A letter to my son on his getting a first real Job!

Dear Prithvi

 I am proud to hear that you will start your career in the corporate world. Based on my experience and understanding there are a few, mostly obvious, things I think will stand you in good stead when you internalize them.

101% honesty and transparency in every small detail is essential. It is not only about being honest to the core; it is also about others having that opinion about you. When you forget to collect the bill from the taxi driver, it is best not to claim that amount. Yes drinks are always on you and it is absolutely right that you pay for them always. Settle all advances as soon as possible. When someone reminds you about settling an amount, it means you broke this code.

Be Confident always. You were chosen for a particular job by people who know more, as being suitable for the position.  However being self- assured and insolent is a thin line!

Be a good finder. A colleague generous with compliments is a welcome member of any team.  However, being generous with compliments and being sycophant is a thin line.

Be Loyal. Loyalty is first to your profession, then to your organization and a bit to the individual superior who teaches you. Yes there is a hierarchy of loyalty and it pays in the long run to understand this .

 Keep 3-5% of your pay for expenses that are essential for your assignment/career which you cannot charge. Things like books, chart paper, additional stationary, professional design fee for a presentation, conveyance, coffee for a customer, are some of the things that might have to be covered by individuals not chargeable yet so critical to make you feel comfortable and required for making the most of the assignment.

Opinions are important. Voice yours always. Let your superior know that while you share your opinion you will finally follow instructions.  The difference between voicing differing opinions and insubordination is a thin one.  Choose the right opinion to support rather than who you think is the ‘right’ person. This is the single most important part of being on the right side of office politics.

Having the helicopter view (or what is referred to as the IPL view, because the camera zooms in and out) and seeing both the forest and the trees is essential. This is a skill we develop over time to have the big picture and getting into minute details at once.

Be grateful for your job, education, colleagues and express this often. It will remind you how interconnected the world is.

There cannot be a healthy brain in an unhealthy body. It is crucial to devote time regularly as a habit to exercise and meditation. This is all the more needed when there is pressure at work or long hours of work inside an office.

Take initiative at work. Do not wait for instructions. When you are sure something will enhance the quality/efficiency or output, just do it. People like to be led by people who take initiative.  Take Initiative not only in matters of work, also in wishing a colleague on an achievement or picking up the paper on the floor.

People like to work with friendly people, positive people and those with a smile on their face and spring in their feet. Be that, and, never the grumpy, complaining, long faced colleague.

Am sure you know all of this and much more as I am old and you are new. It is just my view that these are timeless values and fit in any organization and period of time.
When you are stressed about a situation, quickly make a analysis about what could be the worst case and understand that the statistical probability of the worst case becoming real is close to zero.
One last thing, something I have told you enough times to bore you, that  'Balance' is the most important word in our lives dictionary.

Wish you all the very best in your career. May god give you happiness, prosperity, and the opportunity to serve humanity with your work!  My prayers for your well- being are constant.

I am a really proud father and am sure you will do well in everything you do.

Love

gps