Theme Paper - Theme I ( at last ! )

Theme Paper
Theme One
Sanat Satyan Roll No 06251
Faculty Coach: Prof Jaba M Gupta
PGP I – Section II


What would a Banker do in a Communications class?

I guess the same thing which an Artist would do in the Accounts class!

Education has seasoned me to look at the picture from the right perspective. Being from a Mathematics & OR background, it is a habit not to leave anything to ambiguity. But still I always believed that there are areas where reason plays no role!
The first month at TAPMI has been an attempt to realize the grey areas in learning. Be it the Communication class, where every role play, every surprise speech and every caselet, brought forward the fact that there is no right way to communicate. It all depends on the two person(s) at that point in time, whether they have left anything to chance/choice or not! I have been speaking for myself and others since school – but communication found a new meaning in Prof Jaba Gupta’s classes. Coincidentally, she is my Faculty Coach and I have made attempts always to go out of my way, to make her my biggest critique! A sort of learning I suppose – to keep one’s critique close to oneself at all times!

‘Reese Witherspoon’ case stands tall in front of my Work Experience background. It smiles at me and makes me conscious of the fact everyday that I was not able to see something in the case which was a part of my job on a daily basis only 2 months back! Being from an Insurance background, I had been seasoned to look out for frauds on a day to day basis. Prof Raja’s analysis made me feel like a novice once again in this field!

I felt I had actually unlearnt everything, by mistake!

Unlearning classes were only an attempt to unlearn our prejudiced mindsets regarding certain notions and beliefs! After the above mentioned session, I have been making conscious efforts not unlearn my skills and competencies. It takes some effort to not judge every small problem from one’s personal angle – and – not the right angle! I believe I have been striving very hard to do just that!

Group Dynamics have been another area of concern for me!

I have always been a team person since college. Yes, I was a little secluded at times for personal reflections but I believe I used to work best when handling a team. Even my job profile as an Area Manager for Investments & Financial Services, saw the best of me as far as Team participation and motivation is concerned. Suddenly, things have started going upside down here suddenly!
I have realized that I form major likes and dislikes about individuals (in this case, some of my group members!) very easily and it takes a lot of efforts to fight those choices of mine! At some points in time, I have started moving away from the group – realizing that they are not being able to get my 100%! I understand that the mistake is on my part – but the feeling is growing on me day by day! With every passing group assignment, I feel my ideas are crushed – my experience is not taken into account – my skills are not utilized – in fact, there are times when I feel I am not a part of the group at all!

I don’t think I am behaving like a good manager!

I choose to strive. I choose to look beyond myself. I choose to remove my prejudices.
I hope I succeed. I don’t want one or two people in the batch to be a reason for my discomfort! I have made very good friends here. Some very close ones! I cherish them. But I want to grow.

I am making constant efforts to follow my interests. “How to read a Balance Sheet” has been able to bring home the point which probably the professor missed! I believe I will face the maximum competition at TAPMI from…

…myself!