With a modest background in pharma selling, branding and with corporate experience of 27 years, I believe that communication is not a simple task. Be it between boss and subordinate, two colleagues or two friends, communication is not just talking. It encompasses listening, understanding, empathizing and responding appropriately. Only when one understands the other, verbally and non-verbally, can we expect proper two-way communication.
It began with a conversation between two friends, when I observed huge gaps in communication. This inspired me to make communication more fruitful - strive to bridge these gaps - just like a ‘Setu’, which means ‘bridge’ in Sanskrit.
Welcome to Setu Creations Consulting Services!
A video clip in which young kids are operating a toy JCB using syringes is doing rounds on social media. There is no reason to disbelieve this. What is laudable is the spirit to put into action an idea that one believes may work. Ideas are an extension of a dream. For long, man had dreamt of flying like birds. But, it was Wright brothers who took the pains to design a contraption, and modify again and again until it worked. And today, it is an irreplaceable part of life.
Many Indians claim that the aeroplanes were conceived and sketched in old scriptures. But, only Wright brothers are known as aviation pioneers. That’s the power of putting Ideas into Action.
It was about 9 on a Sunday morning of April, when the doorbell rang. Wondering who it must be, I opened the door. There was a tender coconut vendor asking me if I needed coconut water. Instinctively I said no and was about to close the door.
Let me give you a bit of background before I proceed. Training being my passion, I have carved out a small area of my office for this purpose. I conduct training programs in soft skills. But when I do not utilize the space, I lease it out. That Sunday, a client had a training program. My colleague who normally manages logistics of such meetings was away and that’s how I was in office.
The coconut vendor persisted. I was tempted so I asked him for one coconut. But then I said to myself “it’s so hot outside and the participants will reach my office a bit exhausted given the humid climate. Why not offer a fresh coconut to everyone? The idea was put into action and everyone was extremely happy with the ‘surprise gift from the skies’ as one of the participants put it.
Retrospective thinking led me to this: This was an event in which all stakeholders were happy. The coconut vendor - because he sold 8 coconuts in a ‘cold call’. I, because the participants were delighted, each one thanking me profusely. They were my customers and I could bring in ‘customer delight’. Participants –they received a ‘natural drink’ when they thought they needed it most. They lived the quotable quote: ‘customer is king’ albeit for that moment only.
My only cost: a few rupees I spent on buying the tender coconuts. I guess it was worth the investment.
Let me share an enthralling experience with you. Recently, I went to one of the top 20 Indian pharma companies, for a meeting. At the main gate, I was greeted by a watchman. He allowed me in, guided to the parking lot and then to the reception politely and respectfully. Something in his mannerism forced to ask him as to how long he had been working for the company.
He seemed amazed by my query, answered ’20 years’ and asked me the reason. I replied that he spoke very well, which showed that he cared for his company. He seemed overwhelmed & feeling truly nice. Later, he helped me navigate my car reverse.
A small and seemingly insignificant incidence! But, I think we connected very well.