[Written in August 2006, blogged today]

Two significant events took place this week. Both are set thousands of miles apart yet there is a curious connection between the two.

In USA, at her half century - 50 years - Chennai born Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi is appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi, a Fortune 100 company. Newspapers are full of stories laced with logic and emotion, 'How she is the right choice boss!'

Back home, in his early teens - at 15 years - S. Chandra Sekar has been admitted in M. Tech. Programme of prestigious IIT Chennai. Sekar let his talent known when he became a Microsoft Certified Professional at tender age of 9 years. he was then the youngest person ever to reach that spot. Sekar did not stop there and continued his path to IIT as a part of his journey forward.

So, what is that curious connection? The connection is both are solid examples of the expression 'Catch them young!'

In case of Sekar, his father introduced him to Computers when he was just 4 years old - a age when children learn to hold a pencil correctly and write meaningfully. It is another thing that he followed the direction shown to him and his pursuit has brought him where he is today.

Indra Nooyi on the other hand was indoctrinated in the ways of leadership by her mother who conducted daily elocution contest at home for Indra and her sister. The reward for winner used to be chocholate. This routine gave the sisters a sense of pride and ability to dream and chase a dream. Indra's sister too is an achiever. She worked with Citibank thereafter Worldbank and now teaches at New York University's Stern School of Business.

Catching them young appears to be another classic 'win-win' proposition- everyone gains. So, why not we try it at enterprise level. When we hire new recruits we spot their respective traits and 'file the information' for some future event. If we were to put the new recruits through well-considered development programme it will improve the bonding and address attrition issues in a meaningful manner.

Finally, every business want employees to play the desired role. Each role behavior needs learning. The Family, School, Colleges, Universities, Management Institutes etc are much too preoccupied to teach anyone the role you desire off an employee. You can fill up the vacuum. When you begin to teach you excel in teaching too. Your next time efforts bring out better employees as compared to last time effort. If you like, you can name it as (My Company) Management Programme. There is no shortage of potential recruits for such a thing. Energy, time and money invested in teaching comes back as unexpected future rewards.


Navendu Mahodaya
Motivator-Trainer-Consultant
nmahodaya@hotmail.com