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Dr Anuradha M Uberoi has a Doctorate in Psychology from the Punjab
University, Chandigarh. Her thesis is pioneering work in the area
of assertiveness, extroversion, neuroticism, locus of control and
need for social approval in working and non-working women. Her consulting
firm Innovative Consultants and Technologies, conducts workshops
on Organisation Behaviour for Private and Public Sector Companies.
How has the work place changed in your opinion?
 Earlier
on relationships used to be very important, but now-a-days, It has
all become very task focussed. This dramatic change is due to the
economy opening up. Now companies are like, "If you are
not pulling your weight around, you are a temporary proposition
for us". There is too much pressure on employees who joined
a long time ago to learn new skills. The pressure in-turn is dipping
the bottom line. Most of the companies do not have any pre-retirement
counselling. Most of the employees do not know what they are going
to do after VRS? There is so much dissatisfaction and viciousness
in the environment and most people are not prepared to handle the
socialogical implications of a lay-off.
There has been a sudden increase in a demand
for organisational behaviour related workshops. What are the reasons
for this?
Companies have realised that they have to shape up soon. Particularly
the old family-owned businesses have realised the need to tighten
their belts. Most big companies have gone in for complete reengineering.
The organisation is changing very fast. There is a demand for professionals.
Companies have realised that speed of delivery and efficiency is
the key, so a process of restructuring is going on. They are however
unable to handle the human resources related implications that have
been thrown up in such a scenario.
What is the approach you use in your workshops?
We use interactive sessions, role-plays, case studies, experiential
learning, lectures etc. Typically the issues handled are conflict
resolution, team building, leadership skills and assertiveness.
We also conduct customised workshops for some comapnies. At the
end of the programme, diagnostic studies are done and we recommend
the management solutions for reengineering.
What do you do about people who are absolutely
convinced that they cannot go wrong?
 They
are taken through the process lab, which typically lasts anywhere
between 3 to 8 hours. Whatever they are saying is mirrored back
to them.
What in your opinion can bring about true
change?
Responsibility to change is the person’s. We provide an opportunity
for new learning. A platform for change where no judgement is passed.
My role is that of a non-threatening facilitator.
What are the most commonly encountered problems
when it comes to attitudes in the workplace?
Resistance to new learning and baggages from the past
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