EXIT INTERVIEWS: THE GRAND FINALE
It is always difficult to tread the fine line between honesty and diplomacy during an exit interview. Viren Naidu puts five HR managers in the hot seat and gets them to answer a few quintessential and sometimes tricky questions
RANJAN KUMAR MISHRA
HR head, SBI Life Insurance Co Ltd: QWHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO LEAVE THE COMPANY? >> I have been with the company for more than six years. I feel now is the right time for me to explore newer avenues. I am looking forward to doing new things; making new mistakes and learning from them; meeting new people and hopefully, having as enriching an experience as I have had here. QIS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR MANAGEMENT STYLE AND SKILL?
>> It would be great if we could further streamline the structure that currently exists. While I do agree that having a hierarchical system has its advantages, I also feel that it gets very frustrating, especially for the newer generation to wait for one approval after the other to get thing done. Also, the management needs to build a more robust mentorship model or there is going to be a risk of an acute shortage of knowledge workers because of the ageing workforce. QWHAT WAS YOUR SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSE WHEN YOU BROKE THE NEWS (OF QUITTING) TO HIM?
>> We have had our share of conflicts but I think he managed them really well. He was surprised when he heard the news, but when I explained my reasons, I think he understood my point of view and respected it.
HR head, SBI Life Insurance Co Ltd: QWHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO LEAVE THE COMPANY? >> I have been with the company for more than six years. I feel now is the right time for me to explore newer avenues. I am looking forward to doing new things; making new mistakes and learning from them; meeting new people and hopefully, having as enriching an experience as I have had here. QIS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR MANAGEMENT STYLE AND SKILL?
>> It would be great if we could further streamline the structure that currently exists. While I do agree that having a hierarchical system has its advantages, I also feel that it gets very frustrating, especially for the newer generation to wait for one approval after the other to get thing done. Also, the management needs to build a more robust mentorship model or there is going to be a risk of an acute shortage of knowledge workers because of the ageing workforce. QWHAT WAS YOUR SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSE WHEN YOU BROKE THE NEWS (OF QUITTING) TO HIM?
>> We have had our share of conflicts but I think he managed them really well. He was surprised when he heard the news, but when I explained my reasons, I think he understood my point of view and respected it.
RAJESH KUMAR
assistant VP - HR, The Lemon Tree Hotel Company: QWHAT WERE THE MOST SATISFYING AND LEAST SATISFYING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB? >> The work culture of this place was the most satisfying factor. However, the least satisfying facet was the lack of work-life balance. Whilst it may be an industry-wide problem, there should be policies in place to reduce the long working hours. QWERE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS MET IN THE COMPANY?
>> Yes, I got a platform to learn and grow. However, I must confess that my learning curve had reached a plateau. QWOULD YOU REFER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO WORK FOR US?
>> Definitely, the kind of growth and learning opportunities I had the privilege of pursuing and enjoying in this organisation, I would like my family and friends too to experience.
assistant VP - HR, The Lemon Tree Hotel Company: QWHAT WERE THE MOST SATISFYING AND LEAST SATISFYING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB? >> The work culture of this place was the most satisfying factor. However, the least satisfying facet was the lack of work-life balance. Whilst it may be an industry-wide problem, there should be policies in place to reduce the long working hours. QWERE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS MET IN THE COMPANY?
>> Yes, I got a platform to learn and grow. However, I must confess that my learning curve had reached a plateau. QWOULD YOU REFER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO WORK FOR US?
>> Definitely, the kind of growth and learning opportunities I had the privilege of pursuing and enjoying in this organisation, I would like my family and friends too to experience.
NAVEEN NARAYANAN
global head, talent acquisition, HCL Technologies: QWAS A SINGLE EVENT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DECISION TO LEAVE?
>> Yes. In the recent past, my role and contribution became bigger than the level I was operating on and there was no tangible plan to correct it. There comes a time when a correction plan matters and there is a better proposition outside. QDID YOU FEEL A PART OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE COMPANY’S MISSION AND GOALS? >> Yes I did, although it was quite frittered and diffused. Success has many claimants and that was one of the key aspects, which drove my decision to move on as it needs to be consistent. QWHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB THAT YOU PURSUED WITH US?
>> I liked the role I executed. My concerns were more related to the workplace and some of the influencers in the community. What added to it was the fact that I had outgrown the level and
was looking for corrections in the same.
global head, talent acquisition, HCL Technologies: QWAS A SINGLE EVENT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DECISION TO LEAVE?
>> Yes. In the recent past, my role and contribution became bigger than the level I was operating on and there was no tangible plan to correct it. There comes a time when a correction plan matters and there is a better proposition outside. QDID YOU FEEL A PART OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE COMPANY’S MISSION AND GOALS? >> Yes I did, although it was quite frittered and diffused. Success has many claimants and that was one of the key aspects, which drove my decision to move on as it needs to be consistent. QWHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB THAT YOU PURSUED WITH US?
>> I liked the role I executed. My concerns were more related to the workplace and some of the influencers in the community. What added to it was the fact that I had outgrown the level and
was looking for corrections in the same.
BARTTANU KUMAR DAS
chief people officer Shalimar Paints Ltd: QWHAT DID YOUR NEW EMPLOYER OFFER THAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO LEAVE US?
>> It offers a more challenging role, more responsibilities and newer areas for learning and better compensation. QCOULD THE COMPANY HAVE DONE ANYTHING TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO STAY?
>> Since the decision was taken for higher professional growth, there was very limited scope for the organisation to do anything in this regard, which would have been acceptable. QWHAT WERE THE PARAMETERS YOU CONSIDERED WHILE ACCEPTING THE NEW ASSIGNMENT?
>> There were many factors that formed a part of my consideration: job profile, workplace flexibility, turnaround opportunity, value creation and application of the learning derived.
chief people officer Shalimar Paints Ltd: QWHAT DID YOUR NEW EMPLOYER OFFER THAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO LEAVE US?
>> It offers a more challenging role, more responsibilities and newer areas for learning and better compensation. QCOULD THE COMPANY HAVE DONE ANYTHING TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO STAY?
>> Since the decision was taken for higher professional growth, there was very limited scope for the organisation to do anything in this regard, which would have been acceptable. QWHAT WERE THE PARAMETERS YOU CONSIDERED WHILE ACCEPTING THE NEW ASSIGNMENT?
>> There were many factors that formed a part of my consideration: job profile, workplace flexibility, turnaround opportunity, value creation and application of the learning derived.
associate director, corporate HR, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories: QTHE QUALITY OF SUPERVISION IS VITAL TO MOST PEOPLE AT WORK. ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE WAY YOU WERE SUPERVISED?
>> While my immediate supervisor has always been helpful, I would’ve respected him even more if he would’ve have played a more active role in my professional development and skillenhancement. More frequent and regular updates would have added to my engagement levels. I also expected him to help me find answers on why I didn’t make it for the international assignment. QDO YOU FEEL YOU HAD THE RESOURCES TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR JOB? IF NOT, WHAT WAS MISSING?
>> I was provided with the necessary resources and support to do the job assigned to me. However, exposure to forums or the top management with the aim of understanding their strategic intent and direction would have helped even further to broaden my horizon.
Times of India - date 4.9.2013
