This special column of Wisdom from the Frontlines began as a humble initiative to feature thoughts from our Founder, Tony G Thomas. Over time, it has blossomed into a platform that celebrates the voices of professionals who inspire, lead, and leave a mark in their respective fields. Today our column welcomes diverse contributors to share their unique journeys, challenges, and learnings.Wisdom from the Frontlines began as a humble initiative to feature thoughts from our Founder, Tony G Thomas. Over time, it has blossomed into a platform that celebrates the voices of professionals who inspire, lead, and leave a mark in their respective fields. Today our column welcomes diverse contributors to share their unique journeys, challenges, and learnings.
In this edition, we are delighted to present the story of Mrs. Sridevi Prasanna, a dedicated professional with 22 years of experience spanning healthcare and education. Sridevi's career began in the fast-paced corporate world, where she spent a decade over honing her skills and overcoming it's various challenges. She later transitioned into education, driven by a passion for connecting with people and making a meaningful impact. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change.
Through her reflections, Sridevi sheds light on the importance of communication skills for young professionals, the challenges of a career pivot, and the significance of balancing work with personal well-being.
1. Your career spans both healthcare - medical transcription and education. What inspired you to transition from healthcare to education, and what were the challenges you faced during this shift?
Switching from healthcare to education felt like trading a high-speed ambulance for a comfortable school bus. The most glaring challenge? The paycheck! Let’s just say my wallet went on a diet—it’s not easy moving from corporate perks to the less glamorous life of education.
But the journey itself was smoother than expected, thanks to my love for connecting with people and some handy interpersonal skills. My time as a corporate trainer was a secret weapon, giving me the tools to tackle student grievances with the same finesse I used for handling stubborn team members in the corporate world.
2. For young engineers entering the workforce, how important is mastering effective communication, both verbal and written? Could you share strategies to improve these skills?
Mastering communication is superpower. Use it well, and you will deliver results along with building trust, foster relationships, and position yourself as a reliable professional in any setting. For young engineers, it’s the secret sauce that turns technical brilliance into tangible results, fostering teamwork, clarity, and a strong professional image.
Why It’s Crucial?
Imagine trying to explain a groundbreaking idea to your manager but leaving them as confused as a cat watching a magic trick. That’s what happens without effective communication. Good communication ensures your ideas are understood and valued, paving the way for collaboration and innovation.
Strategies to Level Up Your Communication
Timely Responses: Think of emails like hot pizzas—best delivered promptly! Quick replies not only show you’re on top of things but also help prioritize tasks effectively.
Keep Stakeholders Informed: Whether it’s your manager or your team, keeping them in the loop about task progress is like giving live match updates—it keeps everyone engaged and prepared.
Clarity and Precision: No one has time to read a novel in an email or decode a riddle in a meeting. Be crisp, clear, and to the point.
Active Listening: Remember, communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about understanding too. Pay close attention during meetings—it’s where the magic of alignment happens.
Simple tools
Practice Makes Perfect: Join Toastmasters, take up writing challenges, or simply record yourself explaining concepts. You’ll be amazed at how much you can improve!
3. How has your family supported you through your career journey, and what role does their support play in your success? OR How do you find time for self-care, and what activities or practices do you turn to when you need to recharge?
Whenever I faced a tough spot, my family's belief in me helped me push forward, whether it was taking the leap into a new job or just dealing with a bad day.
As for self-care, I know that balancing work and personal life is key to staying sane. I make time for activities that help me recharge—like meditation, which keeps me calm even when work feels like a pressure cooker. I also make sure to take breaks, whether it’s sipping chai with friends or going on spontaneous trips to escape the hustle.
And, of course, fitness is my weapon. Regular workouts at the gym keep me energized and focused, proving that a healthy body really does lead to a healthy mind (and a better workday).