Ashit Sarkar's Story
The Journey So Far:
30 yrs in ITC 1953-82, retired as GM. Next 10 yrs in Britannia, retiring as VP-HR. Post retirement Sr VP with IFB then recalled to Britannia (1997-99). Mgmt Consultant thereafter. Director of 2 Companies interim. Examiner Ind Inst Sc 1980-82 Member ILO, Geneva's 2nd Food/Drinks Com 1991-96
Job Profile:
My final role as Sr VP-HR in BIL/IFB required me to guide/develop HR policies and action plans consistent with Company's mission/ vision based plans - on business objectives after SWOT. Managing internal/external environment, motivation of employees, compensation plans, retention were important
The Decisions That Matter
After 20 yrs in Prod function in several ITC factories, in 1973 I was asked to handle IR at highly problematic Kolkata. I accepted the challenge. Change to HR has been most satisfying. I was able to motivate and change union/worker attitude and manage major productive increases in entire ITC/BIL
Career Profile:
Having retired after 47 years of full time professional life followed with over ten years of consultancy and voluntary service, my professional life is now limited. I continue as Advisor & guide to the professional associations, and occasionally with mgmt student community sharing my knowledge.
Degrees That Matter:
When I started professional life, there were no Management Schools or Institutions. As such, I studied the few mgmt books that were available and participated in Mgmt Assoc discussions and later attended programs in Staff College etc and ITC run programs. Ideally, MBA is useful now for most mgrs.
Working Life Management:
I ensured holidays & time for family and entertainment despite work pressures during work-life. Learnt to separate both, and practiced being content. Paid reasonable attention to health & food. Managed stress fairly & avoided it to affect relationships. Learnt to be content and not greedy.
Done Differently:
Due to partition of India & loss of all possessions by my family, I was unable to obtain my Engineering degree from BHU before starting work, despite a scholarship there.
I would have liked to have started with the professional qualifications.
However, I'm a realist and not a dreamer - I'm happy!
Prized Accomplishment(s):
My efforts to help retired pensioners of Britannia Industries to retrieve their pension benefits that had been arbitrarily held back by the powerful & mighty company illegally & unethically from 2003 claiming rule changes. Court case filed by me has been successful, even if delayed by BIL appeals.
Changes In The Professional Environment:
Drastically!
From managers only expected to strictly follow orders and not even suggest changes in my early days that was secretive, professionalism now encourages discussions and planning. Disciplined loyal soldier has now to be a flexible planner and prioritized result oriented professional.
Growth Strategy:
Post retirement, I continue to remain active professionally - devote time to develop newcomers, students to the extent possible. I participate in Workshops, Conferences, often make presentations or as faculty, write articles - many are published (go to: http://pastehtml.com/view/c0x4gxdf7.html).
Other Thoughts:
Self learning and multi-interests, hobbies and developing pleasant interaction with family and friends makes life pleasurable. Ethical values is vital, as also helping others in need (without any expectations) can be very satisfying. All managers must plan their own life, finances, health issues.
Required Reading:
Initial professional education is most important. Identified development whilst in service is next - whether Co sponsored or on own - must be seriously pursued & followed. Discussions with other professionals can be very useful.
Reading Trade & Business papers on the web or library is important.
Role Model:
Several role models have inspired me to excel professionally at different periods/phases. An early one was my ITC boss Bill Franklin who despite discouraging environment permitted me to innovate & experiment even unwillingly, and helped with getting more professional in early years, & encouraged me
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