Intense competition among controllers, who sit in the same office and achieve organizational objectives through the efforts of branch managers, is very common. Backbiting and rumor mongering is often found in such offices. Bosses are human beings too; they love to be consulted and kept informed. In the absence of transparent HR policies, some people may try to play psychological games, introducing an element of distrust in the environment. The mature executives recognize and avoid such traps. It is not enough to be only task oriented; one has to develop social skills and resourcefulness to shine in a group of equally bright group of achievers. True, sagacious friends can often help in adopting a correct approach to work, bosses and colleagues.

S Gururajan is a very conscientious and committed young officer. At 35, he enjoyed a good name for himself in the office. He had already cleared the mandatory examinations prescribed by the personnel department and had become eligible for the next promotion which would take him to Senior Management cadre. As he had successfully handled customer related work at two of the branches and had reported good profits, he was picked up for a stint in the regional sales office. In the RO too, he was quick to pick up the essentials of his job requirements and started guiding the field forces effectively. He was happily married and doted on his two kids who were going to school.