IndianMaze

Meeting academics is always an eye opener for me. Everytime, they make me see another shade of life. This morning was no exception. I happen to go to my alma mater to see some academicians selecting candidates for the next batch for a different course and institute. This institute is not well known in this part of the country and is perceived to be a traditional, conservative place. However, the response is great from the candidates who come to seek admission through a series of exams, group discussions and finally interview with a panel. The institute was concerned about it's low awareness scores in North India and were debating whether to build awareness, should they not use advertising. No brainer one would say. Advertising is used so very effectively to increase awareness and in the process build value for the brand/offering. But consumer has a mind of her own. Lot of potential students gave a feedback that the fact that institute does not advertise gives a lot of credib...

Over the long weekend, one wandered to watch a few things on Youtube. Must say was a great experience with what can one do. I ended up listening to longing but not listened to music, watch my childhood icons, delve into war history of India, cross border exchanges of freindly and not friendly kinds and last but not the least an interview of Dean Dipak Jain of Kellogg school fame. I am a great fan of Dipak for a multiplicity of reasons. Apart from the usual great mind, great achievement (first non American Dean and all for 10 years), mastery on the subject etc what makes him even greater is his firm feet on the ground. I can go on as I have had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with him on a few occassions but the key purpose is to take on from what he said in an interview with Chicago Business School. Before people trust you, you must trust them. Once you trust them they cannot got haywire. If you are not able to trust then somewhere you are insecure. Micromanagement is one such ...