Leaders build (your) Career

You must have come across and read a lot of articles and insights on how to develop Leadership skills for your career, or how to develop the leader within you to skyrocket your career trajectory. But today what you are going to read is something different, a different perspective and take on how influential the leader (that you have in your professional world) is to help you build your own career. After finishing the read, you will come to realize what the following statements really mean - "Employees don't leave the organization, they leave bosses" , "In effect, you don't switch companies, you switch bosses" , "Your mentor/leader will help you grow professionally- whether in this company or the other".

So let's begin.

Leaders/Managers who value you give you credit

In case you are a professional with a considerable career history, then you would know exactly what it means. Unless your manager sees you as an important asset in his/her team, it's very difficult to get yourself recognized in the larger scheme of things meaning in the Sub-unit/Department/Vertical/Organization, no matter how much effort and/or outcome you deliver. Very few people in the work industry could manage themselves to be in the limelight of the organization without the due support and intervention of their managers.

What you do matters when it comes from the Top

Being involved in projects/activities that matter the most in the organization/department has a lot to do with how your manager would delegate work areas/responsibilities within his/her team. If you are the chosen one, you would get to work on the things that catch the attention of the "eyes" that matter the most in your growth and recognition. Some might argue that one can create value on their own provided they exhibit a fruitful outcome. But my friend, it's easier said than done. And only few can achieve it in real sense that way, with some equation of luck too playing a role. Else, for most, the building of the career path is definitely in the hands of the managers. I prefer to call them leaders who would have a vision for someone (or for all) within their team.

Leaders take you all along

It may not be a written rule but in practice when Seniors in an organization switch organizations, they (poach) take along their mentees, sooner or later. Of course, there is a trust factor and a comfort level that plays the pivotal role in such outcomes. The result- you switch too, and more often than not, for a better role, profile and of course salary/package. That's how leaders eventually help you advance in your careers, not just within the organization, but beyond too!

Careers are co-developed with a leader

Career development is a joint effort. While the leaders want their employees to drive it, they still need to provide the environment that doesn’t just encourage and support it, but also creates agreements around it. What’s more, they may need to help their mentees learn how to drive their development. It takes time and effort to collaborate on their trajectory and provide this guidance, but the investment in their skills makes them more valuable and more loyal—factors that ultimately benefit the both.

You benefit under the shelter of a visionary leader/manager

When your manager is truly your mentee and if he/she is a visionary, then trust me it's the mentee who definitely benefits, but of course after the necessary inputs i.e hard work. But probably, that's what every employee is expected to be putting in, right? It's like a chemical equation- For many the hard work in the equation may not result in desired outcome, but when the same is coupled with the positive catalyst of a visionary leader, the outcomes let you shine and rise and nothing less. 

So, isn't it obvious that one of the ingredients for a successful career is a visionary leader/mentor?

Pls put your thoughts in the comments below! Would love to know your side of the story.

Getting ready for Campus Placement Interviews

Although not expert comments or opinions, but after having taken more than a dozen mock interviews for the candidates of Batch of 2017 from FMS, Delhi, I have compiled the below points that one can keep in mind for preparing themselves for the campus placement interviews. Hope that these can help you better prepare and boost your candidature during the interview.

1.       CV will just get you shortlisted, the rest is upto you

Once you are called in for an interview, do not worry about how good or bad your CV was. It won’t really matter. Because the job of your CV is over and true test begins. During an interview, probably the first few questions would be “Tell me something about yourself” or “Run me through your CV”. After that, more often than not, the Interviewer would stop looking at your CV and focus on what you say and share. That’s when you would want to escort the conversation into your strong zone and ensure that your introduction has enough meat for the interviewer to generate next few questions.

2.       Clichéd questions, Un-clichéd answers

Very often you might be asked such clichéd questions like “Tell me something about your strengths and weaknesses” or “Why did you choose the particular stream- Finance/Marketing/Consulting?” etc. Interestingly, these questions may be worded very differently but would essentially mean the same. For example, instead of asking about your strength, the question may be “Tell me something about yourself that you are very proud of” or “Tell me something that you can say people should learn from you” and so on.  As much clichéd these questions are, your response needs to be as much un-clichéd and original. Imagine the situation of the interviewer where he/she has interviewed 20 candidates. Only those

3.       Consider asking for a few moment before attempting to answer

When you face an unexpected question which seems rather complex, you can always borrow some time from the interviewer by asking. Some consider that by asking sometime during the interview, you might ruin your chances of getting selected. But that’s all myth. In fact, for deserving questions, you should pause and give it a moment’s thought. It actually portrays that you think before you speak, a quality that is cherished in a professional life.

4.       Structure your answers

During an interview, you might face various opinion –questions or even not-so-straight-forward questions. To answer such questions, you should keep a structure in your mind. A logical structure will enable you to answer holistically and in a smooth manner. For example, on questions such as “What are your views on the recent Demonetization steps taken by the government?” you need to discuss pros and cons, short-term and long-term impact, fact vs experience etc. It is better not to start with a one-sided opinion. However, sharing your personal opinion is indispensable.

5.       Bring Emotional connect, not just stats and facts

Facts, figures and analysis are an integral part while answering interview questions. Nonetheless, you should not confine the answers just to numbers. While numbers quantify, you should not forget to discuss the qualitative aspects. For example, in the above question of Demonetization impact, you can and should definitely bring in the RBI statistics and the GDP figures. But at the same time, you should also discuss the impact in the lives of normal people. The emotional factor hidden behind the big numbers .For example, the support that the public at large have extended despite huge pain and sufferings, all in the hope that something good is awaited at the end of it.

6.       Be Original, Be Yourself

You are most comfortable when you are yourself. Do not try to copy or imitate others. Be you. Be natural and that’s when you will sound more confident and convincing during the interview.

7.       Incidents, personal experiences and stories make the conversation livelier

Simply making a point on a topic or question is not enough to ensure that the interviewer has heeded to your answer. Consider the interview duration as a conversation. In order to make the conversation livelier and memorable, share personal experiences and stories that are pertinent to the questions asked. For example, while sharing your strengths, you can narrate an incident from your work/college/professional life that exemplifies it, thus bolstering your answer.

8.       Body language does matter

Except for telephonic interviews, your body language and posture also can also make you gain or lose some points during the interview. Do not be casual is what everybody would recommend. In addition to it, do not be timid, shy or nervous. Exhibit confidence, not just in your speech but also through your body language.

9.       Maintain eye-contact

Never look down or up or stare at your fingers etc while in an interview. Maintaining eye contact will bring positive vibes during the conversation. It is a way of exhibiting conviction for what you say and helps the interviewer believe in your words.

10.   Be ready with appropriate question(s) for the interviewer as well

An interviewer is as much the interviewer wanting to know you personally, as much it is that you wanting to know about the company/role etc. So do not waste any such opportunity. Make sure the interview is an interaction, not a one sided question-answer round.

Good Luck for your Placements!

कोई दीवाना कहता है...

Inspired by the famous "Koi Deewana Kehta Hai" of Dr. Kumar Viswas, I have added a few verses of my own:

कोई दीवाना कहता है, कोई पागल समझता है

मगर धरती की बेचैनी को बस बादल समझता है

मैं तुझसे दूर कैसा हूँ , तू मुझसे दूर कैसी है 

ये तेरा दिल समझता है या मेरा दिल समझता है

................................................................................ 

तेरे इस प्यार में मुझको अब बस डूब जाना है

मोहब्बत किसको केह्तें है, ये दुनियां को बताना है

के जीवन की हर एक मोड पे तेरा साथ निभाना है

यही तेरी ही चाहत है और मेरी भी तमन्ना है

मै तुझको भूल करभी भुल जाऊं, ये हो नही सकता

मैं तेरे बिन भी जिन्दा हूँ, ये मुमकिन हो नही सकता

जो मुझसे तु कभी रूठे, ऐसा हो नही सकता

मेरी चाहत अधूरी हो, ये कोई कह नही सकता

इन्द्रेणी की एक मुस्कान करदे, मौसम को मस्ताना

खिले बाग की खुसबू से भवरा होता है मस्ताना

जो खाबों को हकीकत ने मिटा डाला, अगर क्यूंकि

तु कितनी खूबसूरत है, जो बन बैठा मै मस्ताना

Get Ready for GMAT and FMS

I have received quite a few inquiries on GMAT preparation and admissions at FMS. I have tried to provide the best of suggestions, recommendations and help to everyone who had inquired from me. So now I thought how nice it would be if I have the online repository of what I have to share on this matter so that even those who have not inquired can refer and may be benefit from it.

So before I begin with the actual info, data and tips, a brief:

• My target group for this post is MBA Aspirants (especially aspiring for Faculty of Management Studies and are applying under the Foreign Students category)
• It’s been 3 years that have taken my GMAT test and it’s been more than 8 months that I have passed out of FMS. I belong to the Batch of 2014
• If you just need some help with the GMAT preparatory materials, then do drop your email id (Gmail account) in the comment box at the end of the post and I will share with you my GMAT Preparation Folder from my Google drive

What does it take to apply for FMS?

A minimum score of 650 in GMAT is mandatory for application. Along with it, your 10^th, 12^th and Graduation marks/percentages/CGPAs are also required.

When is the last date for application?

The last date for Foreign Students is usually end of Feb, 2014. However, do check the actual dates in the official website: http://fsr.du.ac.in/ under the “ Last Dates for Application Submission” link. Alternatively, visit the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_c8B4O8ufMAUU9JZWhFZm9PbVk/view?pli=1 and go through the Foreign Nationals section at Page 10 of the brochure.

How do I submit my application?

I believe for Non-Nepalese Foreign Students, the application can be submitted directly to Foreign Student Registrar (FSR), Delhi University (Gate No 3). However, there are generally three ways (for Nepalese students) to have their application sent and processed:

1.       Through Indian Embassy at Kathmandu
2.       Through Ministry of Education, Kathmandu
3.       Directly submitting to Nepalese Embassy, Barakhamba Road, Delhi

It is advised that you personally visit the Nepalese Embassy in Delhi with your documentation and the Originals well before the last date. It is then processed here and sent to the FSR. 

How and when will I know whether I am selected or not?

Usually, the results are announced somewhere around May. The list of selected students and Wait-listed students is published in the www.du.ac.in website or fsr.du.ac.in.

What do I do if my name appears in the selected list?

Basically, you are required to be present at the FSR office within certain date to confirm your seat. You will be asked to appear with the Originals of your documents that you had submitted along with your Original Passport. Also, some other letters like Proof of stay outside India (which should certify that you were not residing in India for the at least the past 9 or 12 months). Don’t worry; here onwards you will get all your required steps over emails through the concerned departments.

What do I do if my name appears in the Wait-listed Candidates list?

That is a very ambiguous state now. You can either be happy that at least you have now got a chance or remain anxious to know that someone from the “selected list” is not joining and you are now the first-one among the wait-listed. Nevertheless, don’t lose hope is the moral of the story. However, start thinking seriously of alternatives.

Is only the GMAT score important for selection?

Although selection is relative (based on the number of applicants who have applied the in the same year as you have applied), the selection is not purely and solely on the GMAT score. It is advised that you supplement and strengthen your application documentation with relevant certificates and honors of achievements (be it academics or extra-curricular). Even letter of recommendations from your school/college professors or previous work employer will bolster your candidacy.

How to apply for GMAT Test

Applying for a GMAT Test is very simple. www.mba.com is the official site where you need to register yourself. But before that you need to apply for a desired date in order to schedule your GMAT test. Notice that in Nepal, the only test center is Kathmandu College of Management (Gwarko) and the tests are available only thrice a week: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. A total of 9 slots are available each day. It is advised that you register for your date at least 45 days in advance to secure your day and time (and also give you that dedicated 45 days of preparation time).

Follow the steps to find the test dates:

1.       Visit www.mba.com
2.       Go to THE GMAT® Exam> Find Test Dates
3.       Enter “Kathmandu” or whatever location you desire for in the “Choose a Test Center” page and Click Search
4.       Select the desired Test center/ centers and click Next
5.       Select the date in the desired center
6.       You will find the list of available slots under Morning and Afternoon
7.       Once you decide on the desired date and time, you can exit  from the page

After this, you need to create your GMAC Account by clicking on the Take the GMAT Exam button on the home page. Once your GMAC account is created, follow the steps to register yourself for the test:

1.       Select “Register” under the THE GMAT® Exam link
2.       Click “Schedule a GMAT Exam”
3.       Login with your GMAC account
4.       You will prompted to choose a test center
5.       After selecting the Test Center, click of “Show me the next available dates”
6.       Select the date and time and then Click on Complete Order in order to proceed for payment

For Nepalese: In case you do not have a credit card to pay the $250, then you can reach out to NIBL or any other banks that facilitate such payments. You will need to give your GMAC Id and password and equivalent amount in NPR. That’s it. J

How to prepare for GMAT?

Although there are numerous coaching centers that can help you prepare for the test, always remember that the centers will only remain as enablers for your preparation, thorough and dedicated self-preparation is very much required for a decent score in GMAT. Now that GMAT has four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Section and Verbal Section, it has become all the more demanding. A total exam time of 3 hrs 3 minutes will really be taxing unless you have given ample mock GMAT tests in the true spirit. Begin with GMAC Official book and then gradually move on to Kaplan, Manhattan and Advanced Kaplan. I have uploaded some Manhattan Strategy Guides for Verbal and Quant in my drive. Just drop in your email address if you want to access them.

I would really advice that at least 20 days prior to your test date, give your 100% time to GMAT preparation. Start tacking mock tests (as if you were actually taking a real one) every alternate day. However, as advised for every other tests, do not panic and take pressure when you are just a couple of days from the test date. Revise. Gain Confidence. It’s okay even if you do not take any more mock tests. By now, you must have already done away with at least 6-7 of them. Remember, Appearing for a GMAT test is not just about getting the correct answer, it’s also about your timing, your cool and your consistency. Most important: Do not lose your cool.

Good Luck! :) (y)

Strangers. Acquaintances. Estranged.

Billions of people in the world

Some very jolly, yet others too cold

We come across strangers every single day

May not talk or guess what- we may

Those unknown faces become familiar

As you spend some time together

Chitchats and conversations as you go along

Silence in between, just to hum a song

Lots of topics to discuss, debate and gossip

Over the coffee as you take the sip

Mixed feelings and delicate emotion

Slowly enter with some confusion

Time flies by and waits for none

Need to express your love, in case you have grown

There you are, with the stick of red rose

She had never thought that you would propose

No hard feelings, but the turnout rate is low

Rejection gives you a kind of big blow

Sometimes lucky enough to continue being friend

Else you’re left with no option but be estranged

Back in the world again with lots of strange faces

To start the first conversation again, he almost dreads

No more heart-breakups and no more pain

All those ‘cherished’ moments went in vain

इतना ना मुझको तुम प्यार कर ना...

नादाँ, नटखट, भोला और प्यारा

अपने माँ-बाप का राज दुलारा

पढ़ लीखकर कुछ बन्ना मै चाहता

मानव जातीको श्रेष्ठ कहलाता

आँखोंके सामने बिल्कुल अँधेरेसी छागई

जीवन गोलियों की मोहताज बनकर रहगई

युहीं चला जाऊंगा, ऐसा सोचा न था कभी

सिर्फ दस सालका ही तोह हुआ था अभी

क्यूँ होती ये हत्या और हिंसा

क्या होता आतंक या प्रतिहिंसा

मुझे बस अपना बचपन था पता

जिसे हाँ तुमने दिया जड़से मिटा

मासूम हूँ मै, बेकसूर और अबोध हूँ

मेरी मौतका तुम्हे दोषी भी ना समझूँ

मेरी कमीसे माँबापका जीवन बंजर ना बने

आखरी साँसों दर्द बस इस बातका है मुझे

हे भगवन,

बचपन इतना असुरक्षित है अगर

मुझको तु जिंदगी दुबारा दे, मगर

माँबाप बस ये जरूर कहना:

इतना ना मुझको तुम प्यार कर ना

की मेरी अर्थी में रो-रोके पड़े तुम्हे मरना

इतना ना मुझको तुम प्यार कर ना... इतना ना मुझको तुम प्यार कर ना

#PeshwarAttack

RIP the innocent souls, Deepest Condolences to the bereaved families... 

So, what do you say, of female smokers?

Me: So you smoke once in a while or regularly?

She: Um, you know, only when I am in the mood, may be once in a week, or month or even once in two months…

Me: Hmmm, good that you are not addicted! :P

She: Oh, it is just to help me relieve some inner pressure that builds up from time to time. And, by the way, just out of curiosity, how do you perceive of a female-smoker, huh?

Me: Well, honestly speaking, I find it amusing and interesting. Not that I mean cigarettes are “boy’s toys” kinda thing, but you know, you only get to see a lady-smoker occasionally and that’s what makes it quite amusing! At least for me.

She: (laughing) That is hell of a compliment, I must say! But you know what, when people see a man smoking, the first thing that comes to their mind is “studd” but the first thing that comes to their mind when they see a female smoking is “s**t”. They will scan you from top to bottom and build up an image of the girl as if she is too easy to get. Such bigoted mind-set they have, phew!

This made me wonder, and ponder over my own comment. Was it biased? No, I still mean it because I have come across very few female smokers and thus, with no prejudice attached, and no interference on her decision of choosing to smoke, I find it amusing to see a lady-smoker. It’s sheer numbers or instances that one comes across. And just to draw some parallel, it would be something as interesting as seeing a father give a bath to the 2-year old baby.

Of course, there are enough men who understand the individuality of a human, be it male or female. They do not prejudice on matters that concern free-will or independence or good vs. evil etc. based on gender. Yet, there are more than enough people who happen to be around with the mentality of portraying a female-smoker as uncultured or “out of line”. More often than not, people tend to give an OMG look when they see a female smoking or gasp “SHE SMOKES?!” loud and clear if they hear about one. When was the last time they imposed a ban on smoking for females? Never!

Neither do I smoke nor am I applauding the female (or for that matter, even male) smokers here. Just the thought, that the lady might be very well aware of her limitations and knows the cultural boundary. It is not apt to jump to an evil conclusion about someone solely on such basis. Perception needs to be freed from biasness. It’s not ipso facto that if she smokes, she drinks or gets drunk. If you think so, then it does mean that you have a sick mentality.

PS: Statutory Directive- Smoking is injurious to health.

Silent Lover

My love for you keeps me alive

Day-in, day-out, in every single heartbeat

It is you whom I feel, Adorable

A true delight to the sore eye

I know, love is not a treaty

Nor does it demand reciprocity

Swear, I am in love with you

For not the body, nor the external beauty

You are the queen of my heart

Truly and entirely, for thy soul

My love might be irrational, but it’s not blind

No shame, no guilt in my feelings for you

What matters most is your happiness,

Be with me or somebody else

Eternal love is all I have to offer

Waiting for the day, before I die

When you come up to me,

My arms wide-open, to welcome you I say,

You are my love, you are my friend

You are my life, you are my soul

The reason to be, the purpose to live…

Some relived memories and some fresh ones…

When you are a college student, you so much long for it to be over and desperately wait to enter your professional life. And once you have ended your college life and a couple of months into your professional life, if you happen to relive the similar moments once again even for a day, you feel nostalgic and wish that you were still a college student!

It happened with me in my recent trip to Pune from Mumbai where I visited bro +Rajat Bajaj  to spend my last weekend. Yes, he is pursuing BBA and lives with his college friends in a flat. I was a warmly welcomed guest/big bro there. Although I had lived in a hostel during my MBA, I am well-versed with the life of a college student living in a shared flat with friends.

This visit freshly reminded me of how much we cherish our un-managed life during college-years. No schedule. No time-table for food. Jab jago tab sabera! Search for fresh clothes amidst the heap of clothes lying at a corner. The 2am ride for a cup of tea. The care-free attitude because you are away from home. And at times, wishing goodnight when the rooster does cock-a-doodle-doo and the rest of the world start their morning.

I am equally thankful to Rajat and his friends who made me a part of their daily chaos, even just for a day. Speaking in Nepali after so many days with him and his friends. Shopping for vegetables and spices for the kitchen. Indeed, I was really pleased to see their cooking skills when we started to prepare dinner at 11pm and ate our dinner at 1:30am. And then the drive to the 24x7 CCD with +Tapan Waval  and the 4 of us at 2am. (Rajat and friends will not forget the ‘gyan’ that Tapan gave while he was our audience to the 1:30 am dinner!)

And then, after my 2.5 hours of sound sleep, I woke up as excited as others for our bike trip to Lohagadh Fort. Ajay, Rabindra and Rajat were the owls that night. Nevertheless, it was almost after 2 months that I rode a bike (Rajat prefers calling it a bike, although Honda Activa is a scooty) and that too for a long ride. (Getting the scooty is altogether a different story). Now, some moments during the journey were memories afresh. For the first time, I rode a scooty, without a helmet, with the rains making it an enjoyable challenge.

It was fun after a long time. A scenic and pleasant trek after a 80 km ride. Away from work. Near to the nature. Serene and calm. Some challenging feats while climbing up the hills and reaching the Vinchukata fortification. The excitement at the top and sitting at the corner of the hill. The trip was indeed a complete package for me at least.

Grateful to you, Rajat, for planning out the weekend in a fantastic manner. Time to plan for upcoming weekends!

Express. Share. Enjoy And Keep Smiling!!!

I have been exposed to friendship since childhood. I am sure all of us have been. But yet, very few of us are still in contact with the very few “chaddi buddies” from the yesteryears. To be honest, I am afresh with just a handful of people from my school days, but indeed very special. Over the years, we make friendship with new people and carry on. It’s not the number of years that you have known someone makes him or her worthy in your life. What’s special is the plethora of memories that you have cherished with that friend. 

Certain events, instances in my life have helped me understand friendship with a close-up. Definitely, those events and instances are materialized because of the beautiful friends and I still cherish the friendship with them.

For many years, I believed that it’s better to share only the joys and happiness with friends. I would try and refrain from expressing any concerns and troubled feelings amongst friends. I was somewhat introvert or rather not so extrovert before I was friends with her. Her friendship has made me pen down a friendship motto in my life: Express. Share. Enjoy and Keep Smiling!!!

Friends are someone with whom you express your feelings, no matter how weird or outlandish they may be. They are the partners of your happiness, sorrow, achievement, trouble, not to mention the restaurant bill. You share with them your plans, secrets, pranks and of course the lunch-meals. You enjoy every moment of the togetherness, come heat, cold or rains. It’s this friendship that keeps you smiling, even in tears.

This post is dedicated to my dear friend who has helped me believe in this simple yet effective notion of happy friendly life. Cheers to our friendship!!! #ESEnKS!!!

Someday we will have coffee in this! :)