Power of Fact Checking

My Paati (Grandmother) had two children. My father and his younger sister 1 1/2 years younger. Paati was never tired of telling that my father was special, as she did not bear a child for a long time after marriage, and she had to do special intense prayers,which finally bore fruit in the form of my father. We could understand the pressure she would have gone through those days, as not bearing a child resulted in a stigma. That my father was thus born out of penance became a kind of folklore in the family. When I was in my mid 20s, I had started taking an interest in Astrology. I was rummaging through some old wooden boxes in my Paatis Agraharam House as I had nothing else to do, when I stumbled upon her horoscope written in Palm Leaves. I started reading it. Suddenly it stuck me that something was amiss. Her birth year was written in Malayalam as was the practice then. I quickly converted it to English Calendar year and noted that she was born in 1916 January.I went up to her and asked when she got married. She told me she remembered she got married immediately on turning 13 (they did marry young those days) and in the month of Makaram, which makes it from Jan 16-Feb 15 of 1929. My father was born 6th May 1930. Hence Father was born to her when she was 14 years and 4 months old, and 1 year and 3 months after her Marriage. It also meant, she conceived him within 5 months of her wedding!!!! I went back and asked her where then did the question of her not having a child for a long time and praying arose? She was wishy washy and diverted the topic. I posed the same question to my father, who was quite surprised at this finding but asked me to let it be. There is always a huge advantage in doing a simple fact check before opining or taking a stand. It may reveal a different picture, and avoid getting splashed with mud on your face. You dont have to rely on palm leaves but have Google.

It is lonely up there in the Front

Year was 1986. I was in my 3rd Semester of MBA. We were only 11 in our Class, and we had another 15 as our Juniors Our Enterprising Head of the Department used to get top professionals and academicians for VFac lectures and programs. One such was a 3 day program on T-Group Training conducted by Dr. Veeraraghavan, then Dy Director of SITRA (South India Textile Research Association), Coimbatore. He was a Harvard Alumni. I had always considered to be a leader and took pride in it. On the first day, he conducted a simple exercise. He asked all of us to write in a piece of paper whom we would like to lead, other than us, an expedition. We were to rank our choices 1,2,3. We were told we should also write down how many we thought will choose us as 1,2,3. Then we were to assign 3 to every 1, 2 to 2 and 3 to 3 and arrive at our expectation total (maximum possible was 25*3 = 75) I looked around, assumed who will chose me 1,2,3 and who wont choose me at all, and arrived at a total of 47. Then we were made to sit in a chair in the middle of a circle with others in the perimeter and asked to tell our expected score following which others told their option regarding me. I was shocked that many who I thought will back me had not ranked me, and I ended up with a measly 18. The first was 38, second 29, third 24 and then me. I was given the option of knowing why I was or was not chosen.Some of the comments stung. I was called too arrogant, autocratic, lacking diplomacy, poor listening skills and even some didnt like me because I dressed well. I was left red faced as it was the first time I was getting such a blunt feedback. We were asked to assemble under a Mango Tree outside, & were requested to take one step for every mark scored. We were to only look ahead The leader was far ahead, the other two reasonably ahead, but there was a huge group of 15-16 who got 0-1 and grouped at the rear I looked at the three ahead. The leader was a poor decision maker but acceptable to all because he agreed with everyone. The number two was older than all of us by 6 years and a very quiet calm person. The number three was a crackpot, maverick and fun to be with. The big group at the rear were giggling, not concerned at all, making fun of those ahead, criticizing the Faculty, and in general having a good time at others expense. Dr. Veeraraghavan came to each of us and talked to us. He asked me how I felt. I expressed my unhappiness and he understood my ambition. He asked me evaluate the feedback. He empathized. We went back, and he explained about Expectation vs Reality. We continued with the 3 day session and had many Management Games. One of which was where we were all supposed to be in a Hot Air Balloon, and the Balloon was losing height. Only way out was for us to decide to either ask people to jump or throw them out. The leader jumped off during the first 5 minutes, 'sacrificing' himself for the group. He was asked to stand on top of a table (meaning he was up there dead!). This went on for 3 hours. I stood my ground, and was one of the 3 left when the game ended. We assembled again, and the same exercise of ranking 1,2,3 based on the game was asked to be given. Once bitten, twice shy, I marked 26. But was surprised to get 43 and the First position. The leader in the first exercise was pushed back to 3rd (Halo Effect!). The group of 14-16 still remained where they were. Some minor reshuffling apart. Still giggling, making fun of others and living in denial. Dr.Veeraraghavan came to me after talking to them. I was swelled with pride. He asked how I felt. It dawned on me suddenly, though I was happy, I was very lonely there up front. I told him this. He patted me on my back and told me never to forget that a 'Leader is always lonely' and it is a natural feeling.

Garlands of Roses and Chappals

As Sales Officer in Charge of Coimbatore Sales Area of HPCL in early 1990s, I had 4 LPG Dealers and 16,000 LPG Customers under me. Those were the days of LPG shortage, malpractices and we were the focal point for any complaints. My hands were full with Complainants. 2 of my Dealers were rogues, one more so than the other. They used to give illegal connection, divert domestic LPG to Commercial Users, did not do Door Delivery and Domestic Customers at times had to wait for nearly 2 months to get a refill. I discussed with Regional Office. They were indifferent as it was the norm. I warned the Dealers, documented their malpractices but stopped short of suspending the Sale as that would involve massive logistics issues of arranging an alternative. Finally, I had enough. Situation was getting out of control.There were cases in the Consumer Court and HPCL were a party to it. Doubts were cast on even my Character. I barged into Regional Office, Cochin & told I am going ahead with suspending the dealer. Dy Manager LPG was very honest, he having once been in a Seminary He backed me to the hilt and both of us fought for 2 days to get the permission. We also created a rock solid backup plan. Phone calls were made to higher ups as the Dealer was a powerful Congress Ministers relative. He was young and actually a nice guy, always very polite I came back, gave order in writing for another dealer to take over, who rented a showroom quietly. I swooped down one morning at 8 am, did an inspection and suspended the existing Agency.People came to know and rushed to the showroom. They were very happy. I was surrounded, garlanded at least 14 times, and they praised me no end. I felt great having done a good deed. Supplies were arranged on a cash and carry basis with Rs 2 discount, and I explained to people why we cannot do door delivery. We worked in coordination with our filling plant and ensured 300 cylinders were made available every day, and cleared the backlog in 16 days. I personally sat and managed the operation in the upcountry location.Situation was controlled, people were happy. Except those who had bought LPG Connections illegally from the Dealer. They agitated. I personally confronted them and told them they were in the wrong too but stood my ground that I will not supply them.RO asked me to regularize those connection. But I put my foot down and said nothing doing. There were friction and some, at the prodding of the suspended dealer, went to the Consumer Court. 10/n Dealer met me many times, I told him to reimburse all the money he had collected from illegal consumers as a precondition. But he had invested in a Pandiarajan film that bombed and was broke. But he moved his cards politically In the meanwhile, I was hauled up by the Coimbatore Consumer Court and lot of unpleasant queries were asked. It was made out as if Dealer was innocent but me and HPCL were the guilty party. My lawyer did a good job telling the Court how I corrected a bad situation. But the Political Appointee in the Bench, a DMK Lady, was very nasty, till I had to use the then Collector, a professional acquaintance, intervened and had a quiet talk with her. Collector was very close to Karunanidhi. Things were under control and going on smoothly, when I got a call after 10 months from my Regional Manager.He was very apologetic and embarassed. He told me that the Suspension was revoked at HQ level due to Political Pressure & HPCL has decided to reinstate the Dealer I asked them what happens to the illegal connections as that issue was not resolved. No decision was taken on that. Just go back and reinstate the Dealer was the order. Regional Manager was kind "I can understand if you dont want to go back and reinstate him. I shall send the Dy Manager from RO" I told him "Dont bother. I am a professional. I argue my side till a decision is taken. But will go ahead and implement whatever the Decision is" The Dealer who was substituting for 10 months was furious. He refused to come with me. I could understand him. I went alone, was 27 years old then. The old dealer had kept the Showroom open. Word had got around that he was being reinstated. An angry mob of about 50-75 had gathered. I parked my Ambassador Car and got out. They surrounded me and abused me, my father, mother, family, HPCL for nearly 2 hours, with the choicest of words. I just leaned back on my car and heard it out. Didnt react, didnt explain. I had no explanation. One guy made a garland of Chappal and put it on me. I removed it calmly. The dealer did not come to my rescue. Finally, word got to the Sub Collector, who was a friend, and he came down with a Police Force.He spoke to the Crowd, explained I was just doing my job and should be left alone. They dispersed still shouting at me. I thanked him, walked in to the showroom and gave the letter handing over the Dealership back to the Dealer. I sat for an hour and left, called Regional Manager and told him "Job is done" . He just said Thanks RM, my Manager, Dy Manager came to Coimbatore after 4 days, didnt dare visit the Showroom but asked me whether I am alright. I just smiled though I was scarred badly

Modi and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

I am not a Political Analyst, but have been watching Indian Politics for close to 45 years. Allow me to take the liberty of sharing a few thoughts. This has nothing to do with any State, Political Party but a general observation I observe many exhorting people to vote out X, Y or Z and they give solid reasons. One of the fundamental principles of any marketing is to answer the question to the Consumer (here the voter) the answer to his WIIIFM - What Is In It For Me? Most of the exhorting is based on, 1. Why X, Y, Z is corrupt or lousy, hence need to be thrown out 2. Why X,Y, Z should not come to power to save Hindu Civilization Both valid premises definitely. But it is not likely to make much headway. Because it doesnt answer the WIIIFM to the Voter. Take the Second Point first and refer to Abraham Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. It is known that one has to satisfy Lower order or Basic needs-Physiological/Safety Needs - before thinking of higher order needs. When we talk of Saving the Hindu Civilization, we addressing to the Self Actualization Need of the Voter. In a situation when his Basic Needs are not met, it is unlikely the average voter will even think of Self Actualization Needs. Modi understands this very well During the last 6 years, Modi made a Conscious effort to address the Basic Needs - Food, Water, Electricity, Home, Sanitation, DBF, Gas, Medical Insurance. Slowly he moved towards 3rd and 4th order needs, once many of the basic needs are taken care of. He always starts his address "Bhayiyon or Behanon". This addresses the Love and Belongingness Needs apart from the way he takes us into confidence, trusts us - especially during the LD. He did not use the stick but tried to convince us the need to follow rules for OUR SAKE. Now he has gone one step ahead - He talks about National Pride, Atma Nirbhar which essentially aims at the 4th order Esteem need of each one of us. The next step is to address the Self Actualization Needs. Till then it is premature. Coming to Point 1, it is not easy to make people vote X, Y, Z out because they are corrupt or goondas or dumeels or commies, unless we are able to show an alternative. For ordinary voter (who is street smart), he doesnt care much if Tweedledum or Tweedledee rules. They are all corrupt in his eyes. For the first time, Modi at the Centre has shown them that it is not like that, and it is possible to rule without Corruption, and with benefits reaching the last man standing.

This needs to be the focal point and am sure this will achieve the purpose of throwing out those X, Y, Z Corrupt, Goonda, Dumeel, Commies....

Study Plan - An Anecdote

When I was running NIIT, a Parent, Bank Official, came to me with a request for help. His daughter was in 11th but according to him not living up to her potential. His solution to the problem was simple "She has to work harder, but she doesnt. X,Y score more than her" I asked to see his daughter,he brought her,but he and his wife accompanied her. I asked them to wait outside. He was not happy but agreed. The girl was sullen, clearly unhappy and in a rebellious mood. I spent the few minutes talking about her hobbies, friends.She relaxed. I asked her what she liked about her school, what she didnt like, and gossiped a bit. Then I casually asked her which subjects she liked best. "Sir, English", she was very enthusiastic I allowed her to open up about English. Then "Which subject do you like least?' "Maths' And she had her reasons. Gently, I made her rank the subjects in the order of her preference. "English, CS, Physics, Chemistry, Maths". Then I asked her for her marks in the last 2 exams. She was at 88% level and a good student - 441/500. She told me she was 13th in the Class, and the first mark was 98%. I told her not to worry about others. She was genuinely surprised. She gave the split up on marks and surprisingly it matched her preference of subjects with the exception of Physics and Chemistry. Marks from high to low was English, CS, Chemistry, Physics and Maths" She told me she put 4 hours after the school studying which was a good workload. I gave her a small exercise. Created a simple excel sheet with Date of X Axis for a month, and Subjects on Y axis. She was to just note down the hours she spent on each subject at home every day. She asked incredulously "That is all" I replied in the affirmative. I called her parents in. Father was clearly unhappy that I hadnt given any "Good Advise". He told he will 'Supervise' whether his daughter did fill in the table. I told him to let her be and not go anywhere near her The girl came back exactly one month later. The Table was filled in without any errors. I asked her to analyse herself. She totaled the hours for each subject and looked at me with mixed emotions. Whenever she started studying she spent more time on English, her most preferred subject, and least on Maths, the hated one. The spread was like 40% E, 20% CS, 15% each P & C, and just 10% on Maths We also went back to her Marks. I gave her the first target of moving up from 441 to 450 - additional 9 marks. Told her where it will come from. She was scoring 74 in maths. Gave a target of 77 in Maths. Likewise for other subjects so that she scores 15 marks extra. assuming she might lose a few. I also asked her to restructure her Home Study hours. She did the workings on her own happily and took ownership. We continued this exercise till she finished 12th, pushing up the target little by little. She ended up scoring 473/500. She came with her parents with a big box of sweets when her results were announced, and she was a little disappointed she didnt score 480, her target. I brushed aside her disappointment and congratulated her She later on studied in REC, and is well settled now

Nay Sayers

There are people who caution us against everything under the sun. My Late maternal uncle,who as a VP in a Welding Rod Manufacturing Company in Mumbai was one such.He,being the eldest,was always asked for opinions. eg; if there is a match for my sister, father would ask him and his standard reply was "Paathu Pannu" (Be careful and do with due diligence), which means nothing Ditto if anyone asks him whether he should take up a particular job. If things go well, he basks in glory saying "Yes, they asked my opinion, and it had my consent" If things go wrong, he would say " I told him to be careful but he wouldnt listen. He didnt take my advise" Heads he wins, Tails you lose. He never took a stand. His Sons wedding got postponed because he wont take a decision. His Wife, my Aunty, got fed up and said "I am going for a wedding in TN for a family wedding. I will pick the first eligible girl I see in that wedding for my son". And she did precisely that. Only once in his life my Uncle took a stand. The Founder of the Company where he worked for 34 years died & there was a turf war between the Son and Nephew for Control of the Company.He thought and thought for 7 days and finally decided to back the son. One day he went to the office in the morning, as usual as he was about to enter the Cabin,Nephew walked in & said "Thank you. Please clear the desk. Take whatever you want, keep the car, here is your settlement check, but ensure you are out in 30 minutes". Apparently my Uncle chose the wrong horse on the only time he was decisive He was 58 and was shocked beyond belief. He was also one of the 4 who knew the Chemical Formula for the Welding Rods.He came home crying, never really recovered, health deteriorated over the next few months and died I was reminded of him when I saw some tweets cautioning us to not get Covid Vaccinated as it will take 15 years to develop a Vaccine!

You can learn from anyone

I had just joined HPCL in 1989, and was in Chennai. Roaming around near Siva Vishnu Temple in T Nagar, I was accosted by a Lady Selling Flower' "Ayya, Poo Vaankungo. Veettukkarikku kudungo. Nalla Malli Poo. Adukka thoduthirukken" "Enakku Kalyanam Aakalaye" "Azhaga Sevappa irukkenga. Kathalikku vangi kudungo" Smiling I said " Enakku Kathali illaimma" She persisted "Ammakku kudukkalame. Santhosha peduva" "Amma oorile irukka. Naan thaniya than irukken" Pointing at the temple she insisted " Appadinna Kadavulkkaga vaangi podungo. Seeghram kalyanam Nadakkum" Just to humour her and her superb ability to create a need, I bought 5 muzham poo and went inside the Temple I used to give this as example while teaching Need, Want and Demand to may MBA Students & they were "Eh? You giving silly examples of a flower lady to teach concepts?" Look around. The average Street Sales guy will teach you more about Marketing than any Harvard Professor

Can Indians be a little more Professional please?

One grouse I have against Indians is their lack of Professionalism. Not all, but a vast majority. They are the worst when it comes to responding to professional E Mails or requests. They just dont reply. Most dont believe in keeping appointments. Just yesterday, a Calcutta based ERP Company, had fixed a Demonstration at 7 pm my time for me and two of my Omani Friends, who are his prospective partners. This was fixed one week ago. I didnt get any communication till 6.52 pm. I sent him a message, and the guy said, "I will confirm in 30 minutes" I told him I have another meeting after his demo. His reply "My Technical Head is on his way home, and I shall get him and reply to you" At 7.10, he is sending a message "Guys, Meeting is called off. Can we have it on Tuesday 8.30 pm?" "I told him I shall get back to him on my availability" I texted my Omani Friends and posed a question "If this is how he treats a prospective partner, how can we recommend him and his product to a Customer and be sure he will deliver?" Four months ago, I got in touch with a Solar Installation and Operations Company with a proposal to work together in Oman,for a lucrative PDO Project. PDO is the Government Oil Exploration and Marketing Company and a giant. A junior guy replied, but hardly gave info I wanted I had to get someone in India to get hold of a Top Level Manager in charge of Overseas Operations. He was barely accessible, and delegated the same Junior Guy to answer my queries and give me supporting documents. They were inadequate Since that day, neither the Top Guy or the Subordinate has followed up with me as to what happened. People will give their right hand to get a contract with PDO. I did in fact ask whether they were keen to work in Oman, and they said yes. I just cannot understand them. The Contract was worth a few million dollars over 15 years!! A year ago, I wanted a quotation urgently. Called a friend in Delhi at 9 pm his time on a Friday, and asked him to send. He said "Too Late. Will let you know tomorrow" I googled and activated a few other contacts, and in the next 2 hours got 4 quotations from all over the World, negotiated and finalized by mid night. My friend called me up at 3 pm next day and asked me to repeat my requirement. I told him not to bother. He was indignant I gave the order to someone else and is not talking to me since. In today's world, you have to be on the button, 24x7, 365 days

Let COVID 19 mark a new beginning for Entrepreneurs

COVID exposed a fatal flaw in most of the Indian Companies, especially the MSMEs. 

It is apparent that MSMEs were literally working on a hand to mouth existence, and just did not plan for a crisis. There was no contingency plan or fund.

This could have been because MSMEs are not professionally managed. In most of the cases, the Entrepreneur is a technocrat or a marketing guy who lacked skills in other domain. The entrepreneur falls into the trap of 'I know everything and can manage' syndrome and were clueless when the sky fell on them as they ran out of cash.

Cash flow is critical for any business.

As a New Venture Advisor, I always insist that either the Entrepreneur employs quality people to man Finance, Marketing, Logistics or alternatively have professionals advising him in these areas.

I have heard complaints that Banks do not entertain funding requests from MSMEs. Having been an Investment Banker, I can vouch that 99% of the proposals are poorly made, do not cover what is required by the Financial Institution, and is more of Project ideas, than detailed Project Reports with 5 year financials plus risk assessment. The least MSME can do while seeking funds is to involve your Auditor and ask him to prepare the documents are required by the Financial Institutions.

Be Professional, assess your Business Risks, have a Risk Mitigation Plan.

Let COVID 19 mark a new beginning

Ashtami and Navami

Working in TN, I found out that people dont do anything or take decisions on Ashtami and Navami. I asked them why.They say ' athu appadi than.We wont do anything on these thidhis'.I asked Father. He didnt know either. Searched for 2 years. No go.

Then had a chance to meet Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal early morning one day and asked him. He clarified. Once Naradan asked Vishnu who was his most ardent devotee. Vishnu points out to a poor farmer who calls his name 3 times a day as his best devotee

Naradan was aghast. He moaned ' I utter your name every minute and you think this guy is more devote?'. Next day Vishnu places a pot full of oil on Naradans head and asked him to walk till evening without spilling the oil.

Naradan came back successful and bragged he accomplished the difficult task. Vishnu smiled and asked "How many times did you say my name today?" Naradan sheepishly told 'Not even once'. Vishnu told 'That farmer thought about me thrice despite all his worries'

Naradan was humbled. The point here is that 'When you start something new, your focus will be on the task, and you wont be able to do your godly duties'.

Hindu Dharmam expects you to Godly Pursuits. It also tells you to do your Karmam. There is a conflict here

Hence 'ATLEAST TWO DAYS IN A FORTNIGHT, DONT START ANYTHING NEW, BUT DEVOTE THOSE TWO DAYS FOR GODLY DUTIES AND PRAYERS'. Over time doing godly duties slipped into background and only dont srart/do anything remained, as it is convenient

Now why Ashtami and Navami? Ashtamam denotes decline or death in Horoscope. So dont start anything. 

Also, For Devi pooja, Ashtami is auspicious. Sreekrishnsn who gave Geetha was born on Ashtami. Uthama Purushan Sreeraman was born on Navami. Hence these 2 days for prayer

Resumption of Blogging

I took a break from Blogging to recharge myself and to explore Twitter @swamy64 with a purpose in mind

Now that what I wanted has been achieved, blogging services shall resume

Thank you for your understanding