Indians and the Finishing Touch

If Frenchman Jacques Bigot had dark skin, he would look like an Indian old man. He was a short man with sharp pointed mustache. He was heading a special project of building the factory for the organization where I worked. As the infrastructure was nearing completion, he called me in to carry out branding at the factory.

Jacques Bigot had an eye for detail. He was also very particular of sticking to schedules. And while communicating, he was straight and blunt. Despite that it was fun working with him. Despite pushing everyone to commit to a plan and ensuring they stick to it, no one could ever hate him. He was jovial and fun loving.

After the completion of branding at the factory, I went a little late into the factory next day. I was feeling proud that I had done a good job and was sure Jacques will be impressed. As I entered I found Jacques outside and as soon as he was me, he welcomed me by giving a warm handshake and thanked me. I felt good. Then, he said "come with me". I knew there was something else.

He took me to one part of the factory and said "I don't blame and you have done a good job. But I have always noticed that Indians are not good at finishing things properly". Then, he showed me the mounds of mud that had accumulated on the skirting under each of the poster. He said though the posters were properly placed, the vendor had left without clearing the dust. Then he went on the point out to the pencil marks on the wall that had been etched around the poster. This is usually done to ensure that the posters are aligned properly but now they were part of the wall too.

At first, I was upset. Then after some thought I felt Jacques Bigot wasn't wrong. I have myself had such experiences after a visit from a service provider - electrician, AC mechanic, plumber, carpenter. Am sure you must have experienced this as well. Bits of wires strewn around? Pieces of wood, plastic, copper wire, dust that we clean up.

This can be experienced almost everywhere in India. Have you experienced the sudden bump on the road throwing you off balance and giving your back a big surprise. Or the other kind which emerges half feet above the road surface. Not sure if Corporation staff were planning a gutter closing or a speed breaker. The height of the pavements differ or are laid without a thought. Sometime, you wonder why the pavement was laid at all. Or take the Kathipara Grade Separator in Chennai for that matter. In one particular part, the rain water stagnates. And worse the surface is very uneven in other parts. Such a massive project handled by a professional organization with huge amounts of money invested!

Why does this happen? Lack of interest to complete our tasks fully or are we insensitive to the "finishing". 

Teacher's Day, Lesson Learnt

During my school days, I was given opportunities to present Thought for the Day during the assembly session. During one such opportunity I was looking at various proverbs to present. And I came upon this - Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach!

I shared it with friends and we had a good laugh. Of course, I refrained from sharing it in the assembly for obvious reasons.

Couple of weeks back, I realized how immature I was to have made fun of teachers. And how difficult a job they have.

On my visit to my parents place, I chanced upon my niece's Maths test papers. She is an excellent student and a very smart kid. But on that test paper I found a mistake. The problem involved division.

In my mind, it was simple. And I wondered why she could not solve it. I resolved to teach her division. After all, I know division; it is such a simple thing. I scored 91% in senior secondary. And at work, I had trained couple of my colleagues.

But in the process of trying to teach, I ended up scaring my niece and made her dislike me. I didn't have any patience. While I did the sums, I couldn't teach her the basics. I expected her to pick up things just by looking at how I was solving the problem. I ended up admonishing her.

Over the next few days, I realized my blunder. The little girl, who used to like me, now was scared of me. And I started to feel miserable.  

Then, I admitted to my little niece that I was wrong and was sorry for making her feel terrible. Thankfully, the situation was salvaged. And now my niece again looks forward to my visits. On my part, I ensure I don't get into teaching mode. 

Teaching requires not only the knowledge of the subject but also the skill to impart or disseminate it to the students in a manner that they are able to grasp it. A teacher requires enormous amounts of patience. I learnt it. 

Moral of the story: I now realize that teachers are also doers. They just create many other doers. Those doers shouldn't assume that teachers aren't doers.

  

Why I Don't Like Watching Roger Federer Matches?

"When you watch Roger Federer play, you are not watching tennis. You are watching art!"

If this is how I feel, then why would I not like to watch him play?

Unfortunately, though I have been playing tennis for more than five years now, I started following the sports on TV only very recently. All these years when Federer was reigning supreme, I didn't watch him play. Then when I started following the game, Federer's dominance is on decline.

Though he is losing matches rather easily nowadays, watching him play is still a delight. I believe that he has single-handedly raised the level of tennis played today.

To see him lose makes my stomach churn. I get acidity and lose sleep. I usually switch off the TV and go to sleep when I see signs of Federer failing.

Do you feel the same when you see your favorite star go through such situations?

I realize that it is not just Federer. I have the same going for Kamal Hassan too. I still can't watch Moondram Pirai or Ek Duje Ke Liye!

Do you feel the same when you see your favorite star lose?

That also makes me wonder, why can't I just enjoy the sport? Why do I have to take sides? Is that even possible? 

Communicating in Social Media

 

Those in the communications industry know that there are two forms of communicating - one-to-one and one-to-many. As the terms indicate, one may want to converse with only one person at a given point of time or with more than one at the same time. Basically it is about impact and relevance.

Till about a couple of months back almost anything that I posted on Facebook was one-to-many. Be it some story from the net or photographs from holidays. This despite that I have created a variety of lists categorizing friends.

Savitha on the other hand is more discrete. Her sister is far more conservative and prefers not posting photos on Facebook. She and her husband prefer to share pictures only with family through mails or Picasa. In fact, my sister-in-law observed that the practice of publishing huge albums, detailing the action in respective lives, on Facebook was more Indian behaviour. Hard to say if that is true, but does seem to be.

After that I did practice restraint, but the narcissism got the better of me. And after a recent holiday I posted photos on Facebook, for everyone too see. I must say, the number of likes is directly proportional to the feel good factor.

Photos are still tolerable.

What really amuses me is a spouse wishing the partner on birthday or anniversary on Facebook. "Happy birthday, husband (or wife, as the case maybe). Or "I miss you". Recently someone added pictures and details of the shradh for their deceased family member. There was this one occasion where a lady on Twitter spoke about the state of her undergarment during her menstruation.

I wonder if these people would do that in real world, especially in public. I am sure they won't. But social media somehow removes inhibitions. 

How do you wish a friend on his or her birthday? Call, SMS or on Facebook? If on Facebook, do you send a private message or write on the wall. A look at my wall on birthday tells me that people prefer the wall to a private message. Nothing wrong but why wall and not a private message, I wonder. Should be convenience.

I do not have to emphasize the need for exercising caution while communicating on Social Media. It is surprising that while we are agitated by the privacy settings of some social media sites, we ourselves do not practice discretion while we converse.

Here is a model that we could use while communicating in social media. It is based on personal experiences, observation and logic.

Before communicating, consider whether you want to communicate to an individual or a group. Though the group could be anything from a crowd to a close knit group. The message could be a personal. For example, say health records or bank details/passwords. Even things like I love you or my pantie is stained kind of information. Or message could be non-personal like news, jokes, trivia or any information in the public domain.

 

Based on this, you may want to:

 

1. Whisper: If it is a personal message, please keep it strictly one-to-one. Use tools that will preserve the piracy.   
2. Relay: Even if there is nothing personal about it, it is better to be one-to-one. While using any tool shouldn't cause any harm. Would still prefer that one uses an email or private message rather than a social media.
3. Hidden truths: Imagine a secret society. The membership and communication is strictly controlled. Secret society or a close knit group, open communication with outer world is strictly avoided.
4. Loudspeaker: Tweet or share in public. It's information, for the public. 

Some mediums provide only one-to-one communication while others provide multiple options. The choice of communication tool has to decided based on the audience and the relevance. Having said that it is a personal choice of what to communicate and how to communicate. For others, there is a model here. 

 

How much this thought is going to be relevant to people on Facebook, I am not sure.

Why do men rape?

The recent rape and unfortunate death of a student in Delhi has stirred intense emotions in India. Reading the reports on this dastardly act does stir up anger and fear even in men. No man wants any women, family, friend or otherwise, to go through such gruesome episode. But it does happen and I am afraid this may continue to happen. Read the pondering of a girl who articulates her experiences and shares her state of mind which I am sure is how many women would be feeling, today.

But why do men rape?

Some of the things that is commonly attributed are

1. Women dress in a manner to incite a rape.
2. Women travel late in the night, alone, making themselves vulnerable
3. And many more such nonsense

This The Hindu article throws some light into the remedy and the causes. But still why do men rape?

Shouldn't men know the answer, for it lies within and not outside?

This cartoon shows the comparison the human mind - males vs. female brain. While it does make light of the state, it may not be far off from the mark. At least I cannot lie to myself. Men are more obsessed with sexual act then the fairer sex.  

The Maslow's hierarchy of needs classifies Sex as one of the basic physiological needs for man (or woman for that matter). Just that men's needs are insatiable till death and the subject perennially dominates the thoughts. Not an excuse to commit the crime, though.

Can rape actually be avoided?

Castration, death or any other punishment is not going to undo the damage that already has been done. It can act as deterrent. But will it ensure that no such acts take place again? Do you think the countries that have strict laws and which are enforced religiously have no crime? Many countries have death penalties, but does that ensure that no murders or other gruesome crimes take place?

How many of us stop for the signal? Why do we spit when we know it is not a good habit? We happily (men, mostly) urinate in public. We don't stand in queues. To follow rules and be disciplined is not just in us. What I am trying to imply is that if we leave the emotions to a side and think about other dishonorable acts, like murder, stealing and those I have just mentioned, rape is also an act of an immature mind. A mind which despite knowing still commits what shouldn't be. 

Deterrence by exemplary punishments is one way. But avoiding? How do you avoid rapes? I am unsure.

Management lessons from tennis court

During my hotel management days, students were advised to pursue a degrees from universities because Hotel Management was a Diploma program which could hinder chances of pursuing higher education.

So, in order to safeguard my future, I enrolled for BA Sociology. Not sure if I understood and followed whatever I studied as part of the course. But then something must have registered while mugging for the exams. One of the chapters that I studied was on the difference between Psychology and Sociology. Don't remember much but the crux was that human beings behave differently as individuals and very differently when in a group. Got a taste of that at the tennis court, recently. And that too from the set of acquaintances and friends with whom I play regularly.

So like any other day, I reached the court. And like any other day, there were already people playing. Usually, when a set gets over, one of those players come out to accommodate the person waiting. This day was different. As the game got over and I got up to play, I noticed that no one was planning to sit out.

My ego was so hurt that I walked out and determined never to play with those with whom I have played for years. But then, quick calls from them followed by apologies, I relented and went back to playing.

One thing that I learnt in the episode was that the demand and supply theory also applies to gentlemanly behavior. That this applies in the tennis court with supposedly the erudite and sophisticated was interesting. Now, it is not for no reason that it is one of the fundamental economic theories.

But then evolution is also in human nature. It was discussed as to how we can avoid such situation. We decided to apply the Inventory Management technique - Last in, first out (LIFO).

Apparently, it is a common practice in other clubs. Just that our learning curve took a bit longer to arrive there. Or probably, it was become fiercely competitive.

Thankfully, we have now managed to go back to being gentlemanly on the court.

The Power Of Nudge

The Economist is probably the most reputed magazine in the world. I have always wanted to subscribe it. But never did.

Then I started receiving the these emailers from The Economist. Just Rs. 500 for a quarter! Enticing, isn't it? Upon reading the mail, I came to understand that it was an invitation price and that the subscription rate for the following quarters is a substantially larger figure. The payment is automatically debited on the credit card one authorizes. And of course, if you do not want further subscription, just reach out to the publisher and it is done.

Easy, isn't it?

The Economists' marketing/circulation department have been brilliant in this campaign of theirs. They realized the important of Status Quo Bias which means that people have tendency to stick to their current situation.

I am no different. Now every quarter, my credit card is charged for the quarterly subscription of The Economist which I hardly find time to read. But then it is almost a year and I still haven't stopped the subscription.

If you are in a position where you have to influence the behavior of people, then Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein is just the book for you.

A fantastic read, the book offers tremendous insights on how people behave. So it is not necessary that you must be a professional to leverage the ideas in this book. You could be a parent trying to figure out how to make your kid eat good food. Or you could be a family man wondering how to secure the financial security of the family.

Even if you don't intend to influence or nudge others, you will certainly learn a thing or two about your own behavior.

Must read! Do visit their blog and follow them on Twitter. 

Facebook eMail: Evolution or Revolution

It was in 1998 during my post-graduation that I opened my first email account with Hotmail.com. That was also the first time I had ever experienced Internet. My excitement soon turned into great depression.What was the point in having an email id when I didn't have anyone to mail to!

People who had an email id were all my classmates whom I met everyday. I was communicating with them daily. Even if I wanted to write an email what would I write?

Slowly, things changed. I found people whom I could mail. But the real use of email started only when I got into a job. Then, I opened a new account. Again it was a Hotmail id. Little later, I moved to Yahoo! Now, those days Yahoo! was very popular because one could also chat. Yahoo! Chat Room was a great place if you wanted to find a date. I tell you, they were a craze! 

Interestingly, now I had two ids each with Hotmail and Yahoo!.

See how beautifully the economic principles work. During the early 2000, there were far too many email service providers. And when there is too much of supply, the customer always has an advantage. There was this benevolent email service provider called - chequemail. No not check-mail, it's cheque-mail. Now, this service provider wanted to share the money made in advertising with its subscriber base. Wow! Yes, I did jump. Voila, I did receive a cheque for Rs. 50, once. Then? Then the service provider closed down, much to my disappointment. Good things don't last too long, pretty much like the romance in marriage!

Then, I changed to USA.Net. I liked it. But as luck would have it, that too closed. Actually, the free service closed. That was the indication of the dot com burst, maybe. Reluctantly, I reverted to Hotmail and Yahoo! Of course, I should mention that intermittently I also tried various other service providers, too. I can't figure out the rational but that's what it was. 

And then Gmail happened. Google as a brand had become very desirable. With a tactic of invite-only launch, Google further heightened the desire value. I remember begging for an invite from couple of gatekeepers. Actually, Gmail from usage and aesthetics perspective is nowhere close to the others. But then the charm and desire was high. In fact, Gmail didn't even have a chat software at the time of launch. Now, that is the brand pull.

Today, an email id is not only your key to mails and chat, it also gives you access to other services that service provider may have. One id with Google is good for you to access Blog, Orkut, Calendar, Reader, Finance...

Now, here comes Facebook with email service. Except for the fact that it talks of a concept of getting all communication that we do confluence at one point, I didn't understand much. It is proclaimed that it would change the way we communicate. I guess usage may change my opinion, but for now it looks hazy. But then when I was reading about Facebook's move, I somehow was reminded about Google Wave! Not sure why, but that is how it felt. While Wave itself failed, I do think if marketed and packaged well, Wave could be the next Official Communication tool. In fact, it could be the future of Social Networks!

One of the reasons why Wave probably failed was because it was duplicating what Gmail was already offering. Wave was chat and email mixed at the very core. It, in fact, could have been the true Gmail-killer. But then it was a separate offering requiring a separate id and log-in. It certainly was a pain using it. But can you imagine if your current Gmail behaved like Wave! I certainly would have loved it.

That leads me to important email behavior. We have and probably will continue to have two sets of email communications - personal and professional. I am already panicking. Most offices block Facebook, in which case I may find it more difficult to access personal mails. But that leads me to wonder whether convergence of email with social network is necessary? Conceptually, it feels as if it would make life easy. No need to log in into more than one window. But then, in the technology world there are two distinct factors to be considered:

1. Technologies that enable change
2. Consumers move or remain inert (Wave being a classic example of consumer inertia) 

Going by my own behavior, while I do use the messaging tool in Facebook, it is not my primary or for that matter preferred email service. But as Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda says future is a mystery. Honestly, I don't think Ray Tomlinson would not have fathomed how email would grow and become an integral part of our lives. Then, who am I to risk a guess? But I do think Google had or still has a chance to revolutionize email while Facebook is evolutionizing Social Networks.

eCommerce: The Buying Online Story

Arun Kumar Dhadwal was a sort of role model. I was in the 1994-97 batch at IHM, Chennai. And he taught us French and Food & Beverage Service.

Thin-framed man, he himself passed out of the alma matter just a couple of years back. Passionate about French, he also pursued course in Alliance Francaise de Madras and became proficient in the language. After completion of the Diploma in Hotel Management, he decided to pursue lecturing rather than get into the industry. He was very good, I loved the man's style, his demeanor and the way he taught us. He was refreshing in that old Government-run institution.

It was a period when Computers were quite rapidly penetrating.

On one of those lazy afternoons after our free lunch at the QTK, sorry the Quantity Training Kitchen, I settled for Arun's class. And he said something which excited and left me confused. Blame it on the lunch that caused the blood from brains to flow into the primary digestion chamber, maybe. Arun said that internet was becoming popular the world over and that it was changing the way people shopped. He said it removed any barriers in geography. As I said, he also taught us F&B service. And since wines and spirits were in the second year subject, he took the example of how one could order a bottle of wine from a different country through internet sitting inside the confines of his house.

Wow!

Ok, I knew what computers were and how they looked. But I couldn't imagine how a bottle of wine would drop out of those white boxes!

If you are laughing at my naivety, please consider that even today the vast majority of Indians are still not blessed. Internet has touched only about 70 million Indians. And 1995 was another period. I got my first email id only in 2000 and no one to email to!

Things have changed and I have become more aware. Most importantly, e-commerce is a reality and is happening.

2000 and for the next few years was what everyone remembers as the period of dotcom bubble and burst. Honestly, I think there were great ideas, but came quite early.

I can't remember when I first shopped online but the most vivid memory was ordering monthly groceries at Fabmall (now, India Plaza). I was super thrilled about buying online. I didn't possess a credit card but then Fabmall offered payment on delivery, so it enabled me to do the transaction. Incidentally, I was never able to complete my ordering and the page became invalid! And for a moment, I thought this transaction was not going to happen when I got a call from Fabmall and they took the order on phone. So, we probably cannot strictly say it was online shopping. It was almost-online shopping.

And when things changed, they changed quite drastically and I have used Internet quite heavily. Whether it is netbanking or shopping, I have bought a wide variety of products and services over the Internet. And I am not alone. Some reports suggest that in 2009 the e-commerce market was about INR 9000 Cr!

I did start as a skeptic despite having enthusiasm. Am sure many would think why should they shop online? There are many reports on net being an unsafe place. Is there a recourse if the product is defective? Net is only good for buying only some goods...

When I look back and think I seem to have shopped a wide variety of things in the last 10 years. And here are some reasons why I like online shopping:

1. Romance in the delivery: Call me an technology enthusiast or visionary (terms from Crossing the Chasm), I have always been kicked about buying online. Though I couldn't muster courage in initial days, it was just matter of time before I picked it up. My initial shopping for groceries on net was to showcase to my folks that I was a responsible son, which I realize they would never acknowledge! I believe that I am a networking person. More so, if it's to connect to the fairer sex. And one thing that women loved was flowers, I had learnt. Ordering flowers for my interests across the country was enabled by the online sites. There is also certain amount of charm in the process. And I think the impression made is far more impactful.
2. Almost everything under the Sun: Books and tickets (cinema, train and flight, in that order) has probably been the commodities that I have bought most online. Though, I have also bought jewelery, gift items, apparel, mobile phone and tennis racquet!
3. It so bloody convenient: I was notorious for forgetting paying utility bills. Ah, and at one point of time, I had four credit cards and trust me finding the branch or ATM to drop the cheques was a pain. Skypak was an option but it had its own issues. Thankfully, net banking allowed me to pay these bills with a click. But more than paying through netbanking, it is the gateways that provide greater flexibility. 
4. Research, compare: About two months back, I was seriously considering purchasing a sedan. In the first two car purchases, I never bothered to check for options or do research or performances. Alto and Swift were obvious choices. But now, surprisingly, in addition to test drives and speaking to lots of friends and acquaintances, I did so much of research, I can't believe it myself. A visit to Carwale and TeamBHP sites became an integral part of daily life. But I am not sure if I will order a car of the net? Will you? But you never know, if there is a strong motivator, I might. Why not? There was a time buying books meant going to Landmark. Today, I do a camparison between Flipkart, Indiaplaza and Rediff before ordering a book. You would be surprised the variety of prices the same book is offered for. And tennis racquet! Aren't we supposed to hold and feel before we purchase such goods!
5. Recourse, of course: In the initial days, I bought an unbranded walkman (the small cassette player that Sony created) from Rediff. And as my luck would have it, it failed to play. I mailed Rediff and they gave refunded the money. I didn't have any issues. Even if there were, they were solved quickly. Refunds, apologies and a free gift vouchers took care of any bad experience. But yes, online shopping isn't all rosy. Recently, I ordered flowers and gift on Ferns & Petals and they terribly messed it up. You have to remember that when you buy from one of these online portals, you are buying it from some unknown vendor, unless it's a branded product. While I have had good experiences with both Rediff and Indiaplaza, there have been disappointments, too. But there is recourse if you are shopping with an established portal.

In this context the eBay's ad on the eve of Diwali is quite relevant. I am beginning to get excited to think of the future of eCommerce.

And of course, it would be interesting to see what is in store for the physical stores. Long ago during the dotcom bubble, I used to handle PR for eGurucool.com. Mr. Agarwal who founded the company during a seminar said that click-and-mortar has to work with brick-and-mortar. Have you seen Bharatmatrimony and Shaadi's marriage centers?

Business and Driving

Earlier, I had posted about how we make strategic decisions when we chose a route to reach a destination. A cheap(er) imitation from Thinking Strategically, a brilliant book on Game Theory by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. Nalebuff.

A look at my car would reveal to anyone that I have been rather impatient in my driving. The reasons could also be that I have not honed my skills. But many a times, it would just not be my fault. The road is full of morons. So, about a couple of months back, I decided not to get too competitive on the road. I realized that my goal is not to be first, it is to reach the destination safely without causing any harm to self, my co-riders and anyone else on the road. I also decided to stick to reasonable speed limit. I observed that in city it doesn't matter how hard you press the accelerator, you will certainly pull the brakes on red signals every few meters. Most importantly, you just don't gain time.

But coming back, there's certainly a lot of commonalities between driving and businesses.

1. Availability of resources is limited: While in business it could be raw material, people, partners...the most important limitations in driving is the road. Whether you drive an inexpensive hatchback or an expensive limo, there is only that much tarr-ed surface. Demand is so high that any additional supply is usurped, quickly.
2. 
   
   Highly regulated: If the Company's Act is the bedrock for organizations and establishments, the most essential barrier to entry on the roads is the license. And just like businesses, you get a different license based on the market you want to drive it - two wheeler, four wheeler, heavy vehicles...
3. Competition: Companies can be categorized based on their size. Similarly, one's presence on the road is measured by the vehicle driven. While larger presence has an impact, there is enough room in the markets and road to allow everyone to exist. But then everyone is fighting for a space and to reach faster. While drivers may not have the same common goal like companies in reaching out to same target audience, the common element is the direction. In that sense, racing and businesses are more similar.
4. Strategy: Both driver and an organization has a fixed strategy, but make suitable changes based on the situation.  

So next time you drive, think you are conducting a business. A serious one. And if you are one of those who need to deal with road rage, here is a wonderful read. Helps!

Don't Break That Coconut

Today, while on my morning walk, I saw a school kid waiting outside a kutty (small) Vinayagar temple with a coconut in his hand. His mom urged him to break the coconut. Apparently, his exams were starting today. Breaking the coconut is an integral part of the Hindu culture. I remember myself doing it just last week when I took my parents to a temple for a pooja.

On my return, I found pieces of coconut and shell scattered around on the road. It upset me a bit. I wondered why should one waste a coconut. When I was young, my dad told me that coconuts which were offered to God in this manner, referred to as sedurkka selutharthu in Tamil, was picked up by poorer sections of the society and consumed.

Now, as I saw those pieces of coconut flesh on the road plastered and dirty, I wondered to myself, if any person with even a bit of self esteem would pick up any of those pieces. It also doesn't augur well for the one performing this mindless act. They are wasting an expensive product thinking the God, if at all (s)he is there, will be happy. Now, I am quite certain that that God will only be sad about it.

But while I have grown to become an agnostic tending to atheism, I have realized that many such rituals were started to provide some meaning to our lives, often has profound meaning. So as usual I googled to find the meaning behind this ubiquitous act. And here is what I learned. But look at how we have adapted this ritual. Though I must say that this act of breaking the coconut on roads is more of a Southern phenomenon.

If at all one wants to pursue this act, do it well so that there is no wastage. Otherwise, you could simply offer it fully to some poor person. Or simply give it to the maid at home. With impoverishment so rampant, I am sure that that one coconut will provide good nourishment to a family at least that one day.

But certainly the meaning behind breaking the coconut has been lost in translation.

Employees In The Era Of Social Media

Till such a time that we discussed and gossiped in the real world, it was fine. 

Then somewhere Web 2.0 happened. All of us, who were till then laymen and consumed content, were vested with extraordinary powers to create and distribute content with far-reaching impact. It has become a strange world, since then. Free-speech has assumed new proportions.

Couple of days back, I had this conversation with a friend who works for one of the largest IT Consulting companies in the world. He told me that as part of the recruitment process, the company does scan the blogs of applicants. Now considering that I intend to be a salaried employee with no interest in the entrepreneur-adventure, does my virtual verbal diarrhea have any repercussions for my career? Considering that it is easy to be watched and tracked, does my online outbursts hurt my chances?  

I have made some positive mentions about one of my ex-employers. But completely avoid writing anything negative about any of my employer, present and past. And, clients are absolute no-no. So much so, I usually think twice before writing anything negative about a brand. 

Call me a coward, if you want, but am rather very apprehensive about being very vocal on Internet.

Earlier, I had written about Customer Service in Social Media Era. The reason for social media becoming spitting bag is that it is easy for individuals to do so. Now, who wants to go to a website and fill out forms or call a 10 digit number, only to press a few more. But more importantly, social media has become top priority  within the Customer Interaction Management industry.

I had this conversation with an extreme social (new) media enthusiast. He felt that it is absolutely fine with someone expressing his views in the public space. If I recall correct, he said that every individual is also a consumer. And that one should share their experiences with brands so that others can make an informed decision. Quite valid, I think.

It was widely reported that an employee was asked to leave after he made some reference to an institution in a blog. The employee and the employer both denied that the separation had to do anything with the post. In another case, an employee in a client servicing industry tweeted with negative reference to an organization because its staff bus was being driven rashly. While, his employer and the organization didn't have a relationship in India, they were working together globally. There was no damage in this case, thought it did ruffle some feathers and left a bad taste, I heard.

So, what is the desired behavior? Should companies monitor an employee's online avatar? Can social media acts of employees be considered exclusive of his work area behavior?  

As I mull over these points, I am reminded of this profound quote from the blockbuster Spiderman about power and responsibility. I still remain confused.

Many companies, today, have evolved behavioural guidelines for employees. While I have not seen one, myself, I think it would certainly be drafted in such a way that it covers any liability arising due to employees' net act. On a side note, have you read any Sexual Harassment policy? Gives me jitters!

And, oh yes, Shashi Tharoor and Lalit Modi will go down in the history for being two people who lost their jobs due to Twitter, whether directly or indirectly. Now, I am mighty scared.

Research: Educating Consumers or Confusing 'Em!

There was a time when I have had bath with Rin, yes the one that is used to wash clothes. Reason, that was the only one available at the station during our trip to Chennai from Guwahati. It was an almost four day's journey and in those days Indian Railways had an absolutely fantastic record of running late by 13, 14 hours.

Things are not that bad normally. Over a period of time, just like the amount of products that vie for my mouth-share, the number of products that have become part of my bath-share is incredible. There was a time when a soap was enough for the entire routine. Today, the shower gel goes to body; face wash to, of course, face; shampoo to clean the scalp and conditioner to nourish it. Is this sign of prosperity or what!

The role of research reports to 'educate' consumers and 'modify' consumer's behavior to change or enhance consumption pattern is unbelievable. And you thought lobbying happens only with the Government.

Shampoo brands through systematic 'education' urged us to not use good old soap for the scalp. Reason being that the scalp is different from body skin and thus requires specialist product. Once shampoo established, conditioners came in. Of course, then you have afterwash conditioners! Again, since skin on the face is/was different, to 'complement' soap, face wash rubbed in. I still remember when I was young, we were asked to shampoo once a week sighting that the daily application of shampoo would lead to hair fall. But over a period of time, research reports suggested that daily shampoo was better for scalp care.

Staying on the same set of products, while driving back home, Savitha said that a report suggested use of block-soap should be avoided. I was quite puzzled. On quizzing her, she said that the reports indicated that a block of soap attracts germs, hence not good for the skin. Did I read something in between the lines? Of course, I did. To me it looked like a report from liquid soap manufacturers wanting to shake up the block-soap market.

For so many years, people all over the world have been using block of soap. Today, it has become a bad practice!

I came across another such interesting case. A news article whose headline barked - Eat Eggs & Reduce Weight! Wow!

Eggs were a strict no-no for me, considering I am not only big built but also diabetic, I felt very happy. But as I went through the article, I decided to stay away from egg diet. The report 'proved' that a two egg breakfast helps reduce weight considerably. Because of its properties, eggs reduce hunger pangs. Thus, ensuring that a person eats less through the day! Yikes! I would eat as much after four egg breakfast as I normally do and add to the lipid treasure chest (or should I say waist) that I have built, already.

There was this joke in Reader's Digest that I came across. The writer deletes a line from her article stating that pregnant women should stop eating Chinese food. When Editor asks why, the writer replies that she thought over as to what pregnant Chinese women would eat!

Not to say that research reports are all farce, but the amount that is churned out to induce behavioral change can often confuse the consumers.

On something similar but very different, do watch The Story of Stuff.

Housewife, The Endangered Species

I probably belong to that generation where the parents and the kids, both, were in a great dilemma as to whether moms should go to work and bring in the extra moolah or sit at home and take care of the kids and family.

It was a period (70s and 80s) when the general income levels in the country were rather low. The economy was closed. The middle class leaned towards the bottom. Today, it might be slightly moving to the upper end. Liberalization, not only of economic policies but also the women-kind, has accelerated the rapid urbanization thus catalyzing the formation of 'un-supported' nuclear families.

The family now consists of parents, kids and 'integral and indispensible' maid. 

But if there is one 'breed', if I can say so, that is fast vanishing, at least in the upper middle class urbanized society, is the housewives. This, to my opinion is also true, to a large extent, for many other socio-economic classes on both sides of the 'equator'.

While, to start with, economics was the reason from many women to have ventured out of the borders of their house; today, it is all about women wanting to be independent. Making a career is about self esteem. Women, today, are equally and, in many cases, much more educated and aggressive. Emancipation of women has completely altered the social and family fabric. While it is creating tensions in the family bond, it does present great opportunities for businesses. Fast foods, packaged foods and restaurants are variant of one kind. What interests me is the opportunity to professionalize and organize the maid services. Difficult but great opportunity.

Today, it many not be considered an 'in-thing' for women to say that they are housewives. At least, in the circles or categories, which are reading this blog post or can have access to it. Some women upon pregnancy do chose to become housewives. But I feel that, in future, it may not be so. 

But why can't being a housewife be as cool as career woman.  Reasons are many. Most important being that if something is not monetized, it is not valued. Housewives are at best considered a free maid for lifetime who doubles up as a partner, for sex and other reasons, an ayah who takes care of kids and many times also a finance minister. Identification of housewives as a homogeneous group women who sheds tears watching soap opera has been quite detrimental. Another important reason is that housewives bind themselves and never invest in acquiring new skills or for that matter pursue their passion.

I do ponder if with passage of time, housewife species will become extinct. Should I feel bad about it? Can something be done about it? Or is it a species that has lost its relevance? Is it doomed to become extinct like many species that didn't survive the different ages? Will the new environment necessitate development of the new species - the Househusband?

All In My Mouth

When I was a small boy, I would be excited to go to the shop and buy the toothpaste. But those were the days when toothpaste came, as Henry Ford would have put it, any colour - so long as it's white. But then things have changed. So has what I consume for my oral hygiene.

Tooth paste: As I said, paste for many years to me was the white uninteresting Colgate. So when the color TVs arrived and Close Up ads played, I finally felt there was some hope. At the age of 10, I took a firm control over the decision to buy the toothpaste. Maybe I love red color or probably the mouthwash included in the paste was the reason. One of the most difficult moments in life is having to deal or converse with someone who has a bad breath. And I have dealt with many. The fear that I should not have a bad breath was probably the biggest driver. Also being a gynephilic, one has to send the right breath out. Those days, in addition to Colgate, brands such as Binaca (later, Cibaca) and Promise were the other options. Till about 2 or 3 yearsback, I was always a Close Up loyalist.

Lekin Master Ji, app ke daanth! Remember this line from Dabur Red tooth powder ad. Well, Dabur products were never in the contention. But a sudden chance and eagerness to try Dabur Red has changed the course of my oral care journey. In fact, Dentist's suggest that one should change the toothpaste, often. I believe the germs in the mouth also get used to a particular paste as much as the mosquitoes to DDT. And believe me I made a right choice in Dabur's product. Dabur Red comes into your mouth like an electric shock. It is bloody spicy and leaves a burning sensation long (maybe because of laung/clove) after you have brushed. I must say no other toothpaste has refreshed me as much as Dabur Red has. Encouraged by Dabur Red, I decided to try other products from the company's stable. And, again, trust me, you will love Meswak for its taste and feel. Dabur Herbal is also good but comes third in my ranking. Encourage by the overall experience, I recently bought Babool. Seems to be ok. But I think I will go back to Red and Meswak.

Tooth brush: As important as a paste but probably the most least involvement category is the brush. I, too, was very indifferent and brand un-conscious. It had to be less than Rs. 20 and SOFT. A while back, Savitha went to a dentist for routine check. The doctor advised her to use Colgate Massager. Huh, Massager! So, as a good wife, she decided to pick on for me. And that was when I realized that the value you derive from a product is directly proportional to the price of the product. Use it to, to feel it.

Mouth wash: Have you seen the ad of Listrine featuring Cyrus Sahukar? The first time I used Listrine, my mouth exploded pretty much the way it has been depicted in the ad. Except, cheeks stayed intact. The alcohol inside your mouth does have a telling effect on your eyes. And after you have gotten used to Listrine, any other mouthwash is a compromise. I did use Plax, didn't work out for me.

Floss: Now, I am quite certain that for an average Indian, I am more adventurous as far as trying out new products for the mouth is concerned. But it is not that I am, basically or generally, like that. I have this problem of food pieces getting stuck between my teeth. So, on one such occasion, I decided to buy a Oral B Floss. I found it too cumbersome to use and the fine plastic did hurt my gums. On a trip to Health & Glow, I saw a pack of floss. It was a toothpick at one end and a U at the other end with flossing ribbon. Worked well for me. I don't want to share gory details, but I can tell you that if nose could smell in between the teeth, one can die. That is exaggeration for elucidation! While big brands also have this type of floss, they don't seem to be in the shelves.

Not only expensive products but also these inexpensive and colorful plastic tongue cleaners have become part of the daily routine. My mouth has become very sophisticated and demanding customer. It makes me wonder as to what percentage of the grocery bill goes just inside my mouth. And how many brands and products fight for a piece of my mouth.

All this for what? Well, health. And, of course, to have a non-smelly conversation.

But from Marketing perspective it is quite interesting to observe consumer behavior. In my opinion, most of the products that we use for oral health are low involvement category products with high customer loyalty, especially for tooth pastes. On the other hand, brushes, except for mature customers, doesn't attract much of loyalty/stickiness. On the other hand, penetration of mouth wash and floss should be very low. It took me more than 30 years, to take the giant leap and that too without any obvious reasons. Walk into a super market, the oral products do corner a huge space!

The fight for my mouth-share!

Exceptions to the Rule

Marketing books suggest that in order to succeed, the product must be to the liking of the prospective buyer. And packaging plays an important role. Marketers do a lot of research to understand the behavior of consumers.

Ask a lady what her favorite colors are? Purple, Mauve, Lilac, Pink, Lavender, Peach...While men can't think beyond primary colors, women dismiss anything that isn't complicated. Read this nice post by Harsha Subramaniam on 'Why Men Are Colour Blind?'.

Savitha has often taken my mickey on the choice of gifts that my lady friends shower on me. Whether it is a T-shirt or a Body Wash, they seem to give me something of feminine taste. Things which are to their liking. But, if a man dares to wear a dress in 'feminine' color, he can be certain that there will be either explicit or implicit indications from people around that something is not 'straight'. A continued ignorance to such indications is definite path to be branded a Gay. No, not a happy man. Gay meaning homosexual.

So instead of wooing women, the correct market, the law of unintended consequences may apply and one might end up kindling interests from the not-desired market.

So remember that there are exceptions to the rule.

And I am STRAIGHT, Sam Boy!

Why? I Am Racist, Too?

When I started learning tennis, Naru told me that it was a social game.

I picked up tennis quite fast, despite the bodily asset that I had built over two and a half decade. I have noticed that if I don't play tennis any of the mornings, I feel irritated. It later dawned upon me that it was withdrawal symptom. I believe when one plays a sport or exercises, the body releases a hormone which builds immunity and also reduces body pain. When you don't play, the hormone is not produced and hence irritation. Pretty much like smoking and alcohol!

And yes, tennis helps one build partnerships. After a period of time, you tend to stick to one partner. Interestingly, one also prefers playing with the same set of opponents. Ah, now I know what Naru meant when he said it was a social sport.

A group of us, who, earlier, went to the same academy to learn tennis, joined the Mylapore Club about four years and have been playing at a particular court. Now, since last week, we are facing a peculiar problem. Two elderly members, who too moved in from a different club recently, are joining us in the mornings. The day I saw new faces on the court, I felt an irritation in my heart. Then as a good human being, I suppressed it and played with them. But when I realize that they probably are not up to my level of tennis, I felt the subdued irritation roar again.

And quickly I realized that my other tennis-mates had similar feelings. So, we devised a strategy. We called the Marker and told him to instruct the two new members to play in a separate court by giving various reasons as to why our gang should be left alone. And if I know how things will turn out, these two new members who are as good or bad human beings as the rest of us will not be playing with us, tomorrow. Problem solved!

Am I racist? 

There are reports that appear frequently in media about racist attacks on Indians in Australia. Such attacks in other Western countries are also well documented and reported. While we happily call others racists, we must keep in mind that the amount of racism and discrimination we practice is, in no way, any less.

Couple of years back, I went to Delhi for a training program. My ex-colleague who dropped into my room said that he knew which channel I would be watching and that I didn't disappoint. Yes, I was watching a Tamil channel. Now, not that there is anything wrong with his comment, but there was a tinge of charade in it.

I use the term Golti and Mallu quite often. Mallus on the other hand call anyone who has a little extra melanin tissue, "Pandi". For those who don't know, Pandi is a reference to Tamilians who generally have darker complexion. Black skin is not that popular in the white North. 

'Kanjoos Marwadi' term is quite prevalent. 'Muttal Tulukan' generalizes that every Muslim is a dumb head. I have seen a board in a Christian's house that one can espouse a snake but never trust a Brahmin. Sardar jokes are legendary. You name a particular caste or sect; there will be a derogatory reference to them.

Take a look at Corporate, Educational Institutes or any organization, you will find that it tends to be a gang of similar. On Twitter, a top executive of an advertising firm tweeted that people from other states should learn Kannada if they want to work in Bangalore. When confronted, he moderated his statement. Well few political parties in Maharashtra aren't that tolerant. Why recently some Andhra political party beat up candidates from Tamil Nadu who went to Hyderabad to appear for BHEL exams.

But why do we behave the way we behave?


It is in our genes. No one is sacrosanct. We are by nature possessive and jealous. We find security in a group of 'like-minded'. Any change in this routine or exposure to a different behavior, hits at the core of our comfort.

Divide and rule is a strategy. It was used well by Brits to rule India. Post independence, it has served our leaders well, too. Geographies have been divided to create a homogenous mix, standardized on the basis of language. While it certainly has its advantages. But after a point, due to the natural instincts, narrow patriotism sets in. Things are taken for granted. People become complacent. Keralites are notorious for working in any part of the world, or as the joke says, even Moon, but in their own state. Bangalore is full of Tamilians. Biharis earn their bread in Calcutta or Delhi and brickbats in Mumbai. Sikhs go to Canada. It is economics. People flock to where the riches are. Remember California Gold Rush? Human race will race to wherever the opportunities are.

It is not an Indian phenomenon by any means. Today there is news which says that Spanish farm owners prefer Moroccans, Poles, and Romanians than their own countrymen. 

Natives realize suddenly there are few of themselves and being dominated by others. A dislike for outsiders and frustration manifests into violent agitation.

What then?

The sooner we realize that as long as human beings remain social animal, the distinctions will be continued to made. Security and social needs are best derived this way. We will continue to seek more of our own. 

Can you break from the cudgels of culture, tradition, religion, race and practices that have been programmed into our DNA over centuries.

It is a tall order.

Am I ready to play with the two new men in my court? No, not just yet.

I am a racist.

How Gods Help Stop Public Urination?

Urinating is one of the most popular passtimes for many Indians, especially the man-kind. Well, I have indulged in this pleasure activity, myself.




Pity, erudite section of the society thinks it is bad habit! Government runs campaigns urging people to stop urinating in public, makes or atleast attempts to make rules and tries to penalize offenders. But fails, it does, badly in implementing. Difficult! They could build more toilets.

But then Indians do not demand more toilets. We are religious. Very religious, aren't we? So we build more places of worship. Then fight with each other and destroy others' holy places. But one thing we do in unison is to pee in public. We stand united!

While the followers may not live in harmony, the 'Gods' or 'Messengers' have no issue with coming on the same platform, errr, on the same wall to promote a good cause, as you see in the pics.

Caught on Harrington Road, this is not a new trick but caught my attention. As an aethist, I think more about the concept of God, now. I have wondered how human beings started believing in God, why do we need them? I am still dealing with those thoughts. But in the meanwhile this sighting helped me realize atleast one use of God. Or atleast how man/woman-kind use God?

Why Am I Prejudiced?

I met him at Tweet Up in Chennai. There he was sitting by the side of me. In a grey T-shirt and jean. Tall. There was something very striking. I didn't like the way he looked. He reminded me some rock band member. He had a goatee which was tied up, quite fashionably, at the end. And maybe because I don't have a very positive image about rockstars or probably because I feel inferior, I made up my mind about this fellow.

Then slowly the introductions happened. Kiruba started introducing Sandhosh to us. And then my prejudices about this goatee-man drastically altered.

Sandhosh is based out of Singapore and has taken up mountaineering to promote the awareness on Child Abuse. Young software professional could have made loads and loads of money, but decided to follow his heart. Sandhosh soon will be climbing the highest peak in the world - The Mt. Everest. He enthralled the small gathering of Tweeples with his story and tidbits on his training to climb mountains. It was inspirational and touching.

Goutam Vasudev Menon's movies have a cult following in Tamil Nadu, at least in the A centers. He makes movies where performances are subtle and songs are super hit. The story usually is thin but the screen play is great. His latest flick is a romantic love story - Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya. Well, normally I would have rushed and watched this one, too. But the thought of watching Little Super Star - Simbu – was abhorring.

Do I know him? No. I haven't even watched a movie starring him. The little bit I have seen on TV, he comes across as an arrogant and an irritating bragger. But I must admit that I have seen Simbu, in person. I do not have any bad experience in dealing with him. Actually, I have never interacted with him.

So why is it that I feel so strongly about people with whom I haven't even interacted? Though, let me clarify that it is not always a negative feel.

What is responsible for such behavior of ours, actually, sits on our shoulders. Yes, the grey matter. The Brain! While it's our well developed brain's ability that differentiates us from the other animal kind, it is also the reason for many follies that we commit.

Due to our upbringing and experiences, our brain is automated to make decisions on the 'empirical' data. We have been always taught to find patterns and make decisions. This behavior does help human beings because it makes decision making easy. It is called the experience.

Malcolm Gladwell's Blink is all about it. The book makes an interesting read.

But then such experiences, as I have mentioned above, do cloud our decision making.

If I hadn't heard about Sandhosh more, I would have carried my perceptions for eternity. Maybe if I see Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya, I might change my extremely negative thoughts about Simbu. After all, he is a very talented person.

But as it is often said in Public Relations, one's perception is one's reality. We often do not have the time or inclination to go beyond our perceptions. We are not willing to accept that there could be something different than our thoughts.

Would there be a better world, if we do so?

When I Die...

Death!

The word conjures up images of pain, suffering and grief!

What is it about death that scares me? It is not as if I am worried about my own death. When I was young, I was scared that my parents would die in some accident and I would be rendered an orphan! Recently, my wife went on an official trip for about two-three weeks. I didn’t realize much when I dropped her at the airport. But when I came home from office, I felt a slapping vacuum. I have stopped myself from thinking about Cheeku and Pumpkin. They have shorter life span than human beings.

I was mightily depressed after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. I was all of 15, then!

So, it is not necessarily only the loss of near and dear ones that affects!

What is it about death that scares us, if not ours then of our loved ones? Even people with whom we have never interacted seems to affect us? This despite that death is the only certainty in our lives and we all are aware or have been made aware of.

This could be fear of loss of one or a combination of the needs as prescribed in Maslow’s Theory on Hierarchy of Needs. Like when I was in school, the basic and security needs could have weighed heavily on my mind. But Maslow’s Theory doesn’t provide all answers.

Our life is akin to the particles in the universe. It is believed that the particles are always in constant motion while exerting pressure and maintaining a bond with other particles. When a star dies and becomes a Black Hole, it exerts far more pressure on nearby objects than it does in its lifetime. Similarly, we realize the impact of someone who is close more when the person is not around. Even if we don’t keep in touch with a person on a daily basis, the loss is felt. Like a computer, our memory is filled with the thoughts about the person. When we realize that the source of those experiences is not there, we suffer. The emotions and feelings could be mixed, but without a doubt very hard.

There is no running from the fact. Enduring the pain is the only way out.