11 am: There I was bang on time at work, perhaps, in a long time. The occasion: a meeting called by the top boss and compulsory attendance required. I am, as always, out of the loop. Reason being there is always so much happening in my life that I am always behind everything. That does not mean I fail to deliver! And unlike some people who are truly into perception management (will delve on it later) and are such repository for all 'inside news', office gossip and politics least interest me. I mean, who cares if someone is quitting for some place else or is having an affair with so and so, or is being transferred unless that person happens to be someone I am generally fond of. Maybe then I would have been privy to some of the classified information ahem... So, was I in for shock today?
The meeting was sombre and had a full house attendance. And then our top boss spilled the beans. Three of the men at the helm were either quitting or were assuming other responsibilities and a new editor was going to be in place. My heart almost popped out. I was immediately taken to the world of deal trackers, a section in our news pages, where all acquisitions and mergers in the corporate world are written about. Often, people suffer or progress with the change or the transition as they awaken to the dawn of a new culture, a new boss and the learning and unlearning of experiences.
In fact, these were the words of outgoing boss Tony Joseph, who said every change brought with it pain as also growth. Of his stint in Businessworld, he recalled how seven people quit with his joining the organisation in a show of no-confidence. But he stood vindicated 'cause with him BW grew in size and stature (a fact substantiated by the boss of all bosses) -- an indirect way of reassuring us that things should not look despondent with the shaving off of the three heads and that we should repose our faith in the new leadership.
The mood in the entire office is mixed. Some nonchalance, some emotion. But all women and, I, the most moony-eyed among the lot, are heartbroken at the thought of Pro, the second-in-command leaving. He is the one we interact the most. To me, he is every employer’s dream boss -- charming, affable, little moody and with a great sense of humour. He has the most horrible of handwriting though, but the way he scribbles a headline or just a synopsis of a story or how, in quick seconds, he reworks the opening paras of a story changes the very feel of that page. He adds punch to a headline and brings lucidity to style. He knows his words.
As I sit and write this from my office desk, I can see everyone wallowing in sadness. Post meeting, we did a girlie lunch -- all six of us at Big Chill, Khan Market. We gorged on lassagne, mustard chicken, banana malt oreo shakes and a whole lot of other sinful foods, at the same time whetting our appetites for more news and development at work. Alas, the inevitability of change.
The meeting was sombre and had a full house attendance. And then our top boss spilled the beans. Three of the men at the helm were either quitting or were assuming other responsibilities and a new editor was going to be in place. My heart almost popped out. I was immediately taken to the world of deal trackers, a section in our news pages, where all acquisitions and mergers in the corporate world are written about. Often, people suffer or progress with the change or the transition as they awaken to the dawn of a new culture, a new boss and the learning and unlearning of experiences.
In fact, these were the words of outgoing boss Tony Joseph, who said every change brought with it pain as also growth. Of his stint in Businessworld, he recalled how seven people quit with his joining the organisation in a show of no-confidence. But he stood vindicated 'cause with him BW grew in size and stature (a fact substantiated by the boss of all bosses) -- an indirect way of reassuring us that things should not look despondent with the shaving off of the three heads and that we should repose our faith in the new leadership.
The mood in the entire office is mixed. Some nonchalance, some emotion. But all women and, I, the most moony-eyed among the lot, are heartbroken at the thought of Pro, the second-in-command leaving. He is the one we interact the most. To me, he is every employer’s dream boss -- charming, affable, little moody and with a great sense of humour. He has the most horrible of handwriting though, but the way he scribbles a headline or just a synopsis of a story or how, in quick seconds, he reworks the opening paras of a story changes the very feel of that page. He adds punch to a headline and brings lucidity to style. He knows his words.
As I sit and write this from my office desk, I can see everyone wallowing in sadness. Post meeting, we did a girlie lunch -- all six of us at Big Chill, Khan Market. We gorged on lassagne, mustard chicken, banana malt oreo shakes and a whole lot of other sinful foods, at the same time whetting our appetites for more news and development at work. Alas, the inevitability of change.
The Churn
![The Churn]()
Reviewed by Indira
on
February 27, 2007
Rating:
6 comments:
Pro is a journalist's editor and, above all, a mentor par excellence. If the editing desk of Businessworld has had direction since 2000, it has to be attributed to Pro -- even when the job market was tight.
He brings finesse to ordinary stories, while also strengthening it with information it lacks: by making reporters work harder on a story.
Personally, Pro taught me to put difficult situations -- in one's profession and one's life -- in perspective. And he took the greatest care of BusinessWorld through its toughest times. I am surprised no end at the developments.
Indira! Its Erica. So glad I found you. Shocked at the developments. Who else is leaving? How are you faring? I miss you all lots, and I miss India too.
Here in the states, things were very uncertain for a time, but I'm happy to say I've now moved to Washington DC and have taken a job as a international trade and policy reporter. I'm very excited...also nervous. What's Pro's new email? And how is your sister doing in Australia? Ack, so many questions. Anywho, love your blog.
Indira! Its Erica. So glad I found you. Shocked at the developments. Who else is leaving? How are you faring? I miss you all lots, and I miss India too.
Here in the states, things were very uncertain for a time, but I'm happy to say I've now moved to Washington DC and have taken a job as a international trade and policy reporter. I'm very excited...also nervous. What's Pro's new email? And how is your sister doing in Australia? Ack, so many questions. Anywho, love your blog.
Hi Kunkun, knew you would feel the same. Miss you so much in the office and all the old crowd.. Erica you too are missed badly. Give me your gmail id and congrats on your new job. How is Sebi doing? Should see you in the States this year end.
er. talgiers, your nickname is kunkun? he he he. you are in big trouble, lad. also, hey erica, good to run into you. and, while we are at it, where is your blog?
shekhar
Its interesting to know about Pro..i know at certain times there has to be a balance in life, whether it be personal or professional, and I am sure he has planned his staircase towards his professional carrer asking you all to follow him or rearchitect it as per your plans. Indira when i read the blog, i could feel how difficult it would have been for him to be in that situation. Life is so tough to lead, and it is more tough to lead alone. Anyway I like reading your blogs..keep it up..
Post a Comment