramping up your lifestyle too early in your working life will rob you of savings and may even leave you with a lot of high-cost loans to service. »
Strategic focus is key to corporate leadership
Colour coding HRD, Samsung style
Is honesty the best policy?
Winning the war for talent
Hire for passion
It's all about the experience
Appraisal, a recognition of potential
Banning is not the answer
Because recognition matters
‘Lever'-aging a better work-life balance
Asian economies must ‘act in unison' to address common challenges
Pilots' union defends stir, says all attempts made to inform minister
Tamil Nadu’s ruling party to organise stir against petrol price hike
Texmaco Rail & Engg bags Rs 117 cr Bangladesh order
Toyota Kirloskar Motor to ramp up production of Etios by 75%