How the lockdown taught us collaboration & other management lessons

Inspiring Stories

07 July 2020

How the lockdown taught us collaboration & other management lessons

  • Posted by Awfis Editorial

Unlock 1 has seen many get back to their office spaces and adapt to the new normal of masks and social distancing. It’s a good time to reflect on the many lessons we’ve learnt during the lockdown and how we can apply it to our corporate lives. Sometimes, all it takes for change to take effect is the lack of choice. As we grappled with being locked at home, we geared up to learn new skills, find new ways of entertainment and we collectively managed to remote work effectively. Here’s a look at some lessons we can take back to work with us:

Are we all Digital yet?

Somewhere between forgetting to switch on the mute button and switching off the camera, we all grew up to be digital. The world before the lockdown was divided between the Digital Natives and the Digital not-quite-there-yet. What stopped us from adopting technology which existed to make our lives simpler and help us work more efficiently? And yet, how come when it came to personal usage, we easily figured out Firestick/Chromecast streaming and the latest cell phones? Learning happens out of interest or necessity; and at a company level the interest must trickle top down. The leadership team and managers need to bring in a culture of systemic learning and that begins with them upskilling to lead by example. This serves a dual purpose – one that accepts not knowing everything is normal and second that it’s never too late to learn.

The Key Takeout: For organisations to innovate and evolve, there needs to be a culture of learning. The ‘why fix it if it ain’t broke’ philosophy is the biggest roadblock to innovation.  

Workload equals loads of work?

It’s fascinating how we seamlessly divided house tasks based on innate ability – the younger ones for physically-intense housecleaning, the ones who knew cooking took up kitchen work and the rest did dishes and groceries. Some people rotated duties but each family found its own rhythm. Each person was accountable for their work, knew the others’ tasks and trusted them to do it. Of course, things work differently in the corporate world with its clearly demarcated job profiles and associated qualifications; however, we can take a leaf out of this and relook at how we can assign work beyond qualifications. Align teams to a short-term common goal, clearly define how they’re contributing to it individually and collectively, and acknowledge that effort and result.

The Key Takeout: Working collaboratively by its very nature takes away the sense of ‘it’s not my job’ and builds a system where each one is aware and thus appreciative of the work the others are doing.

Time: Too much of a good thing?

Humans are creatures of habit which is why when faced with what seemed like infinite time, we used it exactly the way we are accustomed to spending it. The workaholics worked, the fitness freaks worked out, TV addicts binged and almost everyone learned to bake! But at some point we got a sense of too much, even if it was something we enjoyed, we started missing the office, the routine. How does this apply in the corporate world? If you let people chill and do what they love for some time, you’ll get them more refreshed and charged up to work rather than restricting them to strictly work during work hours. By forbidding things, we make them more appealing. This is not a carte blanche to slack off but a more lenient work style where half an hour on YouTube or a game of Scrabble is acceptable and doesn’t have to be done behind the boss’ back.

The Key Takeout: If work is no more restricted from 9 to 5, why should fun have set timings? Set boundaries but don’t make work and life mutually exclusive.

Focusing vs flexibility?

The easily distracted, and that’s pretty much all of us, will find a distraction worth their time. Pets and children replaced colleagues, chores replaced coffee breaks and SOs replaced bosses. On the other hand, we were saved from focusing on what to wear, what is she wearing, where to go after work, the meeting that should’ve been an email etc. The lockdown brought home the truth on how much time and energy is wasted on things of little or no significance. Despite the increase in daily chores, the lack of an office environment, and distractions at home; most people reported being more productive while working from home. Should this mean an end to office as we know it? Yes and no. The office as we knew it – singular location, fixed timings, everyone & everyday reporting – needs to give way to a more flexible, work from home and work near home approach. The flexibility may differ between industries, organisations but the core approach needs to evolve.

The Key Takeout: Focus on what’s essential and become a more outcome/goal-oriented workplace. Does it really matter if the person delivers an exceptional presentation wearing trousers or pyjamas?

When the lines between office and home are getting increasingly blurred, there’s merit to introspect and apply learnings from home and family to help teams work better.   The lockdown tested and demonstrated our potential to trust, collaborate and handle a crisis; and it would be a shame to not carry some of this back with us as we head back to office.

5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

  • Posted by awfis

Bollywood and Shahrukh Khan have long been synonymous. From stage plays in his early career to 80 iconic Indian films and global stardom for over more than a decade – the Indian actor, producer and television personality has made waves in every sphere of entertainment. But, every now and then, one will often find him reminiscing his modest roots.

If you’re launching your start –up, then you’re also most likely to find yourself in times of struggle and despair. But guess what? Even the King of Bollywood has been there and done that. Here are some of the most inspiring life lessons coming straight from the Superstar, that will help you “hang in there!”

Lesson 1: Sail away from your comfort zone

“Being brave means being shit scared all the way. But, don’t let your fears become boxes that enclose you. Open them up, feel them and turn them into the greatest courage you are capable of. I promise you, nothing will go wrong. But if you live by your fears, everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong and you won’t even have done the Funky Chicken.”

Lesson 2: Embrace the madness in you

There’s no such thing as “normal”. That’s just another word for lifeless. Madness is an absolute prerequisite to a happy and successful life. Don’t ever treat your little insanities as if they are aberrations that ought to be hidden. Acknowledge them and use them to define your own way of living the only life you have. All the most beautiful people in the world, the most creative, the ones who led revolutions, who discovered and invented things, did so because they embraced their own idiosyncrasies.”

Lesson 3: Don’t panic ever – just be positive

“When life hits you with all the force of its resplendent rage, the Rolls isn’t going to give you comfort. A friend’s grace will, and if you can’t find resolution as easily as you would like to, don’t panic. Everything evolves as you go along. Even disasters eventually resolve themselves. Give life the space to move at its own pace, pushing it ahead only by way of being kind to yourself when you are hurting or in despair.”

Life lesson 4: Ignore the naysayers

“All the names you give yourself, or those that others call you, are just labels. You are not defined by them, no matter how flattering or uncomplimentary they are. What defines you is your heart. And I say this out of experience because if I was to go by what all I am called on Social Media I would be an old desperate manipulative that has been star who swings both ways while making crap movies, and these are just the good mentions.”

Lesson 5: Stop whining and start moving

“Whatever it is that is pulling you back, it’s not going away unless you stand up and start forging your own path with all your might in the opposite direction. Don’t attach yourself to either sadness or happiness, they’re both going to change with the same certitude. Take them with the ephemeral spirit of their impermanence and manage them with a healthy dose of good humour.”

Here’s what you need first – a office spaceco-working space in Qutab, New Delhi or business centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru , where you can kickstart your startup.

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#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

  • Posted by awfis

Q1. What is my first step at targeting audiences?

It’s important to create a “why us” value proposition for your product. Be ready to stay in test and refine mode, as you move forward. Many startups and entrepreneurs get so caught up in their business plan and trying to execute it, they forget the most important aspect, which is the market. It is important to move out of your cubicle and office space and go out and discover more.

Q2. Do I start small or look at the bigger market?

You definitely need to start with the smallest group possible. It may seem contradictory to many who are starting a business, but it’s vital to find a group who think what you offer is special. Finding a narrow group with extremely specific demographics or a specifically targeted problem is the key. It’s easy to expand your reach after you gain traction, but it’s always the best to be a big player in the smaller markets.

Q3. Is it vital to keep resources aside for my research or can I just analyze?

The customers who currently buy your product are your audience and it is extremely important to understand who they are, their characteristics and their buying patterns. Analyze the elements that worked with your marketing strategy that connected with your audience. It is obviously important to invest in customer relationship management software for small businesses. Use tools and software to see your customers’ geographic distribution, age range, habits and other valuable insights.

Q4. How important is it to study the role of my competitors in the industry?

If you’re lucky and blessed, you’ve invented a product that the world has never seen. However, it isn’t so easy always. It’s extremely important to check out the competition that sells similar products to yours. Look not only at the big players, but even the upcoming startups. Start thinking of ways that would persuade your customers to switch to your product. Make your product more desirable. Study your competitors and their success and how they connected to their audiences. Along with success, study their failures as well so you can avoid them.

Q5. How to create an audience profile?

The ideal customer profile contains not only demographic but also psychographic information. Demographics describe aspects like gender, age, income, marital status, job status, education levels, etc. Psychographics identify hobbies, behaviors, habits, lifestyle choices, values, and interests. It is also important to give equal weightage to both these factors as they go hand in hand.

Q6. What is my next step?

After you have figured your audience, it is important to envision your product and your company five years into the future. Both your business and your customers need to move forward in the same direction. Be aware of all the technology changes related to your product. And remember, as your business evolves, your customer base will also shift. But once you’ve found your target audience, the transition won’t be too difficult.

Hope this would guide you into finding the ideal audience, for more queries comment below!

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How To Negotiate And Win Your Way With Each Zodiac Sign

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

How To Negotiate And Win Your Way With Each Zodiac Sign

  • Posted by awfis

It’s no surprise that great businesses are often built on solid human capital. That means constantly having to network and collaborate with others – be it your eccentric employees, unreasonable clients or an over demanding boss. But sometimes, winning them over to see your side of the story can be quite a task. For what seems like a stalemate, simply follow our zodiac manual to crack the code to their entrepreneurial mind…

AQUARIUS (January 22 – February 21)

They are known to be true visionaries who are constantly pushing to break social norms. Traditional and conservative is not their style and they love hearing about fresh and new ideas that have yet to be discovered. Adaptive and innovative, it is best to consider them as decision-making equals, since they are probably ten steps ahead of you in terms of creativity.

PISCES (February 22 – March 20)

Their generous sense of spirituality and service to others makes negotiating with a Pisces – easy and effortless. To win them over, show them the greater good behind your motives over a great fine dine. Idealistic, empathetic and caring, they will lend steady support to social and humanitarian projects, while their knack for being organised and detailed will help you execute your projects to perfection.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Assertive, dynamic and courageous are a few words that describe these folks. They adore a healthy amount of risk and adventure and will be the first of the lot to take a brave leap. Get them to tune in by being point-blank straightforward and allowing them to take centre stage in form of sincere compliments and leadership positions. Their world revolves around genuine warmth and affection and they look up to those who inspire them!

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Show them the money through concrete numbers, because for them comfort and security rank very high. They are hardworking, dependable and practical but also very rigid in their goals. Never rush them into making decisions since they like to take their own sweet time to think things through. If you really want their support, then statistics and a steady plan for the future will do the trick.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Sell them your idea like a true salesman, and they will buy it. Known for being social butterflies and great communicators, they love like-minded people who are equally as charming and enigmatic as them. Since they are very knowledgeable, they can be great teachers when it comes to their field. Remember to stay in their good books by being extremely diplomatic, at all times.

CANCER (June 22 – July 20)

Sensitive and nurturing, Cancerians use their emotional feelers to respond to their surroundings. Their body language and expressions will tell you everything you need to know. If you’re at a deadlock with them, then acknowledge their contributions and they’ll be on cloud nine. Being kind and understanding about   their dreams will win you their support in return!

LEO (July 21 – August 20)

Give them a chance to shine! These kind, vivacious and artistic personalities love being classy and centre-stage. Want a Leo on your team? Then simply consider adding value to their reputation and image. For them, loyalty and friendship is above anything else, so don’t ever break their trust. Known for being great managers, they will know how to strike the perfect balance between work and play.

VIRGO (August 21 – September 22)

This category signifies all the number crunchers and organisers that believe in logic and statistics over unpredictable emotions and gut instincts. They tend to hold on to order and tiny details with acute focus. If you’re banking on them in the long term, then get them to look at the bigger picture and how it could align with their personal goals. Also, don’t forget to over look all the details before approaching them, as they can tend to be highly critical.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 21)

They bent towards partnership and compromise, often finds them in positions where they believe in keeping everyone happy. Show them a general consensus, and they will be more likely to hear your plans. Just be clear about what you want and choose your words carefully as their investigative sense leaves no stoned unturned.

SCORPIO (October 22 – November 20)

These all-rounders are drawn to all that’s complex and analytical as they can achieve anything in difficult situations with flying colours. They appreciate go-getters and reliable people who can align with their goals. Sometimes, they might be sensitive due to their strong intuitive abilities but all you have to do is motivate them with a fair share of passion, risk and challenge.

SAGITTARIUS (November 21 – December 22)

They are fun, enthusiastic and optimistic who are constantly on the lookout to further their knowledge. They wear their heart on their sleeve and are naturally attracted to opportunities that involve travel and leisure. Their strong sense of independence makes it difficult to commit to one single thing but if you manage to show them the bigger picture of your bargain, then you might just have an audience!

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 20)

They are masters of strategy and implementation. Make sure you show them your ideas, as they will help you execute them with ease. Known for being poker-faced businessmen, they will often keep their feelings to themselves. Getting to know them on a personal level, can earn you their support and companionship, come what may.

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