Category Archives: Doing Business

1-By Laksh, Customer Service, Doing Business

Navigating Customer Service Challenges: My Lessons from a Car Repair Odyssey 0 (0)

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It’s fascinating how companies sometimes appear to be oblivious to their long-time, loyal customers. Recently, I had a firsthand encounter with this perplexing phenomenon at a Car Service Center in Secunderabad. This incident shed light on crucial aspects of management, leadership, and customer service that deserve attention and improvement. Let me take you through my journey, highlighting the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

My brother’s car, bought from this very establishment in 2012, has been a constant in our lives. Over the years, we’ve faithfully entrusted its maintenance to the same service center. With a minimum of three service visits each year, you’d think familiarity and recognition would be the norm. However, my experience was about to reveal a different reality.

I was taken aback when I walked into the service center and felt like a stranger, a complete departure from what I had anticipated. The entire process of getting my car repaired suddenly seemed foreign, and the disappointment was palpable. What struck me even more was the oversight in accessing my service history through the car’s number tag, a routine procedure that had inexplicably been missed.

Interestingly, the same establishment handled both car sales and service, as well as insurance. Despite this integrated approach, the disconnect between their offerings and the customer’s experience was startling.

The importance of punctuality in customer service cannot be overstated. However, the service center’s delayed opening made me question this fundamental principle. Despite arriving promptly at 9:15 am, the office was still settling in, prompting me to ponder whether the notion of being “open for business” was being truly honored.

To add to the complexity, the usual main contact for repairs, Mr. A, was on sick leave, leaving a rookie, Mr.B, to handle my case. This transition, though unintentional, unveiled the challenges of internal communication and training within the organization.

While waiting, I ventured into the customer lounge, only to find an ill-maintained washroom labeled “For customers only.” Ironically, it seemed to be frequented by the staff rather than the customers. This small detail exemplified a lack of attention to customer-centric details, further dampening my experience.

Initiating the claims process wasn’t any smoother. Instead of a streamlined digital process, I was handed paper forms, raising concerns about the organization’s technological readiness and willingness to adapt for customer convenience.

In the midst of this turmoil, the lack of proactive intervention from higher-ups underscored a gap in management’s responsiveness and engagement. My attempts to attract attention went unnoticed, highlighting a need for more effective internal communication and customer-centric policies.

Fortunately, an external colleague’s intervention spurred action, bringing the assurance I was seeking. This episode revealed the unfortunate reliance on external pressure to ensure timely response, casting doubt on the internal management’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

Eventually, the claims process gained momentum and reached a resolution. However, a twist awaited – Mr.B swiftly transferred responsibility back to Mr. B (which I learned when I called him for a status update), indicating a lack of consistency in service and communication. This aspect further emphasized the organization’s need for better internal management and communication practices.

Upon reflection, this experience offers valuable insights. First, being “ready for business” encompasses more than simply unlocking the doors. It means being fully prepared to serve customers efficiently and promptly, ensuring their needs are met from the moment they step in.

Secondly, the concept of a single point of contact and ownership is paramount. Empowering employees to take full responsibility and accountability can streamline processes and create a more personalized customer experience.

Lastly, customer data should be harnessed effectively. The failure to leverage this information to recognize loyal patrons and tailor services accordingly is a missed opportunity. Breaking down silos that hinder data flow within the organization is essential to making this possible.

The Car Service Center experience serves as a reminder that customer service is an ongoing journey of improvement. Organizations must constantly reassess their practices, adapt to evolving customer needs, and cultivate a culture of customer-centric management and leadership. Only then can they transform loyal customers into steadfast brand advocates.

1-By Laksh, Leadership, Management

The Invaluable Essence of Time Management: Lessons from Azim Premji 5 (1)

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@Hyderabad Airport- 1999


In our pursuit of progress and success, we often prioritize the accumulation of wealth, inadvertently relegating time to a secondary role. However, it is essential to recognize that while money can be earned or regained, time is an irretrievable asset. This article delves into the significance of effective time management, highlighting a personal encounter with the renowned business tycoon, Azim Premji, and the valuable lessons gleaned from his exemplary approach to handling time.

Most of the times we associate our progress with money and relegate time to background. But the truth of life is, one can earn money at any time, or even make up for lost money, but one cannot earn back time or make up for lost time.

Sometime in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet Sri Azim Premji in the airport. There was some delay in the regular flights, due to some cancellation and Indian Airlines offered a complementary breakfast spread. I spotted him with a couple of his colleagues, in apparent serious discussion, while sampling a few food items. One could immediately guess that there was something important planned ahead and the flights issue, put a dampener on it, and he was doing his best to compensate and most importantly manage time effectively.

Time, the elusive constant that we often take for granted, holds a profound significance in our lives. As I reflect on my interaction with Azim Premji back in 1999, the airport encounter painted a vivid picture of a man who valued time above all else. Amidst flight delays and disrupted schedules, Premji’s unwavering focus on managing time efficiently was palpable. Even as I approached him seeking an autograph, his initial reaction conveyed the urgency and importance he placed on his time. Nevertheless, upon discovering my professional aspirations, his demeanor softened, and he graciously obliged, leaving little room for small talk. It was evident that individuals like Azim Premji regard time management as paramount, proactively taking charge of their schedules instead of allowing time to dictate their lives.

Observing Azim Premji engrossed in earnest discussions with his colleagues, his unwavering commitment to optimizing time became increasingly evident. With every nibble of food and every exchange of ideas, he exuded an aura of purposeful efficiency, unaffected by the curious gazes of onlookers. Premji’s approach to time management exemplified a cardinal rule: by projecting oneself as someone prepared and ready for any challenge, the schedule inevitably becomes packed with meaningful tasks. It was an unspoken lesson in conveying priorities through actions, ensuring that each moment is allocated to the most significant endeavors. The encounter left an indelible impression, emphasizing the importance of proactive time management as a crucial aspect of achieving success.

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This quote from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty encapsulates the essence of effective time management discussed in this article. The protagonist embarks on an extraordinary journey, driven by the realization that life is about experiencing moments, connecting with others, and truly feeling. Similarly, Azim Premji’s relentless pursuit of time management reflects a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. By efficiently managing time, we create opportunities to explore, grow, and connect with the world around us. Premji’s dedication to optimizing time serves as a powerful reminder that time is not merely a resource to be consumed but a catalyst for meaningful experiences and personal growth.

In a world often preoccupied with financial gains, it is crucial to reorient our perspective and recognize the true value of time.

1-By Laksh, ET, Leadership, Management, Movies

Three movies and three lessons. 0 (0)

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Three movies and three lessons.

The Magnificent Seven (2016):

  1. Diverse Teams: The seven gunslingers come from different backgrounds and bring unique skills to the table, demonstrating the value of having a diverse team when tackling complex problems.
  2. Leadership: Denzel Washington’s character takes charge and leads the group with integrity, showing the importance of having strong leadership in times of crisis.
  3. Effective Communication: The seven gunslingers learn to work together effectively and communicate with one another, demonstrating the importance of clear communication in teamwork.

The Magnificent Seven (1960):

  1. Adaptability: The seven gunslingers are faced with unexpected challenges and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating the importance of being adaptable in the face of adversity.
  2. Strategic Planning: The seven gunslingers come up with a plan to defend the town, demonstrating the importance of careful and strategic planning.
  3. Collaboration: The seven gunslingers work together and rely on one another to achieve their goal, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Seven Samurai:

  1. Skill Development: The samurai learn and hone their skills over time, demonstrating the importance of continuous skill development in achieving success.
  2. Mentorship: The veteran samurai pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members, demonstrating the value of mentorship in professional growth.
  3. Risk Management: The samurai face many risks and make calculated decisions to minimize them, demonstrating the importance of risk management in decision making.