There goes the cliche yet again. Unlike some cliches, this one certainly holds true most of the times. And it is not just the apt action or words chosen by the Boss which matter here. The authority which a Boss holds is key to this argument. I have always believed in this right from my degree college days but this incident which happened recently made my belief firm as a rock.
My sis celebrated her 21st birthday this year on 19th Jan. My dad suggested we gift her a laptop, and he insisted we gift her one on the day of her birthday. The problem was timing of this wonderful idea; it struck him on 16th Jan! At such short notice we had to rely on Known Devil. So I called up Just Dial to find out Vijay Sales stores in and around Vashi. I fetched contact number of their store in Palm Beach Galleria mall and called up to enquire about Dell Inspiron 14R. I spoke to Vedprakash, who is the Head of Laptop department at this store. He answered all my queries related to laptop configuration, price, availability, available colors and payment mode. Now I just had to drop in there and make my purchase. We all visited the store on 19th only to find Vedprakash on leave for that day. We went ahead with the purchase but were not happy with one of the accessories. This laptop has changeable lids, and Sayali did not find the available lids any classy. We asked the sales guy attending us if we can change the lid later to which he said he will need to talk to his senior, who was absent for the day. Anyways, we took the available lid back home but another trip to this store was due.
We went home only to find out that the laptop charger was not working. Apparently it was compatible with some other model. I needed to go back to the store the next day for this issue (This is why I call them Known Devil. I distinctly remember replacing my iPod touch as the one which I got first was not working!). Also, a fair copy of receipt was yet to be received. I went to the store again, and this time I met Vedprakash. I discussed the problem with him and he realized what might have happened. He replaced the charger and suggested to charge the laptop for a while. He then went away and I could not see him for the next 15-20 mins; apparently he was not in the store nor the office. The other sales guys were gosipping a few things and I had no choice but to hear them as they were in the vicinity of my laptop being charged. I interrupted their gossip to ask if I could get a different bagpack, to which that guy suggested to talk to his senior. Few minutes later I interrupted again, this time about replacing lid. The sales guy said my laptop model was provided only with the lid which I already had and so it cant be replaced. I was not so happy knowing this but I could not do anything about it. I was now patiently waiting for my laptop to be charged when I heard about the latest gossip topic related to Vedprakash. Those guys junior to him were cribbing about him, questioning his position, claiming that he takes long breaks which go unnoticed because of his position, and how all this is unfair and he does not deserve it!
We went home only to find out that the laptop charger was not working. Apparently it was compatible with some other model. I needed to go back to the store the next day for this issue (This is why I call them Known Devil. I distinctly remember replacing my iPod touch as the one which I got first was not working!). Also, a fair copy of receipt was yet to be received. I went to the store again, and this time I met Vedprakash. I discussed the problem with him and he realized what might have happened. He replaced the charger and suggested to charge the laptop for a while. He then went away and I could not see him for the next 15-20 mins; apparently he was not in the store nor the office. The other sales guys were gosipping a few things and I had no choice but to hear them as they were in the vicinity of my laptop being charged. I interrupted their gossip to ask if I could get a different bagpack, to which that guy suggested to talk to his senior. Few minutes later I interrupted again, this time about replacing lid. The sales guy said my laptop model was provided only with the lid which I already had and so it cant be replaced. I was not so happy knowing this but I could not do anything about it. I was now patiently waiting for my laptop to be charged when I heard about the latest gossip topic related to Vedprakash. Those guys junior to him were cribbing about him, questioning his position, claiming that he takes long breaks which go unnoticed because of his position, and how all this is unfair and he does not deserve it!
I did not listen to all of it as I was getting late for office. The charger was working fine now but Vedprakash was not there yet, so I asked those sales guys to try and call him. He was not reachable so I packed up and left. I just came out of the store and there he was approaching me. He enquired if my laptop is now working fine. I nodded and asked him about replacing the lid. He assured me not to worry about it and noted by contact number; he said he will inform me once a fresh lot of lids are in stock. I had to visit the store again after a few days, to collect my copy of receipt. This time I forgot the copy to be shown at the bill counter but here again Vedprakash bailed me out. He traced the transaction after I told him the date of purchase and made sure I receive the receipt. Fresh stock of lids was still not available yet he assured me that he would inform about it once it arrives.
As a Boss, Vedprakash had the command to let me know what is possible and what is not. He had the authority to help me out, the knowledge to resolve my queries right from the time we interacted. Apparently he takes extended breaks and is a little bossy with his juniors, so what? He is still the best person of that Vijay Sales store when it comes to satisfying customers looking for laptops. Part of this authority is ego, no doubt. But most of it is 'been there, done that'. Boss has this power and very understandably he likes to exercise it, take advantage of it. Yet, he is still the best person to bail you out, mentor you, assign tasks and get work done. He may take credit for your work at times, because he might have faced the same when he was you. He needs a little bit of ego massage in a while, and nothing wrong about that. Shift in perspective about your boss and his actions is what you ought to seek. Make it simple, put your feet in your Boss's shoes and you'll know, that the Boss is always right!
As a Boss, Vedprakash had the command to let me know what is possible and what is not. He had the authority to help me out, the knowledge to resolve my queries right from the time we interacted. Apparently he takes extended breaks and is a little bossy with his juniors, so what? He is still the best person of that Vijay Sales store when it comes to satisfying customers looking for laptops. Part of this authority is ego, no doubt. But most of it is 'been there, done that'. Boss has this power and very understandably he likes to exercise it, take advantage of it. Yet, he is still the best person to bail you out, mentor you, assign tasks and get work done. He may take credit for your work at times, because he might have faced the same when he was you. He needs a little bit of ego massage in a while, and nothing wrong about that. Shift in perspective about your boss and his actions is what you ought to seek. Make it simple, put your feet in your Boss's shoes and you'll know, that the Boss is always right!
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