Many moons ago, I was chosen to lead a dysfunctional team where internal relationships between all strata of employees had broken down. Certain top honchos felt that the unit in question had no future whatsoever.
Defying the redressal mechanisms available in-house employees had approached various Courts of Law and Tribunals seeking overturning of even routine instructions passed by the top hierarchy.
An extremely strong wave of distrust had engulfed the setup where even normal humane traits like wishing superiors first thing in the morning when one reports for work was felt totally unnecessary. The overwhelming emotion prevailing was that of animosity.
Just prior to my selection to lead this unit under such turbulent times was made known to all in the public domain, my head of Service put in a personal phone call to brief me about the assignment at hand. While winding up his parting words rang in my ears – “You’ve been chosen by design and not by default. Go and redeem the trust we’ve reposed in you ” …
With that as the background, I arrived one winter afternoon to commence taking over the unit from a gentleman who while heading the organisation apart from being the root cause of the prevalent atmosphere had also chosen to pen his recommendations to higher ups to disband the unit. To put it mildly, I flew through two interconnecting flights with a plethora of very varied and mixed feelings and that continued for the two hour drive too ,once I deplaned at Jammu airport. The hustle and bustle of Satwari and its adjoining areas adjacent to the airport failed to evoke that degree of nostalgia which it would have on a normal day. To put it mildly I wasn’t quite myself – the gregarious and high energy guy !
Next day and for the three days thereafter, I took onto myself to just listen. I heard every negative about every staff member – wherever they were placed in the hierarchical ladder and appeared to jot down a few details every now and then to look busy.I let the guy have his complete say.
Finally, it was time to sign on the dotted line taking over responsibility not only for my actions or reactions, but, of the 800 odd subordinates as well. And we bade farewell to that gentleman.
Nano seconds later, I issued my first directions to my subordinate that I’d require all officers in my office in the next 5 minutes. Lo and behold, shortly I found people entering with notebooks, diaries and pencils as if I would be delivering copious notes for them to write down ! Instead, I sought all members to drop all that and line up in a semi-circle behind my chair and we would have plenty of posing around for pictures – I wanted the event recorded for posterity and they were my team now on. Lo and behold, in micro seconds, I could feel the stress levels going through the window and many, many suggestions of how and where to pose for some outrageous photos which later on became the epicentre of all jokes regarding my tenure !
Having successfully reversed all that negativity, I took advantage of the positive ions within the office and so I delved headlong into what I thought my charter would involve over the forthcoming 24 months, etc etc. I agree it was a monologue but I felt it necessary for my command to have a direct peek into my personality . Later, I ended with a rider – a promise that no one would talk – amongst themselves or with me – anything about the past. This would allow us to commence our responsibilities afresh. Despite being taken aback initially the officers did realise the wisdom in my words and each affirmed that so it shall be.
… more in Part II