Train Management Has Correlation With Corporate Management – A Theory Coined by Zoheb Amin
Train management has correlation with corporate management- A Theory coined by Zoheb Amin
It is quite fascinating to watch a train running on a track. A close analysis of the concept of trains running on track, would reveal that trains and its management have correlation with corporate management. Infact there are many fascinating similarities in the management and running of trains with that of management of employees in a corporate world. There are many aspects in the management of trains which we can learn and replicate in a corporate world for better management of teams and employees.
The concept and methods used for designing and assembling of trains can be adopted for hiring of employees in a corporate. To assemble a train, lot of thought process and brain storming are done to decide as to what kind of bogies or coaches are required to be assembled for a particular train. The engine and the bogies are selected for assembling a train, based on the route or destination of that train or type of train. In a long journey train, the coaches of local trains or meter gauge train cannot be included, similarly in a local train or meter gauge train the coaches of long journey train cannot be included. If we correlate this aspect to that of a corporate world, then we do observe that in a corporate world, the employees are hired based on the requirement of a team within a department. If the hiring is required to be done for sales department, accordingly the employees are required to be selected, the candidates who are fit for engineering team cannot be included in a sales team. A train cannot run with a misfit coach or bogies, it might derail, similarly a department or team in a company can not include a misfit candidate within that team or department. The coaches and bogies of the trains are selected which can run for a long duration of time. Similarly while hiring an employee it is impertinent to assess the potential of employees, whether the employee which is being hired will not only be a fit for the current role but can also grow within the team.
The track of the train seems to be never ending track, however still the train reaches its destination. Each train is allotted its own track and fixed destination. Similarly in a corporate world, each company has a goal, though the goals are generally long term goals which appears to be never ending, however each department within that company are allotted targets and MBO which are generally short term and achievable. Hence it is impertinent for the company t ensure that the targets and MBO which the company sets for the department, team or employees are achievable just like a train’s destination which is achievable though the track appears to be never ending.
It is fascinating to watch how a train is aligned while running on a track and further it is quite fascinating to see how it maintains its aligned condition throughout its journey. Correlating this aspect, in a corporate world it is also very important that the targets and the MBO of each department within that company should be aligned with the ultimate goal of the company. Further for the smooth functioning of the trains, the trains are driven by systems, processes and signals. The train driver has to adhere to those systems, and signals to avoid any untoward accidents. Similarly it is very important to set policies, processes and code of conduct within a corporate for the smooth working of the employees which would certainly avoid disputes within employees and departments interse. Regular monitoring of the systems and signals of the trains are done to ensure whether any corrective actions are required for the systems or not. In a corporate world, regular motoring of the code of conduct, policies are required to be done to ensure if any changes are required in the policies, processes and code of conduct to match with the changing laws governing the corporate world and its employees.
For the satisfaction of customers of the trains, the train authorities ensures that the trains are neat and clean, well maintained and the trains run smoothly without jerks. Similarly in a corporate it is very important to ensure that the employees understand the values of customer satisfaction. It is also important that the corporate understand the values of good working environment for the employees. During the journey of the train, there are various stoppages. Stoppages are provided with the objective that not only customers can get down or borad the train, but stoppages are also provided so that the on boarded customers can avail refreshment during their journey. Similarly in a corporate world, it is important that we understand the values of leaves and other employee outing programs which provide a break from the monotonous work and provide energy to work further.
Lastly if any coach or bogie of the train becomes defective then it is either required to be repaired or if it is irreparable then that coach or bogie is required to be removed else the entire train is at risk of being derailed. Similarly if any employee within a team has behavioural issue or is a non performer then that employee is required to be coached for improvement. However if that employee does not show any symptoms of improvement then that employee is required to be terminated for the betterment of the entire team.
A train has different classes of coaches, some of the coaches are air conditioned coaches, some of the coaches are normal sleeper coaches and depending upon the type of coaches the fare of that coach varies. Similarly in a corporate world there are different grades of employees and depending upon their grades, their salary varies.
The engine drives the train which is very important, similarly the HOD of any corporate department is the key but again engine cannot drive unless the coaches are well maintained. Further depending upon the route of the train, if there is a steep slope which the train is required to climb up on the hill, then in such circumstances double engine are required. Similarly in a department if activities are more, the team size is very large then that department not only needs a VP but it also requires a senior VP.
Trains are generally driven by systems and processes, however each coach has emergency breacks available for customers to use in the event of any emergency situations, Similalrly in a corporate world while the employees and departments are required to work in accordance to the set targets, processes and code of conduct, however in the event of any emergency situations within a corporate world, the employees are required to be empowered to take appropriate decisions in deviation of std processes to tackle emergency situations.
The comparison of train management versus corporate management is an interesting analysis which can be continued to analyzed for various other situations. there are many things which are required to be learnt from train management. Theory coined by Zoheb Amin
ZOHEB AMI