Travails of returns - Part 9

Continuing the series on starting business in India. So far, (covered) the business model, initial team, functions, values, the first investors, on building a legacy, handling mistakes culturally and the support system to get you there.

Now to the question of office etiquette.

Our belief has always been that any cultural element that drives efficiency and effectiveness of OFBians has to be driven from the start and from the top.

Open seating – We don’t have any rooms for anyone, just meeting rooms. No cubicles, no separations, too. Open seating is almost intoxicating when the organization is working full force. The noise, the energy and the verve needs experiencing to be believed.

No assistants – We don’t have assistants. Each of us does his/ her own work. It keeps us all grounded and aware of basic issues that each one of us faces. Yes, for some, efficiency takes a hit. But they mostly cover up with a few more hours, the hours are fun anyways.

No calendaring – While we schedule externally, we never internally. You can walk up to the other anytime, he chats up if and when he is free. Sets a clean, flat and risk-free structure, that makes everyone feel empowered.

Frugal travel/ stay – We look at budget and efficient travel and stay. The simple reason for that is then all of us have the same norms and hence it drives a feeling of equality and when we travel together, we do it together.

Fun and Games – There are always games round the corner, be it inter departmental, inter geography competitions for business. We term it OPL (“OfBusiness Premier League”). Or even weekend outings, dinners, and spot celebrations – many of which we post on social media for the world to see. And we try to top it with small recognitions, both designed internally and sought for externally.

On the move, always – We all like being on the move; keeps us grounded, contemporary and reachable (though for some, travelling has become tough with time and scale). We all believe that there is no substitute to it for keeping the entire organization inter-connected.

There are many more, such small ones that we employ. But more importantly, we practice them with vigor and sincerity.

I must be the first one to admit that some have found it adjust to this culture citing most of the above as a necessity, especially when they have enjoyed the same before.

But in our minds at @OfBusiness and @Oxyzo, not only do such elements drive efficiency and effectiveness but also team bonding and frugality, all important elements to inculcate at the start right through at the end. Not just office etiquette, but success mantras.

#lifeatofbusiness
#lifeatoxyzo

Also Read:- Travails of returns – Part 8