30 May - 03 June and beyond - As this is most likely the last post on this blog, I purposefully waited until we had settled back at home and work here in South Africa before I conclude. We have been back for about a month now. So, how was our last week in India and what has changed for us since?
Goodbye to 40 INR lunch meals
The first question - as I look at my notes today, I realise nothing much is recorded about our last few days in Pune. So, here's something my somewhat unreliable memory tells me. The last week was more about envisioning our trip back home than it was about work. The reason for this is that, we were quite satisfied with the deliverables we were to produce on our respective projects, it was a matter of wrapping up the loose ends. A good feeling indeed.
This picture serves no purpose whatsoever
Now to the excitement we felt about the prospects of spending our first weekend back home after being away for this long , it was all that we were talking about. We usually joked that nothing could dampen our spirits because we were soon off on our way home. Sure the last day of work arrived, eventually, and we said our goodbyes. It was travel time! Oh, did I mention something about a feedback chit-chats about...well, everything!
Back to the second question - I have a good memory of how uncrowded our streets seemed on the first day we arrived. In fact, it's been that way ever since. Sort of. It's interesting how we quickly adjusted to the India setting that it's kinda strange being back. At least at first.
The life in the street
Since we did not plan for any leave from work after our trip, Monday soon arrived and we were back at work - to the familiar stuff :). As expected, we were welcome with curious questions about our experience and it was great having to talk about life in another country (with 3 or 9 of my colleagues). Too bad most people had no idea we were even gone. Let alone to India.
The following days included de-briefing sessions and telephone feedback with Nihilent. Perhaps the most important outcome of this exercise is the actions we decided opon, which among other things, include few changes in the structure of the programme in order to address the criticisms we tabled regarding the alignment of organisational goals, individual expectations and the programme offering.
Wankhede Stadium is behind this building
This is one of the issues we highlighted on the meeting with BT management team as well. I must admit, the enthusiasm with which the training programme is regarded shows great commitment from the team and our recommendations taken seriously, one of which is to put in place a mechanism by which learnings from this programme (and similar training and development initiatives) can be absorbed by the organisation and put into action, such that, the outcome from these projects goes beyond the generation of ideas.
My favourite bank...I think!
In closing, we are greatful for the opportunity to be part of this programme. Personally, I would not have spent these 8 weeks in any way different, with everything being everything. I don't expect for all that I came across during the programme to be useful right away. I do hope that some of it will make sense sometime in future. As Steve Jobs once said, it is easier to connect the dots when looking back (or something like that).
Remember when it rained?
