I'm publishing a novel (Corporate Politricks) in the form of short episodes daily in this blog - should take about 5 minutes reading time. Just experimenting with this form. I promise not to drag this out into a mega-serial! Will post 1 episode a day (by 8am Indian Standard Time/2:30am GMT) and we should be done soon. For those of you who dread the thought of reading a book, perhaps this format feels more convenient. The novel doesn't have too many characters; from the 2nd episode I'll list the characters at the top so that you don't need to dig around to recollect who was what.
Note: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Note: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Feel free to share this for non-commercial purposes. For commercial purposes (my wishful thinking!), reach out to me via email.
You can reach me at: sstutor@gmail.com
You can reach me at: sstutor@gmail.com
Chapter 1 - Who is the one?
THE PRESENT
While Vignesh was winding up for the day, he received a strange email from their client asking for a quick call immediately.
“Hiya Vignesh. Goood evenin.”
“Good morning Bob.”
"Surry for the late request and keeping you up late. I wanted to inform you first before sending the meeting invite.”
“Ok.”
“We are reviewing our security protocols. I wanted you in the loop.”
Vignesh found it odd that the client wanted to discuss security with him; why didn’t Bob approach the manager?
“This will be late night for you but do attend the meeting. Come in late. It runs our noon time. I have forwarded you the meeting invite now.”
“Hiya Vignesh. Goood evenin.”
“Good morning Bob.”
"Surry for the late request and keeping you up late. I wanted to inform you first before sending the meeting invite.”
“Ok.”
“We are reviewing our security protocols. I wanted you in the loop.”
Vignesh found it odd that the client wanted to discuss security with him; why didn’t Bob approach the manager?
“This will be late night for you but do attend the meeting. Come in late. It runs our noon time. I have forwarded you the meeting invite now.”
In India that was midnight but Vignesh didn’t mind. Lately he was spending most of his days and even nights in office.
“Sure.”
Vignesh thought Bob had disconnected but he suddenly heard him say, “There’s been a breach.”
It took a while to sink in. He recollected hearing about security protocols a few months ago from his manager; it was a day and a weekend that he couldn't forget because that’s when his misery began.
THE PAST
The manager drew an imaginary triangle in the air.
“Unfortunately we need to be within the pyramid structure. The industry is not like ten years ago.”
Today was Vignesh’s sixth year in the IT industry and third in MegaSoft Solutions. He asked surprised, “So I won’t get promoted this time?”
His manager spontaneously replied, “Yes.” He then realised his mistake and added, “Promotions are not easy.”
Always show a way, never show a dead-end.
The manager could easily have passed off as someone two grades higher; his large body frame and patches of hair gave him the air of authority.
“I have the experience.” Vignesh was shocked. Till now he assumed that he was going to get promoted.
“Yes. Maybe,” the manager paused as if he were counting the years of Vignesh’s experience. “But there are others also.”
Is he referring to the army Colonel? But even then they could promote another person. Or was it Sir Karthick they were considering? But that’s not possible; surely it’s not him.
“What’s my career path?”
“You need to perform the higher role. Create an impact at higher levels; be visible. They need to know who Vicky is. Go out of the box; think innovation; creativity; own the system. I can’t keep telling how it’s to be done. You should find out.”
Vignesh hated being called Vicky as if he were his boss’ pet.
Visibility was a term the manager heard often and he passed it on to his team.
When in tough conversations, use jargon.
“So I won’t get promoted now.”
It wasn’t a question but his manager felt that it was and responded, “Don’t focus on the short term Vicky. Becoming a PL now or a few months later won’t make a difference in the long run. You’re doing great work. Great work on the regional stock exchange project.”
PL was the Project Lead designation. Vignesh never worked on the regional stock exchange project. He shook his head without saying anything; at least his boss believed he had done great work in some project.
“Along with great work create visibility. There are many ways to do it. The Art of War says that though we have only a few notes in music, we still have so many tunes. You have to find your tune,” his manager advised.
The Art of War was their CEO’s favourite book and everyone in senior management quoted and misquoted it whenever they had an opportunity. Vignesh had read about their CEO’s interview in a magazine; he had quit his job in his sixth year and started MegaSoft Solutions from home. The CEO encouraged the readers to follow their dreams. Vignesh was also in his sixth year and for the time being there were only two dreams for him: promotion from Team Lead to PL and clearing the home loan.
“Anything else Vicky?”
“No.” The way one of his dreams was headed was clear.
“I forgot to ask you Vicky. Did you hear anything from Bob or anyone on the client side about security protocols?”
“No.”
The regional stock exchange project! Damn, he doesn’t even know what I do.
Vignesh returned to his cubicle which could accommodate four people. A few minutes later Sir Karthick proudly walked to the prestigious last row single-seater cubicle beside the window. Many people envied these seats because of privacy; you could browse any website, do personal work, admire celebrity pictures but never get caught embarrassed. Vignesh was infuriated on seeing Sir Karthick.
I slog and he will get promoted. Damn.
Vignesh returned to his cubicle which could accommodate four people. A few minutes later Sir Karthick proudly walked to the prestigious last row single-seater cubicle beside the window. Many people envied these seats because of privacy; you could browse any website, do personal work, admire celebrity pictures but never get caught embarrassed. Vignesh was infuriated on seeing Sir Karthick.
I slog and he will get promoted. Damn.
No comments:
Post a Comment