Friday, January 18, 2008
India - Friday
Again up early for breakfast and the waiter recognized and asked if I wanted water, OJ and Idli and I quickly said yes. I have been getting requests to try north Indian food so I asked the waiter for a suggestion and tried Parantha, it was two flat shells with stuffing, not bad. There was a yogurt dip and mayo pickles, which was quite tasty. I arrived at the office and met with a number of groups and took many team pictures. It was time for lunch. More new items, Sarvata provide Samosas which are quite different than in US. They were also quiet hot and had raisins in them. I had a hot spring roll, stuffed potato and a fried cheese patty. We also had a number of chicken and fish dishes, not sure of most of the names, but this time everything was very tasty and very very spicy. I had lots of water to drink. Then I went back to the office to talk to more teams and will be heading to the local sweets shop soon.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
India - Thursday Afternoon
We then proceeded to another hotel to work with the core team to identify action items to meet our 2008 goals. This was a very good but tiring process, which produced many great creative ideas and look forward for the implementation and review measurements after a years time.
Again we ate Indian snacks, not really sure what they were, but they were very tasty. Now off to dinner and another hotel. Here we meet some executives, Bhaskar and Wishi. They were very conversational and we talked about many interesting topics, one about the how this consultation relationship began. We had lots of good talk, food and drink. The dinner was again Indian Chinese, very tasting and filling. Not sure the dishes, but tired most of them as I got full from the previous snack. They had a great spicy soup. Then desert was served and I tired a bit, ice cream, fruit, Licheem and a tart like bar, hopefully I will try to identify these sometime soon. Then I returned to the hotel to get up to date on my blogs. signing off.....nothing really exciting lots of work and ideas for some eDel changes when I get back....
Again we ate Indian snacks, not really sure what they were, but they were very tasty. Now off to dinner and another hotel. Here we meet some executives, Bhaskar and Wishi. They were very conversational and we talked about many interesting topics, one about the how this consultation relationship began. We had lots of good talk, food and drink. The dinner was again Indian Chinese, very tasting and filling. Not sure the dishes, but tired most of them as I got full from the previous snack. They had a great spicy soup. Then desert was served and I tired a bit, ice cream, fruit, Licheem and a tart like bar, hopefully I will try to identify these sometime soon. Then I returned to the hotel to get up to date on my blogs. signing off.....nothing really exciting lots of work and ideas for some eDel changes when I get back....
India - Thursday
Again woke up early, had idli and Sambar for breakfast amongst other foods. Off to the office, as I had a 9AM session. Session went well. I finally had some free time so I was able to interview to new comers to eDel, Sham and Prashant, spelling may vary. Each went very well. I couldn't believe the excitement displayed with the actions and facial expressions. I wasn't able to deter them even after telling them of the long hours, weekend tasks, shifting priorities and working with the likes of Ashist, Manish and Sachin...just kidding. I really look for them to add a new level of excitement in the team, hopefully some can rub off.....
As I had more free time. I looked around for some non-busy people and I stumbled onto the BIS QA team....This was a great session, where I was put on the hot seat and answered relentless questions for about 1/2 or more. I was great to provide them some answers to questions that may help them provide better solutions in the future. Then I found the Manage Accounting team breaking for a bit, as I was not very familiar with this product, we talked for a while of eDel standard and infrastructure items. Again very informative. Finally I stumbled on a team with lots of free time and energy the ODT/ODR team. I thought I was on the the hot seat earlier, they took it to the next level. I was drilled on everything, but survived the pressure as I was conveniently requested for lunch, thanks. I again was impressed with the desire for knowledge, pertinent questions and discussions of issues we all have faced. They seem to be on the same page as on-site and eDel. (again kidding about them not really working, I just interrupted them.....)
Lunch was again Indian fare, very good, tried a new desert, something carrot based...very good, Gajar Ka Halwa.
As I had more free time. I looked around for some non-busy people and I stumbled onto the BIS QA team....This was a great session, where I was put on the hot seat and answered relentless questions for about 1/2 or more. I was great to provide them some answers to questions that may help them provide better solutions in the future. Then I found the Manage Accounting team breaking for a bit, as I was not very familiar with this product, we talked for a while of eDel standard and infrastructure items. Again very informative. Finally I stumbled on a team with lots of free time and energy the ODT/ODR team. I thought I was on the the hot seat earlier, they took it to the next level. I was drilled on everything, but survived the pressure as I was conveniently requested for lunch, thanks. I again was impressed with the desire for knowledge, pertinent questions and discussions of issues we all have faced. They seem to be on the same page as on-site and eDel. (again kidding about them not really working, I just interrupted them.....)
Lunch was again Indian fare, very good, tried a new desert, something carrot based...very good, Gajar Ka Halwa.
India - 3Ds
We arrived between 6-7PM at the banquet hall. Again lots of green in the front of the lot with a couple water fountains, as you entered the building they decorated with sliver streamers and blue/orange balloons.....I would I was at a Cingular party as the balloons were similar in shape to the Cingular logo.
Now on to the fun activities:
The teams were lined up and proceeded to play a version of hide-n-seek. They planted a number of gifts and the team finding the most wins. Every ran around frantically and charged up. They seem very very very competitive in every way. I think the ODT won that event.
The second activity was a creative session, each team hand a piece of paper and 5 markers to draw something creative dealing with IT. Survata and myself choose the final three submissions, the winner was the web team again I think
The third activity was the lemon race, both Tom and myself participated. you but a lemon on a spoon and the spoon in your mouth and race to the goal line. I think DJ won that activity, a former eDel'er.
The fourth activity was a whisper activity. About 15 people stood in line, the first being told a phrase, they each had one opportunity to repeat that phrase to the next person. Obviously the phrase became something very different then its original version, not sure if anyone won anything on this one.
Final they play a game called how well the team leads know their team members. The team lead was blind folded and one team member spoke a phrase. If the team lead identified the correct team member they won a prize. Sona from the ODT team won on her first try, then Sandeep from the Global team won the second award. They tried to pull many trips on Sandeep, but he would not fall for them.
Then gifts were exchanged between companies.
The factory held a competitive event mimicking the stock market. Each co-ordinater got a gift. The best broker got a gift, Sham, arriving to eDel shortly. Then the second place team received gifts, and the winner was....sorry don't remember but will try to find out....
During the presentation, a message was spoken, we have winners and non-winners and no losers...kind of interesting slant.
Then the dancing and music began. Everyone ran on stage and started to dance away. They have so much energy and excitement. I initially was able to resist the request to go on stage, but was able to get away to drink a couple Indian Beers, Kingfish lager. I was pretty good, not bad as I am not much of a beer drinker. After a number of request I feel into the temptation and was on the dance...as I know I had to once they played the tune "Just Chill" , I started a couple song earlier. Everyone tried to show me how to dance Indian style as I tried my best, as it was very unfamiliar....but they always say while in Rome do as a Roman.....oh well.
Other co-worker joined as well, Tom and Connie. After a number of songs, I retired to cool off and they kept on going. Dinner was served around 9PM, just in time. After dinner most everyone left, but I again found myself on the dance floor and this time with Georgey, Vikas and Survata.....I need pictures! If anyone took one please forward one to me. This was my only disappointment of the night. I retired to the hotel, updated yesterdays blogs, had a snack and retired to bed.
Needless to say everyone had a great time. This was lots of fun. I hope no one posted anything from this night onto utube that might come back to haunt me.....
Now on to the fun activities:
The teams were lined up and proceeded to play a version of hide-n-seek. They planted a number of gifts and the team finding the most wins. Every ran around frantically and charged up. They seem very very very competitive in every way. I think the ODT won that event.
The second activity was a creative session, each team hand a piece of paper and 5 markers to draw something creative dealing with IT. Survata and myself choose the final three submissions, the winner was the web team again I think
The third activity was the lemon race, both Tom and myself participated. you but a lemon on a spoon and the spoon in your mouth and race to the goal line. I think DJ won that activity, a former eDel'er.
The fourth activity was a whisper activity. About 15 people stood in line, the first being told a phrase, they each had one opportunity to repeat that phrase to the next person. Obviously the phrase became something very different then its original version, not sure if anyone won anything on this one.
Final they play a game called how well the team leads know their team members. The team lead was blind folded and one team member spoke a phrase. If the team lead identified the correct team member they won a prize. Sona from the ODT team won on her first try, then Sandeep from the Global team won the second award. They tried to pull many trips on Sandeep, but he would not fall for them.
Then gifts were exchanged between companies.
The factory held a competitive event mimicking the stock market. Each co-ordinater got a gift. The best broker got a gift, Sham, arriving to eDel shortly. Then the second place team received gifts, and the winner was....sorry don't remember but will try to find out....
During the presentation, a message was spoken, we have winners and non-winners and no losers...kind of interesting slant.
Then the dancing and music began. Everyone ran on stage and started to dance away. They have so much energy and excitement. I initially was able to resist the request to go on stage, but was able to get away to drink a couple Indian Beers, Kingfish lager. I was pretty good, not bad as I am not much of a beer drinker. After a number of request I feel into the temptation and was on the dance...as I know I had to once they played the tune "Just Chill" , I started a couple song earlier. Everyone tried to show me how to dance Indian style as I tried my best, as it was very unfamiliar....but they always say while in Rome do as a Roman.....oh well.
Other co-worker joined as well, Tom and Connie. After a number of songs, I retired to cool off and they kept on going. Dinner was served around 9PM, just in time. After dinner most everyone left, but I again found myself on the dance floor and this time with Georgey, Vikas and Survata.....I need pictures! If anyone took one please forward one to me. This was my only disappointment of the night. I retired to the hotel, updated yesterdays blogs, had a snack and retired to bed.
Needless to say everyone had a great time. This was lots of fun. I hope no one posted anything from this night onto utube that might come back to haunt me.....
India - Wednesday
Now finishing up Wednesday.......Off to NIIT building, we had a company overview for the entire outsourcing team in India. After the meeting, the chocolates were waiting at the exit. Everyone shuffled off to get their share, as it ran out in minutes and few were able to obtain any....I didn't bring enough, but I was told that it was and still is being distributed amongst the team. Then off to another team meeting. This meeting I was more of a spectator then presenter so I was able to gaze in the Delhi downtown street and say a number of interesting things, but saw to oxygen pulling a wagon, as this was happening while I was in a business meeting, kind of weird but unique.
Overall I was very surprised at all the sessions, the consultants asked many pertinent questions, which was different then most of the guys I work with as they are very quiet --- OK a first --- but everyone wanted answers to many good and thought provoking questions. This showed their interests in knowing the business and eagerness to provide better solutions to meet our every changing needs. I little bit different attitude, overall feeling then at Oaks.
Lunch was Chinese Indian, very good. Not sure the names of the dishes but something like fried rice and lo mien, chicken, etc....
I had two other team meetings that again were very engaging and productive. Now preparation were in place to head to the party....3Ds To get to the site it required new routes and new sites, we drove over the intercircle, which as I understand it is a newer highway. The rest of the day is a secret as what happens in Delhi stays in Delhi......
Overall I was very surprised at all the sessions, the consultants asked many pertinent questions, which was different then most of the guys I work with as they are very quiet --- OK a first --- but everyone wanted answers to many good and thought provoking questions. This showed their interests in knowing the business and eagerness to provide better solutions to meet our every changing needs. I little bit different attitude, overall feeling then at Oaks.
Lunch was Chinese Indian, very good. Not sure the names of the dishes but something like fried rice and lo mien, chicken, etc....
I had two other team meetings that again were very engaging and productive. Now preparation were in place to head to the party....3Ds To get to the site it required new routes and new sites, we drove over the intercircle, which as I understand it is a newer highway. The rest of the day is a secret as what happens in Delhi stays in Delhi......
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
India - Wednesday
We meet the rest of the company contingent at breakfast. Again I had idli and sambar, I tried verde and uthappam....not bad....had lots of other stuff too.....I am done for the night will update late......
India - Tuesday
Woke up early and was ready for breakfast quite quickly. I made a error, I used the tap water for brushing my teeth, which was a no-no....one toothbrush down, good thing I brought 2 more.
I was in the lobby about 15 minutes early, so I started to read the core team book...I got carried away and it was 10 minutes past our scheduled meeting time. I got nervous, I was too early or late. I found out that I was on time, everyone finally strolled in. I didn't mind as I was eating one of my favorite Indian dishes, Idle and Samba. It was delicious. Don't let Mark know I am arriving early to work...as he will have the same expectation for my at work....but I would require some idli's and it might work.
We had some time so I watch some TV. Last week my co-worker asked what my ice breaker would be and I said I don't or won't have one, just get to business but have fun. I say a Hindi music video. "just chill" , then it hit me this is my theme throughout my visit. So that was my ice breaker for all my session, but it later came back to haunt me...stay tuned.
We had a 3 hour session, where I talked about some 2007 accomplishments and 2008 projects...I was a great session, lots of feedback. Lunch was again served and it was good Indian food again. I really like the fresh breads.
Afterwards I held a eDelivery/Infrastructure session, again lots of interest and feedback. Then I was done to wrap up email and visit the NIIT consultants.
Dheeraj, kindly volunteered to talk three of us out shopping in the afternoon. The kind of volunteering you do when everyone takes a step back and you are stuck. He took us to Connaught Place. I was a mile long circle of shops, street vendor and tons of shoppers. We walked the circle, there were many fast food shops, McDonald's and TGI Fridays. Interesting. We stopped by a craft shop and all bought some souvenirs. DJ took aim at the salesman and bargained away...at a period of time I thought I was going to get paid to take the crafts. My co-workers said we should take DJ to our company negotiations with our vendors to get the best deal. I think we got a 60% discount at the end, Thanks DJ!
We were also told about tomorrows coming attractions. There will be a team outing called the 3D party.....Drinking, Dancing and Diner. Not a bad combo.
We ate dinner at the hotel, and Italian restaurant. I got four small ravioli, not that filling, but I was fading fast. I almost fell asleep at the table I hit a wall. I managed to finish the meal and retired to my room. That's why no updates to the blog. I know I got lots of emails commented on that....and a late night phone call..... I slept like a baby until the next morning.
I was in the lobby about 15 minutes early, so I started to read the core team book...I got carried away and it was 10 minutes past our scheduled meeting time. I got nervous, I was too early or late. I found out that I was on time, everyone finally strolled in. I didn't mind as I was eating one of my favorite Indian dishes, Idle and Samba. It was delicious. Don't let Mark know I am arriving early to work...as he will have the same expectation for my at work....but I would require some idli's and it might work.
We had some time so I watch some TV. Last week my co-worker asked what my ice breaker would be and I said I don't or won't have one, just get to business but have fun. I say a Hindi music video. "just chill" , then it hit me this is my theme throughout my visit. So that was my ice breaker for all my session, but it later came back to haunt me...stay tuned.
We had a 3 hour session, where I talked about some 2007 accomplishments and 2008 projects...I was a great session, lots of feedback. Lunch was again served and it was good Indian food again. I really like the fresh breads.
Afterwards I held a eDelivery/Infrastructure session, again lots of interest and feedback. Then I was done to wrap up email and visit the NIIT consultants.
Dheeraj, kindly volunteered to talk three of us out shopping in the afternoon. The kind of volunteering you do when everyone takes a step back and you are stuck. He took us to Connaught Place. I was a mile long circle of shops, street vendor and tons of shoppers. We walked the circle, there were many fast food shops, McDonald's and TGI Fridays. Interesting. We stopped by a craft shop and all bought some souvenirs. DJ took aim at the salesman and bargained away...at a period of time I thought I was going to get paid to take the crafts. My co-workers said we should take DJ to our company negotiations with our vendors to get the best deal. I think we got a 60% discount at the end, Thanks DJ!
We were also told about tomorrows coming attractions. There will be a team outing called the 3D party.....Drinking, Dancing and Diner. Not a bad combo.
We ate dinner at the hotel, and Italian restaurant. I got four small ravioli, not that filling, but I was fading fast. I almost fell asleep at the table I hit a wall. I managed to finish the meal and retired to my room. That's why no updates to the blog. I know I got lots of emails commented on that....and a late night phone call..... I slept like a baby until the next morning.
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