Finally, the time has come to visit my friend Samuel, who was my batchmate for PG course in Materials Management. He had a passion for studying about the universe, and I always thought that he was a misfit for the Materials Management course. He is an ideal candidate to become a monk. And I had mentioned to him about this several times. Whenever I mention this, he nods his head with a hidden smile. But at the same time, his grasping capabilities are beyond anybody’s imagination. No wonder, he passed out with flying colours, in fact he was the topper. After the course, he moved to the US. He is presently working as a CEO of a US based Conglomerate. He stays in Bay area, California. He has been calling me several times to meet up for some time. We were thick friends in the college days. Fortunately, I must attend a business meeting in CA for three days during the month end. So, I decided to make use of this opportunity to meet my long-lost friend.
I landed in San Francisco at 8.00 am. It was a chill Sunday morning. And the cool breeze was refreshing. After picking up my baggage I started towards the exit, when I noticed Samuel waiving at me from the arrival lounge. I am meeting him for the first time in the last ten years, but his appearance has not changed much, except for a few streaks of grey hair peeping through the black ones. He welcomed me with outstretched hands with the same mystique smile which I had almost forgotten.
His house is about forty minutes’ drive from the airport. Though he is the CEO of a Business conglomerate, but I couldn’t find any seriousness on his face, which would be the normal impression of any top-level executive of his class. His wife is a research scientist in a reputed university. They have two sons, the elder one is studying in 7th grade, and the younger in 4th grade.
We were talking about various subjects, the way we used to talk about in those days. Overall, it was a feel at home atmosphere. Being a Sunday morning, the traffic was thin, and we reached home in thirty minutes.
I extended my stay for another three days. We all had a nice time together. We were as good as a family. No formalities. I was interacting with other family members too, and it was very casual and informal. From the interactions, I could make out that they took me for granted for a long-lost family member. Even the kids were very friendly in their interactions, and their anxiety to learn new things was remarkable. We spent two days for sight-seeing in and around Bay area. One thing that amazed me during the stay was the atmosphere, where no one was in a hurry or stressed out. Even my friend who is holding a key role in the organisation was looking relaxed all the time. I did not find anyone overworked or worn out. Even the kids were going through a relaxed routine. I had lot of things to ask my friend, but I purposely kept them for the outward journey to the airport.
For the return journey, I must board the early morning flight on Sunday. My friend has volunteered to drop me to the airport. I bid farewell to the family, and it was a very touching scene, ended with a promise from my side to visit them again along with my family. On the way back, I started the conversation.
“It was a great pleasure to meet you all. And I am amazed to see you all in a very composed and relaxed manner all the time. In fact, I wanted to ask you about this.”
“Don’t hesitate, go ahead.”
“I was wondering about the way you handle everything in such a manner, that it looks like things are happening on its own.
No prompting, no instructions, no follow up, no arguments. I don’t find anyone stressed out including you.”
“You said it, things are happening on its own. I don’t handle anything.”
“What do you mean? I am at my wits’ end.”
“No worries, I will make it simpler. You might be remembering a subject in our Materials Management course, Material Handling. The essence of the concept is ‘No handling (or minimal handling) is the best handling’. This paved the way for the introduction of assembly lines in big manufacturing concerns, which in turn revolutionised the manufacturing process itself to a great extent. This enhances the productivity, reduces wastage and cost too. The concept has universal application; you can apply to the environment (for protecting the environment), human relationships, etc. The approach encourages self-discipline, efficiency, and innovation, but may require updation in challenging circumstances. At the end of the day, benefits outweigh the risks.”
“But how can you apply this in your personal life?”
“You have a macro level management system here, not micro level management. Here, everyone has the freedom to do things in one’s own way; this helps to come up with innovative ideas. One gets personal space too. No one interferes with anyone in whatsoever way. Anyone can get help any time, but it will be need based.”
“But, if you leave everything to them, especially children, won’t it become a total mess?”
“I don’t think so. Because you will be provided with broad guidelines within which you can play around, but there is an exception to every rule. Minimum controls will always be there, but it won’t have any negative impact if everyone follows the rules.”
“Still I don’t get it, looks a bit confusing altogether.”
“Ok. I will sum it up briefly. We follow broad guidelines and adhere to a set of house rules. There should be clarity and transparency throughout. Don’t keep any unexpressed expectations, because they often lead to disappointment and resentment. Communication plays a very vital role. It is clear and complete from both ends. Now, it will be easier to implement.”
“Means, one has to do a lot of groundwork before starting.”
“It’s only a one-time affair. Basically, it’s a conceptualisation process, afterwards it’s a smooth flow.”
“I got it now. It’s the need of the hour for a healthy life-style change. You make useful utilisation of time, and it also blocks all possible entry of negative thoughts.”
In the flight, I was conceptualising the whole process, so that I can have a smooth start over once I am back home.
