Nuggets of Wisdom from a Favourite Teacher

When I read the prompt of Blogchatter for the week 17-23 January 2023 under their Bloghop series (write on a prompt every week),  my mind went back in time trying to remember teachers from school and college who had imparted those "Nuggets of wisdom". Then it suddenly struck me; teachers and wisdom emerge not only from educational institutions. It can be from the work place or social circles. As I pondered, another realization came that wisdom need not necessarily be imparted through words spoken from the mouth. It could come from the behaviour of the teacher or mentor. 

It was then that the image sprang to my mind of Mr M.A. Mills, chief (Personnel & Admin) at VISL (Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Ltd) . We had worked together at Bhadravati during 1988-90 when I had the privelege of associating and learning quite a few life lessons from him. One of the basic principles that a HR person learns at college is to treat all employees fairly, "without fear or favour". However, it was from Mr Mills that we saw demonstration of it first hand.

 I will share just one instance in this regard to drive home the point. There was an officer at a senior level (Let's call him Mr X) who was facing domestic enquiry for a grave misconduct. The report was finally ready and submitted to the management. Mr Mills was to take decision in the matter. However, around that time, Mr Mills was transferred to the corporate office Delhi as additional Director. Mr X  thought that it was a good opportunity to appeal to the sentiments of the chief (P&A)  for taking  a lenient view of his case, as a parting gesture. This strategy has worked for some in the past. 

Therefore Mr X invited Mr Mills to a dinner at his house a week prior to his departure to Delhi. Most people, in such situations would prefer to turn down the invitation but not Mr Mills. He viewed it as an invitation at a personal level and declared "Sure, I will come, my aged mother will come and my dog (an important part of the family as Mr Mills in his fifties was a bachelor) will come!" As promised, Mr Mills did visit and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Yet on the file, before departure, he had noted thus: " As I am leaving on transfer, it is appropriate that my successor takes a decision after studying the file and facts of the case in detail." 

Later on, it transpired that the case went against Mr X and he was also transferred out of Bhadravati to Kolkatta. He served there for about 4 Years and was finally transferred back to Bhadravati. As his daughter was completing her academic year, Mr X requested for extension of his occupation of the company accomodation for a period of three months. Some in Bhadravati were of the view that the request would not be accepted. The decision was to be made at corporate office and the file went to Mr Mills as he was now serving there. Mr Mills promptly approved the request. It was clear that, for Mr Mills it was always the principle and rules of the company. It was not about the person. He had nothing 'For' or 'Against' Mr X as a person.  

Being witness to this and many other instances groomed us in HR, to become true professionals who are not swayed by other considerations like fear or favour while doing one's duty. 'Nuggets of wisdom' from my favourite teacher/mentor have served as lessons both in personal and professional matters for a lifetime!   

  NB: This post is in response to Blogchatter's #bloghop prompt: www.theblogchatter.com