Many a times I have emphasized that People & Organization are two sides of the same Coin. An Organization and its Brand is built around its Own People first and everything else next. A fond follower of Japanese Philosophies, its heartening to know that, if a company is in to Consumer Products for example, its important that the Employees of the Company are its first customers and it should be out of pride and not by force. This will ensure belongingness and trust in what an Organization and its People are expected to do, and the principles they stand together for.

I still remember the LPG Era with awe – Liberalization, Privatization & Globalization. Thanks to the then Government for changing the Behavioral Landscape of both Buyers and Sellers. Opening up of Indian Economy exposed Indian Consumers to multiple choices of Global Products, from otherwise compromised buying out of limited choices. Thanks to Maruti Suzuki, Japanese were amongst the earliest to take advantage of the situation.

Indian Brands in Consumer Durables segment paved way for much better Japanese products, not just because of Brand Preference. Process Leadership of Indian Companies gave way to the perceived Product Leadership by becoming licensed manufacturers or collaborators. This brought in Japanese Culture into Indian Organizations. It was early days in my career where “Company Uniforms” for executives was unheard of. Career Growth helped me understand the significance of wearing a Company Uniform with Pride and Belongingness, which I later adopted for the Organizations I lead, either formally or informally. And it also dawned on me that this is how a Brand is Built & Promoted – by Employees first and then all others next.

I did also notice, especially in consumer durables segment, Employees are encouraged to buy only own products and certainly discouraged from buying a Competitor’s product, irrespective of market standing. This does really make a case for What You Make is What You Get.

EVOLUTION:

SPELT Environment (Socio-Political-Economic-Legal-Technology) evolved alongside Market evolution. Concepts of TQM and QFD were liberally used in bringing together the stake holders for Mutual Good. Education system and Employee Patterns shifted along with Generational Shift & Demographic Changes. Supervision gave way to Facilitation and Managing gave way to Leading. 80:20 rule came to be realized – 20% of People work for future (5 Year Plans), while 80% work for the present (2 Years).

MANAGERS AND LEADERS:

As a widely travelled Intrapreneur, it makes me wonder the way Indian Organizations are structured. Probably it is more to do with societal expectations than those of Organizations. While the Global Organizations appear to be more flat, Majority of Indian Organizations continue to remain highly vertical. Exception can be in Services Sector. This could be either because of Indian Organizations still growing or to meet Career aspirations of Employees – who anticipate promotions periodically. Personally, I see this challenging. Money is not a problem but change in hierarchy is, unless there is scope for additional responsibility. Statistics puts this at 10% of total work force who can be considered for promotion, limitation being Organizational Growth. A certain percentage of retirement and recruitment is also essential for the Organizational upheaval.

I have also noticed, elsewhere in the World, except for HR Professionals, very rarely in other functions People Manage People. Functional and Process Management is clearly distinguished from People Management. There has to be a unique distinction in roles for People to become Managers, especially when the structure is flat. However in Indian Scenario, Managers in Hard Core functions (other than service functions) major responsibility is People Performance. And that is meant to Maintain Value.

Leaders, who are expected to Add Value, will look mostly the Progress and therefore Induce Change & Manage it for the Betterment.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT:

Management Styles will largely depend on the Nature of Business, Employee Demography and Organizational Life Cycle. Traditional Organizations which has more of Doers than Planners and Employee Educational Levels low to moderate, will call for Leaders who take responsibilities and Lead from the Front, mostly assisting & supporting people perform. Its more of Task Based Leadership wherein Employees are expected to meet their DRM obligations. Such Organizations will also be highly verticalised, rely on Procedures and have a great deal of Role Clarity. Very common wherever Manufacturing is involved.

LEADING FROM BEHIND:

Demography induced Generational Shifts have paved way for Modern Organizations. Employee Education Levels are superior to that of Traditional Industries. Role of Managers are that of Facilitators, as commonly practiced elsewhere in the World. Majority of such organizations have stringent recruitment procedures and are generally flat in structure – as seen in Services Industry. Leaders in such Organizations rarely involve in DRMs, except for that of structured reviews and dash boards. Role of Leaders then will be on ESG and Growth – the 3Ps – People, Planet and Profits. For such Organizations – Leaders usually work from behind encouraging the team to achieve targets and goals – mostly Problem Solving & Mentoring.

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP:

Like Commanders in the War Front, most effective Business Leaders are Adaptive – meaning they appreciate the Circumstances, Accept the need to Change accordingly and Adapt themselves. This is essential in a Dynamic Business World wherein Geo-economics is Multipolar and WTO has become less significant in the era of reverse protectionism.

Once Leadership Adapts themselves to the necessities, sometimes called Predictive Leadership, Leaders understand the need for validation, post which they ensure Organization Wide Adoption of effective changes.

Why part is always clear – What, When, How & How Much determine the Effectiveness of Leadership. Ofcourse, the start is always the Right Understanding of the Why…..

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., Ph.D
Independent Board Member, Business Excellence Expert, Technical Due Diligence & Capability Assessor.
Managing Partner – SAAE Enterprises
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.
Former MD / CEO of a German & Japanese MNC
Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
Past Managing Director & CEO – Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd ( a Voith Group Company )

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is an Intrapreneur with hands on experience establishing medium & large scale end to end Value Chain Manufacturing Organizations (from Castings to Finished Products) for Indian Corporates and MNCs, driving Growth & Profitability by Building, Sustaining and Growing High Performance Teams.

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +91 94879 46900 , +91 99653 11288

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post “TRIPLE A” LEADERSHIP appeared first on Industry4o.com.

QUALITY the most understood, and widely mis-understood, rather mis-construed in Human World, the very purpose for which Businesses exist. Challenges emerge as QUALITY – means the Quest for Ultimate for Stake Holders in the Consumption Value Chain.

In my almost 4 decades of Experience, and as a Mentor, across industries, products and services, could not either get satisfied or satisfy customers, both internal and external, in terms of product or services Quality. I have also found that it is not east to DEFINE QUALITY.

Many concepts have emerged. The race in every such concept is to attract, occupy Human Mind and gain its belief – from Seller to User. In Management parlance, this means – Positioning and/or USP (Unique Selling Proposition). As a Gen-X Professional, have seen transformative shifts in Buying Behavior – mostly induced by Growth in Consumerism alongside proliferation of Global Brands and their look-alikes. Yes, we are spoilt for choices.

STP – Segment, Target & Position is a very rational exercise used by strategic marketers leveraging Demographic Dividend to Position the products according to the so called Buying Preferences. While I agree with STP approach as the best available option, have learnt in a hard-way that this has to be adopted to different Region based Socio-Cultural aspirations. It is just there is no “One Shoes Fit All” strategy!

QUALITY– Over the Years, as a big fan of Six Sigma Philosophy, I have always believed Process Quality is the Most Vital for delivering Consistent Product and/ Or Services Quality. A robust process is sure to eliminate Human induced variances, control of which remains more a Desire than Possibility. Therefore Resources Quality – Infrastructure & People becomes critical, coupled with Commitment to Systems & Procedures, meaning Discipline.

MEASUREMENTS – What, How and When of Measurement forms essential part of Managing Quality. First and foremost is to ensure that Products or Services are as per the desired level or specifications at the Point of Sale by the Seller or Services Provider. Though mostly internal to the Organization, if the deliverables match the specifications – 50% of the Bridge is successfully crossed. Wish to re-iterate – its only 50%!

DEFINING QUALITY–Both as a Buyer & Seller, have always tried to emphasize that Quality is relative – dependent primarily on the Cost and then on the Price. While cost is a fact, Price is yet again relative – Right Price is always a Belief. As a Seller, Quality is completely based on STP, though with risks it carries. Many of us as Sellers believe “Right Product for the Right Price”.

As for the User, Price actually is a Cost and therefore looks at it for the Value it offers. Of course this has evolved over decades – from that of Sellers to Buyers’ Market. USP gave way to UVP (Unique Value Proposition), reinforcing that Quality is Relative, more than ever. Its all about User Perception now – expect maximum Benefit to Cost Ratio. If Cost of Quality is to be reckoned as part of Products or Services Pricing, then Cost is all-inclusive – Ease of Purchase and Availability, End to End, and just not the Price.

In the recent times, wherein Brand Loyalty is Fractional and PLCs (Product Life Cycles) are Diminishing, QUALITY has evolved from Mass to Class to Individualistic, paving way for Super Segmentation and Mass Customization. This simply means Society, that is the Market, is moving up in the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, redefining the Perception towards Quality. 

QUALITY today is no more a Choice – It is given and is the most important part of Mind Games in Selling & Buying. 

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., Ph.D
Independent Board Member & Business Excellence Expert.
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.
Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
Past Managing Director & CEO – Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd ( a Voith Group Company)

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is an Intrapreneur with hands on experience establishing medium & large scale end to end Value Chain Manufacturing Organizations (from Castings to Finished Products) for Indian Corporates and MNCs, driving Growth & Profitability by Building, Sustaining and Growing High Performance Teams.

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +91 94879 46900 , +91 99653 11288

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post QUALITY – Most Understood & Widely Mis-Understood appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Have become an avid anlayser of History of Businesses, as part of my recent Professional Engagement of evaluating Companies. Its intriguing to see different styles of the Business Managers, probably defined by their personalities and personal experiences. I repeat, irrespective of Size and Stature, its clear that a Leader’s Decision (Entrepreneur or Professional) is completely dependent on his experience. Once bitten, twice shy types mostly. This is probably from where Resistance to Change also emulates.

In Business & in Real Life, there are two approaches – Outside-In and Inside-Out..

Typical Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Leaders believe in Outside-In as the best approach – laying emphasis on SPELT (Social Political Economic Legal & Technological Environment, summed up in SWOT Analysis) based decisions. Which is quite logical …which also follows Porters Principles of Five Forces.

However in my view, true Innovators and Disruptors believe in Inside-Out approach. It typically envisions a scenario which believes the Market and Society (which is essentially the Market) at large may not know what they want. This in Management Jargon is referred to as Concept Selling & Creativity. I always vouch for this approach.

While the first approach is believed to understand and mitigate risks, in the second approach, risk is the essence and hence returns are disproportionately high as a reward for the high stakes. Ofcourse, failures will always be there…it takes confidence and courage to take the second approach. World over, its a proven fact that, successes even if it is around 10% (meaning as high as 90% failures), will more than Compensate and Contribute to Growth & Profitability. This approach is what brings Leap Frog Growth rather than market dependent incremental growth as in the first approach.

For the first approach, Competitiveness, Consistency and Efficiencies should be at their best to sustain success. Whereas, by nature, the second approach inbuilds inefficiency and thrives only on newness and market attractiveness – mostly due to the First Mover advantage.

In my assessment, for first one, good examples shall be Lee Iacocca… for the second i would rate Akio Marita, Steve Jobs and more recently, Elon Musk. Google, Microsoft, Intel, N-Vidia – off late i believe have lost out on their abilities to be creative – may be due market pressures and share holder expectations, these always being the limiting factors
especially when businesses are investor driven, which in the recent years are too many.

In Indian context, i place L&T, Jindals, Tatas in first category. Though many may not agree, I place Mukesh Ambani, Damanias and Adanis in the second category.

Drawing parallel to our personal lives, many try to evaluate others (Outside – In approach) , rather than trusting themselves (Inside – Out approach). In the process we become judgmental, either consciously or otherwise. Though colloquial, easiest examples could Indian Arranged Marriages as an example for the First Approach and Love Marriages for the second approach.

Irrespective of the approaches, which mostly is associated with Personality, ability to recognise that going is not right and take course correction at that instant is what ensures sustainable success. Then its all about timing – a withdrawal or an exit strategy.

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., Ph.D
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.
Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
Past Managing Director & CEO – Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd ( a Voith Group Company)

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is an Intrapreneur with hands on experience establishing medium & large scale end to end Value Chain Manufacturing Organizations (from Castings to Finished Products) for Indian Corporates and MNCs, driving Growth & Profitability by Building, Sustaining and Growing High Performance Teams.

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +9194879 46900

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post Personal Or Professional, Its all about Style and Substance… appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Take Over and Hand Over Dilemmas cannot be over emphasised. As an Intrapreneur, I have always believed in setting up fool proof processes – meaning people agnostic business processes. And I have also believed, an Organisation is only good to the extent People become replaceable.

However, in reality, it completely rests on the person who takes over than the one who hands over.

Many a times when someone hands over, especially the successes and good practices, he does it with a lot of empathy and emotion trusting the person and people who take over. Unfortunately, when priorities & motives are different, successful processes give away to mediocrity.

It’s also many a time, we believe it’s good to have someone internal to take over – as part of grooming. This will again completely depend on the ability of the Person taking over to adapt. This is especially when the taking over person is not able to wriggle of personal biases and prejudices. Mostly due to long association with the Same Organisation & People, and lack of adequate exposure to outside world. It’s not easy for a Good Person to become a Good Professional.

Preferential treatments, diminishing abilities to question, favouritism and ofcourse corruption and compliance issues return. It’s more so in an MNC set up, being remotely managed. It makes one wonder who influences whom and trust deficit reappears.

Wish Integrity and Ethics become the Soul of both People or Organisation. Though it sounds philosophical, looks like these qualities are becoming rearer…as many of us being witnesses to such happenings. It matters very little, whether the transition is within the Family or between professionals. It only justifies a New Leader is always a better choice – atleast for few more years.

It’s back to basics – Leaders are Born, not Made…20years should be the maximum one should be in an organisation, after which the 4Es – Excitement, Enthusiasm, Efficiency & Effectiveness Drops due to lack of ability & willingness to think differently. Focus shifts to maintaining status quo than leading & transforming. Thus a new external leader will be more helpful to build the next phase of the Organisation.

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., Ph.D
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.
Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
Past Managing Director & CEO – Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd ( a Voith Group Company)

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is an Intrapreneur with hands on experience establishing medium & large scale end to end Value Chain Manufacturing Organizations (from Castings to Finished Products) for Indian Corporates and MNCs, driving Growth & Profitability by Building, Sustaining and Growing High Performance Teams.

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +9194879 46900

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post The Travails of a Change Over appeared first on Industry4o.com.

*L*EARN: Primary responsibility of everyone is to continue Learning for the benefit of Self, Family & Society in an Evolving World. It’s a responsibility to understand that the moment Learning stops, Wisdom takes a back seat.

*E*ARN: Wisdom provides for responsible Earning – utilizing Opportunities, being committed and dedicated towards profession and organization. It’s not about Money, which is incidental. It’s all about leading by example for the Gen Next to understand Hard work is always rewarding in a sustained manner.

*S*AVE: In the age of material excesses induced forex challenges, Savings becomes a crucial responsibility of the Rich & Learned. Imagine excesses of about 5% of the population resulting in trouble for the remaining 95%. Living simple is not difficult; it’s all about Care and Concern for People & Country.

*S*HARE: Sharing Knowledge, Experience & Expertise is the responsibility of people who have adequate Wisdom and to Lead by example, setting right priorities for the Gen Next to be Productive.

*S*ERVE: To serve by the affordable to the privileged is more than a responsibility – it’s a unique gift bestowed on Humans towards fellow Humans.

As I reflect on the selfies of self-proclaimed fitness enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, and entertainers who seem to prioritize themselves over family and society, I’m reminded that it’s not difficult to be Simple, Responsible, and Responsive… Let’s start now by being One.

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., Ph.D
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.
Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
Past Managing Director & CEO – Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd ( a Voith Group Company)

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is an Intrapreneur with hands on experience establishing medium & large scale end to end Value Chain Manufacturing Organizations (from Castings to Finished Products) for Indian Corporates and MNCs, driving Growth & Profitability by Building, Sustaining and Growing High Performance Teams.

Business Strategies & Operational Excellence for Growth and Profitability through People, Processes, Products, Positioning & Promotion.

IOT & Industry 4.0, EHS, Compliance, Corporate Governance

Value Chain Development – Suppliers, Customers, Sources, Markets

New Product/ New Market/ New Customer Development

Innovation & Change Management

Project Conceive, Manage & Establish

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +9194879 46900

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post “Work is Worship” to “Work-Life Balance” appeared first on Industry4o.com.

Raging discussions around Working Hours triggered by two Indian Stalwarts who have built Business Empires bringing in Co-ownership of Organisations, the modern day Cooperative Model thru ESOPs. It’s needless to highlight achievements of their respective Organisations in the Global Diaspora, apart from providing Careers to thousands directly and millions indirectly, to say so.

As budding career Professionals, every aspiring qualified, sorry rightly qualified individual will not give a second thought if given a chance to work for them. Both personally and professionally, opinion of Leaders from Organisations of international repute and indomitable spirit, has snowballed into an uncalled for and unwanted controversy, where people from any walk of life easily offer their opinion, thus claiming to be worth it’s salt.

Setting a Context:

To me, it appears to be a situation of Socio Economic Evolution, creating a lot of confusions in the minds of today’s Youngsters in the name of Alternate Careers. It’s said well, probably in anticipation of such emerging scenarios, “Otherside of the Valley is Always Greener” though it continues to remain so – for Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs alike, by way of Diversification of Businesses and Career Growth respectively.

Practically, it’s supposed to be the third generation of Business Economy World over…obviously offering multifarious Options to Demographic shifts, both as means of living and of course, spending. Naturally, it’s quite easy to be spoilt with choices – Failed Businesses resulting in Bad Loans and stuck Careers giving very fewer options to recruiters.

The Foundation:

Businesses and Careers World over are built on the principle of Extreme Focus and Hard Work. Belonging to a City known for its Entrepreneurial spirit, if not an essential part of its many growth stories, have been a witness to.

Evolution of many organisations today those boast of atleast Rs 500Cr+ revenues were all once started as a means of Self Employment. It’s anyone’s imagination how once such Micro Enterprises have grown as Business colossal. Couldn’t find a better anecdote than that of a Symphony by which the then engagement between Employers and Employees can be compared to.

Well, today many say such Symphonies can be re-orchestrated thru offering advises thru media, further confusing the already confused Youngsters – both would be Entrepreneurs & Intrapreneurs, who believe, if not hope, that working smarter is a viable substitute for working harder. The epitome of Smarter Harder work conveniently forgotten in the milieu.

One should check with the Toppers, Successful Athletes and Renowned Artists, how many hours of practice they put in to gain a foot hold in their respective fields, if not learn from alike Entrepreneurs and Professionals. Once a famous First Generation Entrepreneur quipped “You don’t grow by working looking at the Watch”, and I have seen majority of who have grown were just so. It’s needless to say, not being so have lead to many failures just because of lack of enough attention, if not motivation.

Parable of Growth & Success

It’s just right to imagine in a highly Competitive & Complex Economic World, Success always follows the ones who put in their extra bit – commonly known as Effort. It’s simply the difference between Ordinary & Extraordinary.

Once my favourite Tennis Legend spoke about the many willing sacrifices one has to make as part of focus to remain at Peak consistently. Guess he is not alone in being so.

This is true for any Profession, which only is not adequately recognised. A systematic, focused approach, irrespective of Time without diverting attention helps to recognise and manage risks effectively than the ones who give divided attention to their core of existence – due to so called Work Life Balance.

The Vitamin Necessities

It appears, I repeat, it appears majority of Youngsters are preferring easy Vitamin M – the Money, without Vitamin C – Conviction & Commitment and Vitamin D – Drive, Discipline & Direction.

This is evident from the way the two discussions have been quoted, rather misquoted out of context. The basic courtesy of decently commenting on statements by renowned Personalities, considered Icons by many, is conveniently ignored due to quick fame which negativities give.

We call it social or public media, positive news always get lesser attention than sensations and negative news. Unfortunate psychological dichotomy, which common humans cannot be devoid of, despite best of the efforts to remain positive. It’s no wonder positivity of such observations made are buried in the negative publicities.

Differential Needs

Measurement is the base to succeed – if You don’t measure, You can neither Control nor Improve. Each industry has its own differential needs for measurements – from mass to class to niche, and agri to manufacturing to services. Needs therefore will also be characterised by specific Industry requirements.

The beauty of negative reactions to observations made by the Stalwarts on working hours, is unfortunately avoiding either carefully or ignorantly the reasoning behind such specific needs of those industries they belong to. Quite naturally, calibre of individuals will also be very different – from 80:20 to 20:80.

It’s a fact the socio industry evolution has rendered the core industries starving for right resources. This therefore has necessitated the capable work force double up for shortfalls, be it by putting those needed extra efforts or just being there when needed.

It’s important to recognise sustained success can only be thru sustained and consistent efforts. Rest all becomes mere excuses for not giving the desired and needed attention towards ones task or responsibility. Organisational needs are paramount to those of Individual or Personal needs.

Living for an Earning or Earning to Live

For most of the successful people, Earning interms of Money is a result of Recognition and Status acquired thru deligent and meticulous working towards it. This can be understood only by observing how only 7%+ of the people grow either as Businessmen or as Professionals when the World provides equal opportunity to all.

There is only one Elon Musk as much as there is only one Djokovic or Messi or Woods, or our own Tendulkar, the New Gen Gukesh apart.

So, it’s the Individuals desire to Work to Live or Live to Work.

Jai Hind.

About the Author :

Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ (NITHIN) BE., MBA., PhD
Managing Director & CEO
Flow Link Systems (P) Ltd

a Voith Group Company

Chairman – Shri Avinashiappar Trust
President – Coimbatore Management Association
Past National Secretary – The Institute of Indian Foundrymen.

Dr. Nithin has about 35 + Years of Experience in Engineering Manufacturing organizations. He has worked for LMW Group, L&T, Hitachi & CRI Group. He is considered to be a Professional with a rare blend of Intrapreneurial Orientation, having been a Business Head across Engineering Manufacturing Organisations / Industries.

Dr. Nithin is a Member in Governing Council / Board Of Studies of Universities and Management Institutions as a Management Expert.

Dr. Nithin is part of various industrial associations and professional bodies; he is credited with playing a leading role in bringing land mark changes in Export Incentives, Classification of MSMEs, CPCB Norms, Waste & Disposal Management. He also plays a pivotal role in training and development of educated Youth seeking employment opportunities.

Dr. Nithin Leads a team that turned around a division and a Company, and in establishing large scale projects as bench marks in industry (This Business has won several awards at National & Regional Level which includes – Indian Foundry of the Year, Young Foundryman and Foundryman Awards, 4Star Award from CII, Green Award & Safety Award from Tamil Nadu Government & at National Level from IIF, First Indian Foundry in the segment to get OHSAS 18001 & ISO 50001 Certification and Many Kaizen awards.)

Dr. Nithin is a Managing Trustee of a Family Managed Trust involved in activities like rendering Food, Shelter, Education and Medicare. Noted for rendering services during Chennai, Kerala, Tanjore & Nilgiris Floods.

Dr. Nithin’s Academics:

• Ph.D in Management Sciences
• MBA in Finance & Marketing – Gold Medalist and University Topper
• BE Mechanical Engineer with Distinction
• An IRCA certified lead auditor and assessor for ISO 9001.
• A qualified auditor for EMS, OHSAS & EnMS
• L&T Future Leaders Training at IIM – C

Dr. Nithin’s Professional Associations:

• Member & Industry Nominee, Coimbatore Disaster Management Council
• A Guest Faculty to Premier Management Institutes & Was  Visiting Faculty to IIM – Calicut
• An examiner for Management Qualifications & Assessor for Management Teachers
• An acknowledged management trainer and consultant
• Is a regular Business Column Writer.

Dr. Nithin is a Member of:

• Foundry Development Council, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, India.
• Institution of Engineers, All India and Coimbatore Management Association
• Board of Studies in Universities & Premier Management Institutes

Dr. Nithin is Winner of:

• The Outstanding Alumni & Distinguished Alumni Awards from PSG Institutions & Bharathiar University.
• The CMA Golden Jubilee Year Best Manager award for the region.
• The Best Management Student award and many accolades at National Level.
• The Mother Teresa Award of Excellence for Young Business Managers.

Dr. Nithin’s Management Interests:

• Management of Innovation, Corporate Strategic Planning and Manufacturing Management, Green Supply Chain

Dr. Nithin can be contacted at :

Mobile : +9194879 46900

LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | E-mail2 | E-mail3

Also read Dr. NITHYANANDAN DEVARAAJ’s earlier articles:

The post Work to Live or Live to Work appeared first on Industry4o.com.