IndianMaze

This one is for the spirit of the most popular R situation world is in! This situation has given the opportunity to all organisations on a silver platter to do what they want and blame it on R. There are cases being reported that replacements are decided at lower costs and then current set of people being asked to go. Travel levels being downgraded from business to economy, economy to budget airline and budget airline to train to correct the cost base. Salaries and "perquisites" are being "rationalised" (euphemism for cost cutting) with a vengeance. There seems to be a case of sadistic pleasure that owners/bosses are having in squeezing subordinates/potential employees. The balance has suddenly shifted. But are they forgetting that reputations are built over a longtime but tarnished in a moment. A company is known to have downgraded the perquisites of all managers and recently the CEO was seem as wining and dining in a plush top class restaurant with his cronies. Wi...

One of the best tips I got in a crass "non-management" style was from a first generation successful entrepreneur when we got talking about clean ups required in organisations. His advise was "all clean up has to start from the highest point, even at homes..". How true! Now look at the response to the current crisis by the top. - The 3 senior most management looking for bailout of their respective companies flew in personal jets - Immediately after the bailout package running in tens of billions, an exclusive overseas golf party lasting many days with spouses, helicopters and gifts in line. Expenses calculated at about $ 1.5 millions - Closer home in India, happened to be meeting some top guys (all men incidentally). Cosy controls - only mineral water on table for self and guests, imported juices and soft drinks, entertainment at top restaurants. - Heard at the airport "What non sense! How can you send me this car? Don't you know I am THE group CFO! Send m...

I was in discussion with a group of youngsters who had gathered for a training programme. As expected discussion moved towards the difficult economic scenario in India and how to cope up with all this. The steps (as suggested by various members of the group) that they will take are: - will not go to cinemas - no parties - no flying (on holiday and otherwise) - only window shopping - less eating out and then they could not go further. This is the reality of today's youth who are likley to be facing difficulty for the first time. This, in my opinion, is true for urban middle/upper middle class offsprings. Back to dinner last night where in more mature (in age if not otherwise) people were talking of cost cutting steps initiated: - cut communication cost, use internet as a replacement - replace travel with video conferencing - if must, travel by train - no entertainment - no more "strategic" investments (that do not generate cash immediately) - minimise cash burn - stop...

There was an interesting chat going around in the company. Usual topic of the times - how to cut costs? Solutions : Mundane points which are as visible as to anyone with a sight of 2/6. Recycle paper, book tickets in advance, get cheapest fare, pool cars, print on two sides of paper, etc. Normally, I resist from talking buisness at home but when TV is on and I am watching a business channel, how can kids be immune to corporate doings? My children beat any journalist when they start asking questions. They can be nasty (in questioning) but calm. I had to sit up when my daughter asked, "Dad, what is economy drive? " I knew that more missiles are on its way. Next few questions were - Why talk of cutting costs now? Why build up costs anyway? Why office lunch costs Rs 100 per person when food in school canteen is available at Rs 25? Why office people use top class stationary and writing instruments? "My Rs 5 Linc Ocean Gel writes as good as the your fancy Rs 20 pen." Why...