Yes (band)

“I quiT” – Episode @35

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 3 Comments

(12:22 PM)

Ishwarya took a deep breath when she heard those lines from Meher. After few seconds, “Look Meher, here, you should not be sticking to one single technology or process. You should be ready to work on any technology and process.”

Before Meher replied to that question, “Then, why each one of us were trained in specific technology Ishwarya?” asked Indu very aggressively.

For just one moment, Ishwarya had no answer. After few seconds, “That is to gain specialization in that particular area or technology. It doesn’t mean that you have to stick with that.You have to keep learning other technologies and should explore things as well” replied Ishwarya.

She noticed that Meher and Indu are silent when she said those lines. “See Indu and Meher, you are still juniors; you don’t know the bigger picture. Things are changing day by day rapidly. Technology keeps changing and the market requirement keeps changing. We have to mould ourselves and adapt those changes. Or else you cannot survive in this highly competitive world. That is why you have to keep learning other technologies and processes also. Hope you understand what I am trying to explain.” said Ishwarya trying to make them understand the need to adapt to things and keep ourselves ready in this rapidly changing world.

These particular lines injected little thought in both of them. They started thinking on those lines and also set about understanding the need to change and accept things.

“Thank you Ishwarya for making us understand the need of multi-tasking.” Indu replied raising her head above and showing her confidence.

“Yes Ishwarya, Indu is right. What you said is true. We will start putting more efforts in this and will bring out the best of us” said Meher.

“Good. Try to learn as many techniques as you can. It can be technology or process or domain. Whatever it may be, learn and improve your knowledge. There is nothing wrong in gaining knowledge on cross domains and process. Got it?”

“Yes Ishwarya. Sure, we will do that” replied Indu and Meher with a great confidence in their articulation.

Three of them discussed about the next steps and various other things.In between, Ishwarya gave them little tips and motivated them to bring out better productivity and to encourage their performance.

Indu and Meher became close with each other and used to collectively complete all the tasks assigned by Ishwarya. Indu now became part of Ishanth and Meher gang. Slowly she started taking Uthrani’s place in the pack.As Indu and Meher used to work combine at office, the same thing carried out of office. She used to be very friendly with both Ishanth and Meher. But, with Meher, she used to be little closer and more friendly. Sometimes, Ishanth used to tease Meher with her name.

As days went on, work performance of Indu and Meher raised above the level. It also created a few of competitiveness between them. But, they never took it personally. They used to serve each other whenever someone gets struck in their workplace.

Whenever Ishwarya used to notice that they are getting de-motivated or their performance is going down, she used to motivate them through her talks.

(02:18 PM – 3 weeks later)

One day, Ishwarya called Indu and Meher to her cabin.

“Hey guys, I feel so proud to tell you that you guys are doing extremely well. In the last two weeks, there is no single process which failed the QA phase. Keep it going!Keep up your spirit and motivation levels. If at all you need anything, just come to me and I will be ready to help you out.Okay” said Ishwarya appreciating both of them for the splendid work they were doing for the last two weeks.

Indu and Meher felt extremely happy for that and they decided to celebrate that little success during the coming weekend. They communicated this to each other by simply exchanging their looks.

“One more thing guys, you can improve your project completion period by setting up targets at hourly level and putting your complete efforts to achieve that.This way, you can easily separate your tasks and also you can know what time of the day your efficiency is more.”

“Sure Ishwarya” said both of them.

“Indu and Meher, I want to say you one thing, this is a highly competitive world, if you relax for just one day, then you will go back ages old. Be alert, be confident and adapt changes.”

Indu and Meher nodded their head saying “Yes.”

“Okay guys; get back to your work. I have a meeting scheduled at 02:30.I will get back to you sometime next week. Thank you” said Ishwarya.

“Okay Ishwarya. Thank you” said Indu and Meher and left the cabin.

(02:30 PM)

Ishwarya and Quadhar got assembled in a video conference room and are waiting for Mr. Thyagarajan to get connected through video.

After a few minutes, Thyagarajan got connected and wished both of them “Good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon Thyagarajan” said Ishwarya and then Quadhar followed her.

When the welcoming greetings are over, “Thanks for joining Ishwarya and Quadhar. I called you both to discuss about the changes that we are trying to incorporate in the structure and process. I already gave you an insight on these two weeks back. I hope you remember.”

“Yes Thyagarajan” replied Ishwarya and Quadhar.

“Good. As I told you, our Senior Vice President Mr. Andrew asked us to form a team who will work on process and productivity improvement. He is mainly concentrating on productivity. During our last quarterly meet, he raised concerns on the productivity of each individual employee which will jointly determine the productivity of the team and so on.He decided to organize a team called the Productivity Indexing (PI) team.This exceptional team will examine and interpret the works done by each single employee for a period of 4 weeks and will submit a report. Andrew and other leadership team will drill down through that report to come up with a higher level doc.When that is done, we may get a bunch of changes in the structure and process.”Said Mr. Thyagarajan. He gave a complete picture of what the PI team will be doing.

He took approximately 15 minutes to explain in detail about the program and how they will be enforcing it. After all that is done, “Ishwarya, from our team you will be part of this PI team. In 2 to 3 days we will get further updates on the plan.”

“Sure Thyagarajan” replied Ishwarya.

Even though Quadhar sat in the discussion, he dint open out much. It was more like a discussion between Thyagarajan and Ishwarya.

(03:10 PM)

When that discussion was over, “Quadhar.Did you complete all the procedures?”

“Yes Thyagarajan, I completed all these formalities.”

“Good” said Thyagarajan and then “Ishwarya, please schedule a meeting sometime next week with the whole squad.”

@Send-Off

Guess the story: What may be those changes?

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“I quiT” – Episode @33

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 6 Comments

(12:22 PM)

Quadhar paused for a few seconds, he want to tell the truth to Ishanth which is the main reason he invited him to lunch. But, he is confused whether or not to explain him and also how to explain him. He then took a deep breath and said “Ishanth, I have to tell you one thing.”

“What is that Quadhar?”

“Ishanth, sit down. I will explain you.”

Ishanth and Quadhar sat on a bench under a tree shade at the garden park which is located in the boundary of Quadhar’s apartments.

After relaxing for few seconds, “Quadhar, please tell me Quadhar. I could not understand anything” asked Ishanth to Quadhar. He is very eager to know in detail about what Quadhar is trying to impart to him.

“Ishanth, I am moving out of the company.”

“What?”

“Yes Ishanth. I have submitted my resignation 10 days back and in another 3to4 weeks I will be moving out.”

Ishanth got completely shocked when he heard that from Quadhar.He immediately rose from the bench and stood on his legs.“Quadhar, is it true?”asked Ishanth. Even after seeing the luggage packed in Quadhar’s flat, Ishanth is still not able to believe in what Quadhar told him.

“Ishanth, sit down and listen. I know it’s hard to believe.”

Ishanth sat on the bench. For two minutes, he dint speak out anything.After that, “Quadhar, why did you decide to move out? What happened?” asked Ishanth.

“Ishanth.I received an offer in Hyderabad and so I have submitted my resignation.”

“Why you dint tell me all these days Quadhar?”

“Thyagarajan told me to not to tell anyone until the last day as he doesn’t want to disturb the team. Uthrani moved out recently, and now I am also moving out.This may create a little panic situation in the team and then he told me to not to tell anyone until the last day. But, you and Uthrani are my first team members and then Meher joined after that. And also I dint invite you to my house in the last two years. That’s why I decided to invite you and Meher. As the academic year started, my wife and daughter will go first. After filling out my notice period and other formalities, I will leave.”

Ishanth is not able to understand how to react to what Quadhar said. “Okay Quadhar. It is your home town. One or the other day you have to go back and that time came today. That’s all I can say.”

“Yes Ishanth. My mom and dad are staying alone there. They are becoming old day by day. I cannot leave them and stick around here anymore. That’s why I decided to move back.”

“Where did you work before moving to this company?”

“I worked in a media company at Hyderabad.”

“Then, why did you come here Quadhar?”

“Ishanth, that’s a big story. I will explain you, listen. I worked in Hyderabad for a media company. Considering the expenditure and other matters, I decided to seek a job in a large organization so that I can earn more. Two years back when I got this offer, I was told that they will transfer me to the Hyderabad locationafter a year. But, they dint do that. I waited for one more year and still there is no action taken. That’s why I looked for a job in Hyderabad and now moving back to my home town so that I can stay with my mom and dad.”

“Why they dint transfer you Quadhar?”

“They said they will prepare a team in Hyderabad and that I will lead them.But, recently I came to recognize that those plans are dropped out and so I took this decision Ishanth.”

Ishanth just replied “Okay Quadhar.”

As they both were discussing about Quadhar’s resignation and other things, Quadhar received a call to his mobile. He took it out from the pocket and answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Hello Quadhar, this is Meher. I reached main gate – A.”

“Okay. Just wait there Meher. I and Ishanth are just nearby. We will come to that entrance main gate – A.”

“Okay Quadhar. I will wait here” said Meher and disconnected the call.

(12:52 PM)

Quadhar and Ishanth walked till the gate to receive Meher. After reaching there, Quadhar welcomed Meher and then three of them walked to Quadhar’s flat. Ishanth and Meher had lunch along with Quadhar’s family.

After the lunch, Ishanth spent some time with Parveen. Quadhar, Ishanth, Meher and Shamina spent the time knowing about each other.

(11:00 AM – Monday)

Meher is working at his desk on the maintenance project assigned to him. He got a ping from Quadhar asking him to go and meet Ishwarya in the next 5 minutes.

Meher, who is basically tensed for everything, started getting tensed when Quadhar said that Ishwarya is calling him. He got up from the seat and walked slowly towards Ishwarya’s cabin.

After arriving at the cabin, “May I come in?” asked Meher to Ishwarya.

“Yes Meher, come in” replied Ishwarya.

Ishwarya is in a discussion with a young lady who is sitting in her cabin.After Meher stepped inside, she called for him to take a seat and be seated.

“So Meher, how is your work going on?” asked Ishwarya.

“Ya fine Ishwarya.”

“Meher, you know Indu right. She is presently working on the AIO project and now she will also work on the maintenance project along with you.Is that ok for you?” asked Ishwarya typing something on her laptop.

Meher thought for a few moments and then replied saying “Yes Ishwarya.”

“Ok. Good. Now listen both of you.There are many changes that we are bringing in the team and the projects. As part of those changes, as a first thing, in a very short period we will extend this support 24/5 which means 24 hours, 5 days. So, you may need to work in shifts. I will also on-board one more resource so that three of you can share the time working in three different shifts. Remember, this is a support program and we should not fail at any cost. If we fail to support for one minute, that may lead to a heavy loss. So, I want you to take this process efficiently so that the support will run smooth. Okay.”

Both Meher and Indu remained silent. They do not know how to react to what Ishwarya said.

@Lunch

Guess the story: Is Meher the next guy to resign?

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“IquiT” – Episode @27

/ Mr. Venky Bond / 12 Comments

(06:30 PM, Bangalore City Rly Station)

“What is that Uthrani? What happened?”

“Ishanth. Marriage is not the main reason behind my resignation.”Said Uthrani. Before Ishanth replied, tears started rolling out from her eyes.

Uthrani is unable to control her tears. She started weeping like a child keeping her head down.When her flat mate Ramya saw this, she went up to her, sat next to her and put her hands on Uthrani’s shoulder and “Hey Uthrani, what happened? Why are you crying?” asked Ramya to Uthrani.

Ishanth also added his words. “What happened Uthrani? Speak out.”

Both Ishanth and Ramya are getting tensed about what might have happened to Uthrani. They both were trying hard to stop her from crying.

“Uthrani, lift your head up, come on speak out. What happened? Please stop crying Uthrani. Please.” Said Ramya trying to wipe her tears.

“Hey Uthrani. Please tell me. What’s the real reason behind your resignation?” – Ishanth.

“Uthrani. I know very well about you from last 2 years. I know how much dedication you have towards your job and how much interested you are in this job. But then suddenly after coming back from home when you said that you are leaving the job and going back to Gurgaon as your marriage got fixed, I got a little bit shocked. But I trusted you because you will not go away until you have some strong reason behind this.In the last ten days, so many times I thought of asking you the same question which Ishanth asked. But, I don’t want to disturb you more as I knew that if there is something to share, you would definitely share it. Now, you have to tell us Uthrani.” asked Ramya wiping Uthrani’s tears.

“Yes Uthrani, you have to tell us the truth” added Ishanth.

Uthrani lifted her head up, wiped off her tears and decided to speak out and tell both of them the actual reason behind her resignation.

“Ishanth and Ramya. What to tell you guys? If I tell this reason, everyone will say that I am not strong, I don’t know how to balance and so I took this decision. And so I never shared this with any one till today.But now I will tell you both why I had to take this decision. We are basically from a middle income group. We live in a small town with all our relatives nearby like a combined class.I am the youngest girl child among them. I studied till +2 in my town. And then when I wanted to try for higher studies,most of my relatives rejected. Even my dad was not interested in sending me to the town for pursuing graduation. But, my mom stood by me and answered all of them. She made them to agree and then finally I finished my graduation.The next bigger thing is my job. I never told anyone, even my dad that I was attending interviews. For even attending the interview, I had to lie to all of them. I attended the interview secretly. And then one day, I got an offer letter from our company. I felt exceedingly happy.I was the first girl in my class to complete graduation and also I will be the first girl to accept a job. But, I know very well that none of them will agree to this. And so I dint even say to my mom. I looked dull from that day. My mom noticed this and one day night she asked me what happened. I told her that I got selected and also received joining letter from the company. Even though she felt happy when she heard this, she started getting tensed as she also knew that my dad and also my family won’t let me to do this job.

She finally dared to talk to my dad and went and talked to my dad.He immediately said NO without even listening completely.But my mom dint leave. She began asking him continuously to make him agree to this.And then after two days, he concurred.But still, I was not completely relaxed as I knew that the next toughest part is to make my family members agree to this. My mom and dad had to sit one whole day to explain them and make them agree to this. After all those struggles, I finally landed in Bengaluru 2 years back fulfilling all my dreams. Doing a job and supporting my family is my dream. And so I always loved working no matter how much time I had to extend and how many weekends I had to spend in the office.

It was all very good in the first one year. But then after that, it was little tough to extend the timings and stretch ourselves every day and every weekend. I began to lose interest when they used to call almost all the weekends. I still dint complain about that as I am also so much interested in working. When coming to my flat, even though I know that the area is not good, I had to take flat there as I don’t have any other choice. I cannot pay huge amounts for hostels and so I was staying with Ramya and all in that area as the rents are little low when compared to others.Whenever I planned to go home, I never used to get approval for my leave requests as I used to apply for a minimum of 4 to 5 days because half of the days will be killed in travelling itself. When my family members used to ask my mom and dad why I am not coming home for festivals and all, my mom used to answer them saying that train tickets are not available and also I will get sick of going.All that is fine with me.But, when my mom came to pick me up from a very long distance, I had to leave her alone and sit late nights at the office working for those people.I had to keep her starving until I get back to my flat. I had to make her wait all the day. I felt uneasy with that. But my mom never complained anything as she knew how much interested I am in working.

When my dad said that he cannot come to take back mom, I was tensed so much whether they will grant me leave or not. If they don’t, then I had to send my mom alone. Thank god they accepted my leave and I accompanied my mom.I went to my home town after 4 long months. I spent time with all my family members, purchased dresses for my aunts and uncles and gifts for the children. I felt so happy for that.And, when I had to stay back for one extra day as my brothers engagement was fixed all of a sudden, I called Quadhar and informed. He listened to me and said ok. I felt good for that.

That day afternoon, I got a message to my mobile from an unknown number.”

@Graduation

Guess the story: From whom did Uthrani recieve that message?

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