An organization is differentiated on the basis of the culture and environment it provides to its employees. Our conversation with Ms Alisha Mishra shows how ABG has been a catalyst in the growth and development of its employees by encouraging and motivating them. Ms. Mishra is an alumnus of XIMB, Batch of 2013-2015. She has worked as a Systems Engineer at Infosys prior to joining XIMB. Post her MBA she had joined Idea Cellular Ltd. where she was the National Head and Program Manager. Currently, she is the Strategic Planning and Performance Manager at Vodafone Idea Ltd.
Excerpts from the Interview:
XIMB: What makes waking up and going to work on a Monday morning exciting?
Ms. Mishra: Mondays, to be honest, can never be exciting after the two days of rest. But that's the day when something new kicks off, be it a project, or a target or any new initiative... Most companies tend to start from a Monday. What motivates me the most is that I shall learn something new and drag that to the rest of the week with the application of that learning.
Moreover, a work environment is also a pulling factor. A good team, encouraging manager, cooperative co-workers etc. matter a lot. When you know that you're going to meet positive people, you naturally get the motivation to rush to office. Lastly, when your work is valued, there's no satisfaction to beat that! Your accomplishments of the previous week are mostly revealed on a Monday and who doesn't want to be called an achiever?
XIMB: Could you walk us through the cross-functional communication systems at ABG?
Ms. Mishra: Cross-functional communications are very transparent and to the point. People have a tinge of human emotion in every dealing. We are professionals with a personal touch. That's the best thing about the organization. You don't feel like a stranger before anybody. People from various departments know you, go out of the way to help you as well. You feel comfortable in such situations and look forward to extending business transactions with other functions. You're treated equally well throughout the hierarchy.
XIMB: What is the most valuable lesson you've learnt at ABG?
Ms. Mishra: Most valuable lesson - be truthful and honest. They value that the most. You not only earn respect, you learn to respect others in that way. Out of fear, people digress from these values and commit mistakes. ABG gives them umpteen number of opportunities to redeem and change their mindset. Integrity and transparency are totally honoured here and people are encouraged to follow such paths.
XIMB: Three words you would use to describe the culture of ABG.
Ms. Mishra: Three words would be - transparency, integrity and passion.
We sincerely thank Ms. Mishra for sharing her valuable experience at ABG with the students of our institute.