KATHMANDU, NEPAL: Working with people is the most important thing we can do today, where we have this 'jumping to succeed' syndrome. We need to look at the topic in two parts: what do I need from my team; and what can I do to make that happen? These were some of the points raised by Shyam Malhotra, executive director, CyberMedia Publications, during the panel discussion: Nurturing and Growing Talent; Growing Budding CIOs.
He also announced the results of a short survey conducted during the C-Change Summit. The results were as follows:
1. I understand technology more than I know people! Only two people mentioned that out of 20 responses.
2. What percentage of time do you spend in developing people? Most said 20-25 percent; one said 80 percent.
3. Do you influence your company in a significant manner? About 20 percent of the respondents said yes.
4. What is the most important skill set? Some of the respondents mentioned team building, tenacity, etc.
5. Is attracting talent easier? Barring one or two, most disagreed.
6. How much of your training program is in non-technical areas? It was a 50:50 scenario.
7. How about people from other departments coming into IT? It was a 50:50 scenario here as well.
8. Do really capable people don't want to become CIOs? Everyone disagreed
9 . I have a person who can replace me now! Three respondents agreed; 17 disagreed.
What could be some of the answers to bring in more people so that the IT department runs well. This question, and several others were thrown open for the panelists, which included:
* Nishi Vasudeva, Executive Director-Information Systems, Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd
* Niloufer Vazifdar, GM Internal Audit & IT, Forbes & Co Ltd
* Jaya Battacharya, AGM (IT and MIS), Simplex Infrastructure Ltd
* Vandana Avantsa, CIO, Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd
* V Subramaniam, CIO, (Otis India, Otis India JV & Ottis UAE)
Nishi said that not as much of layoffs as expected has been happening, however, it is a good time for the PSUs to grab young talent that is coming out. "We recently put out an ad for IT professionals. A whole lot of people are applying."
Subramaniam added that information is lifeline for any organization. "The team supporting us in managing this information becomes critical. Why does anyone join an IT function. Why attract talent in IT? Information is very important for an organization. People look at key challenges at any function they want to come in. They also look at the brand, the company, etc. Also, how are the current people working, and the credibility of the IT function in the company. He/she looks for what are the path breaking challenges. These are the thoughts that would go through anyone wanting to join an IT function.
On personal challenges, he said that there's fear of uncertainty, fear of learning, fear of responsibility, etc. "We created a change management program for the team. We tell them, these are your strengths." These techniques are used to enable the person to become even more effective. "We created a brand out of IT. It spreads the message and across the business. We are in a better position to attract talent."
