Tuesday, 29 December 2020

Making Your Virtual Classroom Experience More Meaningful

It's always a great feeling when your learners feel engaged and appreciate your efforts.

Making Your Virtual Classroom 
Experience More Meaningful

Remember that virtual learning is very special. Successful virtual teachers do the best they can to deliver meaningful lessons, help their learners feel cared for, and inspire them to give their best.  

It’s often said that it’s challenging to maintain your learners' attention through online interactions. Virtual classroom is not always easy when you also have to engage your learners and make learning experience fun as well as interactive.

It does take a bit of creativity and lots of love (for teaching) to keep your learners' brains stimulated. To engage my learners, here is the methodology I used as a course instructor for two Life Skills courses, (i) Living Conversations, and (ii) Leadership and Teamwork.

Please find this methodology explained in form of simple suggestions for those who wish to make virtual classroom experience fun as well as interactive, 

  1. Break down the lesson and make it digestible. Make content that students can connect emotionally too. 

  2. Be well prepared with any assets you’ll be using in class, which include slide show, images, audio or video links, documents, etc. 

  3. When you are presenting through slide show, personalize them with your learners' pictures or names. They will enjoy the personal touch. 

  4. Be a storyteller and present your best (online) self. Also, be patient with your learners. 

  5. Use humor and bring some fun into the classroom. Take brain breaks for fun activities like '60 Seconds to Fame', 'DJ of the Day' etc. 

  6. Emphasize group projects. Figure out what students should be practicing and create exercises/ activities/ assignments that help them reflect on their own perspectives and learn from one another. 

  7. Gamify your virtual classroom experience, and create a kind of healthy competition to inspire your learners with intrinsic motivation. 

  8. Set polls, conduct break-out sessions, and use the chat box. Ask insightful questions and try to relate them with day-to-day life experiences. 

  9. Recognize and appreciate learners who participate proactively. It does help in influencing the behavior of other learners positively. 

  10. Have guest speakers come in to talk about a subject or interest area, to offer a fresh perspective and variety in the subject matter. 

  11. Once in a while, meet your learners in small groups for personalized feedback on Zoom or Google Meet. 

  12. And last but not the least, make your learners feel valued. Allow them to present and share their favorite learning takeaway/s. 
It's always a great feeling when your learners feel engaged and appreciate your efforts.

Remember that virtual learning is very special. Successful virtual teachers do the best they can to deliver meaningful lessons, help their learners feel cared for, and inspire them to give their best. 

How do you make your virtual classroom experience more meaningful?


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Thursday, 19 November 2020

Leader - A Dealer of Hope

Leader - A Dealer of Hope

Sometimes, a leader is a dealer of hope. Have you also come across such 'dealers of hope'?

Exactly, 5 years ago, this is what I found in my office at the University of Montana.

My Program Director had left a personalized note with a bunch of candies, while I was away for teaching my class.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise for me to realize that the Program Director himself had come to my office to wish me on my last day of the semester.

This small yet significant gesture touched my heart and I felt truly humbled with his thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, a leader is a dealer of hope. Have you also come across such 'dealers of hope'?

Through my own experiences, I have found the following 10 exceptionally meaningful ways to connect with a team and create a positive impact, 
  1. Recognize a Job Well Done.

  2. Encourage Creativity.

  3. Break Big Goals into More Manageable Chunks.

  4. Support New Ideas.

  5. Focus more on Intrinsic (rather Extrinsic) Rewards.

  6. Give Your Team Autonomy.

  7. Figure Out What Makes Your Employees Tick.

  8. Express Gratitude.

  9. Practice Transparency.

  10. Celebrate Wins.
“We are not a team because we work together.  We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.”  -Vala Afsar

******
 

Saturday, 3 October 2020

YOU Too Can Win a Fulbright Award!

A Fulbright competition is a merit-based grant for teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists.

YOU Too Can Win a Fulbright Award!

Applying for a Fulbright grant takes work and dedication. Fulbright is very competitive and the percentage of applicants who get awarded are very few.

A Fulbright competition is a merit-based grant for teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists worldwide open to the US and non-US citizens.

Applying for a Fulbright grant takes work and dedication. Fulbright is very competitive and the percentage of applicants who get awarded are very few.

✅ Start by looking at Fulbright’s website.

✅ Identify which of the program/s you want to apply for.

✅ Make sure to read carefully and understand well what each of these programs require.

✅ Be sure to be very clear in your application – don’t use funky jargon and acronyms.

✅ Prepare for the two standardized tests – the TOEFL and the GRE (depending upon the program's requirement).

✅ What story do you have while writing your Statement of Grant Purpose? You should be able to stand out from the crowd.

✅ Convince the committee in a logical way:
(i) How solid are your motivations to pursue the program?
(ii) What difference will you make once you return?
(iii) Whether you will fit well with the program’s focus on cultural exchange and helping your community.


✅ Be patient – the application is lengthy but the grant is worth the effort.

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Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Blessing in Disguise


Interestingly, I became the first Indian instructor to teach Hindi to Americans at the University of Montana, USA. 

Blessing in Disguise
It was an absolute honor and sheer privilege to represent India and Indian culture in a foreign land.

I used to regret completing my schooling from a Hindi medium background, as I was unable to afford convent education at that time. 

...until I was selected by U.S. Department of State and USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) to teach Hindi as a foreign language in an American University. 

Interestingly, I became the first Indian instructor to teach Hindi to Americans at the University of Montana, USA. 

It was an absolute honor and sheer privilege to represent India and Indian culture in a foreign land. 

My inability to afford convent education turned out to be a blessing in disguise, when I saw my mention in various national daily newspapers both Indian and American. 

It was incredible to see my mention in various national daily newspapers both Indian and American
When I look back, this experience also reminds me the best gift I received from my American student-trainees on my farewell at the University of Montana, USA. 

I taught them Basic as well as Advanced Hindi for almost a year and had an amazing experience celebrating all popular Indian festivals with them. 

Today (on Sep 14), as we are celebrating Hindi Day (हिंदी दिवस) in India, and this beautiful collage (that says: We All Miss You) reminds me of their love and admiration for Hindi and colorful Indian culture.

This beautiful collage (that says: We All Miss You) reminds me of their love and admiration for Hindi and colorful Indian culture.

And my 'Blessing in Disguise' experience got me learn that,

"Sometimes, a lot of things we see as regrets or setbacks may turn out to be blessings later on down the line."  

******

*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!

Monday, 17 August 2020

Amazing Singapore Facts That May Surprise You!

Amazing Singapore Facts 
That May Surprise You!


Do you know one out of every six people in Singapore has assets worth USD 1 million or more, higher than anyone else in the world?!

Do you know? 

(i) Singapore is one of the world's smallest countries. Singapore is about 4,571 times smaller than India.

(ii) Singapore has no natural resources and imports not only sand, but even the fresh water.

(iii) Singapore is among the top ten in the global ranking of countries with the lowest levels of corruption and ranked the first place in Asia.

(iv) According to Bloomberg Opinion, the state of health of the people of Singapore is the best in the world.

(v) One out of every six people in Singapore has assets worth USD 1 million or more, higher than anyone else in the world. 


(vi) In Singapore, fines are very high. Fine for spitting on the ground – is $ 500. Fine for smoking in public places or throwing litter – is $ 500.

(vii) Singapore has a government-backed National Courtesy Campaign, where Singaporeans are taught ethics and mannerisms.

(viii) Singapore has compulsory military service for its citizens. 

(ix) Singaporean kids are smarter than the rest. They collectively topped the global math-and-science-education ranking. 

(x) Singapore has been ranked by The Economist Intelligence Unit report as the most expensive city to live in for the last five years. 

The picture above most is of last year, when in Singapore, I along with my Japanese colleagues successfully completed Singapore module of our GLIK (Global Leaders for Innovation and Knowledge) journey, to study the success-story of Singapore as a country as well as an economy. 


******

Thursday, 23 July 2020

An Open Letter to All the Freshers!

I'm sure you are ready to accept this change as a 'New Normal' with a sense of maturity and responsibility
as 'Torchbearers of Change'
An Open Letter to All the Freshers! 
I'm sure you'll be tomorrow's leaders as 'Torchbearers of Change' and help making this planet wonderful again. 


Dear Freshers,

Congratulations on starting your brand new journey! 

It's always a great feeling when you finally make it to your desired institution. I can understand your mixed feelings of excitement along with a bit of nervousness. 

You know what?! You are the witness of an all new revolution in almost all spheres of life including academics too.

You are the first ones to witness these remarkable changes happening at such a rapid pace.

Yes! Pandemic happened and it brought everything to a standstill for some time. Maybe mother nature needed some time to 'refresh' its 'settings', to make humans realize the damage we did to her.

Even though you attended/ are going to attend your Induction Program virtually; you will still enjoy these LIVE sessions.

It's true, intentionally or unintentionally, we did the damage; and now you are our hope to fix many things we messed up with.

I'm sure you will show us how to deal with the world with more sensibility, and lesser selfishness.

I'm sure you are ready to accept this change as a 'New Normal' with a sense of maturity and responsibility.

I'm sure you'll be tomorrow's leaders as 'Torchbearers of Change' and help making this planet wonderful again.

Pic 1: Induction Program at DITU
Pic 2: Induction Program at SKIPS


******

Monday, 13 July 2020

Global Leaders for Innovation And Knowledge

Global Leaders for Innovation And Knowledge

With all the lessons gathered through my journey so far, I feel determined to contribute my best to the youth skills development and assist my country become Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Last year (2019), I had the honor of representing India in 4 countries (USA - Japan - Singapore - Thailand) and work on my Capstone Project based on Youth Skills Development. 

Not only, I had great experience learning and connecting with the best global minds, but also got to witness some of the most wonderful innovations in the field of business, education and technology.

I'll always cherish my official ID Card as a souvenir. Grateful to Japan-America Institute of Management Science, Hawaii and Fujitsu, Tokyo for selecting me as a potential Global Leader for Innovation & Knowledge. 

With all the lessons gathered through my journey so far, I feel determined to contribute my best to the youth skills development and assist my country become Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 

Personal Growth & Professional Development by Gaurav Misra


******

No Limits When You Follow Your Passion.

What made my experience more exciting was the fact that I was announced winner of 'International Recognition Award'
No Limits When You Follow
Your Passion.
What made my experience more exciting was the fact that I was announced winner of 'International Recognition Award' (in Education category) for my volunteer work.


Last year, I had the honor of representing India at the CTAUN (Committee on Teaching About the United Nations) Conference, United Nations, New York. 

What made my experience more exciting was the fact that I was announced winner of 'International Recognition Award' (in Education category) for my volunteer work.

Though I could not attend the Award Ceremony in person, yet this rare recognition was of utmost importance for me for many reasons.

It encouraged me to keep contributing to the community and inspired me to keep going.

It officially made me Uttarakhand's 1st International Recognition awardee by the CTAUN, United Nations.

It made me feel proud that ours was the only social initiative representing India to win this rare recognition among 2 other awardees from Australia and Bangladesh.

And lastly, it proved that there are no limitations to follow your passion (volunteering has been one of my passions since my childhood days) and make a mark too.

This experience proved that there are no limitations to follow your passion and make a mark too.

******

Thursday, 18 June 2020

“You Are NOT Alone.”

“You Are NOT Alone.” 
As per latest WHO data, one person is taking his/ her life every 40 seconds. Yes! you read it right! By the time you finish up reading this, 2 - 3 more valuable lives would be gone. 

I understand times are difficult, so much so that suicide or self-harm might seem the easiest way out to deal with 'life'. 

As per latest WHO data, one person is taking his/ her life every 40 seconds. Yes! you read it right! By the time you finish up reading this, 2 - 3 more valuable lives would be gone. 

I think we educators, coaches, trainers have a larger role to play. Over the time, I have realized these kids, teens, or even adults sometimes tend to rely on us more than their own near & dear ones. 

Just received a series of messages from one of my former trainees; who was at the verge of complete emotional breakdown.
Just received a series of messages from one of my former trainees; who recently lost his job due to pandemic and was at the verge of complete emotional breakdown. 

I made him a call and we talked for 25m 31s. After he hung up, I realized he seemed much relieved, and clear about his life and other choices. 

Please feel free to connect with me in times of distress, or you feel like sharing your concerns, I am always available and I mean it. 

Feel free to connect, WhatsApp: +91-7017872775 OR Email: pgpdbygm@gmail.com 

Remember, life is valuable. In case you feel like bogged down with difficulties in life, here is a list of practical things we can do to cultivate a positive attitude toward life, 

- Start your day with a positive affirmation. 

- Focus on the good things, however small. 

- Transform negative self-talk into positive self-talk. 

- Find positive friends, mentors and co-workers. 

- Keep a gratitude journal. 

- Get pleasure out of the simple things in life. 

- Use The Power of Humor. 

- Take time to do the things you enjoy. 

- Make someone else smile.

******

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

The Magic

To my sheer surprise, my Convocation Ceremony gave me two, not just one, as the magical outcomes.
The Magic
It was the same sense of dedication and love for learning that inspired me to prepare myself to earn an Opportunity-of-a-Lifetime.

I'm proud I come from a humble background, and my struggles taught me a great deal about life.

I could see my father working overtime to earn a few extra bucks, and my mother closely working with us to complete our homework on time.

I vividly remember, my parents never compromised on the quality of education of their kids; even though we were not much well off.

Their innumerable sacrifices, big or small; instilled a sense of dedication and love for learning in me since my childhood days.

It was the same sense of dedication and love for learning that inspired me to prepare myself to earn an Opportunity-of-a-Lifetime.

And then, this happened!!!

I got selected for a world-class learning opportunity GLIK (Global Leader for Innovation and Knowledge) offered by JAIMS (Japan America Institute of Management Science).

I traveled to Japan, USA, Singapore and Thailand; and got trained, coached and mentored by industry stalwarts as well as world renowned professor.

Throughout this extraordinary learning journey of mine, I just remembered one thing my mother told me once, 
"Whenever You Earn an Opportunity, Don't Worry Much about the Outcome, Just Put Your Heart & Soul into It, Magic will Happen All by Itself." 
That's what I did!

To my sheer surprise, my Convocation Ceremony gave me two, not just one, as the magical outcomes,

One, I became the 1st Indian to receive 'Honorable Learner Awardee' by JAIMS (Japan America Institute of Management Science).

Two, my Capstone Project based on Skill Development made it to the Top Three Position by the honorable jury.

One, I became the 1st Indian to receive 'Honorable Learner Awardee'
by JAIMS  (Japan America Institute of Management Science).
Two, my Capstone Project based on Skill Development
made it to the 
Top Three Position by the honorable jury. 


Having returned to India in 2020, I didn’t perceive Covoid-19 as a threat to my career, instead I initiated an Online Learning Community (with over 6,000 learners from across the world) and started catering to their learning needs as per the best of my skills and knowledge.

Today, I stand proud as an online T&D Professional who is ready to take bigger roles and assignments.

For personalized training or life skills coaching, please feel free to connect with me at pgpdbygm@gmail.com


******

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

Online Meeting Etiquette

Ms. Nancy, Assistant Director, Marketing and Recruitment, (INSEAD) During
an Online Meeting with Candidates from Around the Globe
Online Meeting Etiquette
The sudden and unexpected COVID-19 outbreak has had a drastic impact on the way people work in just a couple of months. Online meetings have become an essential part of how modern businesses are maintaining productivity and continuity. 

Huge companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and countless others are relying on technology to allow their employees to work remotely and stay safe. 
Did You Know that Proper Manners Help Make Your Online Meeting More Productive? 
As a matter of fact, there’s just no substitute for good manners in all of our daily interactions as well, and they’re certainly appreciated more than ever in workplace meetings. 

In today’s current environment, here are a few good recommendations as well as some common sense bullet points, 

1. Read the agenda, come prepared, and show up on time. 

2. Test all technology (including camera/video, wi-fi, and screen sharing) before the meeting. 

3. Wear appropriate clothes and don't wear "noisy" jewelry. 

4. Have an appropriate user name and photo. 

5. Choose a quiet location and an appropriate setting. 

6. Limit meeting distractions and never eat while talking. 

7. Stay on topic. 

8. Don’t interrupt other people when they’re speaking. 

9. Show that you’re listening. 

10. Don't carry on side conversations. 

11. Don’t stare at your phone while other people are presenting. 

12. Turn off all notifications and make sure your cell phone is on silent mode. 

13. End on time. 

14. Thank everyone for attending. 

15. When in doubt, just practice common courtesy. 

Wish you productive online meetings ahead!

******

Thursday, 9 April 2020

Keep Your Spirits High!

This memory not only made me feel ready for present as well as future challenges,
but also helped me gather enough courage to keep moving forward.
Keep Your Spirits High! 
What are your moments of accomplishments? What exceptional you did last year? Let's celebrate your past successes, cheer yourself up and stay positive during these hard times!

Amid COVID-19, It might be a little hard for some of us to keep our spirits high during this difficult period. 

Let's look back to what exceptional we did; and how we made an effort to change lives for better. 

In a similar attempt, I realized, on this day, exactly one year ago (on April 5, 2019),
Project Utthan made it to the most prestigious list of International Recognition at the United Nations
, New York. 

On April 5, 2019, Project Utthan made it to the most prestigious list of
International Recognition at the United Nations, New York.
In CTAUN Conference, we were the only social service initiative representing India; among two other awardees, one from Australia and the other one from Bangladesh.

This memory not only made me feel ready for present as well as future challenges, but also helped me gather enough courage to keep moving forward.

What are your moments of accomplishments? What exceptional you did last year? Let's celebrate your past successes, cheer yourself up and stay positive!

And also, when you come out of this lock-down period, don't forget the following message that I came across recently and found it quite thought-provoking and worth sharing.

“Suddenly Disney is out of magic,
Paris is no longer romantic, 
New York doesn't stand up anymore, 
The Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, 
and Mecca is empty.
  
Suddenly you realize that 
power, beauty and money are worthless 
and can't get you the oxygen you're fighting for. 

Nature is sending us a message: 
'𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚. 
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒊𝒓, 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉, 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒌𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆. 
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌, 
𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔. 
𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔.” 

source: unknown

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Monday, 30 March 2020

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, Stay Home.

Amid Covidー19, maintaining a strong mindset is probably the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Stay Strong, Stay Safe, Stay Home.
Let's bear these 10 simple yet powerful ideas in mind, they can do wonders for your emotional state; as they did for me.

|| ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥ 

|| 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚, 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 (𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔) 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑨𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚. ||

Amid Covidー19, maintaining a strong mindset is probably the most important thing you can do for yourself.

Let's bear these 10 simple yet powerful ideas in mind, they can do wonders for your emotional state; as they did for me,

1. Everything can – and will – change.

2. Be at home within yourself and reflect.

3. Take notice of the blessings you already have.

4. There is always, always, always something to be grateful for.

5. Realize you have dozens of unique strengths as a person.

6. Self-care is crucial.

7. Allow yourself to have some fun.

8. Remember, it’s a learning experience.

9. Try to shut out the pessimistic attitude of other people.

10. And last but not the least, you learn and grow the most through change, discomfort, and difficulty. 


Stay strong, stay safe, stay home.


******


*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!

Tuesday, 3 March 2020

15 Best L&D Practices by the Largest Japanese Airline

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the largest airline in Japan by revenues and passenger numbers.
15 Best L&D Practices 
by the Largest Japanese Airline

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the largest airline in Japan by revenues and passenger numbers. As an organization, ANA follows the best learning & development practices to take full advantage of opportunities for business expansion & Group growth. Let's see how...

As a training professional, I am always on a lookout for the best practices followed by world's greatest organizations. It was a pleasure to visit All Nippon Airways (ANA) headquarter at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the largest airline in Japan by revenues and passenger numbers. As an organization, ANA follows the best learning & development practices to take full advantage of opportunities for business expansion & Group growth. 

While attending a session by none other than Mr. Shiomi Keisuke, President & Chief Executive Officer, (ANA Wing Fellows Vie Oji Co. Ltd.), I realized that ANA is thinking way ahead of its competitors. 

With Mr. Shiomi Keisuke, President & Chief Executive Officer, (ANA Wing Fellows Vie Oji Co. Ltd.)
ANA is actively investing in the human assets who are the driving force behind their growth.They are creating programs to motivate employees, and enabling them to fully demonstrate their abilities. 

Here are 15 most pertinent L&D practices that ANA follows, 
  1. To deepen their understanding of different cultures, they have established an exchange program that provides the opportunity for overseas staff members to visit Japan, and cooperate with Japanese staff members. 

  2. They emphasize the planning and execution of lectures, seminars and other training programs to innovate employee awareness and corporate culture. 

  3. Their mentoring system won the Japan Productivity Center’s Mentor Award, which recognized ANA’s unique internal network that facilitates access to the advice of senior employees who have dealt with similar issues in the past. 

  4. They established the ANA JINZAI (Human Assets) University in 2007 to provide human assets training, including programs such as rank-based and elective training. 

  5. Training is given by lecturers from inside and outside the ANA Group, and incorporates such methods as on-site courses and even Zen meditation to heighten its effectiveness. 

  6. These development programs support the autonomous career development of all Group employees and promote an environment where individual employees can display their capabilities to the maximum possible extent in their respective roles. 

  7. The ANA Group is providing education to Groupwide classes of mid-level employees (people aged 25-29) and managers (people in their mid-thirties). 

  8. The curriculum for mid-level employees includes leadership and problem-solving techniques to cultivate the ability to help achieve the vision of the students’ divisions.
  9. Managers research case studies of other companies and have opportunities to meet executives from other industries to discuss their successes, thus cultivating human assets who can look beyond the company in innovating established thinking and practices. 

  10. ANA has been printing customer compliments on the cover sheets of monthly payslips since long. This practice, proposed by an employee, was initiated to raise both everyday awareness of customer satisfaction on the part of employees and the level of customer satisfaction. 

  11. Among frontline staff members, ANA promotes the exchange of Good Job Cards, where employees who find something praiseworthy in a colleague’s work write it down on a card and pass it to the colleague. 

  12. This system utilizing praise of colleagues’ work is useful for creating interest in what others are working on, while encouraging an atmosphere where employees always take pride in their jobs and the jobs of those working with them. 

  13. Furthermore, the “Wow!” Award was established to recognize employees and work units that inspire their colleagues with original ideas that are not bound by existing systems and values. 

  14. The ANA Group proactively creates opportunities for frontline employees to directly discuss issues with top management. The Group’s executives talk directly with employees in their own words about business conditions, while employees directly convey to top management the status of their work sites and any unresolved issues. 

  15. ANA Virtual Hollywood is a program in which employees propose and execute projects that capture the hearts of customers, just as film directors produce Hollywood movies that have the power to enthrall the masses. 

    So, which best practices are being followed in your organization? Feel free to share.

    ******
*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!