Managing People and empowering them contd

Hi, carrying on from my previous post...talking about my experiences in two companies. We have already seen a small start up.

Next is
2. The BIG MNC
One typical attitude of most MNC's is that though they praise Indian talent, they never actually give in completley to them. YOu will find even today most of the Major MNC's will have the Top guy being an expat. In the event that you do have an Indian at the top, Many of these guy somewhere in the process begin to get so stuck up that actually forget that most of the people who work in the company are Indians, like him, and are worthy enough to be given responsibilities. They also tend to have very practical solutions, if only you care to listen. Not hear. LISTEN.

Things I have observed there...

1. Marketing always considers sales guys uncapable of thinking or understanding "STRATEGY" or marketing communications. While I understand that it may be pointless in exlpaining the nitty gritty,A clear cut idea can be presented to endow the sales team with more fire power.

"We have a new brand ambassador" is not a clear cut idea. Its a statement. Why we have the particular brand ambassador? now thats more interesting. Here again, just a brief why is enough.

Though I am a marketing guy from the heart, being in sales has opened my eyes to the immense potential synchronization of sales and marketing can do.

2. When things get bad, or look kinda outta shape, MNC's pull out their advertising budgets and spend like mad. Here again, why dont you spare a ear for the small little guy in the corner who sells your stuff. You might be surprised at the answers you get, and the simplicity of the solutions.
3. HR exists to recruit, and spy on their guys. Whos gonna leave, whos interested in planning to leave, etc. ITs a sad state of affairs.

Some companies do a fantastic work of motivating their people by creating a FUN atmosphere, regardless of the work pressures. Today companies instead of getting their guys to relax and re focus, pressurize their teams to "THINK RIGHT" Dont you think a 5 min break is better than a gun at the head. I have read about some companies pulling out their guys right in the midle of a slump and packing them off to a three day meeting in some fun resort. business and fun. or only fun. And the results were there to see. Even if you do continue the slump, hell you still have your people there with you, fighting with you.

Well again we come back to square one. Having confidence in your people. Sharing ideas, information and empowering them. Giving them the confidence that they are important, their views are appreciated and contributes to the comapny think tank and that they can speak up any time. Giving your employees such an atmosphere automatically changes your comanies work atmosphere.

Phew!!! I wonder how many have seen this transition happening. If you have, do let me know thru your comments... till then

Cheerio