Sunday, November 9, 2008

Kulkarni, Kochappan, and I.

'' We were walking around the campus of 'The Leela Beach Goa' the Leela group hotel.
I and Mr.Kulkarni . It may have been after 11PM ; after that day's conference and dinner of the Southern Regional Stockists Meet. Probably 13 years back; Iam not sure, but around then.
Our subject was obviously an analysis of the day's proceedings. I was of the opinion that we should speak in person to the Chef about the shortcomings of the hotel.
Let me interrupt and remind you that my learning have been mainly from others.
I learned a lesson from Mr.Kulkarni that night like I have learned, probably so many from you.'' I stopped and looked at Kochappan. He was listening and the he asked me ''what did you learn?''

'' 'Our job is to choose a good venue for a conference and not to give training to the hotel staff where they were wanting in services. Utilize time and energy in productive work' '' that is what I learned from him.'' I replied.

I have mentioned to you earlier about my proficiency in arithmetic esp in adding. I didn't want to perform badly.
'' I have become knowledgeable after I worked with people like him'' I added.
'' I have become quite knowledgeable in Electrical Engineering because of my intelligence, and ability to relate to others what I know which is a must in a career in selling'' I added once again; making it two in a row.
Kochappan looked at me and then he spoke '' Aniyan. You obviously have learned a lot from people like me and Kulkarni, and also from your experience in the Electrical engg company. I have a doubt which I have been wanting to clarify. People use, and we all talk about 'Voltage' and 'Current'. What is the difference. Can you tell me in simple words about them?''his query was genuine.

We Menons are used to handling complex issues and not simple ones.But for the sake of Kochappan I ventured to do it.

'' They are inter related. you may not understand it easily.I will explain to you. Voltage is something from which you get shock and Current is something for which you pay the bill every month'' I replied with confidence.
I have seen many expressions on Kochappan's face when I have imparted such knowledge to him on earlier occasions .
You may have seen the computer 'hanging'; it stays put, nothing moves. On listening to my answer Kochappan attained that status ; He hung. He rebooted after few seconds.

'' I would like to tell you about few other things I have learned from others who shares this blog with you'' I wanted to continue.

'' Not today Aniyan. One cannot take more than one such example in day. Keep it for another day'' said Kochapps.

I was moving out when he called me from behind and said '' I want to see Mr. Kulkarni when he comes to Kochi next.''

'' Sure'' I said.''He is great''I added. .I added for the third time in a day; remarkable achievement at that.

'' He shoud be.'' said kochappan, '' for him to have managed sales of such a big company with such knowledgeable people like you''.

'' But not many like me. I was an exception'' .Humility didn't prevent me from claiming that.

'' Sure there may not have been many who could explain 'Voltage' and 'current' as simple as that''. He accepted and in appreciation of me he smiled and added.

'' Despite you that company did well. Great company and great manager this Mr.Kulkarni''.

I went to bed with the satisfaction of having contributed to the image of the company and my manager. Great day!