Hack
Hack: Start the PIF Way for Managers
by Madhusudan Rao - AVP - Delivery at Mahindra Satyam
August 23, 2010 at 2:07amContribution Summary
Summary
PIF stands for Pay it Forward
The Wikipedia link talks about the concept and has a link to the movie that was made as well.
Why not introduce this concept to Managers within organizations? This concept will help build a community of Managers who are committed in helping each other.
The Wikipedia link talks about the concept and has a link to the movie that was made as well.
Why not introduce this concept to Managers within organizations? This concept will help build a community of Managers who are committed in helping each other.
Moonshot(s)
Problem
There is a lot of expertise in any organization. It remains within the persons concerned and rarely gets to the benefit of others.
When newer Managers are in spots of bother, they dont know whom to approach, usually. They are hesitant for various reasons.
There is a need for an informal setup in the organization that morally binds the (expert) Managers to coach the (novice) Managers.
When newer Managers are in spots of bother, they dont know whom to approach, usually. They are hesitant for various reasons.
There is a need for an informal setup in the organization that morally binds the (expert) Managers to coach the (novice) Managers.
Solution
Problems are always present for any Manager - how does he solve it? He takes the help of a peer or a senior Manager within the organization. What happens if the senior Manager has a problem? He asks another one and so on, goes the chain of activities.
All it takes for the chain to start is for one Manager to help another in need. He can then ask the one he offered help to repay the deed to another Manager. This way, one can cover all the Managers in the organization and bind them in a way that no formal roles or hierarchies will. The camaraderie between the Managers will be a treat to watch, thanks to this small gesture.
All it takes for the chain to start is for one Manager to help another in need. He can then ask the one he offered help to repay the deed to another Manager. This way, one can cover all the Managers in the organization and bind them in a way that no formal roles or hierarchies will. The camaraderie between the Managers will be a treat to watch, thanks to this small gesture.
Practical Impact
- Increased goodwill between Managers within the organization
- Best Practices sharing by an informal network
- Problems get solved as quickly as they arise
Challenges
Bereaucracy is the biggest obstacle. As long as there is no sign of this being an official initiative, the move will be really effective.
Obviously, it will take a while for it to catch up - but once done, it will be a very effective movement.
Obviously, it will take a while for it to catch up - but once done, it will be a very effective movement.
First Steps
The Senior Management should be asked to start this initiative and start various chains within the organization and track it grow.
Helpful Materials
Documents:
- No documents at this time
Images:
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Videos:
- No videos at this time
Comments
Matt Shlosberg
September 5, 2010 at 8:49amMadhusudan -
Great idea! How would you enforce managers to actually pay it forward? What can you do to make sure their actions are valuable and aren't performed out of requirements to pay it forward?
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Madhusudan Rao
September 5, 2010 at 11:59amThanks Matt.
I wouldn't like to enforce this on the Managers. This would have to appeal to their sense of Collaboration with other Managers (like one of the Moonshots says "Enable communities of passion"). Because enforcement will not work in such an initiative.