An old employee from my previous company sent me an email yesterday telling me how he has his sales team read my blog each morning… and he joking said how I am helping “sales people that don’t work for me to make it happen…”
Although I am grateful for these type of emails from employees and previous employees….however, I reiterate that I am far far far from the top of my mountain and naseba is still small compared to my major competition…
But this person’s mail got me to thinking about something….
In most companies the people that get most of the spot light are the top sales people and or people bringing in the business.
I am sure even at Lakshmi Mittal’s corporation … the ones getting most of the spot light are the people bringing him the most business/deals.
Maybe my blog is too focused on “making it happen” … the “sales” and “deal” side of the business…..so I want to take a few days and put the spot light on those that make it happen who are not sales or sales leaders.
At naseba, we have many great non-sales employees that add great value to the company, in fact the company would not be able to run without them …. but often times these people do not get the same recognition as the top sales people do.
As I was enjoying my diet coke and cigar this morning I thought about the perfect example for this blog entry….
potentially the hardest working, most loyal employee that I have ever had the pleasure of working with …. Thomas Prasad (LT).
LT is the office manager of our Dubai office, but he is so much more than just an office administrative manager.
Fabien is the Managing Director of the Middle East & India and Tom reports to Fabien….but Fabien and I often joke that LT is the real “ultimate decision maker” for the office.
Most people that know me understand that I reward and take care of people that are loyal to me.
As far as LT’s loyalty is concerned …. I trust LT more than (or at least as much) as anyone else in my life… he has proven over and over and over again to be one of (if not THE) hardest working, and consistently most reliable person in the company.
There is no way that naseba would be as successful in Dubai & India if it were not for Thomas Prasad.
Unlike the sales executives; sales managers … LT does not have targets, commission and or expensive watch challenges…..
So this morning I set LT a Rolex Challenge …. and on August 1st 2008, if LT hits his target (which is to keep making it happen and NOT get hit by a bus) he will get the rolex. 7 months away, but I really look forward to giving him the watch.
When I told LT last week that I was raising his salary from January….he replied to me, “you just raised it 6 months ago….maybe we should wait…” What’s crazy…. is that he was being sincere. Good ol’ LT…he sincerely has the best interest of the company and the employees at heart.
On behalf of naseba I state: LT you are an incredible asset to the naseba group and one of the most respectable people I have ever met.
I thank you for your hard work, dedication and loyalty — keep making it happen.
Tomorrow I will do another “ode” to another VIP … someone who has had a major impact not just on me, but many many others…
5 Responses to “ode to LT”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
December 19th, 2007 at 6:30 am
Since i have known LT he has been very consistent in what he does.He definitely is one of the key staff of naseba group with lot of passion in his work style and towards naseba.Lot of times i have spoken to him in the office at 11 PM still working.He is also great example of some one who makes it happen and Scott definitely takes good care of him…Good Job LT…Good luck for the rolex Challenge…Keep making it happen
December 19th, 2007 at 11:30 am
LT- He ?Makes it Happen? ?? no doubt he will be wearing the Rolex when I come down for vacation in August 2008. He makes sure that every staff on his pay roll is paid on time, even if it means he has to stay up late night. Scott takes very good care of all his staff, LT is definitely one of them and also not forgetting to mention LT takes very good care of Scott as well.
Tom believes ?You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour?.I belive he is a great value to the company. Keep making it happen because we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit
December 19th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Some people think that LT has no pressure because he doesn?t have to bring in the deals but the truth is LT’s job is one of the most complex i have ever seen, He handles accounts, the staff, the office, the staff’s accomodation, nearly everything and everything he does is done with perfection, he doesn?t settle for less!
He makes sure the office is in top condition for the staff to work in every single day.
I remember once, he stayed late with me on a weekend until a contract i sent came back, that is a true team player…he could be with his wife and kids at home on a weekend but instead he stays in and supports the team.
I am pretty sure he will get the Rolex in august because as LP said Excellence is not an act but a habit and LT has that habit.
Keep making it Happen
December 20th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
LT is definitely a great example, his work ethic and dedication is simply superb, i am waiting to see LT wearing that Rolex and taking a pride to be a part of naseba army.
Great Job!!!!!!! keep making it happen
December 21st, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.
Arnold H. Glasow…this quote sums up what Tom does in this office.