Think you know the way, look again.
It was our management school professors who told us all about corporate life and that is why we studied hard each year as we worked to score good marks and join the corporate rat race.
While we were youngsters we all dreamed about rope ladders and tree houses and during the rainy days stayed indoors and played snakes and ladders.
Did we grow out of that?
No, not really, it’s just that our ladders got redefined. From snakes and ladders, we now played on the corporate ladder.
Those were the easy days, the corporate ladder would stare you in the face and you would strive hard each year to go up the next rung.
The Corporate ladder was steep, you would run into the occasional snake and falter but it was clear. The way forward was up.
Then life changed, the ladder disappeared and your corporate race changed its rules.
The way forward is no longer up, the way forward is no longer using the ladder, but the way forward is now dictated by, what I coin, the “Corporate Trellis”.
Yes, you heard me right, the corporate race today is not on the ladder but has been replaced by the Trellis. The way forward is sideways.
Corporates hire and value cross department exposure and this is fast becoming the HR department’s new toy to play with. How you move using the Corporate Trellis dictates when you will reach the top. This cross-functional movement brings fresh energy and innovativeness hitherto much sought after into the Boardroom.
“If you’ve not been there, how can you understand it yet alone lead it”, said one management guru.
So throw away the notion of the corporate ladder and bring in the concept of the Corporate Trellis. This relieves boredom, ensures sustained retention, gives many executives a way forward and creates managers who are more aware and with far greater perspective.
The Author is Director for Cultural Markets with Environics Research Group.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Life in Canada Series 22 - Holiday Party Lessons
Holiday party lessons
While we're well into 2010 now and most people have taken down their holiday decorations and Christmas trees have been put out on the curb, there's one thing I'd like to talk about in today's blog — the office holiday party.
Yes, it's over, and everyone is back to business, but there are a few things worth discussing — and learning from — before you attend your next office function or party.
We're still in a recession, yet many companies do still try to put together a Christmas party to retain the tradition — and you may face future parties throughout the year, too.
Yes, frills and extras have been shaved to the minimum, and many companies have stopped inviting spouses, but parties do still happen — even if the wine isn’t of the $30-a-bottle variety.
Catering, too, has long seen its heyday, with home-service caterers now being the far more popular choice, or, even more common, simply having co-workers bring in dishes for a potluck.
Entertainment is restricted to several high-spirited team members putting together a dance, a song or a play — hired bands are a thing of the past.
However, as we all understand, times are a tough and things have to be shaped by that. It truly is the thought that counts at office parties — it's collective cheer, comradeship and networking in a social setting that takes precedence.
The office party is a great opportunity to meet and chat with colleagues who you haven't had the chance to properly catch up with throughout the rest of the year. You laugh, share stores and have some fun, which is indeed very needed in these challenging economic times.
It's also an opportunity to meet other employees who you've never met before, and to know the company's people a little better.
For example, at my company's holiday party this year, the president spent 15 minutes telling me about his last trip to Egypt and the boat cruise on the Nile he took when he heard I was born in Cairo.
So, when you find yourself at the next office function or party, just remember that it's OK to enjoy yourself, have a bit of fun (but do drink very lightly, knowing your limit — you don’t want to get tongues wagging the next day) and get to know your colleagues better.
While we're well into 2010 now and most people have taken down their holiday decorations and Christmas trees have been put out on the curb, there's one thing I'd like to talk about in today's blog — the office holiday party.
Yes, it's over, and everyone is back to business, but there are a few things worth discussing — and learning from — before you attend your next office function or party.
We're still in a recession, yet many companies do still try to put together a Christmas party to retain the tradition — and you may face future parties throughout the year, too.
Yes, frills and extras have been shaved to the minimum, and many companies have stopped inviting spouses, but parties do still happen — even if the wine isn’t of the $30-a-bottle variety.
Catering, too, has long seen its heyday, with home-service caterers now being the far more popular choice, or, even more common, simply having co-workers bring in dishes for a potluck.
Entertainment is restricted to several high-spirited team members putting together a dance, a song or a play — hired bands are a thing of the past.
However, as we all understand, times are a tough and things have to be shaped by that. It truly is the thought that counts at office parties — it's collective cheer, comradeship and networking in a social setting that takes precedence.
The office party is a great opportunity to meet and chat with colleagues who you haven't had the chance to properly catch up with throughout the rest of the year. You laugh, share stores and have some fun, which is indeed very needed in these challenging economic times.
It's also an opportunity to meet other employees who you've never met before, and to know the company's people a little better.
For example, at my company's holiday party this year, the president spent 15 minutes telling me about his last trip to Egypt and the boat cruise on the Nile he took when he heard I was born in Cairo.
So, when you find yourself at the next office function or party, just remember that it's OK to enjoy yourself, have a bit of fun (but do drink very lightly, knowing your limit — you don’t want to get tongues wagging the next day) and get to know your colleagues better.
Life in Canada Series 23 - The New Employment options
The new employment
In today’s labour market, employment no longer means a full-time job
Employment? This used to mean having a full-time secure job where you knew the pay cheque was coming home every two weeks, and your biggest challenge was how to maintain your lifestyle within that boundary.
Times have a changed. All over the world and specifically as we experience in Canada, this is no longer the rule of the land.
Employment has taken on shades of various colours and while it has been difficult to adjust to it, people have now started accepting this as a fact.
Here are some of the options for employment that exist and more and more employers are making use of these options:
Working from home
Large organizations like IBM have saved thousands of dollars by redeploying much of their work force to work from home. No more posh offices, no more people hours wasted in commuting on the Go Train and the TTC. Even moving the office to Markham was not enough. Its human resources department had a game plan wherein it helped employees transition from a “going to office to work” scenario to a “staying at home and work” scenario.
It takes discipline and dedication to ensure that your productivity does not suffer. No toddling to your laptop at 10 a.m. in your pyjamas. No answering the doorbell for a passing salesman. The discipline is clear: get dressed and go to work in your own home office. Imagine you have left for the office; no one will answer the door for that pesky salesman.
Contractual agreement
Many companies now once bitten twice shy are not hiring employees, but rather taking people on contract. No need to pay employee benefits and carry the expense once the project is done. If required, the contract is renewed for a new term; if not, cocktails in the evening and a fond farewell.
I know many friends who have actually preferred to go contractual as it does not bind them to one employer and they usually have signed contracts with several thus working at their own hours and being their own boss. This requires a high degree of confidence which the youth of Canada has. And also gives you time to pursue other hobbies. A girl I know wanted to take up skydiving but never had time till she went on contract. Now she works four days a week and takes skydiving classes every Wednesday. And contractual work has additional tax benefits that people make use of.
Part-time employment
While never ideal, many people are accepting this as a part of life in today’s recession. At least a part-time job is better than no job. They have learned to cut down on expenses and strive to make ends meet on their part-time salary. Some people have decided to use the spare time to take up a second education and get that degree they never bothered about when younger. Some with family commitments have decided to take up more than one part-time job and hurriedly commute between the two. I do not advocate this as it will only result in burnout and poor productivity for both employers. But then at times like this, what can you say.
Survival jobs
This is where you hear about doctors driving cabs or engineers working in call centres. Usually a last option, but a reality situation with new immigrants and those who do not qualify for employment insurance. Call centres, security guards, loaders, factory workers, cleaners and such jobs are known as “survival jobs” when being performed by those overqualified.
These are all today’s reality in the job market. They will stay for some time to come and therefore, whether you have one kind or the other, remember it comes with the times and we must work with it rather than against it.
In today’s labour market, employment no longer means a full-time job
Employment? This used to mean having a full-time secure job where you knew the pay cheque was coming home every two weeks, and your biggest challenge was how to maintain your lifestyle within that boundary.
Times have a changed. All over the world and specifically as we experience in Canada, this is no longer the rule of the land.
Employment has taken on shades of various colours and while it has been difficult to adjust to it, people have now started accepting this as a fact.
Here are some of the options for employment that exist and more and more employers are making use of these options:
Working from home
Large organizations like IBM have saved thousands of dollars by redeploying much of their work force to work from home. No more posh offices, no more people hours wasted in commuting on the Go Train and the TTC. Even moving the office to Markham was not enough. Its human resources department had a game plan wherein it helped employees transition from a “going to office to work” scenario to a “staying at home and work” scenario.
It takes discipline and dedication to ensure that your productivity does not suffer. No toddling to your laptop at 10 a.m. in your pyjamas. No answering the doorbell for a passing salesman. The discipline is clear: get dressed and go to work in your own home office. Imagine you have left for the office; no one will answer the door for that pesky salesman.
Contractual agreement
Many companies now once bitten twice shy are not hiring employees, but rather taking people on contract. No need to pay employee benefits and carry the expense once the project is done. If required, the contract is renewed for a new term; if not, cocktails in the evening and a fond farewell.
I know many friends who have actually preferred to go contractual as it does not bind them to one employer and they usually have signed contracts with several thus working at their own hours and being their own boss. This requires a high degree of confidence which the youth of Canada has. And also gives you time to pursue other hobbies. A girl I know wanted to take up skydiving but never had time till she went on contract. Now she works four days a week and takes skydiving classes every Wednesday. And contractual work has additional tax benefits that people make use of.
Part-time employment
While never ideal, many people are accepting this as a part of life in today’s recession. At least a part-time job is better than no job. They have learned to cut down on expenses and strive to make ends meet on their part-time salary. Some people have decided to use the spare time to take up a second education and get that degree they never bothered about when younger. Some with family commitments have decided to take up more than one part-time job and hurriedly commute between the two. I do not advocate this as it will only result in burnout and poor productivity for both employers. But then at times like this, what can you say.
Survival jobs
This is where you hear about doctors driving cabs or engineers working in call centres. Usually a last option, but a reality situation with new immigrants and those who do not qualify for employment insurance. Call centres, security guards, loaders, factory workers, cleaners and such jobs are known as “survival jobs” when being performed by those overqualified.
These are all today’s reality in the job market. They will stay for some time to come and therefore, whether you have one kind or the other, remember it comes with the times and we must work with it rather than against it.
Life in Canada series 24 - 3 Corporate Secrets
Corporate secrets
Mentoring, coaching and buddying are three secrets to corporate success
Gautam Nath
In corporate life, there comes often a time when you feel you’re at a crossroads and need someone to talk to. Often, your line manager may not be the one you want to chat with as he/she does your appraisal at the end of the year.
Yet, if this feeling festers, your morale and level of enthusiasm falls.
So there are several HR tools that are applied in the corporate world that I have come across and would like to share.
Mentoring: At some point in my career, I started off as a mentee and was appointed a mentor. She was the vice-president of finance and did not even sit on the same floor as I did. But she was my mentor and I would set up a one-hour face-to-face meeting with her every month and we would chat. I prepared for those meetings because my mentor was far senior to me and her time was precious.
She would give me such insights and logic and show me the bigger picture that I would remember her words years later when it became my turn to be a mentor. One key takeaway that rings in my head even now is “Ask not what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company.” This Kennedy-inspired mantra has held me in good stead over my various roads in life. It reflects an attitude and gets noticed very fast.
Coaching: A coach, on the other hand, is a person who may be senior to you in your own department and teaches you the ropes. My coach was four years senior to me in the marketing department and he would spend time twice a month going over various business decisions and processes of our department. He would teach me things that he had learned along the way and which would help me better achieve my objectives. My coach was like an elder brother who guided, supported and helped me grow. In my life, I have had three coaches who I remember very well and continue to keep in touch with them even though many years have gone by. They have been at my wedding and I to theirs.
Buddies: And the best bit, the buddy. The buddy is someone appointed to be just that, your corporate buddy. When I joined a new company here in Canada, my buddy was at my level but had been in the company for at least four years so knew what happens where and how. My buddy was someone who I could ask any question even the ones that I felt may be stupid. Nothing stands between me and my buddy at work. He tells me the formal way and the informal way. He tells me who to avoid and when my shoelace is untied.
My buddy in Canada helped me out so much as being a newcomer, I often wondered how things could be said or done here. These nuances were very quickly passed on and helped put me at ease on the job. He extended the buddying beyond the workplace and introduced me to many good places to eat as well as pubs in downtown Toronto. He taught me about the Raptors and the NHL games that Canada is so proud of.
Corporate Canada has her share of mentors, coaches and buddies. And they all come together to help build a great country and our great future.
Mentoring, coaching and buddying are three secrets to corporate success
Gautam Nath
In corporate life, there comes often a time when you feel you’re at a crossroads and need someone to talk to. Often, your line manager may not be the one you want to chat with as he/she does your appraisal at the end of the year.
Yet, if this feeling festers, your morale and level of enthusiasm falls.
So there are several HR tools that are applied in the corporate world that I have come across and would like to share.
Mentoring: At some point in my career, I started off as a mentee and was appointed a mentor. She was the vice-president of finance and did not even sit on the same floor as I did. But she was my mentor and I would set up a one-hour face-to-face meeting with her every month and we would chat. I prepared for those meetings because my mentor was far senior to me and her time was precious.
She would give me such insights and logic and show me the bigger picture that I would remember her words years later when it became my turn to be a mentor. One key takeaway that rings in my head even now is “Ask not what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company.” This Kennedy-inspired mantra has held me in good stead over my various roads in life. It reflects an attitude and gets noticed very fast.
Coaching: A coach, on the other hand, is a person who may be senior to you in your own department and teaches you the ropes. My coach was four years senior to me in the marketing department and he would spend time twice a month going over various business decisions and processes of our department. He would teach me things that he had learned along the way and which would help me better achieve my objectives. My coach was like an elder brother who guided, supported and helped me grow. In my life, I have had three coaches who I remember very well and continue to keep in touch with them even though many years have gone by. They have been at my wedding and I to theirs.
Buddies: And the best bit, the buddy. The buddy is someone appointed to be just that, your corporate buddy. When I joined a new company here in Canada, my buddy was at my level but had been in the company for at least four years so knew what happens where and how. My buddy was someone who I could ask any question even the ones that I felt may be stupid. Nothing stands between me and my buddy at work. He tells me the formal way and the informal way. He tells me who to avoid and when my shoelace is untied.
My buddy in Canada helped me out so much as being a newcomer, I often wondered how things could be said or done here. These nuances were very quickly passed on and helped put me at ease on the job. He extended the buddying beyond the workplace and introduced me to many good places to eat as well as pubs in downtown Toronto. He taught me about the Raptors and the NHL games that Canada is so proud of.
Corporate Canada has her share of mentors, coaches and buddies. And they all come together to help build a great country and our great future.
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