From the Desk of SNS

Dear Colleagues,

We must now quickly and concertedly reorient ourselves to adapt to the emerging ‘new normal’. It is now clear that we must learn to live with the virus and evolve ways and means to keep ourselves safe yet go about life with even renewed vigour. Our collective focus now should be to acknowledge the demanding asking rate and move faster than before to achieve it. If we were to look back over the last couple of months, we learnt several important lessons that we should not let go. By continuing to follow some of those crucial lessons, we will be stronger and better equipped to face the new tomorrow.

Selfless service:
With the sudden announcement of the lockdown, we had to shoulder the responsibility to safeguard the health and safety of about 1.6 lakh workmen almost overnight. We were forced to think literally on our feet and come up with solutions as the situation evolved. Many of us across sites and offices took this on without hesitation to ensure that our workmen were well looked after. We must all feel proud that we were able to fulfil this responsibility selflessly to the best extent possible. We are known as a humane organization; our people are our prime movers and COVID-19 has given us an opportunity to reaffirm that quality.

Conquering time:
In several instances during this period, we were forced to act without looking at our watches. It did not matter whether it was after office hours or even in the middle of the night: it had to be done and we did it. The result of these efforts is all there for us to see. Even as we forge ahead, this is one lesson that will be invaluable.

Mutual trust:
Nothing succeeds like teamwork. There were several instances when, as individuals, we would have felt overwhelmed and losing out but found strength and resilience from our colleagues to continue and succeed. Our strength is in our unity; of standing together as one, trusting in each other’s ability to perform. An organization thrives on how close-knit its people are, and this experience has strengthened the bonds that bind us all together.

Balance:
Understandably, many of us had to face extremely worried and apprehensive family members who wanted us to stay at home. We were, however, able to assuage their fears and convince them about how important our roles are, that our calls for duty were too loud to ignore. This is the work-life balance that people were talking about and COVID-19 has helped us to discover it. Having found it, let us not lose it as we return to normalcy. Continue to maintain that balance that will work wonders not only in your professional but your personal lives as well.

Consolidating relationships:
There were several instances during these days when we had to reach out and deal with people at a completely new level – be it clients, joint venture partners, consultants, local administrations, police authorities, subcontractors, vendors, media and more. We should realize that our equations are changing, that levels and hierarchies are not so important after all. We should also not forget that by being bold and confident, we will be able to forge entirely new relationships with our clients and partners. This will be a huge plus point going forward.