Street Smart lessons from "The Apprentice," BBC

1) Don't be like a bull in a China shop.

2) Never, ever underestimate your boss.

3) Don't have the horrible, awful look (also referred to as puppy look) in your face, when dealing with a problem at work.

4) Bullshitting or fighting like a wrestling match in the boardroom will not take you anywhere.

5) Don't be a rebellion and show disrespect for your manager. You can disagree with his or her views. But, you must finish the tasks assigned to you.

6) Do not bring personal problems to work.

7) You may be liked by your manager and team members, but when there is no spark or enthusiasm in your work, you may not last longer in the organisation.

8) Apart from doing your work , it is important to explain your achievements to your team members and manager.

9) Know and get the simple facts of business and life right.

10) Don't run hate campaigns on irritants or blame them for failures of tasks, if they have made a valuable contribution to the task.

11) If you can't help yourself, you will not be able to contribute to the business.

12) Closure is most important in any task.

13) Don't be over-smart to your manager as he or she is the judge , jury and executioner who decides your fate in the organisation.

14) Adapting to different cultures is a must to succeed in an international environment.

15) Outbursts, provocation and arguing like washerwoman will only add trouble.

16. Young people must always take the initiative to do what they are good at and not shy away from it .

17) Great enthusiasm is different from outrageous promises.

18) Spark of genius is equally important as great enthusiasm.

19) Don't get complacent at the later stages , even if you perform well in the initial stages.

20) Don't brag your achievements.

21) A business enterprise is not a training institution. Hence , you can't always make mistakes and then say that you will correct it, though it it is good to accept your mistakes.

22) Experience is more important than qualification.

23) Instincts and know-how are equally important as experience and qualification.

24) There is nothing called luck in the business world.

25) If you under-perform consistently, you must evaluate if it is because of an underlying reason or if you are an unlucky person.

26) Stabbing on the chest is better than stabbing at the back.

27) There is a lot of difference between sensible conversations and bullshit.

28) Be a stickler for deadlines and have a devil's eye for details.

29) Missing a deadline is unacceptable.The reason for missing a deadline is beyond the point.

30) Understand the brief clearly. Clarify it as many times as may be required.

31) Proper planning and strategy of a task is as important as executing it

32) Don't fixate academic achievements. Professional life is much different.

33) A tough work environment is like a dog eat dog situation.

34) Teacher's pet and school bullies have no place in a work environment.

35) There is no point in saying the nice and right things if you are in the firing line.

36) Don't get dirty by blaming other people for your faults.

37) Sometimes it is not about what you say, but what you don't say that can save you.

38) No point in saying "Could have , should have and would have done this," if you have not done a particular task.

39) If you don't speak for yourself you will drown in the sea and other sharks will occupy your position.

40) If you believe that you are not good or somebody else is good and do not have the confidence in your abilities, then it is time to lose the job.

41) Take on board what your manager has to say.

42) Silence will not help, be it in confronting or discussing a issue.

43) Following instructions alone is not enough. There must be value additions from your end.

44) The world is only for go-getters.

45) Don't be stressed while taking a brief , reviewing and completing the work. It will affect the quality of the work.

46) Doing work fast does not mean doing it haphazardly.

47) Don't be a lightweight. Be ruthless, if need be.

48)Your speech and actions should be incredibly credible.

49) It is not enough to have fantastic ideas. You must push it with energy, efforts and enthusiasm.

50) Be firm, but fair.

51) Follow your instincts. Stay calm and articulate.

52) Be self-sufficient and realise that the world does not owe you a living.

53) Do not use flowery words, if they are not required. Be concise and get to the point.

54) You can fool some of the people some time, but in the long run honesty and integrity will pay off.

55) Being articulate is different from being well-spoken.

56) Assert your own authority.

57) In a competitive environment, politeness alone will not help.

58) Speak for yourself. Nothing wrong in being polite. However, it is also necessary to display zeal in your words and actions.

59) Have a plan and make sure that it does not crumble.

60) You don’t have to be incredibly polite.

61) Be a forceful project manager, if need be.

62) Prepare a game plan and follow it.

63) Don’t run like a headlines chicken.

64) Priority management is very crucial.

65) Your professional achievements at former workplaces deserve to be mentioned. Do not boast about it. Your performance in the current organisation will only be taken into account.

66) An employer pays salary, allowances, bonus to an employee. The least expectation from an employee is do his or her work, in return.

67) Be ready to dirty your hands, on any occasion.

Employment in the 21st century

Multimillion dollar salaries, business travel across continents, lucrative perks and incentives, organisations with flat hierarchy, winding of big companies and unanticipated lay-offs... The employees of the current century have seen it all. There is a paradigm shift, be it the dynamic work culture, or changing technologies or in meeting the increasing demands of clients. The following sections explain some of the important trends of “Employment in the 21st century”. It also highlights the expectations of the employers and the rapid changes that have revolutionized the workplace.

A) Multitasking and multiple skills The workplace demands employees who multi task, acquire multiple and need-based skills. It is not only a question of cost optimisation, but the employer adopting a leaner, meaner and efficient operational strategy. So generalists are in high demand. Of course, specialists are still preferred for roles that require niche expertise. Employees who multi-task and acquire multiple skills add lot of value to organisations.

B) Social media and adapting to technologies Social media and new technologies play an important role in many businesses. Using social media and the ability to grasp different technologies and use them comfortably have become the basic norm for employees, irrespective of their area of specialization, or the projects they are involved in. Employees who have an edge in these areas will be able to move up the career ladder, quickly.

C) Career transitions and increased aspirations Gone are the days of working for a company for 50 years or working in a particular domain or specializing in only one area of work. Employees have greater aspirations and are not hesitant to change careers, jobs and the huge employment opportunities are an impetus. Employers also prefer employees with diverse experiences. Such employees pass on the benefit of their rich experiences, sheer resourcefulness and understanding of different cultures. They are also to think on their feet in managing and solving problems. Similarly, sabbaticals and volunteering experiences are not frowned upon, even in conventional organisations, as long as they enhance the skills and employability of the employees and translate to tangible values for the organisation.

D) Cross-cultural sensitivity, EQ and IQ Business enterprises are targeting unmapped boundaries and expanding their geographical presence in all areas of the world. Employees working in the technology or client servicing or sales function work and interact with different nationalities. Be it a video conference or a business lunch, the emphasis on understanding cross-cultural sensitivity cannot be overstated. So the typical modern day employee is one who is not just high on EQ and IQ, but adopts a hands-on approach in dealing issues related to cross-cultural sensitivity.

E) Critical thinking and people management Businesses are undergoing major transformations. There are sudden and unanticipated changes, from IT to dot com to social media. So there is a huge demand for people who can think critically, analyse business challenges and scan the market and explore new opportunities. Apart from this approach to business, the employees should also be able to suggest and implement better and smarter methods to execute projects. This also calls for a high degree of people management, networking and also being able to reach to the right people at the right time.

F) Independent Employees who can think and act independently are resourceful and highly prepared, not only in meeting business requirements, but in handling crisis. They also prove to be important assets to organisations. Organisations don’t prefer people who can only carry out orders and instructions.

Conclusion: The modern day employees, many of whom are more popularly referred ‘knowledge workers,’ are an interesting phenomenon. They are a part of an ever-changing and evolving work culture. In the following years, there will be an addition of the different practices that they adapt and are expected to adapt. This will contribute to an in-depth-analysis of the topic ‘Employment in the 21st century’.

Singapore: the most happening country

Several expats and locals confess that Singapore is the preferred destination to work and transact business. Often referred as the tiny red dot, the country’s competitive advantage remains unquestioned. Despite the rating as the world’s most expensive city in ‘Worldwide Cost of Living Survey (by Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU))’ in May,2014, there is an unprecedented demand for setting up new businesses and many expats and locals prefer working here due to the diverse opportunities, excellent infrastructure and appreciation of multicultural customs.

The public transport system in the best, among most other countries. More importantly the efficient maintenance of law and order and the effective functioning of government machinery and accountability of politicians are other attractive factors. ‘A never say die attitude,’ of bureaucrats and the constant thrive for excellence in all walks of life are the other added advantages of living in this island nation. Land Transport authority’s levy of heavy penalties to the tunes of several millions of dollars (1.6 million Singapore Dollars in 2014 and 2 million Singapore Dollars in 2010) to public transport operator Singapore Mass Rapid Transport (SMRT) for delays and safety breaches is a case in point. Similarly, the low incidence of crime and suspicious activities is another favorable factor.

Singapore does not have many natural resources to boost , but the detailed planning and execution of green cover and investments on education and human resources are other factors that help the nation maintain an edge over other developed nations and the rapidly-emerging economies. The numerous tourist attractions and the recreational avenues like pubs and malls are too many options to choose from.

So if you are thinking of setting up a new business in this country or wish to relocate for better employment opportunities or higher education, it is the beginning of a new transition in life. Setting up a business is no hassle to an expat. You can also get assistance from friendly locals for business and professional endeavors and even in adjusting and gelling in the new country and culture. Locals have all the more reason to love the country for the numerous opportunities and the government’s care for the welfare of their citizens.

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Primal Wilderness Rambling

A night trek in Magalidurga on one weekend, followed by rock-climbing and rappelling sessions in Turali on the next weekend leaves me craving for more. As the Bangalore Mountaineering Club is synonymous with catering to trek and travel addicts like me on a weekend basis, I didn't have to think twice before booking a two-day trek to Thirumaleguppi. As I anxiously wait for the departure in Shanthi Sagar Domlur on Friday night at 9:25 P.M., I happen to meet some of my travel companions. We chat for a while and find something in common. Many of us fear leech-bites.

The coordinator Jaya Siddarth introduces himself and tallies our names on the sheets. Somehow we get the impression that he's a serious and strict guy, only to learn later the next day that he has more fun than any of us and easily inspires others to enjoy the trek. The driver takes frequent breaks to keep at pace with the other tempo that carries another gang of travelers. We reach Chickmagalur in the morning at around 6:30 A.M., after going about 300 Kilometers. Beyond Chickmagalur, transport is by jeep or on foot. So, jeeps ferry us in turn, along with our luggage and sleeping bags.

The journey lasts about an hour and costs 500 Rupees. This is not expensive, because it's per group not per person. As we freshen up at Mullodi house, we are startled. The caretaker Satish places his mobile just below the dish-antenna to converse. While still wondering at this amazing technique, we try our luck with our own phones only to be disappointed. The entire batch arrives and has a sumptuous breakfast of idli with chutney and sambhar. We have a small induction then pack our lunches.

Now, it's time for the trek. We start off at 9 A.M. in the morning. From the beginning, I'm watchful for leeches on the muddy path. By alerting others whenever I notice one, I earn the coveted title “The Leech Hunter”. The path is initially muddy, then we come across shrubs and maneuver through thorns and wild grasses. At times, some of the gang takes a diversion, only to be alerted by our guide Satish to follow the group and not get lost. Soon we climb some extremely steep hills and reach the first peak at 11:20 A.M. Initially, novice climbers hesitate to cross the steep sections without ropes or safety-equipment, but after watching others, they realise it's not an impossible feat and do it themselves.

After some rests and photo shoots, we reach Peak 2 in another 40 minutes. Here we encounter some misty areas. On the passage to Peak 3, we face the most challenging task of the trek. We have to slide down a slope. On seeing the spot, we decide to let the experienced trekkers do it first, so they can then help the rest. This works well, except a few slip a bit and scare others in the process. I drop my bag while sliding, but luckily it's picked up by my predecessor. We reach Peak 3 in another 50 minutes and discover to our surprise that the mobile phones still receive messages. We try calling, not to reach anyone but just to know if there is proper connectivity. Yet, that is not to be. After group photos and a one-hour lunch break, we leave Peak 3 at around 2 P.M.

The return trip proves interesting, as many of us choose to slide much of the way, severely shredding our pants. We reach the homestay at 5:10 P.M. then take a ten-minute stroll to Somavathi falls. Reaching the falls is like running a hurdle race. One has to jump a few concrete barriers to get to the cascade. It's also possible to reach the waterfall by wading the stream, though one has to watch out for slippery rocks. Not everyone had the guts to swim at this late hour in the freezing mountains.

After a camp-fire and dinner, we hit the sleeping bags. Breakfast is a taste of authentic Malnad food, before we pack to leave. On the journey back, our vehicle takes a detour to Belur temple. We reach Bangalore, late in the evening with fun memories and a taste for future adventure.

Note: This post was earlier published in lynfuchs.blogspot.com

Green Initiative : A man-made sanctuary in Kodagu

This little sanctuary in South Kodagu is a man-made paradise. We are talking about Save Animals Initiative (SAI) Sanctuary, which encompasses an area of 300 acres and is a village by itself.

The fact that the forest in the area has been nurtured and retained in its purest natural form is due to the efforts of Anil Kumar Malhotra and Pamela Gale Malhotra, Managing Trustee and Co-Managing Trustee of SAI Sanctuary Trust.

“We started this initiative way back in 1993 with a meagre 55 acres and have expanded it as forest land. Some of the area is also used for cultivation of coffee, cardamom, bamboo, rice, banana, tomato and other vegetables and fruits,” adds Pamela. Anil quips, “The Western Ghats region is key source for fresh water and Kodagu is the heart serving Maharashtra and Karnataka.” The duo has settled in India, after donning various hats in the US (finance professionals, waiters, bartenders and hoteliers), only to find later that nature was their true calling.

“Preserving pristine water resources, expanding and protecting the sources of fresh water, cultivating natural organic foods without disturbing native trees and putting waste land to proper use,” has been their mission and they modestly admit to having achieved it gradually and add that they have miles to go.

So was the path all smooth? “Not at all,” Anil hastily adds. “Right from getting workers to procuring materials to managing finances, it has been an extremely tough but rewarding journey.” The Malhotras have also protected the environment while serving the economically downtrodden and socially backward classes for almost a decade in the Himalayas before embarking on this mega venture. Apart from protecting forests and freshwater, their other priorities include rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife, besides conservation of energy. The sanctuary boasts three micro hydro-generators, micro windmills and several solar panels along with solar hot water systems—all of which provide enough electricity to meet their needs. More importantly they do not avail the services of the State’s electricity grid and do not have a single connection to or meter of the power grid. The Malhotras fondly refer to the sanctuary as a natural forest.

True to its name, the sanctuary provides a sanctuary for elephants, deer and tigers to feast on while supplying fresh water to quench their thirst from its river and ponds. They also engage a veterinarian to treat injured birds and animals which come to the sanctuary and those brought in by villagers. The Malhotras themselves have saved an impressive collection of African love birds which are housed in a large aviary.

The sanctuary is characterised by the flavour of nature, be it in the form of homemade cottage cheese/paneer procured from their own cattle and served to guests or the walls made of natural stones (resembling entrances of caves). The Malhotras also take you to the roof-top tree canopy to help you get a bird’s eye view of the sanctuary stretching to the borders of Brahmagiri hills. The view is breathtaking. Anil proudly claims to have spread awareness in several villages on the advantages of organic farming. Anil points out that the place is not a picnic spot or a holiday destination, and says only those genuinely interested in nature should visit the sanctuary. SAI Sanctuary is located at Theralu Village and Post, South Kodagu District. It is near Birunani Village which is a 20 minute drive away.

This article was published in Spectrum, a supplement of Deccan Herald , on October 4,2011.

Heaven on earth : Untouched beauty

I had booked myself on a group tour to explore central and north India and I was content with enjoying only a few landmarks in Delhi and Punjab as the sense of urgency to land in Kashmir superseded the tour’s itinerary.

Watching Bollywood blokes dance around chinar trees in Kashmir, way back in ‘70s and ‘80s, fascinated me and I always had a desire to visit this pristine land. A look at River Jhelum in Kashmir was love at first sight. Our fetish for Kashmiri food landed us at a dhaba and we were served a plate of sweet Kashmiri rice accompanied by Kashmiri tea made of dry fruits, green cardamom (mixed in powdered form) saffron and hot water. Kashmiri tea is light on the stomach, tastes very smooth and has a soothing effect on the throat.

Around midnight, the tour operator wakes us to inform that we have reached Srinagar (the chill breeze confirmed his statement). We retire for the night, eagerly awaiting to explore the city the next day. The next morning, we jump with excitement when we are told that the Dal Lake is walkable from our hotel. A fleet of houseboats, several dozens of shikaras waiting to carry the eager, is the typical scene. We pay Rs 200 for a two-hour boat ride while those wanting a longer ride paid Rs 300 for three hours. We split into groups of four to board the shikaras. The seating is ornamental, comfortable and customised according to individual comfort.

The boatman rows with amazing shrewdness and as we sail along, our eyes catch the attention of a dredging vehicle deployed in the middle of Dal Lake, removing and disposing weeds. Vendors travel in exclusive shikaras to sell Kashmiri silk saris, dry fruits and ornaments to travellers. Passengers get to visit a park nearby as the boatman rests. In the park, one can wear Kashmiri robes and get themselves photographed to treasure cherished memories.

We get back to our respective shikaras and reach Village Bazaar. This is reminiscent of the water-laden streets of Venice. Muttons, stationeries and toiletries and Kashmiri silk saris, you have them all there, besides super markets, barber shops and cobbler shops — all housed in exclusive boats. Tourists plying to houseboats with luggage in shikaras catch our attention. Though the houseboats are anchored, they are moved to other places as per customer requests, to areas as far as Jhelum or canals of Srinagar.

Post-lunch was reserved for exploring gardens and shopping. The first garden on our itinerary was Shalimar Bagh, which is 15 km from Srinagar. In Shalimar Bagh, canals made of fine polished stones run in the middle of the first and second terrace, whereas the third terrace has a black marble construction. Mughal emperors entertained their guests here, we are told, whereas the fourth terrace was meant for Mughal queens and royal ladies. Our next stop was Pari Mahal. This garden is a 10-km drive from Srinagar.

There are six terraces and the notice board informs onlookers that the monuments are protected by the government (though only ruins are left now). But the ruins too are beautiful and we could only imagine their grandeur in the days of yore. Chashma Shahi, another popular garden here, is a five minute drive from Pari Mahal and the water here, which flows in from a local spring, is said to be rich in medicinal properties.

On our second day in Srinagar, we started early to procure jackets, hoods and snow protection shoes, on rent, before visiting the Gulmarg snow peak, which is an hour’s drive from Srinagar. We could see several adventure junkies trying to reach the hill top.

The most amazing feature of these snow peaks is that sun rays, somehow, do not melt the ice. We left Gulmarg late evening, after playing our hearts out in the snow. Early next morning, our last day in Srinagar, we decided to seek some adventure by white water rafting on Lidder River. It is offered in two stretches. A two-km ride costs Rs 200 and a seven-km ride Rs 700. A rower and a life saver accompany passengers in boats of varying capacities; some can accommodate four, the others six, and some others even eight people.

Later, we head to Pahalgam by bus. The horse ride here is also quite adventurous. And as we retired for the night, we looked back and realised why people call Kashmir ‘heaven on earth’. It definitely is. Green gardens, snow-covered hills, beautiful lakes adorned by shikaras, and of course, warm locals. Kashmir is a paradise you need to savour at least once in your lifetime.


This travelogue was published in Sunday Herald ( a supplement of Deccan Herald) on August 28,2011.