Winning Stroke: Interview with Sheshi Pandit, Ex Chief Manager of Bank Of India

Much of India’s demographic dividend boastsof an overwhelming proportion of youth in thecountry but rarely do people talk about itsignored senior citizens.

As per census data from 2011, for every 5 people over the age of 60, more than two are still willing and capable to and contribute to our growing economy.

Unfortunately, when these talented and experienced minds hit the number 60, the clock stops ticking for them. Ageing India is a social problem, mostly left ignored at the moment.

At present 8.6 per cent of the country’s 121 crore population is over the age of 60. This figure is a 35.5 per cent jump since 2011.

BW People engages with Sheshi Pandit , Ex Chief Manager of Bank Of India. Now a part of the post retirement workforce in India, who tells us about the life post retirement,and her take on the management of skilled workforce as a leader. 

Edited Excerpts from the interview: 

You had been in managerial role for a very long time. What is the biggest challenge in keeping the workforce h happy and controlled?    
Yes by the grace of god I was assigned duties of branch manager for a long time. I worked as manager in every capacity. I was branch manager Senior Branch Manager and then Chief Manager.

The biggest satisfaction I have that the staff working under me used to be very happy with me.You know when you are at top level of institution you have to behave like father figure to your staff.Look at their problems, your HR angle should be very soft.

All managers are an HR division in themselves.

Then only your staff will be controlled and you will be able to dictate.The end result will be that your staff is happy and under your control.                                        

How has banking industry changed since the time you were recruited till now?                Banking industry has gone through lots of transition. When we joined Bank all banking was manual banking.

Now changed from ledger banking to digital which has made banking very easy.The concept of asset classification concept of NPA these things have refined banking a lot.

Previously for getting some data or applying interests on account s used to be hell of a job and time consuming.Now it is matter of one click button on your computer so we have seen a tremendous change and that too for good.        
                                   
What kind of qualities you look for managers?
You see managers are the top level of employees of that particular branch.

They should have a strong domain knowledge, they should be updated with latest changes in the industry.

The most important quality is to be able to control the situation in dire circumstances and acing good customer relations.          
               
What do you think about post retirement women workforce in India?       
In India women workforce is at par with men.But after superannuation these women are lost in bewilderness although they might have been very good and dominating employees.

Women workforce is very subtle and intelligent but after retirement not being treated like that result they have another transition and turn into full-fledged housewives which sometimes frustrates them.

Their experience and intelligence is not used likewise.  

Do you think Indian banking industry has gender neutral workforce at high level hiring?
Yes absolutely true.Look at the many banks were top level executives are ladies.we can talk about the biggest bank State Bank of India which was till recently being headed by lady ArunditiBhatacharya. ICICI bank being headed by a lady Ms Chanda Kochar and likewise many others. Although no is very less the reason being that sometimes women themselves forego promotions just to look at homefront as well. Otherwise no gender bias

What is the current situation of women in banking sector?                             
In banking sector situation ofwomen was always good and it still persists. Women folk are being treated well respected conveniently placed being treated at par with male counterparts.This is the reason more and more womenfolk are joining banking sector these days.