Manish's – Thoughts and Learnings

Working in a corporate company is like navigating a crowded railway station during peak hours—you need focus, patience, and a little bit of jugaad (creative problem-solving). After 20+ years in the corporate ecosystem, I’ve picked up a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. If you’re serious about making it big in the corporate world, here are some tried-and-tested tips—with a little masala to keep it interesting.

Networking: Your Most Valuable Asset

“Your network is your net worth.” — Porter Gale

Networking is not just about exchanging visiting cards or clicking ‘Connect’ on LinkedIn. It’s about forming real, meaningful relationships that stand the test of time.

• Engage Consistently: Chat with colleagues, meet people outside your immediate team, and make an effort to attend those office chai breaks.
• Be a Team Player: Celebrate team wins and help colleagues when they’re stuck. Nobody likes a lone wolf in a team sport.
• Stay in Touch: Don’t forget your mentors or ex-colleagues. The professional world is a small one, and these connections can work wonders when you least expect it.

Think of LinkedIn as more than just a platform to hit the “Congrats!” button on others’ achievements. It’s your stage to share your own milestones, insights, and learnings. Every post you make is like a friendly “Hey, remember me?” waving at your network.

So, next time you achieve something or learn a valuable lesson, why not put it out there? It keeps you on people’s radar and sparks meaningful connections. When was the last time you shared something interesting on LinkedIn? If it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to hit “Post”! 🚀

Think of networking as a planting a banyan tree—takes time, but once it grows, it’s a lifetime of shade and support.

Continuous Learning: No Expiry Date

“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought with ardour.” — Abigail Adams

The corporate world changes faster than cricket scoreboards. To stay ahead, you need to keep learning.

• Stay Updated: Be it industry trends or new tools, keep yourself updated.
• Upskill Regularly: Take online courses, attend webinars, or simply read. Don’t limit yourself to your field; learn something out of curiosity too.

Here’s an idea to make learning a habit: set aside a dedicated time every week to upskill and explore new ideas. Let me share a few tricks I use to stay updated—maybe you can try them too!

• Podcasts on the Move: I tune into technical industry podcasts during my daily drives or evening walks. It’s a fun and productive way to multitask. What better way to turn your commute into a mini-classroom?
• Bite-Sized Blog Time: I dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading technical blog posts. I curate a feed of blogs based on my interests, so I always have something engaging to explore. To simplify this, I use a blog aggregator like Feedly—it helps me skim through updates without hassle.

How about you? Do you have any favourite podcasts or blogs that keep you inspired? Let’s exchange notes!

Think of learning as upgrading your mobile phone. If you don’t, one day you’ll stop being compatible with everything around you.

Be Solution-Oriented: Problems Don’t Solve Themselves

“Don’t bring me problems; bring me solutions.” — Every Manager Ever

Corporate life rewards those who don’t just point out issues but also think of ways to solve them.

• Present Solutions: Whenever you highlight a problem, also share a few ideas to fix it. Even wild ideas are better than just complaining.
• Be Honest, Not Dramatic: Stick to facts, and don’t make every minor issue sound like a national crisis.

Here’s a simple mantra: when you encounter a problem, don’t just point fingers—roll up your sleeves and think of practical solutions. Look at it from different angles, brainstorm fixes, and share your ideas. Trust me, this small effort can transform how people perceive you.

Want to be known as a sharp thinker rather than that person who’s always whining? Well, then, ditch the complaints and focus on solutions! To be brutally honest, no one enjoys having a cry-baby on their team. So, let’s switch gears and become the go-to problem solver! What’s the last problem you tackled with a fresh perspective? 😊

Being solution-oriented is like being that one friend who knows how to fix the Wi-Fi. Nobody forgets you.

Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert: Be the Go-To Person

“An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.” – Nicholas Butler

In the corporate world, being a subject matter expert (SME) sets you apart. It’s more than just knowing your stuff; it’s about sharing your expertise in ways that benefit others and build your personal brand. Here’s how you can establish yourself as the go-to person in your domain:

• Mentor and Guide Others : Helping colleagues with their queries or mentoring juniors isn’t just good karma—it’s a smart career move. It builds trust and cements your reputation as someone with deep knowledge. Plus, teaching is the best way to sharpen your skills.
• Create and Publish Content: Ever considered writing a whitepaper or even a book? Sharing your insights in a well-articulated way can establish you as an authority. If writing a book feels overwhelming, start with articles or blogs on LinkedIn or your company’s internal portal. Imagine this—your team quoting you in their meetings because your whitepaper turned into a reference guide. Feels good, right?
• Deliver Training Sessions: Host workshops or training sessions on your subject. It’s not just an opportunity to showcase your expertise but also a platform to network and gain new perspectives. Whether it’s a formal training or a casual lunch-and-learn, the key is to make complex topics digestible and engaging.
• Speak at Events and Conferences: Industry events are perfect for showcasing your knowledge to a broader audience. Whether it’s a keynote, a panel discussion, or a technical deep dive, speaking engagements can open doors to collaborations and career opportunities. I will suggest, start small. Speak at internal team events or local meetups, and gradually scale up to larger platforms.

When you position yourself as an SME, people start associating your name with your expertise. Whether it’s someone seeking advice or leadership considering you for key projects, you’ll find yourself in demand.

Think of yourself as the “Google” of your team—people come to you with queries, and you don’t even have to say, “Did you mean…?”

Reliability: The True Mark of a Professional

“In the corporate world, being reliable is like being the favorite dabba (lunchbox) in the office—it’s comforting and dependable.”

Corporate success isn’t about being flashy; it’s about being dependable.

• Meet Deadlines: This is non-negotiable. Deliver your work on time, or people will stop trusting you.
• Keep Stakeholders Updated: Don’t make people chase you for updates. Be proactive.
• Anticipate Problems: If you foresee a delay or issue, raise it before it becomes a crisis.

Consistency isn’t just a habit—it’s your ticket to building a strong reputation. And let’s be real, in corporate life, reputation isn’t just important; it’s everything.

Think about it—when your name comes up in conversations, do people think, “Reliable, delivers every time”? If yes, you’re already ahead of the game. If not, time to up your consistency game!

Reliability is like being the neighbourhood dosa vendor—you might not stand out, but people always know they can count on you for quality.

The Desi X-Factor: Add a Human Touch

Corporate life in India is not all about spreadsheets and presentations. It’s also about relationships, chai pe charcha (discussions over tea), and those shared jokes that make workdays lighter.

• Crack a well-timed joke in meetings (but avoid being the office comedian).
• Celebrate birthdays, festivals, and small wins with your team.
• Remember, people like working with those who are good at their job and good to be around.

Corporate life is not a Bollywood movie where everything magically resolves in the end. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Show up every day, put in your best effort, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Oh, and when in doubt, remember: a cup of chai can solve most corporate problems. 😉