How To Recruit The Right Person For The Job ?

Courtesy : My IIM-B Classmate RAOMS 1985-87 Batch

Put about 100 bricks in some particular order in a closed room with an open window.

Then send 2 or 3 candidates in the room and close the door.

Leave them alone and come back after 6 hours and then analyze the situation.

If they are counting the bricks, put them in ACCOUNTS.

If they are recounting them, put them in AUDIT.

If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks put them in ENGINEERING.

If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order put them in PLANNING.

If they are throwing the bricks at each other put them in OPERATIONS.

If they are sleeping, put them in SECURITY.

If they have broken the bricks into pieces, put them in INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

If they are sitting idle, put them in HUMAN RESOURCES.

If they say they have tried,different combinations, yet not a brick has been moved, put them in SALES.

If they have already left for the day, put them in MARKETING.

If they are staring out of the window, put them on STRATEGIC PLANNING.

And then last but not least, If they are talking to each other and not a single brick has been moved. Congratulate them and put them in TOP MANAGEMENT.

Courtesy : My IIM-B Classmate RAOMS 1985-87 Batch

Corporate

I saw a Hindi movie on DVD late last night - “Corporate”. Probably this one was a popular movie last year, but I don’t know.

I enjoyed the movie - it was full of twists and intrigue, a volatile mix of politics and corporate lives of two rival businessmen. I am not sure whether it is common practice in India to mix politics and business, I guess it is so - otherwise an entire movie would not have been shot based on the theme. U.S.A. sets the standards when it comes to business lobbying of politicians and political parties - they have legalised the business funding of politics by calling it “political donation” and letting it influence policy-making to the detriment of society in almost every case. In other countries, it is called “corruption” - political corruption of business, or business corrupting politicians.

The India I am seeing now seems to have changed, as compared to even a decade ago. I do not agree with the United Nations ranking of India as one of the most corrupt countries of the world. Just the other day, I refused to make any extra-constitutional payments while registering my car, and my decision held forth despite persuasion to the contrary. If one wishes to, and has the capacity to tolerate pressures, it is possible in any country. The issue is whether the common man has the strength to withstand attacks - he does not, and he most definitely does not have political backing. Given that normal people have other more important things to do in life, it is only to be expected that they would like to get out of any difficult situation by paying off what is demanded. However, common man or not, it is extremely crucial to have some principles and scrupulously stick to the same, irrespective of personal difficulties. It is easier to write this than to actually experience it, and most people tend to hide behind the garb of “no time, I am very busy with my work and family”.

However, a society does not get periodic doses of a Mahatma Gandhi. That kind of phenomenon occurs only once a while - a very long while at that. Societies have abandoned their beliefs in non-violence and non-discrimination. Discrimination is the order of the day - if one has the necessary “power” contacts, then one gets through the normal ordeals of life much easier than common folks. One can often witness this in the power corridors of Delhi, or the business corridors of Mumbai. I am not sure how the contacts operate in the technology corridors of Bangalore, but am sure that people with ideas but no contacts get no funding either.

I was intrigued by the profit motives of the businessmen in the “Corporate” movie, about which I haven’t talked much till now. I am beginning to understand why Fabian Socialism was against business profits in the past 6 decades or so. One of the businessmen featured in the movie (guess that some of these folks operate in real life as well !) was willing to abandon morals and focus exclusively on profits despite the clearly established fact that the soft drink he was manufacturing had a high level of harmful pesticides. You can often see the parallel with American business practices - the french fries have high level of carcinogens due to the very high temperature they are subjected to, the soft drinks are harmful to the long-term health of young and old, etc., but life goes on, since lawyers take over, and governments are afraid of their respective countries’ reputation in global markets as well as the taxes/political donations that they might lose. I was reminded of the incident a few months ago, when a high-ranking secretary to the U.S. Government politely indicated to Indian bureaucrats that business and investments will suffer if Indian government puts restrictions on Coke and Pepsi.

Well, the need of the day is moral fibre, irrespective of loss of face or business profits. Very few people can make that call, and when huge businesses and whole industries are involved along with governments, one can see that vested interests will eventually prevail. I can quote other examples from the developed world, but would refrain from doing so. This is also the reason why environmentalists and social engineers are at the losing end in most countries around the world. Dictators can help, but we all agree that would not be the most preferred way of doing, well, business !

Nexus between politics and business is well established in almost every society, and that applies to even dictatorial regimes. The annual rankings of business transparency do not do any job - if that were the case, India and Indonesia should not be getting any investments. Why is the whole world coming to India - multinational companies are starting their Indian operations at the rate of one per day. If it were difficult to do business, they are not complaining. If they are not sticking to their moral fibre and business philosophy, they are not talking about it either. As long as businesses generate employment and profits, contribute to taxes and political donations, life will go on with the nexus only strengthening day by day.

What the common man can do is to reject any form of corruption in his/her personal life, and see movies like “Corporate”. The movie makers have done a great service. I congratulate Madhur Bhandarkar for bringing out this movie. Apart from the chaotic media, the only other impact that can be had on society comes from movies, in the Indian context (not very different in U.S. as well).

Good show, movie gets 3.5 stars on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.

Have a wonderful weekend folks,

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
15 October 2006
Mumbai

The Charming Dr with the Boyish Grin

It is a warm Saturday afternoon here in Mumbai, India.

I went out to get some stuff for the house and shop for a printer cable, et al……it is not a good idea to lose your printer cable and similar such things while moving houses. It took me several weeks to even think of locating a shop. There is no Funan Centre or Sim Lim Tower in Mumbai, to make things easier. In India, people believe it would be good to deliberately make your life harder (as though it were not already hard enough). So, like all things here, you go on a wild goose chase. I got some hint from my Apple technician, and went looking for the shop. Well, to cut it short, I got the cable for the equivalent of SGD 3 and returned home.

There were several things flashing in my head to blog about this weekend. One was the Pope, the other was about Indian Discipline, or the lack thereof. While I was raking my brain, I happened to remember my friend Dr Wing Lam, take a look at his profile at “Wing Lam
Director, MMIT Programme, Associate Professor”

It was a great experience working with a charming fellow like Wing. I have many fond memories.

When I left Singapore, he gave me this piece of his literary work (I always thought of him as an IT geek). Let me reproduce this piece here, though it is a bit wacky talking about me in particular. I don’t feel shy however !

QUOTE
There have been so many good things said about Vijay in the last few weeks that it is hard to say something unique that hasn’t been uttered in some shape of form already. Instead, what I have done is come up with a little poem that captures my key observations about the man. I just hope the tome of the occasion is not significantly reduced by the cheesiness that is forthcoming, and that sufficient quantities of alcohol have already been consumed that the peom will have been long forgotten about come tomorrow morning.

VJ Corny Poem

He is a man of great vigour, a man of action,
make any kind of statement, and expect an immediate reaction,
when he has a smile on his face, it means it gonna be a nice day,
a growling snarl however, means you had better keep away.

A deep-down intellectual, who ponders over the soul,
A man of all religions, who questions life’s role,
Better not get too deeply involved, with this kind of discussion,
or you’ll need a visit to the hospital, for severe head concussion.

Wearing shirt and tie, he is the thinking lady’s crumpet,
You get what you see, so ladies you can leave it or lump it,
There is no doubt however, he has left his mark on U21G,
Let us remember him, as the smooth hip-swinging VP.

UNQUOTE

That was fabulous poetry Dr Wing ! Amazing !! I am really taken in by your other talents.

I am definitely missing your esoteric company. All the very best in your MMIT recruitment efforts !!!

Have a wonderful weekend folks,

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
23 Sep 2006
Mumbai

Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp

I spent the last 3 days at the Galibore Camp on the banks of the Cauvery River in Karnataka State in South India.

As per the Jungle Lodges website of the Government of Karnataka, “The Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp is tucked away literally far from the maddening crowd, deep in the deciduous forests about 10 km from Sangam, on the banks of the River Cauvery. The Camp is covered with trees lining both sides of the river. This is indeed a rough country. This is ideal for those who want total privacy and no crowd. The camp is 95 Kms from Bangalore near Sangam via Kanakapura”.

The road from Bangalore to the Camp was actually a national highway, with millions of potholes and unusual narrowing at many places which pushes the odd farmer out of the road when he hears the horn sound and slows down rapidly at towns through which it passes. I sometimes wonder whether there is any performance appraisal system for government employees who ought to take care of infrastructure such as roads and highways. Even if there were one, I am sure they know how to take care of it. And, we have people whose apathy is famous, their interest being enhanced only when there is an election with its attendant goodies.

The beaten track (9 Kms) from the highway to the Camp was back-breaking, but I fully concur with the need to keep it that way. I agree with the decision or non-decision, as the case may be, not to lay tar roads in the midst of jungles thereby threatening the eco-system. While it is possible to generate millions of dollars in terms of tourism revenues and thousands of jobs in the midst of poverty all around in the surrounding villages by introducing eco-tourism in an aggressive manner as Western countries or even a Singapore/Hong Kong government would have done to generate tourism traffic, it may not be the right thing to do if you reflect on the matter. Man needs to suffer and take on discomfort before connecting with and enjoying nature, instead of taking the 5-star route and have an effortless engagement. It will be challenging but it would make man realize the prized nature of nature and animal kingdom which have been taken very lightly in the past. To this extent, I agree with the slow progress in India towards modernizing the tourism spots.

The Camp itself was amazing in its rustic setting and simplicity. There was no electricity in the tents, save for a tube light in the common dining place. There was a hurricane lamp at the front of the tent and the back of the tent, which were set at around 7 PM. There was an electric fan provided in the tent (no light though), which did not work in my tent. It became a bit stuffy in the night, and I asked for a working fan the next day, which was provided. The tent itself was clean with nice beds and good towels. The bathroom was also clean. Was I not surprised !?

The environment was very conducive to inducing a calmness in one’s thoughts. There was thankfully, no mobile coverage, and the whole camp operates on a single telephone line. It is a fantastic environment for reflecting on one’s own life and career, and strategizing for the future, if one wishes to do that. Otherwise, it is a beautiful place to do nothing. Nothing of any type. Just laze around and read a book on the hammock !

I went trekking on the hills surrounding the camp. It was difficult to climb nearly 1,000 feet over two stretches. It was even more difficult to climb down. I slipped at couple of places when I accidentally stepped on gravel. The guide helped me with some techniques – such as not stepping on gravel at any time, moving left and right in a zig-zag fashion trying to find some ledges or grassy patch where you can firmly plant your feet, etc., It was tiring, but was a good attempt to do something unusual in life – I have never trekked in life so far, and this is a great experience to see how one can push oneself towards some serious accomplishment in life !

I had great sleep on all the 3 nights I stayed in the camp – the sleep was induced by the rhythmic flow of water in the river, chirping of birds and other creatures, etc., I am not a “nature-man”, but this was a very good opportunity to connect with nature. I did not see any animals, save the couple of dogs and the great Indian Gaur (only a baby one). I was told a crocodile was sighted, but it never crossed my way !

All said it was a great way to spend a precious 3 days in the middle of a jungle, and energise oneself . Hope you folks will get the opportunity as well.

Have a great week ahead folks.

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
23 July 2006
Mumbai

Khandala in the Hills

It was a big relief when we left Mumbai’s hectic traffic snarls for the peaceful mountains just about 80 Kms away towards Pune. The Pune Highway has been executed well keeping in mind international road construction standards for a change. It was quite a good ride after we left Mumbai, I should say. The beauty and peace of the Khandala hill resort (situated a few kms from Lonavala) was just amazing. From my room’s balcony, there was a steep fall to the highway, and then down into the valley. With its continuous mountainous ranges all around, and verdant greenery, Khandala looked like straight out of Switzerland, or New Zealand.

I got continuously reminded I was in India though, whenever I happened to look at the nicely done highway which was spoilt by rash drivers trying to demonstrate their racing skills. Even the buses were speeding, the only slow moving things on the highway were lorries. There was the constant sound of horns and shrieking tyres. It was fun to watch the highway from the restaurant which almost sits on the cliff edge, and you could almost feel the vehicles coming straight at you, but actually passing underneath the cliff. It was a cliff-hanging experience, so to say.

But one cannot take away the natural beauty of the place. Lots of photos were taken, and I hope I will get around to uploading some of these - I would strongly encourage visitors to Mumbai to take a break during weekends at this fabulous place. You can go trekking on the hills, watch the sun set in the midst of the rock faces, find your way to the rock plataeus if you get a romantic partner, or just sit at the balcony with a beer (unfortunately wine was not available). A perfect place for doing nothing and relaxing. It does rejuvenate the mind and body ! It would be better if you don’t use a computer or a blackberry - you can be at peace with the environment (and potentially, with your partner, I guess !).

I can recommend the place I stayed - it was Dukes Resorts. I believe there are many other nice hotel resorts around. Some of the websites wherein you would find details on this place are as follows - this is the first such place that I have done outside of Mumbai after I arrived in India early June. You would simply love such a place. I intend to visit more such places during the weekends when my family arrives. One can understand why people from Mumbai flock to such places - it is such a tension-reliever from Mumbai’s hectic pace of life.

Khandala Hill Resort -

“About Khandala”

More about Khandala -

“More About Khandala”

Dukes Resort -

“About Dukes Resort in Khandala”

I thought that had such places been handed over for tourism development to advanced countries such as Singapore, they would have created a tourist miracle. There are numerous such places in India which are under-developed and under-invested. However, the environmentally-minded set might argue that advanced techniques of tourism enhancement degrade the forests, hills, and sea resorts. It is sometimes better to be under-developed as it maintains a sense of simplicity in the environment.

I was pained to see that huge bungalows were being constructed in the forest areas adjoining Khandala. Not a good sight. Let nature enjoy its much-deserved peace and beauty. Why should mankind spoil the environment in the name of development ? There has to be a balance of course - poor folks will remain poor if economic development does not take place. This is a constant argument between academics and economic planners, I guess. I vacillate thinking about both sides of the coin, but first let me enjoy the natural beauty.

Have a good week ahead, Folks.

Vijay Srinivasan
18 June 2006
Mumbai

New Coordinates

My new coordinates in India will be as follows (I am already in Mumbai today !) :

Office Direct Line : +91-22-4003-9707

Skype ID remains the same, it is “vjvasan”

Have a great weekend Folks,

Vijay Srinivasan
2 June 2006
Mumbai

Farewell by WL, LK, JT and ET

ET sent me an SMS that my alter ego and idol from U21G Office would like to host a lunch for me on Friday (26 May). I was intrigued - my idol ? I knew everyone at the office and was pretty much sure that there was no one like that. I asked ET to clarify, and she quickly did - who else but the indomitable and charismatic Dr WL ? Well, yes, he is one guy who attracts attention by his sophisticated demeanour and dressing. He also speaks English with a British accent, highlighted by the slowly receding clipped sound edges, with which an Indian can quickly identify. He is Chinese ofcourse, but no local Singapore Chinese person can come to a rapid grip with WL’s English, especially in the first 3 minutes or so.

I enjoyed a good rapport with WL from the time we made a joint business trip in early 2005. He understood that I was a rather simple guy who likes to have a good conversation over a drink, though the topics of discussion could vary wildly from one evening to another, or even within the same evening. We always enjoyed talking about his new baby, the Information Systems curriculum. He was excited about the prospects for his program in India especially. I persuaded him after a long time, to finally make the trip to India. Though he had some minor troubles, my guess is that he liked India and its colours, as well as the discussions he had with some of the potential corporate clients.

Well, I was only happy to get the lunch invite, though I was hardpressed for time while in the process of moving home. We decided to meet at Great World City’s Indonesian restaurant ; however, I offered to pick up the small team of WL, LK, JT and ET in my car, with the pre-meditated intent to demonstrate my Formula 1 skills to them. We drove to the restaurant, and I could see signs of fear at the backseat with the belts getting tightened, and faces grimacing as the car rushed past the peak hour lunch traffic in the middle of the city/CBD. We made it safely for lunch though. I was pleased to find out Singapore ladies don’t close the car doors firmly enough like in some other countries - the doors were open when I returned to the car park ! Softly, softly…….looks like the way to get out of a car race !!

The ease of mixing with this group of people was evident right through the lunch. We enjoyed the small talk along with the great food and dessert. It was great to reminisce about the good old times, though not too long ago.

WL had written about me in a poetry form (!!!) and he sent the same to me via email after the lunch session - here he goes in true academic form :

VJ Corny Poem

He is a man of great vigour, a man of action,
make any kind of statement, and expect an immediate reaction,
when he has a smile on his face, it means its gonna be a nice day,
a growling snarl however, means you had better keep away.

A deep-down intellectual, who ponders over the soul,
A man of all religions, who questions life’s role,
Better not get too deeply involved, with this kind of discussion,
or you’ll need a visit to the hospital, for severe head concussion.

Wearing shirt and tie, he is the thinking lady’s crumpet,
You get what you see, so ladies you can leave it or lump it,
There is no doubt however, he has left his mark on U21G
Let us remember him, as the smooth hip-swinging VP.
=================================================

I enjoyed the mischievous overtones of this academic output and the sentimental kindness and emotions expressed.

Some of the photos from the lunch session as below -

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
26 May 2006
Singapore

A Different World and JBW’s Farewell

In the past 3.5 years, I developed a good deal of understanding on how the academic world works and what exactly drives academics (atleast the ones I came to connect with). Before this period, my thinking was totally different - I always thought the academic world is arcane and tradition-bound, and academics are inscrutable and commanded respect due to their seeming brilliance and impenetrability.

Was I wrong - ofcourse, people are always in a perceived sense of correctness till the time they personally discover reality. It has got to be personal. I did, and I found a world which was vibrant, young, charismatic, and ofcourse, full of egos. The academics I came to know and respect were nice people in general - however, there is always a proportional politiicking in every aspect of human endeavour, and academic world is no different. I found that academic politicians were a tad better than the ones in the corporate world. They seemed to be better camouflaged and smarter in the way they approached the necessary evil of politics to advance their intent.

I also found absolute gems, which was not surprising. I developed good relationship in general with the several academics. A mutual sense of respect developed with almost all of them, and for most, I was a different kind of person - a “sales” guy with a bravado and corporate mannerisms - they do not normally work with people like me in an academic environment. U21G is different - it was a fusion of academic world and business world. Chemistry and explosions apart, it was a challenging world for most of us to adjust to each others’ idiosyncracies. However, it settled down once the respective “cleanliness” of the motives were understood by either side. Some sanitization was needed though.

Some lemons caused trouble on either side, and the academic ones were flavoured with the veneer of surreal respectability. Quiet battles were waged, but we all recovered to normalcy when the lemons were forced to emigrate. I always like strong, visible characters who make an impact on their surroundings, so I took a liking to such people at the beginning. However, political unraveling of intentions was strong enough to activate antennae internally and manage the situations amicably given the diplomacy sales people are accustomed to.

Well, if the above appeared to be a tough read, it was designed to be one. The experiment that we all went through was unique in the world.

Now my good academic friend, JBW, wanted to give me a farewell dinner on Friday this week. He is a sustainable economist, and his latest research publication is “Vijay Unplugged - Star of India” which he presented at a U21G Conference on 15 May 2006. It received rave reviews, not simply because of its academic quality but it also incorported for the first time a podcast type of punjabi music integrated with a powerpoint file.

JBW and his wife met myself and my wife at Raj Restaurant at Biopolis on Friday evening. JBW likes Indian Food, especially the Curries, and so I was not surprised he chose this restaurant. We had a curry attack that evening with 4 different types of side curries attacking the rotis and naans. It was absolutely delicious. We talked a lot about everything under the sun (or the lovely moon that evening), and it was simply refreshing. I came up with some new academic theories, and JBW said it was the first time I ever made some sense in my ramblings.

We then retired to the coffee shop across from Raj, and then had some photo shoot. Not exactly great kind of photos, but something is better than nothing during these cherished moments. JBW wished me well in my endeavours, and we vowed to stay in close touch. Take a look at the photos !

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
Singapore
19 May 2006

Official Farewell by U21G

Today was an important day in my life. I was given a very nice and warm send-off by folks at U21G. MA made a kind speech in which he mentioned my contributions to the organisation, and presented me with a Royal Selangor plaque in recognition. The highlight was a powerpoint presentation by JBW incorporating a popular Hindi (actually Punjabi) tune, I tried to upload the presentation and the music to the WordPress website, but it did not go through.

The presentation was really hilarious, and JBW provided me with a copy on CD as a memento.

I was really touched by all these folks, who were already missing my presence but genuinely appeared to be prepared to miss me in future !

I regretted not having my camera again. There was a sumptuous lunch organised in the office and I am sure everyone enjoyed the same.

That evening KG had arranged for a small get-together at Wine Collection near UE Square, we met and enjoyed a couple of drinks. It is a nice cosy place and strongly recommended, the cheese was not measuring up to Moomba standards though. The wine was good and we joked around for quite a while. Some of the photos I took are displayed below.

MM kindly agreed to host me for dinner at a Roman style restaurant across the street. The spaghetti was out of the world and the food was good. Everyone seems to recognise KG at that place - I thought this guy really has class in his gourmet tastes, though his preferred drink is hard liquour type. In fact, he had two straight large whiskeys at the wine bar !

We parted that evening on a great note, and it is a day I will remember for long. Thanks U21G folks, and all the very best for an outstanding year in 2006 !

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
Singapore
15 May 2006

Lunch with Erstwhile Mentor and Friend

My wife and myself were invited by AW and MW for lunch at the Sebastiens in the Hillcrest Road area. I am very familiar with this area of Bukit Timah for three reasons - we lived on Hillcrest Road for couple of years, our second daughter’s school is located on that road, and I used to take long walks every evening around that whole area when I was more fitness conscious than I am now.

AW was my first boss at IBM, and he hired me into IBM in 1995. He was the first Kiwi that I had ever met in my life. He introduced me to Software business, and more importantly, how to work and manage at IBM. Though both of us moved our own ways later on, we maintained our ties. Not only that, his wife MW also worked with me during the heady days at Ariba in Singapore. They are a fabulous couple, and it is such a pleasure to meet them !

It was a hot day and a holiday in Singapore (Vesak day). We drove into the rustic looking environs of Sebastiens, and met up at the restaurant for lunch. It was so nice to catch up after all these months with both of them. I updated them on what I am going to do in India. We were missing MM and his wife, who were supposed to join us - but MM suddenly decided to visit his home country !

It was a good feeling to sip nice white wine with old friends ! The food was OK - I think we were so focused on talking and catching up, that it appeared we were not that interested in the food !!

We decided to stay in close touch, and I touted the magic of Goa which MW hasn’t seen - in fact, she has not visited India even once. Well, that has to change soon. MW has established a winery near Queenstown in New Zealand (Oh, what a place to retire to !), and is now thinking of branding her vinery and the wines. I told MW that India offers a huge market for wines, as the trend is shifting slowly but surely towards wines, atleast in corporate circles. I also mentioned about vineyards in Maharashtra State (of which Mumbai is the capital), who are now exporting to advanced wine countries. MW did know about this, as she talked about a dessert wine she had tasted from a vineyard in India. Carrefour is now hosting Indian wines from Indage, looks like people are trying out.

Well, we concluded with a nice coffee, and it was a pleasant afternoon of strengthening bonds.

Some photos are here for you to take a look…….

Thanks AW/MW for the wonderful farewell lunch……

Best Regards

Vijay Srinivasan
12 May 2006
Singapore