61. ANOTHER TRANSFER, ANOTHER TRIAL (YEAR 1993)

STRESS, SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN 

The Highs and Lows of A Woman’s Journey in the Corporate World

CARE: This is Chapter 61 of my book Stress, Success and Everything In-Between. These are individual anecdotes but to understand the professional journey in totality, I would recommend reading the book right from Chapter 01 onwards.

The day my next transfer order came, I felt excited but was also filled with trepidation. I had been posted as head of Public Relations for the entire circle, a position higher than my present scale. Enthusiasm surged through me, but so did apprehension. I was due for my next promotion. What if I did not meet the expectations of the seniors? What if I was reassigned to the lower grade if I could not perform and was not promoted?

I thought of the famous lines from Gone with the Wind, “Tomorrow is another day.”  As I awaited my formal relieving orders and the arrival of my successor, I was determined to keep my nerves in check and act like Scarlett O’Hara. I decided to face future challenges with optimism.

The next day, I arrived at the office earlier than usual, only to find it eerily quiet. The cleaning staff was wrapping up as I entered. As I settled in, I noticed from the glass window two men hurrying towards my cabin. Curious, I barely had time to react before the door burst open. The younger man held the door for the senior, announcing with authority, “Ranjana, the CGM is here!”

I was taken off-guard and jumped up from my chair. The men were none other than the newly posted Chief General Manager and his Personal Secretary. An introductory conversation ensued, though I was puzzled by the unexpected visit. Why was the big boss here so early, and why the surprise appearance?

As minutes ticked by, the office began to buzz with staff members arriving, shaking hands vigorously and greeting each other loudly. The banking hall was abuzz with their usual cheerfulness and bonhomie. All the sounds were clearly audible in my cabin. I wanted to tell them to behave decently since the CGM was present, but I had no way to communicate with them. I offered tea to the visitors, which they declined, leaving me unable to summon a messenger to inform the team. The open glass window made it clear that two guests were seated inside. Therefore, no one came in to greet me, a departure from their usual routine.

Time passed. It was already ten o’clock, but I observed nervously that half the counters were still vacant. At 10:10, the CGM suggested a tour of the branch. My heart raced as I noticed the empty counters but there was no choice but to comply. As we stepped out, I made it a point to introduce him to the Accountant sitting outside my room in a louder than usual voice, ensuring everyone could hear. My team quickly sprang into action. Those working on back office desks promptly moved to the front counters, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

After a tour of the branch, the CGM agreed to a cup of tea and posed a series of questions about my ability to handle the upcoming role in Public Relations. “Will you be mobile enough to visit journalists? Are you prepared to stay late for evening events? Can you lead teams on assignments away from headquarters? Will you be able to handle the hot-headed journalists?” With unwavering confidence, I answered each question with a resolute "Yes, of course, sir!" I had not learnt to say "No, I can't."

The CGM and his secretary left around 11 a.m. I couldn't help but wonder why he had taken the time to visit my branch so soon after joining the circle? He had not inspected any records or asked for business figures. So, what was the real purpose of his visit?

The answer came an hour later when the Personal Secretary called to inform me that the CGM had approved my posting. The visit of the CGM was to resolve his underlying concerns as he had doubts about the capability of a woman to lead an important role. He had planned his visit to check whether I could handle the new responsibilities. Concerned about the posting of a woman officer to a high-profile role reporting directly to him, he wanted to ensure that I was capable of addressing the unusual challenges of the role. 

Once again, my gender had been challenged, and my capabilities had been suspected and scrutinized, all perhaps because I was a woman. By demonstrating my confidence and competence, I successfully dispelled his concerns. He was convinced of my mobility and my communication and leadership skills and I thus became the first female officer to handle public relations in the Bank.

The next three years were like going through an Agni Pariksha once again and I continued to prove my worth every day as new challenges cropped up.

(To be continued....)

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