IofC Center for Governance consolidated its presence in Coimbatore with a two day workshop for 23 Executives from 4 leading companies. Suresh Mathews reports.

There was a good mix of participants from manufacturing and IT, including representatives from Lakshmi Technologies & Engineering Industries, Cognizant Technology Solutions & Tea Craft. B.Baskar, the driving force behind ICCG, along with his core team, Dr. Selvaraj and Prabhakar initiated this program with a great deal of planning and organizational finesse.

Course Director Seenu Iyengar in his inaugural address emphasized the importance of personal change as the basis for accelerated social change. “Leaders”, he said ‘visualize goals, plan, organize and execute. There are he continued,” Followers who mechanically implement instructions.” On the other hand one could choose self awareness & understanding of others as a human being with inherent qualities of good and bad tendencies.

Anshul Mishra IAS Municipal Commissioner was the Chief Guest. In his address he outlined the present scenario in local governance which he frankly admitted is rife with corruption. There is he said no “disincentive” for wrong doing.

He called for a comprehensive social movement against all forms of bribery and money laundering. “We need to hit the right tone for wholesome change where each and every aspect, spiritual, economic and social issues are addressed.” The culture of corruption is he said easy to recognize and remedy at the higher levels but much more difficult to contain at the lower cutting edge areas.

“It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” - not as an organization but an idea in action “Change in people is crucial before structures can change.”

Kiran Gandhi encouraged the participants to turn the search light within in order to enlighten previously undiscovered dimensions.

Mr. Devadass is COO of Laxmi Lakshmi Technologies & Engineering Industries. His company makes 40% of the parts for India's moon mission 'Chandrayan.’ He responded by stating the challenges one faces in organizational life - difficult Executives, difficult friends, suspicion and doubt. Devadass found that showing kindness can, contribute to enhancement of organizational culture.”

During the program Mr.Devadass introduced Mr.Guru Prasad, his finance manager who had undergone a remarkable change in his attitude after he attended the December 8 IofC program in Coimbatore. Other colleagues present also stood up and confirmed that from being quarrelsome and unhelpful Mr. Guruprasad is now very helpful and supportive. Mr.Devadas said his company now wants regular IofC programs for training more people after experiencing the change in those who had previously taken part. "They are now he added working as one mission".

Sarosh Ghandy during an influential presentation spoke about the power of Training. “There is an erroneous belief that all Good ideas reside with Senior Management.”

Sarosh as Executive Director of Tata Motors had initiated Quality Circles and modular training cells on the shop floor.

Worker involvement and generation of ideas brought about a substantial reduction in wastage and the resultant savings were given to the employees as additional bonuses.

He found a way to maximize the potential of each of his workers while simultaneously increasing their commitment to the organization. What began as an average group of workers evolved into a highly productive team. Because of this new found empowerment one could feel a palpable sense of enthusiasm and commitment in workplace.

P.A.Viswanathan joined Tata Steel as a young Engineer in the late 50’s. His exposure to Tata’s corporate culture has been the bedrock of his belief system.

The values of the Organization are driven from Top down with the Chairman ensuring that it is adhered to in letter and spirit.

Keeping to commitments and firming on time schedules were sacred. Viswanathan quoted an instance where in spite of pressing engagements, the Chairman kept his word for an appointment with him, in spite of the differences in their official ranking. Levels do not come into consideration while adhering to values.

During his tenure with Tata Steel, there was an occasion where his detailed presentation for a new Project was overthrown by his Managing Director. Later after a couple of days of reflection the MD realised there was merit in his junior’s report and reworked his entire previously held assumptions. There are no hierarchical competitive clashes or ego driven conclusions. The organization’s interest, Viswanathan emphasized, is paramount.

Real life case studies referring to challenges in employment contract and performance reviews were discussed in animated groups. The solutions were normally open ended with no straight answers to fit neatly into situations. As in most life circumstances, answers have to be sought taking into consideration optimum input from all sources.

The core areas that are foundational for quality of life were discussed in depth during the Inner Development sessions. Spontaneous responses from the participants were moving and precisely telling.

-Will be a better listener from now on
-KRK Vaariyar, Ramraj Cotton

-The 3 keys, I have learnt will help me build cordial relationships with all
-Karthik N Palanisamy

-I will take this message to everyone in my organization
-G.V.Devadas (CEO Lakshmi Group)

-Now on, I will focus on people rather than the tasks
-Karthik TK Deepak

-I will listen to the inner voice & lead a reflective life instead of reacting
-Karthikeyan Ramkumar

There was meditation and consciousness of our inner self led ably by Viswanathan. Stories of change, forgiveness and restitution moved and stirred.

The entire program was enhanced with the presence of 10 Interns from Asia Plateau. Their singing and sharing of experiences from the Heart had many revisit many of their prejudices and take decisions for fresh change in direction.

Relationship from our immediate family to our larger roles in society is a wholesome thread that weaves in harmony with our decisions to Change.