Tuesday happenings, thoughts and memories: 4th March 2025

The day began with a beautiful prayer, sung by one of our team members. Inspired by the moment, I encouraged everyone to sing together, reinforcing the sense of unity and positivity within the team.

Morning Session & Safety Awareness

Mr. Purushottam took the initiative to greet everyone on National Safety Day (India) and briefed the team about its significance. I took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of celebrating Safety Day—not just as an event, but as a commitment to a culture of safety in our plant.

Our Safety Officer, Mr. Yendabre, raised an important concern—being the only Safety Officer, he cannot be present everywhere at once. I supported him by simplifying the core idea of safety with a fundamental question:
"Who is responsible for my safety?"
The answer was clear—"I am responsible for my safety." Everyone acknowledged this, reinforcing personal accountability.

The HOD talk was led by Mr. Venkatpathi Raju – Electrical, focusing on safety and operational efficiency.

Discussions on Roles & Responsibilities

At the CCR, I had an important conversation with Mr. BVK Raju regarding Roles and Responsibilities. The usual problem surfaced—the classic tale of Everybody, Somebody, Nobody. I shared a real-life example of how the CCR building at Amrit Cement was maintained systematically, illustrating how clear accountability leads to better outcomes.

To address this issue, I finalized a basic SOP for Routine HOD Functioning. Clear guidelines and structure always help avoid confusion and improve efficiency.

Selection of Employee of the Month – A Common Dilemma

Once again, there was uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding the selection of the Employee of the Month. I have always maintained a clear and specific approach, yet my senior team members often struggle with it. The core issue? Those who are not performers themselves find it difficult to judge the performance of others.

To simplify the concept, I gave them a relatable example:
"How do we select athletes for the Summer Olympics? We choose those who can compete and win at the highest level. Similarly, our Employee of the Month should be selected based on their capability to represent our plant at the highest standards."

This analogy helped them understand the significance of merit-based selection rather than favoritism or indecisiveness.

A Walk Through the Streets – A Moment with the Kids

After lunch, my driver was late. As usual, I didn’t wait—I started walking. Along the way, I saw a group of young kids engaged in some mischief. The moment they saw me, they started scattering away, assuming they were in trouble.

Instead, I called them in a friendly tone. As they hesitantly gathered around, I clicked some selfies with them. What started as a cautious interaction turned into a moment of pure joy—laughter, excitement, and victory signs from all of us. Sometimes, small gestures make a big difference.

A Reflection on Personal Growth – A Story of Transformation

During my discussion with Mr. BVK Raju, I recalled an incident from the past—a story that remains close to my heart.

There was once a young, stammering contract worker who initially feared me. Noticing his discomfort, I began guiding him, grooming his confidence step by step. Over time, he transformed. From someone who hesitated to speak, he became the first person to greet me in the morning meetings.

One day, he suddenly approached me, touched my feet, and ran away. It was unexpected. I later found out that he had left, possibly having gained the confidence to move forward in life.

This is what true leadership means—not just managing people, but empowering them to become better versions of themselves. These are the real rewards in life.


Final Summary:

  • Safety First: National Safety Day was observed with discussions on personal responsibility and a commitment to a safety-first culture.
  • Defining Roles & Responsibilities: A structured SOP for HODs was prepared to bring more clarity and accountability in daily operations.
  • Performance-Based Recognition: I reinforced the importance of meritocracy while selecting the Employee of the Month.
  • Moments of Joy: A heartwarming interaction with children reminded me of the power of small, meaningful gestures.
  • A Story of Transformation: Reflecting on the growth of a young worker reaffirmed my belief that leadership is about shaping lives, not just managing tasks.

Each day brings new challenges, but also lessons, connections, and reflections that make the journey worthwhile.

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