STRESS, SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN
The Highs and Lows of A Woman’s Journey in the Corporate World
CARE: This is Chapter 65 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.
In
1997, I assumed charge of the Dehra Dun branch, the largest branch in
Uttarakhand State. Spread over two floors, this branch had four divisions and
206 employees. It was considered a challenging task to steer it successfully.
As I
took over this role, the first monthly Performance Review meeting loomed as a
challenge. The branch performance was abysmal across all metrics, and I dreaded
presenting the figures in the meeting. I knew this was not my fault, but the
weight of the situation was palpable. To my relief, my boss did not embarrass
me. Instead, he was straight, “You have joined the branch recently, and I
cannot hold you accountable for this poor performance. But can you give some
timeline for turning these figures around?”
I
replied without hesitation, 'Within a quarter!”
He
smiled, “Good! Best of luck!” Did I see scepticism on his face?
Returning
to the branch, I immediately called a meeting of all the Heads of the Divisions
and discussed with them what transpired in the Performance Review meeting. I
urged them to rise to the challenge. They assured their unwavering commitment.
Together with their teams, they devised strategies, tapped all their resources,
and aggressively pursued business growth in deposits and advances.
I felt
pride as I presented the branch performance figures for the next quarter, which
showed positive results on every parameter. Thanks to the dedication of my
team, I fulfilled my promise.
After
several quarters of sustained positive performance, my boss publicly
acknowledged his initial doubts about my capabilities, rooted in gender bias.
He
said, “When I came to know of your posting, I anticipated further decline in the
performance of the branch, assuming that a woman would find it difficult to
lead it. However, you have proved me wrong. I once believed that you would give
more time to your family and may make frequent trips to Delhi and take leave
often. But you have defied my expectations. Previously, I used to question the
Dehra Dun branch why they could not achieve targets while Region 1 could. Now,
I should ask Region 1 why they cannot emulate the success of the Dehra Dun
branch. I must admit that I was highly mistaken about your capabilities.”
For a moment, I was overwhelmed by the fact that I was constantly required to prove my worth because I was a woman. Yet, I admired profusely his candid admission. This was the first time I witnessed a senior officer openly admitting his mistaken preconceived notions. I was deeply impressed with his honesty in sharing his views frankly in an open forum. My salute to him!
(To be continued...)
*****
9 comments:
Ranjana Bharij ji, you have been a consistent performer on all fronts in your banking career. Dehradun Branch and your success there, as I gather from this Episode, was another feather in your cap.( I am reminded of my innings at Chandigarh Main Branch). Kudos to you.
But you had to prove yourself at every assignment.
Vijay Gupta
Your capabilty to adapt to diametrically different situations is exemplary. Yes, that was a turning point for Dehra Dun branch. Btw, the management was wise in posting u there instead of the north east , which you had been anticipating , given the events narrated in the last episode.
Kanwal Bir Singh Bedi
Very well expressed.
Susheel Kapur
Very proud of you and really happy with the senior Officer who openly admitted. This is a nice narration I enjoyed reading.
Shanta Vasan
Your story, Ma’am, brings to life the challenges a woman bank executive faced while overcoming gender bias and transforming a struggling branch.
As a junior executive working under your guidance at the same branch during that time, I had the privilege of witnessing your leadership style firsthand.
Your respectful demeanour toward your juniors and ability to inspire a sense of teamwork deeply impressed me.
Despite initial doubts from superiors, how quickly you turned around the branch’s performance is a testament to your ability to successfully adapt to stressors, and the strength of your leadership.
During your tenure, I recall(if my memory does not fail me) that our branch achieved a significant milestone - the successful completion of full computerization, a pivotal step in its modernization. This accomplishment serves as a testament to your exceptional leadership and ability, demonstrating how dedication and tangible results can shatter preconceived notions.
However your story stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent and determination meet opportunity, regardless of gender.
Gulshan Kumar Dhingra
A new day and a new challenge. You are always ready to meet all the challenges and ensure that you succeed.
Your turning the Branch around is well documented here.
You surely inspired a lot of people to strive for success.
Your story is beautiful.
Varsha Uke Nagpal
You are a cent percent positive person with great determination and patience.
Indira Narasimhan
Your self-confidence, straightforward journey through the narrow lanes of the organisational life and quality of leadership(as all through) are as commendable as the intellectual honesty of your controlling authority in this case.
The matrix of life is woven with the fibres of sweet and sour, bland and bitter experiences. It is the individual's mental frame which provides vision through which he/she looks at it in totality.
Prannath Pankaj
Read this chapter just now . Gender bias , how deep rooted it still is . Quite apart from performance , a woman even expressing a view or an idea is considered preposterous . However I liked your Boss . He rose above his pre concieved notions and recognised ability and worth when he saw it and most important admit it . Few have the courage to do that.
Manju Iyengar
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