Sirajuddin Aziz<\/p>\n
The literal meaning of t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate is inclusive of both a casual talk and a formal conversation between two people. For the purposes of this piece, I shall rely upon the former, that is, \u201ccasual conversation with colleagues\u201d. A corporate leader is required to keep all formal and informal lines of communication open to all colleagues.
\nIn the context of written communication, given our culture, training, and distinctively unique backgrounds, particularly in relation to English, is a major restraint in making a sincere and full disclosure of views and opinions on any given subject. It is my experience and observation that a lot of matter and punch is lost in this \u2018auto-translation\u2019 by the grey matter.
\nIn decades of work experience, I have found great value in keeping a formal distance with colleagues and counterparts at work. My subscription to the idiomatic phrase that familiarity breeds contempt is unalloyed and undiluted. Again, given our peculiar cultural standards, which largely lie in the domain of informality, it is important for leaders to maintain their own dignity and self-esteem. In the spirit of informality, many colleagues take the liberty, without being granted, to become a little more friendly than others. This presumptive attitude gives rise to the contempt towards authority, leading up to incoherent and disillusioned decision-making, that is followed by abandonment of related responsibility. The words of the supervisor are not taken with respect. However, it is best to remain a tad reticent.
\nAn informal huddle achieves more than a formal meeting. Many leaders resort to holding what is known as a \u201ctown hall\u201d meeting \u2014 over a period of time, this type of get-together has become more of a management-driven clich\u00e9 rather than any purpose-driven endeavour. By use and definition, in a town hall meeting, all members are given a right to ask, challenge or defend business strategies, the corporate vision, etc., including the inclusion of the unusually touching and sensitive subject of HR, perks and privileges. Town halls were meant to serve as platforms for informal interaction between, say, the CEO\/MD, senior management, and the rest of the colleagues. The ethos of such meetings is built around \u201copenness in communication\u201d.
\nTown halls are meant to give breaking news relating to products, services, achievements, business results, significant changes in market conditions or to take feedback on competitors and competition. Town halls or even impromptu t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eates aren\u2019t meant for the ventilation of personal grievances and issues. The subjects taken up must be of interest to all. Care, caution and discretion must be applied before speaking at such events. Babbling is never without offence; let not thy tongue run away with thy brains. One must not speak out of turn; when all men speak, no man hears. Any case, no grand idea is born in a town hall; however, a lot of silly and foolish ideas die there.
\nAs against a planned town hall, I recently tested\/experimented by holding an impromptu get-together, right in the midst of working hours. At very short notice, staff members were invited to assemble in the hall at 3pm, with no indication to them of what the agenda or purpose of the gathering was \u2014 when assembled they were told, let\u2019s talk to each other over a cup of coffee, with, of course, good but not too generous accompaniment of confectionery items. Initially puzzled but later delighted, they were all. Some formed informal groups, while the seniors were instructed to mix with all. There was no room kept for any privilege of exclusivity for anyone \u2014 all equals. The camaraderie was a sight to behold. About 45 minutes later, everyone was back to their desk \u2014 motivated, happy and charged. A break in routine is what excites the creation of esprit de corps.
\nThe t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate that took place between two and more brought them closer \u2014 frozen relationships were melted. The fractures and fissures were adequately plugged. The entire environment was one of relaxation. I am personally inclined to hold these impromptu get-togethers more than town halls, which tend to become extremely predictable. The element of pleasant surprise serves as an icing on the cake of t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate.<\/p>\n
The writer is a Senior Banker & Freelance Columnist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sirajuddin Aziz The literal meaning of t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate is inclusive of both a casual talk and a formal conversation between two people. For the purposes of this piece, I shall rely upon the former, that is, \u201ccasual conversation with colleagues\u201d. A corporate leader is required to keep all formal and informal lines of communication open to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13449],"class_list":{"0":"post-472525","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-sirajuddin-aziz"},"yoast_head":"\n