wawconsultancy

Posted 12-08-2009Reply

When candidates find out they didn’t get the job, some want to know why. Should you answer, or just keep quiet?

Well, some recruiters answer, and some don’t. What are the benefits of giving feedback to unsuccessful job seekers? Not much, other than the fact that you might look like a jerk if you don’t answer. And of course, you might want to help someone’s job search by giving constructive criticism.

But here are some of the problems of responding:

Some candidates ask for your reasons just so they can try to convince you you’re wrong.

The real reasons can be hard to articulate. It’s easy if the answer is, “You don’t have enough experience in [blank],” but not so much if it came down to something vague like cultural fit.

And, of course, there’s always liability to take into account. If the reason you give strays slightly from the truth, the candidate might try to claim you’re lying and the real reason was race, gender, etc.

So, should you say anything when a candidate asks why you hired someone else? There’s no easy answer. If you tell them anything, it might be a good idea to do it through e-mail so you don’t get trapped in an unending conversation about why you’re wrong.

We’d like to hear about what you do in these situations!!!!

Rated +1| Posted 12-08-2009

Fortunately I have not faced to a difficult situation in an interview. But all the applicants like to know whether they are selected or not and if there are any weaknesses not to be selected. I think you have watched TV reality show programs. the judges should comment about the talents and weaknesses of the competitors. some agree and some disagree. how ever they have to face that reality.When I go to an intervew I like to know whether I was selected or not and if not, the reason. I dont want to criticize the decision, but to learn and update me. I believe every candidate like to here the reason for not selecting.

As a HR professional, most of the time I express my view and try to comunicate something to inspire their carrier path. Sure, that perticular interview is not the world end. also there may be something the candidates should know, sometimes about their CV, qalifications or the link between their own qalification and the post they try to join. it is worth to guide some one to a better path.

If the candidate doesnt fit with the organizational and job requirement, it is easy to express it.

thanks and regards

Nimali

Dear Jagbandu,All of have that kind of expirience, in most of the interviews, we get only the answer that “We will let you know” or ” You ll be called for 2nd interview when we arrange it”. I have participated for interviews with different managers and with Chairman and MD too. In my early age of HR, I didnt know that how much it affect a company if we say that we ll call you for 2nd interview to just end the interview discussion. some managers did that. Also some managers used to tell that we ll let you know answer. But as I think after the interview we should evaluate candidates and only after that we can select some for 2nd interviews. Sometimes we feel that some candidate is the suitable one for the position, but after another candidate, we see that he/she has more capabilities. so I think it is our responsibility not to comment about the 2nd interviews till the evaluation been done. If we feel that the perosn is not really suit to the position, It is our responsibility to inform them that they are not suit to the appropiate position, coz of ……….. reason but their CV will be taken to consider for more suitable positions which can be arrise in the future. then they will not either be dissapointed or they will not be hopeful about 2nd interview. Also most of the time I give some advises them to find a position which really suit to their qualifi and expierience. Then they leave the interview room with happy smile on their faces.

But do u know, my chairman said me yesterday that we shuold not inform the candidates ( who are introduced or known by directors/ managers0 that they are not selected, coz then they try to infuence and began to cry for the job. He also said that saing to candidates about not been selected is suit for the urban area companies not for the companies in villages, which has a lots of connections with villages. As per my expirience, that is also true coz when you are jobless, you dont want to hear any thing but you are selected.

Nimali

Jagbandhu

Rated 0| Posted 03-09-2009

Dear Jagbandu,All of have that kind of expirience, in most of the interviews, we get… See Nimali’s complete reply

Nimali’s reply

Nimali

Hi Nimali, I am very thankful to You to share this wonderful reply. I am sure this kind of sharing would very valuable for everyone in all aspect. 🙂

Regards
Jagbandhu

Rated 0| Posted 03-09-2009

http://hrlink.in/topics/bridge-of-forgiveness

Dear Jagbandu,All of have that kind of expirience, in most of the interviews, we get… See Nimali’s complete reply

Nimali’s reply

Nimali

Hi Nimali!
Thank you for sharing Nimali.
I agree with you that most of the companies are not willing to share the information of ‘not selected’ with candidates as it may lead to further complications in the form of influeincing and threatening which happens in areas where as you rightly said in villages where there is lot of interaction with villages due to various reasons and the companies are bound to take local people irrespective of their capabilities.
In order to escape this, the companies always prefer to publicize that the position is kept under abeyance or various other reasons only to divert the attention of villagers.
As I said, it is also being done to avoid threats also may be from Maoists and other trade unions which are strong enough in that region to dictate the terms as I have personally gone through so many similar ordeals when I worked in some Maoist infested areas where we never used to reveal any recruitment that is being done to the outside world and it was done very clandestinely so there is no question of informing the candidate if he is not selected.
Cheers!
Pradeep

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Human Resources Share Point

Bridge of Forgiveness!!

28 Oct

Bridge of Forgiveness!!

Sri Manjari

559 Posts

Posted 06-10-2009Reply

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small

misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s tool box. “I’m looking for a few days’ work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?” “Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you.”

“Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor; in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better.”

“See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence — an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched. “You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother. “I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

It doesn’t matter what our outer circumstances are either, because the Kingdom of Heaven is within us. Don’t spend the rest of your life searching the world for happiness then.

Just look in the mirror and laugh. Just let the happiness flow from your heart, mind, and soul until it fills your life and the lives of all those around you..

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first se…

See Sri Manjari’s complete post… Hide Sri Manjari’s complete post…

Source: Sister’s Network 🙂

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Koti

27 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 06-10-2009

Hey Sri nice one,good.

Thanks,

Koti.

Sri Manjari

559 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 07-10-2009

Hello Koti,

Thank You..:)

Regards,
Manjari

Rated +3| Posted 07-10-2009

Dear Sri,

I just don’t want to say “Thank you; it is a nice post…etc”. What should I say buddy. It is superb. Came in the exact time, to the right place and to the right people. I also wanted to post something like this, but no one can post a better than this ever. I hug you for the post. Brilliant.

So my dear friends,

22 views up to now. That means 22 forgiving, understandings. There should be a carpenter in all of our hearts. As same as we need a carpenter to build a bridge when ever we need it in HRlink. In a community like this, there may be lots of arguments, lots of criticisms and lots of heart breakings. But can we build fences? No. we can’t. Cos each and every human being has its own value. drops of water make an ocean.

We are in HRlink, holding each others hands, while I am typing this from S L, one of you may be in front of the computer, typing a similar reply. Though we are far away, in this little society we are equal. Though we have not seen each other, we are very familiar to us, like family members. YES, sisters and brothers can quarrel any time, but can they break the bind of their inner heart???

Let’s forgive every one who broke our hearts, who hurt us a lot and who disagreed with us in the past.

And forgive me if I said something wrong.

Nimali

Sri Manjari

559 Posts

Rated +1| Posted 07-10-2009

Wow Nimali.. No one else can write such sweet words coated with friendship and forgivance.. I am pleasantly surprised and happy to see your reply. Because I din’t know how many people will understand its gist and relate it to the existing scenario but you could.. So kudos to you.. You are sweet pie Nimali.. Be the same..

Have a nice day.

Keep Smiling Always..:)

Regards,
Manjari.

Rated +1| Posted 09-10-2009

Wonderful message Manjari!
In this world of growing hatred and increasing distances between people, there is need to build bridges between hearts rather than creating craters.Love, affection and forgiveness should prevail so that this earth becomes a real heaven.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful story Manjari and reminding us all about the importance of building bridges.

Rated +1| Posted 09-10-2009

Follow this Topic Stop Following this Topic

Nimali,

I could not remain content by giving a mere thumbs up to your reply Nimali. Well said and every word of yours is quite true in present scenario and you all wonderful people out there really make this place a lot more worthier and proved that however far we are, the bond of humanity between us keeps us together always and forever.
Keep sharing Nimali!

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Categories Life

Have Women found their due share in the corporate world ?

28 Oct

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See Janani’s complete post… Hide Janani’s complete post…

Type: HR, Report if not a HR topic

Harish

602 Posts

Posted 17-10-2008Reply

This is a very important aspect of the growth of our country. Much as we talk about the talent crunch in the HR fraternity as a whole, we fail to recognize the aspect of increasing the number of women employees within our organizations. I want to ask each of you to let us know your thoughts on the topic if, according to you, women have been able to get a share in the corporate world ? If yes, please elaborate why do you think so. If you feel they have not got their due share, please tell us what according to you should be done to ensure that it is done. Feel free to disagree and debate.

My take on this :

I personally believe that there is a lot of potential in women that needs to be harnessed. Some are right when they say there are only a handful of women who have made it big in the corporate world and that too by sacrificing much of personal life, and when we take an overall scenario we wont find many in the top management. But there is a reason behind it.

We would have to understand the evolution of the careers of women as we try to unravel this. When we hire freshers (both men and women) from college, they are at the same level. In fact, my experience tells me that some of the best performing employees have been women. Their families are happy and support them totally. Once the initial euphoria goes off, the family starts pestering most of the women for marriage. I have known hundreds of top-performing women leaving their jobs to go marry someone who is in a different city or a different country. In most of the cases, parents do not even bother about killing her career. In the sense, marrying her off into a family which may or may not support her career ambitions. Or maybe she would have to relocate to a place where a suitable employment is impossible for her based on her skills. What happens to her career then ? Its killed just when she is about to embark on the middle-tier of the corporate.

She either quits working altogether or takes up something which is below par to her ability. Considering that she survives till that stage to marry someone who supports her job/shift, after a year or two they would be facing the big question of starting a family. Once this happens, her priorities are totally changed as is wont with nature. First priority would be the baby. Best case scenario, she might lose 6-7 months of the peak-performing period of her career. Worst case scenario (am talking about complicated pregnancies), she might end up losing more than a year and half. When she rejoins back, would she be in the state of mind that she quit ? Absolutely NO. Because she has been out of touch not just with her work, but with the work culture too. Suddenly people also start treating her differently. Major responsibilities are many times not given to new-moms because people think they would need an easy job which is stress free. I am not saying it shouldn’t be done, in fact they deserve as much of a lee-way as the organization can afford at that stage. Consider a second baby and then imagine where her career would be ? In the meantime, where is her peer (male) who joined work with her as a fresher by now ? He is at least 2-3 notches above her in the hierarchy. Apart from all these also, there are many other socio-economic situations which play a part in defining the career of women. To say that inspite of all this, some women make it to the top of the organization hierarchy is an achievement, is an understatement. I personally salute their spirit and their multi-tasking abilities.

The only way we can ensure that women get their due share in the corporate world, is by having a definite percentage as target (of course based on merit) for hiring women to maintain a healthy female:male ratio on the floor. I have been fortunate to work with such companies which not only believed in this spirit, but did everything possible to achieve it too. I feel more such initiatives would ensure equal gender parity at work.

Dear Harish,

Firstly I highly appreciate your post, because it invites people to see the scenarios’ in a different view point. There are more replies which have come out from the ladies, but when reading gents’ views also, we can see that all the gents have balanced mind about the topic.

I was shocked when I read about the reservation which has done by the constitution and how it has turned to a tool of the politicians. The painful reality behind that situation is, it affect many students’ lives. That means the country loss brilliant intellectual capabilities due to non-balanced and non-revised legal provisions.

Since my country is also likely to go to a constitutional change, I wish they don’t include such a arbitrary provisions to the constitution.

As Nail said, in the western countries most of the time we can see that women and men both take equal share in the business. Because in those countries,

1. There are no attitude problems like we have in Asian countries

2. in the business world, all the time, appreciation is goes to the talent and, no matter that talented person is a woman or a man.

3. The most important factor which support woman to go to the work after her conferment is those countries have given fullest corporation to provide user friendly facilities to the families to balance the children’s responsibilities and the work life.

4. As Cloudia has mentioned, there can be good labour laws which help working mothers and fathers

But as we all know very well, there are bad factors as well as good factors which we can see in the western societies.

In Asian countries, specially India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, comparatively, priority is given to the family life more than carrier life. Because, we always look after our children and we try to protect them as mother hens do. There is a very big cultural difference between India and Sri Lanka, but when we take children’s due care, all the mothers and father will agree that the most valuable thing in the family are children. So people do everything for the well being of them.

As a family we think like that. But as separate individual all the husbands and wives have their own choices. They have separate aims and targets. Specially women who worked before marriage have experienced a life which is different from the family life. They make friends, they think freely without interruption of the parents and other relatives. More the cultural limitations for women are tougher, more they enjoy carrier life. The simple reason is, it gives them a freedom to live as they like. After the marriage, women will stay at home vary happily, if they are treated as creatures who have their own thought, own interests and own desires. If the family makes her the core value of the family, they will not be miserable to stay at homes. Then while husband works for the survival of the family, wife will work for the happiness of the family.

In my country, there is a significant change in Muslim women’s’ lives in the past. Earlier they were stayed at homes and they didn’t have permission to come out to the society. After A/L they had to stay at homes and had to take care of their families.

But today with the economic downturn, these families have no option other than come out and work as same as other women. The option they have found out is self employment. Now these women contribute as sellers and meal providers if they are really talented, they will make the business successful.

As I think there should be a mutual understanding between husbands and wives, as same as in the industry, there should be a real appreciation to the real talent. That should not be differed to the gender.

There may be real scenarios which were not covered by my reply, specially about the cultural specialties of the countries. I like to learn more about them.
Thank you all for the contribution in this post.

Friend,
Nimali

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Categories Human Resources Share Point

Work vs Life

28 Oct

Work vs Life

Janani

Dear Friends,

Please find the attachment 😉

Work vs Life…

Happy weekend 🙂

Warm regards,

Janani

Dear Friends,

Please find the attachment 😉

W…

Attached Files

Life vs Work.jpg (106.2 KB, 63 views)

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Aditi

11 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 24-09-2010

Hi Dear,

Really good one. Thanks for sharing such a good article.

Regards,
Aditi.

Baskar

1 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 24-09-2010

Hi Dear,

Really good one. Thanks for sharing such a good article.

Rega… See Aditi’s complete reply

Aditi’s reply

Hi Dear,

Really good one. Thanks for sharing such a good article.

Regards,

Aditi.

Hi Aditi,

How are you?

Claudia

595 Posts

Rated +3| Posted 24-09-2010

Before reading this article, I would have said to find at least one stable point in life, to be able to go on. I still believe that you need at least to have an harmonious family life, a good health or a great job, to find reasons to hold on to when life seem too hard. However this only helps you find some inner equilibrium and doesn’t make you feel achieved.

Success in life means to balance all its aspects, to give each and one of them the right importance, to establish priorities without ignoring the other sides of life.

Don’t “dive” in your work ignoring your family life, hiding from a social life or because you lack it. Don’t forget your loved ones, don’t forget what makes your heart melt, feel happy, understood, accepted and loved as you are, motivated and encouraged to reached your dreams.

On the other hand, don’t settle with mediocrity in your professional life, pretending you don’t have any ambitions because you have a family life and that takes all your energy and time. This may seem enough to make you happy for now, but in time you might end up forgetting you gave up your dreams so easily.

“There’s no fun in driving a car if your back hurts”. So true…I saved this at last, maybe because I am a doctor. You can’t fully enjoy being appreciated at work, succesfull in your business or loved if you have serious health problems.

You need all these to have a happy life, to feel achieved, complete.
Sometimes it might seem impossible, for sure it’s not easy, but don’t ever forget to be yourself, to know what you want from life, to treasure your moments with your closed ones, to put passion into your work, to find time to relax, laugh, face your consciousness…

xxxxxxxxx

59 Posts

Rated +1| Posted 28-09-2010

Hi Janani,

It was really awesome article , Thanks for sharing. I look for your posts when I open HR Link…really good postings , PPT’s are excellent. keep posting.

Thanks!!
Santosh bachu

Rated +1| Posted 29-09-2010

See Mrinmayee’s complete post… Hide Mrinmayee’s complete post…

dear Janani,

That article was a reminder. thanks.

We cant achieve 100% of all aspects of what the article discuss. Health, success at woek, family life… these things are not going in the same line. Today these things have become so paralel to ur lives. So achieving those all together 100% is impossible. But we should balance all these aspcts. There I agree with you all. It may be 1/4 attention or 8/1 attention.But end of the day what will remain? Money? happiness? love? satisfaction?

Try to balance life. Thats what I try to do. Sometimes, we loss somethings. But reducing the harm will give a better life then

Regrat if have spel mistakes. Cos I log in while travelling. Sorry yarro

Nimali

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Categories Human Resources Share Point, Life

The Story of the Butterfly

28 Oct

The Story of the Butterfly

Mrinmayee

33 Posts

Posted 13-10-2010Reply

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.

One day a small opening appeared.

He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours

as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.

Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.

He took a pair of scissors and

snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.

The butterfly emerged easily but

it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it,

expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge

and expand enough to support the body,

Neither happened!

In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life

crawling around.

It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness

and haste did not understand:

The restricting cocoon and the struggle

required by the butterfly to get through the opening

was a way of forcing the fluid from the body

into the wings so that it would be ready

for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly

what we need in our lives.

Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.

We will not be as strong as we could have been

and we would never fly.

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.One day a small opening appeared.

He …

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Raja

27 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 18-10-2010

Dear Frnd,
Its really nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Keep Posting

Regards,
G.RAJA

Sandy

7 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 18-10-2010

See Raja’s complete reply

Dear Frnd,Its really nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raja’s reply

Dear Frnd,Its really nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep Posting

Regards,

G.RAJA

Good Morning – another very nice story, which truly touched my heart.

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

This story expressed what we should do or not do as far as going out of our
way to helping others………..even though we might have the goodness of the peson in heart. It dose not work out that way. As long as we think of the out come before we put our in put is the best way to go about these kinds of matters. Where listening & thinking before our actions.

Rated +1| Posted 19-10-2010

http://hrlink.in/topics/how-should-hrms-should-ask-about-the-salary-expectation-and-what-ll-be-the-answer

Dear Friend,thank you so much.

Some times we wonder about what are we doing in our companies, We wonder why we join with it and waste our time very much. Some times it may be a long suffering regret.

But, After I read your story I understood why I have spent my time in my previous organizations. I am preparing for the flying, with beautiful wings. Time required for the preparation, yes you are correct. When we look at the past, we can see how god have made us such beautiful with some procedural struggles.

Friend,

Nimali

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Categories Human Resources Share Point, Life

How should HRMs’ ask about the salary expectation of candidates and what ll be the answer?

28 Oct

How should HRMs’ ask about the salary expectation of candidates and what ll be the answer?

Posted 11-09-2009Reply | Edit | Delete

When interviewing candidates, most of the time HR Professionals ask the question “So what type of salary are you expecting?”

will it be “I expect that the salary being offered will be commensurate with my experiences” or “I am sure we can agree on a salary based upon my qualifications” or are there BETTER answers out there that recruiters and HR hiring managers are looking for?

this is a popular topic which was discussed in a HR group and I like to share it with my friends. What is your view point??

Like to hear from u.

Shipra

404 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 11-09-2009

for now i can say – “open for reasonable offer”

Abhimanyu

10 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 30-09-2009

I have found that putting ball back in the questioner’s court is the most effective. To whit: ” I would assume that the company (name it for effect) has made a budget allocation to fund this post, and I am reasonably sure that a company of this stature would not want to bargain on a budgeted allocation so I am open to understand what the company (name it again) feels I am worth.” This becomes faintly embarrassing since the company will have spent a great deal of money on getting you so close to closure (indent/advertisement/interviews) that as the question is asked they are seriously thinking of you as a likely candidate and at this stage they will not like to lose you. Otherwise just for a couple of thousand they would have lost a good resource only because they wanted to save on the allocated expense of the hire!

Abhimanyu

10 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 30-09-2009

http://hrlink.in/topics/the-new-era-of-human-resources-development

Sorry I hadn’t finished: The HRM on the other hand could ask …”what would you think your qualifications and experience and the profile of the job indicate to you as a fair salary?” The answer would basically be a litany of the candidate’s professional experience and his(or her) honest estimation of himself(or herself). Nevertheless there is likely to be a bit of exaggeration here as well so the rejoinder by the HRM could be “How did you arrive at that figure and how would you justify it?” Once again putting the candidate on the back foot. if there is hesitation, then obviously there has been an overestimation by the candidate of his worth. If it is confident – give him (or her) what they are asking for subject to the budgeted allocation – They deserve it!

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Categories Human Resources Share Point

The new era of Human Resources Development

28 Oct

The new era of Human Resources Development

See Nimali’s complete post… Hide Nimali’s complete post…

Posted 05-10-2009Reply | Edit | Delete

Dear all,

We always talk about human resources management but most of the time we try to limit ourselves to core human resources management functions only. Strategic human resources management and international human resources Development is somewhat neglected. It is true we express our ideas but there is a question about limitation of our knowledge.

There are some things I found out from a work shop which was held in Bangalore. Now Indian companies tend to experience “empowermentâ�� that is not practiced in our organizations. We can find superb practices in fortune 500 companies, if we look at the world HRD.

I invite you all to find out and comment here about what you found. For each HR function, we can find / even we can suggest something new. For an example, Disneyland is a very different business idea, but it is highly successful and the customer service they provide is un- comparable. It is very interesting to find out the training and induction methods they use. What do you all say?? Do you like to find out those best development activities????

Find out and share with others! At the end, we all will have a valuable experience.

With regards

Nimali

Dear all,

We always talk about human resources management but most of the…

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Rated 0| Posted 09-10-2009

Hi Nimali!
Thank you Nimali for starting this very important topic.
I want to share with you and all friends a document on “Four Universal HR needs and How real organizations have satisfied them” with very interesting case studies which I think will be very useful to know and benchmark the best practices.
Cheers!
Pradeep

Attached Files

Four_universal_ HR_ needs_case studies.pdf (592.6 KB, 4 views)

Rated +1| Posted 31-03-2010

http://hrlink.in/topics/are-we-victimized

Dear Pradeep,

You are appreciated very much for your concern about HRD and specially about people. I think India is the 2nd best country for HRD practices. you have billion of population. In HR departments, there may be millions of HR Managers and Executives. Who concern about the best practices? Who try to apply them to the organizations, no matter the organization is very small or large. There may be excellent experiences. But no one talk about them. No one needs to share them with others. I can’t imagine the reason. I believe “Sharpen the saw” concept. Knowledge and innovation never stopped. It is like a stream. Only a drought can stop its way ahead.

I thank you for the reply once again. Happy to know there is one person who knows and concern about HRD.

Yours,

Nimali

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Categories Uncategorized

Are we victimized?

28 Oct

Are we victimized?

Dear all,

I have a question. Have you ever felt that all of us have victimized by personal agendas of one person or two?

We all work. Why we work? For survival, to find money to eating and clothing. Otherwise why? Though we give various definitions, 1st reason to work is the living.

We work either for the government sector or for the private sector organizations. In the government organizations we should serve for the country as same as our superiors. Can we use our professionalism against any top management person? Can we take decisions against them or their political agendas?

In the private sector, we serve for the owners. Today or tomorrow we will have to give up the job. There may be real lucky employees who work for the companies which have made team work and unity as their core value. But most of the companies don’t have those values. So we serve for the ownership. We fight with subordinates, peers and superiors because that divide and rule method used as a management strategy by the owners. Without knowing about that, we fight and interpret or justify it as we committed for the company.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

With regards,

Nimali

Debra

3 Posts

Rated +1| Posted 20-04-2010

This is the exact reason good companies have a professional like HR to be the conduit between management and staff. A pleasant and professional work atmosphere, respect for each other, work as a team…qualified Heads of Depts/Managers besides company guidelines and policies, clear accountabilities/job profiles…all this assists to have a congenial and really great atmosphere at the workplace and is one of the accountabilities of HR.

Sudarshan

273 Posts

Rated +1| Posted 20-04-2010

Hi Nimali and Debra !

A thought provoking post…

HR dept is really meant to do the function what is mentioned by Debra..But unfortunately in reality HR dept are recruiting machines and training gadgets.They are perceived as people who merely do desk work and do not add value to the company..!

I do not say all companies share this perspective..But truth is that still there are companies which think HR as an expenditure…But its an asset if HR works towards strategic goals of the organisation..HR Professional should think beyond normal functions(though essential) and concentrate on strategic objectives..

I dont think I have the right to say so much given my very little or no experience..But I think if the above points are kept in mind, HR will be indispensable part of a company.

Please excuse me if I have said anything wrong anywhere..! “Ignorance Madam.. Pure Ignorance..” – Samuel Johnson.

Sudarshan

Rated +1| Posted 21-04-2010

Thank you Debra and Sudarshan,

I respect your comments Debra and Sudar. You are real HR professional or you can become. I also believe that HR persons have very big responsibility to create a bridge between the management and the staff. I will tell you the real painful reality behind my post. After that I like to see your comment.

Private organizations – to whom we work? Are we working for the company? What is the company means? It is only a name. But it is managed by one person or few. ( I talk about the private ownerships) If the company has participatory management systems and if they issue shares to the employees too, employees will feel that they are a part of the company, because other than the salary they have a share, no matter it is 1, 10 or hundred shares. Employees feel that they don’t earn money for someone else’s benefit. They feel that, they contribute for their success also. But employees who doesn’t have share facility don’t feel that. Every employee work at least 8 hours per day. Some persons travel miles from their houses to the work places. Children keep with grand parents or in day care centers. Family life, personal life, joy, and happiness everything gives up for the job. (Not for the job, but for the salary they drawn)

What I am saying may be feel like much similar to socialism or Marxism, but the reality is, though we interpret in various ways, we work to strength one person’s or a family’s bank account. (Not applicable to the companies in the share market) aren’t we?

But the real dilemma behind this scenario is, we can’t do anything. We should work. On the other hand, if we become a company owner one day, we also do the same. We use others to earn money.
Lets tern to the public sector organizations,

In the corporations and boards, there are politically appointed top level persons. They have their own intention to go higher in the field or they target to a particular position in the government sector. In their organizations, they use employees and their innovations / skills to shine and they show that they have made the employees to come up with the outcome. Secretly they wish to show that the sole reason for the development of the organization is their leadership. I don’t bother if they really make a good organization. But in a limited time, they achieve something and using that something, they go to a higher position. No one ever talk about the real heroes’ who make the organization as they leader wish.

But there is one thing we should respect. These top persons are real good leaders.

To overcome this bitter reality, no one can do anything.

There are no ethics in the business. There are less real heroes who make a real team. There are no fathers or mothers in the business world. Only selfishness and greedy for money / reputation are there.

That is the reality of life. But it should be ethical. If the boss says that we make the best organization of the word and end of the year, if he doesn’t even give a bonus to the employees who have really made the organization the best in the world, what should we say?

There are millions of working places like that in every country. We talk and try to apply HRD. But end of the day, we also have victimized by others.

Thanks again for your valuable reply.

Nimali

Debra

3 Posts

Rated +1| Posted 21-04-2010

One thing all of us have is the freedom to CHOOSE. We can choose to stay in a situation and feel miserable or move on to something better and more suitable to the person we are or wish to become. We can definitely give our opinions for change when we see unfairness, disparity etc. This applies to all aspects of our lives personal as well as career. Hold on to your values and lead by example. Develop yourself first though.

Claudia

595 Posts

Rated +3| Posted 21-04-2010

http://hrlink.in/topics/whats-your-expected-answer-to-the-question-of-what-is-your-vision

Thank you Debra and Sudarshan,

I respect your comments Debra and Sudar. You are real … See Nimali’s complete reply

Nimali’s reply

Thank you Debra and Sudarshan,

But the real dilemma behind this scenario is, we can’t do anything. We should work. On the other hand, if we become a company owner one day, we also do the same. We use others to earn money.

Lets tern to the public sector organizations,

But there is one thing we should respect. These top persons are real good leaders.

To overcome this bitter reality, no one can do anything.

There are millions of working places like that in every country. We talk and try to apply HRD. But end of the day, we also have victimized by others.

Thanks again for your valuable reply.

Nimali

I understand your point of view Nimali…and the situation you described is present in various fields.
You mentioned private owned companies…
How many of us have their own companies, businesses or are shareholders at the company they’re working for? Very few…Why?
Some lack the meanings for this, some lack the entrepreneurial spirit, including courage, perseverance, an analytical mind or managerial skills. Possessing the same goal or knowledge isn’t enough to make you start your own business. Many of us will end up working for someone else’s company, being part of a hierarchic system, ran by a manager.
Real entrepreneurs have vision, creativity, are inborn-leaders, who had the strong motivation, the courage and the intelligence to start their firm and surround themselves with skilled employees in key positions. We can have the same goal, possess the necessary knowledge but yet not the skills to be a good entrepreneur or manager or to even want this.
The best manager is not a person who knows and can do everything for his company but that person smart enough to understand the entire necessary scenario for the success of his company, who delegates responsibilities, appointing the best people, giving them the freedom and trust to run a certain department.
Such a company gives you the perfect “environment” to use your skills for its benefit, to grow professionally, to have the satisfaction of a good work and real dialogue with the other structures and hierarchical levels in that organisation.
Of course I am referring myself to the best managers and not to that rigid, self-centred manager, who has a big ego and less knowledge and who sees you as his possession or his possible rival, and uses his power to dictate your actions.
I am not referring to that kind of manager of a big company who thinks he is way too good to “lower” himself to your level, trying to perceive what you signal him.
I am also not talking about that politically-employed manager, who has nothing to do with competencies, but with political orientation and lacking the basic managerial skills or knowledge.
It is often unfair to have to work for such people, not opened enough to hear your point of views, too arrogant to even accept some suggestions and too shallow to try to understand the real issues.

Being a HR professional and working with people, the situation can be even more frustrating by not having the freedom to take the best decisions, having to face constant interfering in your work, being controlled and dictated what to do.

Your questions reminded me of a good HRLink topic: “For whom should HR professionals work?” You can find it here:
http://hrlink.in/topics/for-whome-hr-should-work#PgTop

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Uncategorized

What’s your expected answer to the question of “what is your vision?”

28 Oct

What’s your expected answer to the question of “what is your vision?”

Posted 04-10-2010Reply | Edit | Delete

As HR people, we should interview lots of candidates for various positions. Some are lower level and some are higher level in the hierarchy. In my country, still, vision is not a popular term. Only who have participated to carrier development / personal development programs know about “life visions”. For most people, there are no specific goals or a vision. Sometimes they may have, but they don’t know what they have in their mind is a “vision”.When interview a candidate, most interviewers ask this traditional question. In recruitment, I believe that the interviewing questions also should be weighted. Some questions may not have a certain weight to the core. Some questions are really crucial (sometimes according to the company policy etc)

If a candidate is de-valued by the less-weighted questions, it is a major recruitment error. True, we can’t implement a national policy for recruitment and selection. But in organizations, there should be a logical path way to select a best person to the position. If HR Manager takes decisions based on these less-valued questions, organization will definitely loose good candidates.

Here there are lots of freshers’, who have entered to HRM field. Think about what I have mentioned and build your own interviewing questionnaire. That will guide to recruit the best person, to the best place at the best time.

Neil

146 Posts

Rated +3| Posted 05-10-2010

http://hrlink.in/topics/working-late-hours

In this form the Vision question is a “fantasy” question and, in truth, only gives you insight into how conscious the person is of their imagination.Experience has taught me that in order to match a candidate with a position it is better to ask for concrete examples “of when…” e.g. Can you give me an example of when you succeeded in turning part of your vision into a reality?

All questions ask for real life examples from the candidate’s past.

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Uncategorized

working late hours

28 Oct

working late hours

Dear friends,

There was a very interesting argument yesterday with a friend of mine ( a HR Manager) we argued on the topic of working late hours. There are pros and cons. I know you have your own ideas and sometimes research out comes. Like to start a discussion.

All are welcome with your valuable comments. Pleasw come up wth what you believe.

Nimali

Jagbandhu

Rated 0| Posted 09-10-2010

Hi Nimali, In my opinion working late hours is not the bad thing.
Today is a highly competitive world which demands hard work in right direction. Amid this pressure spending long hours at office become a usual norm. Late hour working is become a trend now-a-days. As we know the world is living in 24/7 now because whole world has different time zone and we are habitual with western culture. Late night is just an normal life for everyone. Now late night activity like party, shopping, outing, dating, friends meeting etc. is just part of our life.
Main thing is that most of the work comes from western country & also important thing is that our economy depends on western business.
But the impact of working late hours or working late night cannot be ignored.
Major impact is on our health as late working hour’s gives stress and tension leaving people with so many problems like insomnia and loss of appetite. Rates of diabetes and heart disorders were also reported to be higher in over-night workers.
I enjoy working late or night sifts but never with the cost of my health and my family. We should have a proper balance between work and for other activities. Take care of health by practicing exercise and Yoga to relax our mind and to get rid of stress. This will take hardly half hour but will give a full day energy and relaxation.
Happy working late hours!! 🙂
Regards
Jagbandhu

Faruque

2 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 09-10-2010

hello,
i think working late hours now became a part of job but it should not be contineu for long time. it is ok if it is as a shift rotation.

Rated +1| Posted 10-10-2010

Dear friends,

Thank you for your contribution. When I read your reply, many questions passed across my mind. But u ur self has resolved those questions. Both my friends who have given ideas have mentioned that we need to work late as it is a part of the modern world. World has gone so far. From the simple ancient culture, to the modern technological world, world has been changed. In that world, employees have to be technological too. They have to become machineries. We can’t find a simple life style any more.

When analyzing this situation we should look at from the organization’s side and from the employees’ side.

From the organization’s side, working late hours will be required to earn more income, to go to more profit and to gain more business opportunities. In the past, employee had to work long hours and they were forced to do so. Slavery and master servant period was not allowed to employees work as they like. Employee had to work as employer wanted them to work. But later with trade union actions, employees won working hours right. They won 8 hour work time. That was one of the most victorious movements from the employees’ side.

What is the position of employees? Why they work late? There are many reasons. It depends on the organizational requirements and the ob requirements. But assume that some employee has given 9-6 working hours. Then why he / she work late hours?

1. Due to heavy work load, they may have to work to finish work at the required time.
2. To show organizational commitment
3. To get a good name from the employer by showing enthusiasm and commitment
4. To be in the organization, without going home due to personal reasons.
5. Due to lack of time management skills, they may have to spend more hours at the working place.
6. There are many other reasons like Narayan Murthy has mentioned

I have some questions in my mind.

Why we talk about training about development, if we encourage late hours working?
Why we talk about flex time schedules, if we prefer late hour work?
Why we talk about employee well being and motivation, if we promote late hour working?
Finally how can we define “love”, if we spend most of our time in a working place, which is far from our loved ones?

Yes, western societies have gone so far in the business world. So as some Asian countries. Have we ever thought of the real success of those people? It is well known that Japan ask there people to work as wife in the day and husband at night. That is good to protect the family treasures. (Children) but for marital relationship, will it be healthy?

What is the maximum time of brain of stress bearing? And what is the maximum time of the body of stress bearing? We need rest. Our brain and body both. We have to refresh our minds before start a new date. If not, can we work well? Physically, we will be able. But mentally, we will not. There will be frustration, stress and tension.

We all know that there are some bad effects of working late hours. So what can we do to refrain from that? Can anyone suggest?

Nimali

Shivaprasad

18 Posts

Rated 0| Posted 28-10-2010

one question to come to my mind late/long hours means really a Productivity

Shiva

Rated 0| Posted 30-10-2010