process management blog posts

MK Leaders Share their Biggest Lessons of 2020: COVID-19 Edition

Blog: MattsenKumar Blog

The dramatic spread of COVID-19 disrupted lives, rendered all scaling plans useless, and left organizations in a fix. The spread quadrupled within weeks, leaving enterprises with very limited options. While some perished, some shone through it.

Ours is a story that highlights the importance of having a robust BCP and a go-getter team. The HR, IT, and Admin team collaborated on varied levels to make this paradigm shift as smooth as possible for our employees and clients.

A year later, we are in a better shape but there’s so much we all learned from 2020 and from the obligatory pandemic. In this round-up post, our leaders have shared their heartfelt experiences and learnings from 2020.

Gaurav Gupta
Designation : AVP – Service Delivery

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

It gives me a feeling of accomplishment to be a part of the planning and execution team when we had to move everyone to the WFH model on such short notice. One of the biggest lessons learned during this pandemic is to continue to invest in building the culture of belongingness and is ready to up the ante when the push comes to shove. Be Bold and Be More!

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

One biggest thing I learned is that there can be a life beyond and without the things that we all believed without whom we cannot survive. Yes, it took us some time to realize it, however, it has helped in controlling the anxiety, be more patient and accommodating towards people and issues (both controllable and non-controllable). I learned how to maintain a better balance between personal and professional lives.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Looking forward to a more promising 2021 expecting the world to continue to become a better place to live and have more love and respect for both nature and humans.

Rudraksha Pramar
Designation : Vice President-BPO

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Digital intervention is MUCH needed now and ones who were already ahead in the game on that have been benefited in this adverse situation

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

First: We take social existence for granted most times and Second -I have developed more respect for all the health workers

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

To reap the real benefits of outsourcing which I am sure will be very clearly evident in the year 2021 – with adversities companies have understood the real value of outsourcing smartly and the fact that one can never be a global company without outsourcing as a holistic part of their business and growth strategy

Utsav Gaur
Designation : Group Manager – Global CS

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID-19 from a professional standpoint?

Communicate consistently, authentically, and simply. One of the dangers of being confronted with a complex situation is that the language used to speak about it is equally as complex and therefore becomes incomprehensible. For some, complicated language is even a tactical tool to confuse people or shift their attention away from what matters. Again, the current pandemic is a prime example of how leaders shape public opinion and sentiment through language. Language indeed shapes reality: even speaking of a “crisis” and “emergency” paints a different picture than speaking of a “healthcare challenge”. Most things can and should be broken down into easy and clear language to ensure that even complex matters are understood by many.

This does not only have the benefit of clarity but also ensures that everyone is on the same page and that everyone can take part in the discussion, even though they might lack the big words for it. At the same time, phrasing complex matters in simple terms help break down problems to their core and focus on what matters. In firms or businesses, just like in politics, the simple and authentic language used consistently and regularly, will create trust and encourage participation in decision-making.

This, in turn, helps establish a healthy organizational culture, which has positive effects on performance and output. What can be done? -Ensure everyone is always up to date and informed about new developments and has a say in them -Foster an environment of dialogue, in which communication is interactive and flows in two directions -Invest in measures that encourage team building, trust, and openness to ensure the organizational environment is psychologically safe -Establish communication rituals like team meetings, phone calls or common activities that become the arena for exchange

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

I can fix a lot of things around the house by watching YouTube videos, except the washing machine— it was bad and I made it worse. Result: My wife is getting a new washing machine for this Christmas.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

FRIENDS The reunion, which has been delayed many times, is expected to release in 2021, and yes apart from that COVID-19 vaccine of course.

Pankaj Manak
Designation : Sr. Manager

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Adaptability is the key to success.

3. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Life is simple and it’s one’s state of mind towards practical things that diverts us from the simplicity.

2. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Solutions applied to challenges reaping benefits.

Vishal Sharma
Designation : AVP – Admin

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Move fast and come together. :- Individual/Personal Safety, Health is superlative. :- WFH is real and big and going digital is imperative.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Pandemic/COVID-19 taught me to love, to listen, to care, to respect, and to help.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Carefree Hugs and stress-free haircuts.

Apeksha Pathak
Designation : Group Manager

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Teamwork is truly powerful. The way different teams within MK and many other organizations came together and worked as one team to swiftly transition to the remote work model proved that teamwork can beat any challenge.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

You either adapt or perish.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

First things first, COVID vaccine I am looking forward to a kinder and happier world where people appreciate each other more and find joy in the simplest of things.

Ahmed Jazib Shakil
Designation : AVP -Enterprise

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Being in the ITES industry, we are not limited to an office and we can work from anywhere till the time we have the right tools and intent.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Family is the core of your existence and one should give a tight hug at least once a day as life is pretty uncertain.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

The end of 2020 and back to the pre-COVID era is a priority; however, I’m also looking forward to adding new skills (at least 3) as well as learn a new language (French) in 2021.

Sonia Gahlot
Designation : Sr Manager HR&T

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

The COVID-19 crisis had a major impact on the Professional learning market, and we at MK weren’t untouched. ‘Agility’ and ‘Innovation’ have been my biggest learning during COVID-19. Keep changing, updating, upgrading! I also realized that I need to constantly emphasize creative and adaptive teamwork in solving complex problems, Just because I lead a team, doesn’t necessarily mean that I have all the answers. Increased focus on discussions and brainstorming sessions ensured that we solved problems quickly and came up with well thought of and better solutions.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

I’ve been thinking a lot – The virus connected us in a way, it showed us that we should all stick together. During this utter chaos, it showed us the weight of humanity. I also, realized that we are so fragile by ourselves. Our strength lies in being part of a community. And the virus brought us all, so much closer! Another important thing I’ve learned while we were in isolation was to take care of myself and to devote more time to myself. 2020 has been one of the best years for me. I spent a lot of time in isolation, which was initially scary, but then I learned the importance of introspection and solitude.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Self-Development and improvement. I want to continue what started in 2020 and tick off several items in my revised bucket list.

Rahul Sharma
Designation : VP IT

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Staying prepared for unforeseen situations helps.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Stay cool and maintain steady progress despite odds.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

A Big Successful Year.

Susheel Yaduvanshi
Designation : AVP (Service Delivery)

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

I have re-realized the importance of personal interactions across levels to maintain and improve various metrics. In fact, more time should now be budgeted for regular subordinate and supervisor connections.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Live life in the present, take it one time period at a time. Focus more on the quality and experiences rather than the overall quantum of tangibles.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Accessibility of the vaccine for one and all so that we get back closer to the erstwhile “normal”. Also hope for stabilization of WFH/WFO dynamic and better business environment.

Megha Mehra
Designation : VP Global CS & Implementation

1. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a professional standpoint?

Innovation is the key.

2. What is the biggest lesson learned during COVID19 from a personal standpoint?

Appreciate and value what you have.

3. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Stability and continued business success.

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