Jekyll2021-09-18T13:15:15+00:00https://christopher.in/feed.xmlChris’ BlogThoughts |> Experiences |> WordsChristopherHello World2018-12-26T00:00:00+00:002018-12-26T00:00:00+00:00https://christopher.in/hello-world<p><img src="../assets/images/hello-world.png" alt="alt helloworld" /></p>ChristopherA Ride To Nowhere2017-01-27T00:00:00+00:002017-01-27T00:00:00+00:00https://christopher.in/a-ride-to-nowhere<p><img src="../assets/images/journey1.png" alt="alt journey" /></p>
<p>It was very late at night. Demonetisation had started taking toll on my family and myself. Every day, I had been making a few trips extra for those who pay me in cash. There are a couple of things in life you cannot do without cash.</p>
<p>My mother was recovering from severe cold and fever and the doctors did not understand the plight of an <em>Uber</em> driver. My life is a vicious cycle of payment wallets, customer ratings, number of rides, soaring fuel price, and now, bumping into effects of demonetisation at every turn of the road.</p>
<p>The clock ticked 10:55 PM. I had done 14 trips for the day against my usual 10 trips and had made a total of Rs. 1,800 of which 500 in cash. This cash would be enough for the next couple of days. Just as I was about to switch off the Partner app, Uber assigned me a ride nearby.</p>
<p>Mount Road, Chennai at 11.00 PM is usually empty. I put my foot down the accelerator and reached my pickup location, the Taj.</p>
<p>“<em>Hello Madam, Naan unga Uber partner pesuren. Enga varanum</em>?” (Hello Madam, I’m your Uber Partner speaking. Where should I come to pick you up?)</p>
<p>A girl responded.</p>
<p>“<em>Taj la Blend. Wait for 5 minutes, Anna</em>” (Blend Bar inside Taj. Wait for 5 minutes, brother) and the girl started to blurt something which I ignored.</p>
<p>I didn’t know what “Blend” is but I guessed it is a place within Taj. I waited in the parking for 10 more minutes.</p>
<p>Finally I saw someone waving goodbyes to a gang of people and trundled towards my car.</p>
<p>“<em>Anna, door open pannunga na</em>” (Brother, open the door please)</p>
<p>The girl was too drunk to even find where the door handle is. I came out to open the door for her. She is too hammered to even walk properly. She finally got inside the car and I was pretty sure she will pass out soon. I cursed myself for having to deal with someone who is drunk enough to forget real world. I got back to my driver seat.</p>
<p>“<em>Madam ride start pannata?</em>” (Madam, can I start the ride?).</p>
<p>The customary question I ask to every rider.</p>
<p>I was very happy that it was a cash ride.</p>
<p>I swiped right to start the trip right away.</p>
<p>“<em>mmmm</em>”, she managed to let out a faint yes.</p>
<p>I noticed her name from the Partner app.</p>
<p>The destination was somewhere near Sholinganallur. I was loath to travel all the way to a far off location while my mind and heart ached to go back home. I had turned on the navigation and accelerated my car through the near empty roads of Chennai.</p>
<p>A few minutes into the ride I heard what I knew would happen.</p>
<p>I stopped the car and parked it in a service lane. The stench of alcohol and of putrefied condiments she had consumed was unbearable. Probably because I wasn’t used to it. I figured there was little cleaning to be done. I thought to myself she drank way too much.</p>
<p>“<em>Sigh</em>…”</p>
<p>“<em>Anna thanni iruka?</em>” (Brother do you have some water?) I went to my seat to get her water. She gargled, spat twice and washed her face with the remaining water. She looked better than before. She seemed better.</p>
<p>I revved the engine and started cruising at 60 km/h at Gandhi Mandapam road.</p>
<p>“<em>Anna I’m sorry</em>”</p>
<p>I put up a facade of being calm although I was very much angry.</p>
<p>“<em>Paravailla Madam. Epdinalum car wash ku kudukanum</em>” (It’s okay Madam. Anyway, I have to give for Car wash) I gave her a dumb reason, like any customer-caring driver would do for the sake of better ratings.</p>
<p>She asked me how long I’ve been driving and wondered how empty are roads at 11:30 PM. I gave her blunt answers. Although her level of intoxication was slowly reducing, she kept mumbling something and I decided to ignore.</p>
<p>She remained silent for another 10 minutes. Her destination was nearing.</p>
<p>“<em>Ithu than na first time kudikrathu</em>” (This is the first time I drink)</p>
<p>She started again. She still seemed high. I thought I could give her my tad bit of advice.</p>
<p>“<em>Aanalum ivlo kudika koodathu. Konjam ah start pananum</em>” (You should start in small quantities if you are drinking the first time)</p>
<p>“<em>But friends only…… *(she was blabbering something).. *My last day with them…. Naan USA la padika poren nu poi soliten elarkitayum</em>” (I lied to my friends that I am going to USA for higher studies)</p>
<p>I usually do not get into personal discussion with customer but this one got me a bit curious. So I enquired.</p>
<p>“<em>Ithuku ethuku madam poi solanum? Unmaya sollalamae?</em>” (You could have very well told the truth. Right Madam?)</p>
<p>The car sped past Perungudi toll gate. There wasn’t any reply from her for another 10 minutes or so. Suddenly, I heard a mild sound like someone weeping. I wasn’t sure. Adjusting my center rear view mirror, I saw her eyes fixed at me with few drops on her cheeks.</p>
<p>We reached Sholinganallur junction and map showed her destination is just few streets away.</p>
<p>“<em>Anna, death pathi epovachu nenaipeengala?</em>” (Brother, do you think about death?)</p>
<p>Turning my head back to see her and with a puzzled look I said “<em>epovachu</em>” (sometimes).</p>
<p>That’s when she told me that.</p>
<p>“<em>Enaku cancer. Brain la. Chemo pandra level la thaandiruchu</em>” ( I have cancer in brain. It had gone past beyond levels to consider Chemo)</p>
<p>My heart started beating fast. I did not know what to say. I stopped in front of her house. She was searching for her purse to pay the bill.</p>
<p>“<em>Romba naal iruka maaten anna. Seekram poiduven. Inaiku than office ku last day. Friends farewell party kuduthanga. Avangaluku theriyathu enaku cancer-nu. abroad poren nu poi solliruken.</em>” ( I won’t be alive for long. I will die soon. Today is my last day at office and my friends gave me farewell party. They don’t know I have cancer. I lied to them I am going abroad. )</p>
<p>“….”</p>
<p>I sat there in the cab speechless. She continued,</p>
<p>“<em>Avangaluku theriyathu sorgam than abroad-nu</em>” (They don’t know that the ‘abroad’ is ‘heaven’)</p>
<p>She paid a generous 2000 bucks for the ride. I didn’t have the mind to say yes or no. She kept the money in the seat and left the car. I took a reverse to head towards Old-Mahabalipuram Road.</p>
<p>I turned off my phone and was cruising my way back home. Tears had started rolling down my cheeks.</p>
<p><em>*P.S:</em> <em>**“Based on true events” by a redditor and the actual Uber partner, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/4r4a7r/uber_drivers_whats_the_deepest_secrets_youve/d4ykn2s/">*westport76</a></em>. Images used are for representational purpose. Please ignore 😜.</p>
<p><em>Hope you like my attempt to narrate the story. Thanks for reading.</em></p>
<p>Originally published in Medium.</p>ChristopherIt was very late at night. Demonetisation had started taking toll on my family and myself. Every day, I had been making a few trips extra for those who pay me in cash. There are a couple of things in life you cannot do without cash. My mother was recovering from severe cold and fever and the doctors did not understand the plight of an Uber driver. My life is a vicious cycle of payment wallets, customer ratings, number of rides, soaring fuel price, and now, bumping into effects of demonetisation at every turn of the road. The clock ticked 10:55 PM. I had done 14 trips for the day against my usual 10 trips and had made a total of Rs. 1,800 of which 500 in cash. This cash would be enough for the next couple of days. Just as I was about to switch off the Partner app, Uber assigned me a ride nearby. Mount Road, Chennai at 11.00 PM is usually empty. I put my foot down the accelerator and reached my pickup location, the Taj. “Hello Madam, Naan unga Uber partner pesuren. Enga varanum?” (Hello Madam, I’m your Uber Partner speaking. Where should I come to pick you up?) A girl responded. “Taj la Blend. Wait for 5 minutes, Anna” (Blend Bar inside Taj. Wait for 5 minutes, brother) and the girl started to blurt something which I ignored. I didn’t know what “Blend” is but I guessed it is a place within Taj. I waited in the parking for 10 more minutes. Finally I saw someone waving goodbyes to a gang of people and trundled towards my car. “Anna, door open pannunga na” (Brother, open the door please) The girl was too drunk to even find where the door handle is. I came out to open the door for her. She is too hammered to even walk properly. She finally got inside the car and I was pretty sure she will pass out soon. I cursed myself for having to deal with someone who is drunk enough to forget real world. I got back to my driver seat. “Madam ride start pannata?” (Madam, can I start the ride?). The customary question I ask to every rider. I was very happy that it was a cash ride. I swiped right to start the trip right away. “mmmm”, she managed to let out a faint yes. I noticed her name from the Partner app. The destination was somewhere near Sholinganallur. I was loath to travel all the way to a far off location while my mind and heart ached to go back home. I had turned on the navigation and accelerated my car through the near empty roads of Chennai. A few minutes into the ride I heard what I knew would happen. I stopped the car and parked it in a service lane. The stench of alcohol and of putrefied condiments she had consumed was unbearable. Probably because I wasn’t used to it. I figured there was little cleaning to be done. I thought to myself she drank way too much. “Sigh…” “Anna thanni iruka?” (Brother do you have some water?) I went to my seat to get her water. She gargled, spat twice and washed her face with the remaining water. She looked better than before. She seemed better. I revved the engine and started cruising at 60 km/h at Gandhi Mandapam road. “Anna I’m sorry” I put up a facade of being calm although I was very much angry. “Paravailla Madam. Epdinalum car wash ku kudukanum” (It’s okay Madam. Anyway, I have to give for Car wash) I gave her a dumb reason, like any customer-caring driver would do for the sake of better ratings. She asked me how long I’ve been driving and wondered how empty are roads at 11:30 PM. I gave her blunt answers. Although her level of intoxication was slowly reducing, she kept mumbling something and I decided to ignore. She remained silent for another 10 minutes. Her destination was nearing. “Ithu than na first time kudikrathu” (This is the first time I drink) She started again. She still seemed high. I thought I could give her my tad bit of advice. “Aanalum ivlo kudika koodathu. Konjam ah start pananum” (You should start in small quantities if you are drinking the first time) “But friends only…… *(she was blabbering something).. *My last day with them…. Naan USA la padika poren nu poi soliten elarkitayum” (I lied to my friends that I am going to USA for higher studies) I usually do not get into personal discussion with customer but this one got me a bit curious. So I enquired. “Ithuku ethuku madam poi solanum? Unmaya sollalamae?” (You could have very well told the truth. Right Madam?) The car sped past Perungudi toll gate. There wasn’t any reply from her for another 10 minutes or so. Suddenly, I heard a mild sound like someone weeping. I wasn’t sure. Adjusting my center rear view mirror, I saw her eyes fixed at me with few drops on her cheeks. We reached Sholinganallur junction and map showed her destination is just few streets away. “Anna, death pathi epovachu nenaipeengala?” (Brother, do you think about death?) Turning my head back to see her and with a puzzled look I said “epovachu” (sometimes). That’s when she told me that. “Enaku cancer. Brain la. Chemo pandra level la thaandiruchu” ( I have cancer in brain. It had gone past beyond levels to consider Chemo) My heart started beating fast. I did not know what to say. I stopped in front of her house. She was searching for her purse to pay the bill. “Romba naal iruka maaten anna. Seekram poiduven. Inaiku than office ku last day. Friends farewell party kuduthanga. Avangaluku theriyathu enaku cancer-nu. abroad poren nu poi solliruken.” ( I won’t be alive for long. I will die soon. Today is my last day at office and my friends gave me farewell party. They don’t know I have cancer. I lied to them I am going abroad. ) “….” I sat there in the cab speechless. She continued, “Avangaluku theriyathu sorgam than abroad-nu” (They don’t know that the ‘abroad’ is ‘heaven’) She paid a generous 2000 bucks for the ride. I didn’t have the mind to say yes or no. She kept the money in the seat and left the car. I took a reverse to head towards Old-Mahabalipuram Road. I turned off my phone and was cruising my way back home. Tears had started rolling down my cheeks. *P.S: **“Based on true events” by a redditor and the actual Uber partner, *westport76. Images used are for representational purpose. Please ignore 😜. Hope you like my attempt to narrate the story. Thanks for reading. Originally published in Medium.A Lady By The Bay Of Bengal2016-07-13T00:00:00+00:002016-07-13T00:00:00+00:00https://christopher.in/a-lady-by-the-bay-of-bengal<p><img src="../assets/images/sea_shore.jpeg" alt="alt sea_shore" /></p>
<h3 id="-lakshmi-resorts-ecr">@ Lakshmi Resorts, ECR</h3>
<p>It’s been a good 10 years since I had a very good time with my family. The last time I came here was in 2005 along with my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. We went to VGP Universal Kingdom, a couple of beaches and we finally spent the weekend at this resort in ECR. That was the last time we all saw our grandmother hale and healthy. She returned to our native after that trip, fell sick and eventually passed away.</p>
<p>My mother is one among her six children — three girls and three boys. All of them settled in every corner of the globe except my mother. My mom worked in our native and my grandma lived with her. Grandma lived her life contented without expecting any help from anyone. Till the last day of her life, she lived as she wanted to be.</p>
<p>The 2005 trip was the most memorable one because of two reasons. One, I was meeting my cousins after a long time. Eight cousins who are almost my age and a beach resort means absolute fun. Second, it is the beach. I have seen exotic beaches in Discovery and Nat Geo but always wanted to be near one.</p>
<p>10 years since then drifted by like 10 seconds and here I am, all grown up and with a good paying job in Chennai.</p>
<p>A couple of my friends and I decided to spend sometime in a resort in ECR. Chennai is again new to me (I just graduated from a college near the lush rain forests and Tiger Sanctuaries of Western Ghats). We decided to spend our weekend somewhere near the beach and have fun. After umpteen google searches, we landed on good old Lakshmi Resorts. Again, I was immediately up for it and that’s how we set about our short weekend trip.</p>
<h3 id="november-28-morning">November 28, Morning…</h3>
<p>The day has finally came. The resort manager called me to check if we would vacate the place by the next day evening as he wanted to rent the place for a movie shoot. We reached the place. It looked so different from the last time. Everything looked new to me except the good old banyan tree and the name of the place. The owner gave us the key and told us he will bring the food in couple of hours.</p>
<p>The resort has a swimming pool in the middle. We all dived in, stayed in the water for a couple of hours before realising the time was 2 P.M. We got out of water and all felt hungry. By the time, the food had arrived and We came to the dining hall after a good shower.</p>
<p>Lunch was done. I noticed one old maid coming to wash the dishes. She approached us and asked what she could do with the remaining food.</p>
<p><em>“Paati, Neenga saapteengala?”</em> (Grandma, you had food??)</p>
<p><strong>“Ila thambi.”</strong> (No son)</p>
<p><em>“Apo neengalae saapdunga”</em> (Then you can eat it)</p>
<p>I retired to my room to have a quick nap and woke up at 5 to find my friends in sound sleep, not yet overcome the heaviness of a good meal. I thought now would be the best time to be alone at the beach. The old maid was standing outside smiling at me.</p>
<p><em>“Paati, nalla saapteengala?”</em> (Grandma, did you have enough?)</p>
<p><strong><em>“Aama thambi”</em></strong> (Yes, son)</p>
<p>She asked me where I was going. I replied <em>“Beach”</em>. She requested if she can tag along. Ughh.. I didn’t want her to come but I couldn’t really say <strong><em>no</em></strong> to her face. The beach was after all 100 meters away and she could walk at her own will even if I had told her a ‘no’.</p>
<p>The beach was brilliant. The combination of fresh air, an approaching thunderstorm and the wet sand was pristine and refreshing to the mind.</p>
<p>She stayed a little behind me. I got lost in thoughts. The clouds looked so scary. It looked as if thunderstorm might come anytime. I didn’t care. I was busy ruminating the good old times I had had at the same place with my family. Something bothered me and I got out of my dreaminess. It’s this old lady.</p>
<p><strong>“Thambi, Puyal varum pola”</strong> (Son, it looks as if storm is coming)</p>
<p><em>“Aama paati”</em> (Yeah..) I said in a sigh…</p>
<p>The waves broke in and out, latching on my legs as they receded. The old lady didn’t want to be in the sea water. She was on the sands, not far away from me. I could hear her. I had my eyes fixed at the horizon.</p>
<p><strong>“Inga ithuku munnadi vanthurukeengala?”</strong> (Have you ever come here before?)</p>
<p>I didn’t see her. I vaguely replied to her,</p>
<p><em>“oru 10 varushathuku munnadi”</em> (Yeah, before 10 years)</p>
<p><strong>“Unga peru ena thambi?”</strong> (Son, Whats your name?)</p>
<p>Now I got irritated. She’s slowly getting to know me and probably will ask me some money. I didn’t turn back at her and replied even harshly,</p>
<p><em>“Christopher”</em></p>
<p>I heard her giggle. I was wondering why this lady is laughing to hear my name. Is it funny? Did she understand my name at first? She let out a huge sigh.</p>
<p><strong>“En peru Gnanasoundhari”</strong> (My name is <em>Gnanasoundhari.</em>)</p>
<p><em>I heard this… in a voice very familiar to me.</em></p>
<p>It took me a couple of seconds for my brain to process the voice I just heard.</p>
<p><em>And the name… the name she just told. It’s my grandmother’s.</em></p>
<p>I turned back.</p>
<p><strong>There was no one else at the beach. There was a storm coming behind me.</strong></p>
<p>P.S: “Thambi” means brother in Tamil. In some dialects of Tamil, people use it to respectfully refer to a person much younger to them. For better contextual understanding, I translated it as “Son”.</p>
<p>Originally published in Medium.</p>Christopher@ Lakshmi Resorts, ECR It’s been a good 10 years since I had a very good time with my family. The last time I came here was in 2005 along with my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. We went to VGP Universal Kingdom, a couple of beaches and we finally spent the weekend at this resort in ECR. That was the last time we all saw our grandmother hale and healthy. She returned to our native after that trip, fell sick and eventually passed away. My mother is one among her six children — three girls and three boys. All of them settled in every corner of the globe except my mother. My mom worked in our native and my grandma lived with her. Grandma lived her life contented without expecting any help from anyone. Till the last day of her life, she lived as she wanted to be. The 2005 trip was the most memorable one because of two reasons. One, I was meeting my cousins after a long time. Eight cousins who are almost my age and a beach resort means absolute fun. Second, it is the beach. I have seen exotic beaches in Discovery and Nat Geo but always wanted to be near one. 10 years since then drifted by like 10 seconds and here I am, all grown up and with a good paying job in Chennai. A couple of my friends and I decided to spend sometime in a resort in ECR. Chennai is again new to me (I just graduated from a college near the lush rain forests and Tiger Sanctuaries of Western Ghats). We decided to spend our weekend somewhere near the beach and have fun. After umpteen google searches, we landed on good old Lakshmi Resorts. Again, I was immediately up for it and that’s how we set about our short weekend trip. November 28, Morning… The day has finally came. The resort manager called me to check if we would vacate the place by the next day evening as he wanted to rent the place for a movie shoot. We reached the place. It looked so different from the last time. Everything looked new to me except the good old banyan tree and the name of the place. The owner gave us the key and told us he will bring the food in couple of hours. The resort has a swimming pool in the middle. We all dived in, stayed in the water for a couple of hours before realising the time was 2 P.M. We got out of water and all felt hungry. By the time, the food had arrived and We came to the dining hall after a good shower. Lunch was done. I noticed one old maid coming to wash the dishes. She approached us and asked what she could do with the remaining food. “Paati, Neenga saapteengala?” (Grandma, you had food??) “Ila thambi.” (No son) “Apo neengalae saapdunga” (Then you can eat it) I retired to my room to have a quick nap and woke up at 5 to find my friends in sound sleep, not yet overcome the heaviness of a good meal. I thought now would be the best time to be alone at the beach. The old maid was standing outside smiling at me. “Paati, nalla saapteengala?” (Grandma, did you have enough?) “Aama thambi” (Yes, son) She asked me where I was going. I replied “Beach”. She requested if she can tag along. Ughh.. I didn’t want her to come but I couldn’t really say no to her face. The beach was after all 100 meters away and she could walk at her own will even if I had told her a ‘no’. The beach was brilliant. The combination of fresh air, an approaching thunderstorm and the wet sand was pristine and refreshing to the mind. She stayed a little behind me. I got lost in thoughts. The clouds looked so scary. It looked as if thunderstorm might come anytime. I didn’t care. I was busy ruminating the good old times I had had at the same place with my family. Something bothered me and I got out of my dreaminess. It’s this old lady. “Thambi, Puyal varum pola” (Son, it looks as if storm is coming) “Aama paati” (Yeah..) I said in a sigh… The waves broke in and out, latching on my legs as they receded. The old lady didn’t want to be in the sea water. She was on the sands, not far away from me. I could hear her. I had my eyes fixed at the horizon. “Inga ithuku munnadi vanthurukeengala?” (Have you ever come here before?) I didn’t see her. I vaguely replied to her, “oru 10 varushathuku munnadi” (Yeah, before 10 years) “Unga peru ena thambi?” (Son, Whats your name?) Now I got irritated. She’s slowly getting to know me and probably will ask me some money. I didn’t turn back at her and replied even harshly, “Christopher” I heard her giggle. I was wondering why this lady is laughing to hear my name. Is it funny? Did she understand my name at first? She let out a huge sigh. “En peru Gnanasoundhari” (My name is Gnanasoundhari.) I heard this… in a voice very familiar to me. It took me a couple of seconds for my brain to process the voice I just heard. And the name… the name she just told. It’s my grandmother’s. I turned back. There was no one else at the beach. There was a storm coming behind me. P.S: “Thambi” means brother in Tamil. In some dialects of Tamil, people use it to respectfully refer to a person much younger to them. For better contextual understanding, I translated it as “Son”. Originally published in Medium.How To Assemble A Rockstar Team2016-03-26T00:00:00+00:002016-03-26T00:00:00+00:00https://christopher.in/how-to-assemble-a-rockstar-team<p>What to look for? How to stick them together? How to sail through troubled waters?</p>
<p><img src="../assets/images/rockstar.jpeg" alt="alt rockstar_team" /></p>
<p>Building a team is not an easy job. I’m not here to brag about team-building as if I had successfully assembled several such teams. I’m a beginner. I’ve assembled a team of 25 in my college. The team had done remarkable things than I have ever imagined. I am just sharing my views and share things that I have encountered in the process.</p>
<h3 id="what-to-look-for"><strong><em>What to look for?</em></strong></h3>
<p>Rule #1: Everyone you look out for is different from one another. That’s why they are “individuals”. Always, you cannot find a person same as some one else. If a person A does a task for you, you may get the task done with person B, but the results would never be the same. So, here’s a list of things I looked for when I hand-picked folks and assembled the team.</p>
<p><strong><em>Self-motivation</em></strong></p>
<p>Look out for people with self-motivation. They not only get things done but they are someone whom you can rely on. They will be your best people. A team is supposed to stick together, even if you had to go out of it and only a self-motivated individual can look after the team from where you had left.</p>
<p><strong><em>Challenge lovers</em></strong></p>
<p>In my opinion, challenge lovers be naturally self-motivated. When you find self-motivated people, the task as a leader for you is to give them challenges so that they push themselves towards the goal. Set them a realistic, useful and a proper goal.</p>
<p><strong><em>Hire people who are better than you</em></strong></p>
<p>Finding and hiring people who are smarter and better than you is good for you. Don’t hire “brilliant jerks” though. Knowledgable people will constantly push you to give them something better to work on. Also, you don’t have to teach them everything. They are self motivated and they’d learn things on the fly and get stuff done.</p>
<p><strong><em>Avoid people who don’t think or act on their own</em></strong></p>
<p>Don’t hire people who don’t think or act on their own in their tasks. People would need enough time to learn things before they could do. But there are people who are lazy enough to do things, even if you guide them. If you think having one or two in the team is okay or that you can change them in the course of time, you will fail, big time. Laziness is contagious.</p>
<h3 id="how-to-stick-them-together">How to stick them together?</h3>
<p>It’s always a tough job to keep “individuals” together for a common cause. It is in the way you bring them together and the way they feel comfortable with each other in the team. If you could find people who pass through the above listed points, they will tend to stick with each other.</p>
<p><strong><em>Speak with each member of your team</em></strong></p>
<p>You or your co-founder or both of you together, speak with each of your team members. Tell them the three things</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>What are you planning to do?
<em>Be shameless and pitch your idea strongly. If you can’t convince your team, you can’t convince someone outside.</em></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Why you need them in your team?
<em>Talk about their positives. Tell them how their characters would help you in your mission.</em></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>What can they learn from being here?
<em>Be honest about it. Promise them they will learn a particular skill set and deliver it. <strong>DON’T FAIL</strong>.</em></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Don’t tell them of improbable stuff. Be honest and try to project positivity in your approach.</p>
<p><strong><em>Pave way for flat-hierarchy</em></strong></p>
<p>Give up your ego. You should not act like a dictator after assembling a great team. Provide them with flat hierarchy and tell them that no one is above all of them. This way they would do what’s good for the team, rather than what’s good for them. Also, it’s one good way you can hear back from them how things are working. A positive, friendly team culture can be built only by this.</p>
<p><strong><em>Make yourself approachable</em></strong></p>
<p>A team will need you, anytime, anywhere. Always make yourself approachable when your team comes to you. Even if you can’t do it immediately, give them some time later. As a leader, the team should be one of your top priorities. Hear them out, help them when in need.</p>
<p><strong><em>Let them make mistakes</em></strong></p>
<p>No one is perfect, even if you had hired the smartest of people. People make mistakes and you should let them do it. That’s how people learn. Also, refrain from pointing out their mistakes before all, rather be with them and come out of the problem together.</p>
<p><strong><em>Make sure all voices are heard</em></strong></p>
<p>Different people give different opinion. Make sure all your team members have a say in things common to all. In things specific to sub teams, if one of your team member have a say, sit with the sub team and this member and make sure the opinions are heard. At times, they sound dumb. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hear them.</p>
<h3 id="how-to-sail-through-troubled-waters">How to sail through troubled waters?</h3>
<p>Just because you assembled a great team doesn’t mean you won’t face any problem in the long run. Every team will have it’s own set of problems. It may be because of miscommunication or ego. As a leader, it’s your duty to resolve things.</p>
<p><strong><em>Hear them out</em></strong></p>
<p>Often, I found most of the problems solve automatically when you hear them out. Make sure you hear both sides of the problem. Sometimes, it could be a problem that came out of miscommunication or could be because of difference of opinion. By hearing them out, you are assuring them, that there’s flat hierarchy and that you are approachable. Also, it will enable you to provide better solution.</p>
<p><strong><em>Don’t give them up</em></strong></p>
<p>People make mistakes. Sometimes they may do it over and over again. Don’t give up on them yet. Sometimes, it is true that they experiment with themselves and different approaches. Give them enough time to give their best.</p>
<p><strong><em>Be at the front, when your team needs you</em></strong></p>
<p>Sometimes, the team as a whole may get into trouble and would need your help. Be at the front for them. It’s you whom they can completely trust on. Don’t ever give up on your team. Fight for the team to the best.</p>
<p><strong><em>Get some mentorship</em></strong></p>
<p>A proper mentor would help you and your team 10x than just you. Having a good mentor is a moral boost for you as well as your team. The more the positive energy around you, the more good for you.</p>
<p>Finally,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>A wise man gets more from his enemies, than a fool from his friends - Baltasar Gracián, The Art of Worldly Wisdom.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Retold to me by Niki Lauda in Rush (2013)</strong></p>
<p>There’s no worst person in this world to get feedback from. You can learn things even from the person whom you hate the most. It’s your willingness to accept things and improve upon it. Always be open to ideas, suggestions and feedback. Without a constructive approach to criticism, you cannot learn.</p>
<p>Be good. Do good. Have fun building a rockstar team!</p>
<p><em>Do you have anything to say? Wonna add something? Feel free to reply and give some “Hearts” for this article.</em></p>
<p>(Disclaimer: Views expressed here are my own)</p>
<p>Thanks to YourStory for republishing this article. <a href="https://yourstory.com/2016/04/rockstar-team-startup/">Here’s the link</a>.</p>ChristopherWhat to look for? How to stick them together? How to sail through troubled waters? Building a team is not an easy job. I’m not here to brag about team-building as if I had successfully assembled several such teams. I’m a beginner. I’ve assembled a team of 25 in my college. The team had done remarkable things than I have ever imagined. I am just sharing my views and share things that I have encountered in the process. What to look for? Rule #1: Everyone you look out for is different from one another. That’s why they are “individuals”. Always, you cannot find a person same as some one else. If a person A does a task for you, you may get the task done with person B, but the results would never be the same. So, here’s a list of things I looked for when I hand-picked folks and assembled the team. Self-motivation Look out for people with self-motivation. They not only get things done but they are someone whom you can rely on. They will be your best people. A team is supposed to stick together, even if you had to go out of it and only a self-motivated individual can look after the team from where you had left. Challenge lovers In my opinion, challenge lovers be naturally self-motivated. When you find self-motivated people, the task as a leader for you is to give them challenges so that they push themselves towards the goal. Set them a realistic, useful and a proper goal. Hire people who are better than you Finding and hiring people who are smarter and better than you is good for you. Don’t hire “brilliant jerks” though. Knowledgable people will constantly push you to give them something better to work on. Also, you don’t have to teach them everything. They are self motivated and they’d learn things on the fly and get stuff done. Avoid people who don’t think or act on their own Don’t hire people who don’t think or act on their own in their tasks. People would need enough time to learn things before they could do. But there are people who are lazy enough to do things, even if you guide them. If you think having one or two in the team is okay or that you can change them in the course of time, you will fail, big time. Laziness is contagious. How to stick them together? It’s always a tough job to keep “individuals” together for a common cause. It is in the way you bring them together and the way they feel comfortable with each other in the team. If you could find people who pass through the above listed points, they will tend to stick with each other. Speak with each member of your team You or your co-founder or both of you together, speak with each of your team members. Tell them the three things What are you planning to do? Be shameless and pitch your idea strongly. If you can’t convince your team, you can’t convince someone outside. Why you need them in your team? Talk about their positives. Tell them how their characters would help you in your mission. What can they learn from being here? Be honest about it. Promise them they will learn a particular skill set and deliver it. DON’T FAIL. Don’t tell them of improbable stuff. Be honest and try to project positivity in your approach. Pave way for flat-hierarchy Give up your ego. You should not act like a dictator after assembling a great team. Provide them with flat hierarchy and tell them that no one is above all of them. This way they would do what’s good for the team, rather than what’s good for them. Also, it’s one good way you can hear back from them how things are working. A positive, friendly team culture can be built only by this. Make yourself approachable A team will need you, anytime, anywhere. Always make yourself approachable when your team comes to you. Even if you can’t do it immediately, give them some time later. As a leader, the team should be one of your top priorities. Hear them out, help them when in need. Let them make mistakes No one is perfect, even if you had hired the smartest of people. People make mistakes and you should let them do it. That’s how people learn. Also, refrain from pointing out their mistakes before all, rather be with them and come out of the problem together. Make sure all voices are heard Different people give different opinion. Make sure all your team members have a say in things common to all. In things specific to sub teams, if one of your team member have a say, sit with the sub team and this member and make sure the opinions are heard. At times, they sound dumb. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hear them. How to sail through troubled waters? Just because you assembled a great team doesn’t mean you won’t face any problem in the long run. Every team will have it’s own set of problems. It may be because of miscommunication or ego. As a leader, it’s your duty to resolve things. Hear them out Often, I found most of the problems solve automatically when you hear them out. Make sure you hear both sides of the problem. Sometimes, it could be a problem that came out of miscommunication or could be because of difference of opinion. By hearing them out, you are assuring them, that there’s flat hierarchy and that you are approachable. Also, it will enable you to provide better solution. Don’t give them up People make mistakes. Sometimes they may do it over and over again. Don’t give up on them yet. Sometimes, it is true that they experiment with themselves and different approaches. Give them enough time to give their best. Be at the front, when your team needs you Sometimes, the team as a whole may get into trouble and would need your help. Be at the front for them. It’s you whom they can completely trust on. Don’t ever give up on your team. Fight for the team to the best. Get some mentorship A proper mentor would help you and your team 10x than just you. Having a good mentor is a moral boost for you as well as your team. The more the positive energy around you, the more good for you. Finally, A wise man gets more from his enemies, than a fool from his friends - Baltasar Gracián, The Art of Worldly Wisdom. Retold to me by Niki Lauda in Rush (2013) There’s no worst person in this world to get feedback from. You can learn things even from the person whom you hate the most. It’s your willingness to accept things and improve upon it. Always be open to ideas, suggestions and feedback. Without a constructive approach to criticism, you cannot learn. Be good. Do good. Have fun building a rockstar team! Do you have anything to say? Wonna add something? Feel free to reply and give some “Hearts” for this article. (Disclaimer: Views expressed here are my own) Thanks to YourStory for republishing this article. Here’s the link.