Angels, Bosses and Demons

Just Another Magazine or JAM as it is better known as is not just another mag. They have been around since 1995.  They call themselves the complete Youth Career and Fun site (http://jammag.com). Last year during the downturn my friend and social media expert Gautam Ghosh (GG) had used a quote from my novel Married But Available to build hope among those who had not found their dream jobs that "Always keep in mind that you are greater than your visiting card. Don't disrespect yourself because you cannot get a dream job. Economic conditions will change in the future, and the more you have faith in your own self the better you will leverage the upturn when it comes."When you ask interns about their experiences with their project guides or managers, you get to hear some crazy stories. The insecure and moronic will always treat Interns as a form of life similar to amoeba and consequently low down on the food chain. While the smarter people use the interns to get a fresh perspective to some real life issues and problems. The evolved look at it as an opportunity to build the employer brand.The jobs are back. So are internships.  Their cover story of 15 April 2010 is labelled Angels, Bosses and Demons.  The article clearly identifies the ideal boss. You have to decide who they refered to as Demon or Angel.JAM's reporter Prachi Parekh wanted to know how I would treat an intern. Here are some excerpts...QUESTIONS (and some tongue in cheek responses)1. To show you are the boss…a. Ignore their existence completelyb. Ask them to salute every time they see mec. Scold them for no reason at allMy Ans: “Ask” them to friend you on Facebook … heh heh !!2. If they ask you a stupid question…a. Give them the stupid answerb. Laugh at it during lunch with colleaguesc. I asked silly questions too, bring them on, kiddoMy Ans: Make them post it on their status message with each word misspelt.3. If the trainee opposes your idea…a. Hurl them on the floor by the neckb. Look through themc. Fresh minds have fresh ideasMy Ans: Make them implement the opposite of what they recommend.Here are excerpts from the article:Boss 1:  Tilakraj V Shetty MD & CEO Graphiti Multimedia Ltd., MahimJAM's description of the boss: Stern to look, easy to please - He's like ShrekWhile I was waiting in the conference room, I wondered if he would still remember me from my first internship. But all my doubts were laid to rest once he entered with that big broad smile. Shrek - yes, that is the kind of boss he is; looks strict, intimidating, but one soon realises he has a chilled out, easy going personality. “You can't demand respect from interns and colleagues, you have to earn it,” he says.JAM says: He is a boss who will treat you no different from his employees in terms of breaks, rules and of course, work. While doubts and silly questions will always be welcomed, goof ups and silly mistakes won't be appreciated too often.Humour is the best way to put someone at ease, and this boss surely knows how. Brace yourself for some friendly teasing and we're sure, by the time you leave, you will have learned a few humour tricks yourself.Shetty says, “I don't work above people. I work with people.” All in all, if you are dedicated and eager to learn, you will learn a lot under a boss like him. Mind you: he is the bad boss for those who intend to wile away your time. He ain't gonna stand no nonsense.Tips to Survive: Do your work well and the internship period will be great.Boss No 2:  Abhijit Bhaduri HR Professional and Author of 'MBA Books- Mediocre But Arrogant' and 'Married but Available' Abhijit BhaduriJAM's description of the boss: Witty with words, sarcastic to silly errors - he's like Chandler BingAs I read the reply he had sent to my questionnaire, I couldn't stop laughing. “Make them post it on their status message with each word misspelt,'' was his answer to what he would do if a trainee asked a stupid question. His other answers too were in similar light-hearted vein. He fits the bill of a fun-loving boss, who values good talent provided that you put in an effort. Prone to making mistakes? Be prepared for a lotof sarcasm!JAM says: Look forward to a great internship experience with this sharp-witted boss. He'll make you slog, rack your brains and multi-task, but you won't leave the office with a frown. He'll allow you to freak out, as long as you deliver on time. Moreover, you needn't be worried about mean behaviour, as he firmly believes that “only morons misbehavewith colleagues.”Tips to survive: Come up with your own wise cracks (in good taste).Boss No 3: Ruchi MehtaAssociate Producer Ramesh Deo Production Pvt. Ltd.JAM's description of the boss: Encourages employees, demands discipline - The ideal bossHer replies were direct and to the point. A strict boss who will 'hang an intern upside down' if he makes a mistake, Ruchi Mehta is that type of boss you don't want to mess with.On the other hand, she is a good leader who will encourage her employees. “Even if you feel your suggestion is insignificant, it is important to voice it. After all even the Wright brothers were laughed at when they said they could build an aircraft!!!” she answers. It may take a while to earn her trust, and you may also have to pull up your socks if you want to work under her. We give her a thumbs up.JAM says: Such bosses maintain a great, but impersonal relationship with their employees. Everyone knows and respects their authority. They won't stand any tardiness in work or indiscipline, but at the same time they won't kill you if you fail. However, you don't want to irk them unless you're bored of the job, anyway.Tips to Survive: Be dedicated to your job. Don't try to get too personal or friendly, as it won't be appreciated. Try not to get on their wrong side as they can get pretty mean when they want to.We'll mince no words. She's fallen from heaven - The angelJust Noticed: My photo has been printed inverse :) Look at the words on my T Shirt. Click HereRead what the interns had to say in turn :) by clicking here