How are you engaging with your team and distributors in the nationwide-lockdown situation? Which app or tool are you using for video conference and file sharing?
The first few days of the lockdown were quite difficult but now it has become business as usual.
We have been using Microsoft team to communicate with teams and distributors all this while. I conduct at least three meetings a day comprising 8 to 10 people talking about the response from distributors, business activity and so on.
Talking about the communication with distributors, I would say it has been good so far as we get a lot of time to connect with each one of them. In fact, we conducted a large conference call of distributors which was attended by about 900 distributors last week.
How are you managing your time? Tell us more about your work from home routine.
I usually start at around 9 in the morning, however, it doesn’t end at a particular time. My work from home routine includes team catch-ups, checking mails, internal meetings, and engagement sessions with distributors and holding webinars.
Now since I am working from home, I take care of bit household activities and do cooking which requires a lot of time management. So I utilize breaks to cook lunch, dinner and do other household stuff.
Do you think working from home compromises productivity and quality of work?
No, I don’t think it affect the quality of work; I believe it just requires more coordination.
If the intent is right, one doesn’t lose out on quality. In fact, after working from home for weeks now, I have realized that you get a lot of time for your kids, save time on commute and eat healthy food.
What is the most important thing that you are missing at office?
One thing that I miss a lot about the workplace is the casual interaction with the team in the corridors and cafeteria. Besides, I really enjoy dressing up formally and going to the office but the current situation has made me live in pyjamas the whole day.
What are the two biggest lessons for you during this phase?
This situation has taught me making quick decision with the help of a 5-10 minutes conference call. Earlier, every decision took hours of meetings and discussions in office which is not the case now.
Another thing is that difficult circumstances really bring out amazing spirits in individuals as we can see people being so creative with their hobbies and skills.
Finally, what is the one thing that you would do differently once the work from home phase ends?
I will try to do less meetings and continue to make decisions quickly.
What is the one advice that you would give to distributors in the current scenario?
Apart from staying in constant touch with clients, distributors should keep their own morale high. This is because we are currently facing not just a health or market battle, it is also a mental battle. Hence, I would advise them to keep their self-confidence and morale high in order to come out successfully.
