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Mayank

Mayank Rautela  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on Feb 23, 2023

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2023Hindi
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Career

How to deal with negative coworkers?

Ans: You can have an open discussion with them or ignore them. If the negative attitude continues then plan escalate to your manager
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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |586 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Sep 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I am working in a corporate for last 14 years now, I always face problem dealing with people. Specially with those who you know does not have good intentions and can push you down by any means to show their worth. I usually keep my bare minimum interaction with them however they manipulation my teammates and instigate against me Irony is that whom I have a rift are in good books of the management. I simply cannot understand how management can be so bias, just with alcohol, non veg and gossips people can grow It' been 15 years I always struggle dealing with manipulative and toxic coworkers.
Ans: It’s common in corporate settings for certain people to thrive through social politics, but that doesn’t mean it’s fair or that you have to put up with it indefinitely. While keeping a minimum interaction with these individuals is a healthy boundary, it might also be time to think about how you can navigate these situations more strategically, without letting them affect your mental peace.

One approach could be to shift your focus from trying to understand why management might be biased to figuring out how you can position yourself better within the organization. Sometimes, it’s not about playing the same game as those toxic coworkers but about creating your own narrative. Instead of engaging with the drama, focus on building strong alliances with people who appreciate your work and values. Even if management seems biased, finding key people who recognize your worth can help you stay grounded and give you a sense of support.

At the same time, it’s crucial to recognize that you cannot control how others behave, but you can control how you respond. If you feel manipulated or undermined, documenting these situations can be helpful, especially if it ever escalates to a point where you need to defend yourself to HR or management.

Ultimately, it might also be worth reflecting on whether this work environment is the right fit for you long-term. Toxic environments can be exhausting, and if the culture consistently rewards those who engage in gossip and manipulation, it might not align with your values. Considering whether there are other opportunities within or outside the company where you feel more supported and respected could be an important step.

If staying in this environment is what you choose, focusing on your strengths, maintaining your professionalism, and seeking support from trusted colleagues can help you manage these challenges more effectively. You deserve to work in a place where your skills and contributions are recognized without needing to engage in toxic dynamics.

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |586 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 29, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
Recently I have joined in Sales of a construction firm. I have 20+ years experience. My colleagues sideline me for socially as well as in commercial aspect. One shroud lady colleague even grab my customers who are supposed to be attended by me. This hampers my performance. The lady colleague is well settled in the job & good at work. But she is very greedy & canny. Please suggest me steps to be taken to resolve the issue. Being in a team everybody should get equal opportunity.
Ans: Start by documenting instances where your colleague takes your customers. Keep track of assigned leads, interactions, and any proof that shows unfair interference. Once you have enough evidence, approach your manager diplomatically. Instead of complaining, frame it as a concern about fair opportunity and teamwork. You can say something like, "I’ve noticed some overlap in customer assignments, and I want to ensure a structured approach so that everyone gets a fair chance to contribute."

At the same time, build relationships with other colleagues. Even if they are currently sidelining you, consistency in communication and showing your expertise will gradually shift their perception. Join informal discussions, offer insights, and find ways to make yourself valuable within the team. Sales is as much about internal networking as it is about customer engagement.

For your customers, establish stronger direct relationships. The more your clients trust you, the harder it will be for someone else to take them. Be proactive in follow-ups, personalize your approach, and make them feel you are the go-to person for their needs. If you can, set up meetings or calls with them before your colleague gets the chance.

If your workplace has a CRM system, ensure that your interactions with customers are properly logged. This creates a record of your engagement and makes it harder for someone else to claim them unfairly. If processes for lead allocation are unclear, suggest to management that a transparent system be put in place to avoid conflicts.

This will take time, but by being assertive, strategic, and focused on performance, you can shift the dynamics in your favor. If you remain consistent and prove your worth, your position in the team will strengthen, and your colleagues will have no choice but to acknowledge your contribution.

..Read more

Ashwini

Ashwini Dasgupta  |107 Answers  |Ask -

Personality Development Expert, Career Coach - Answered on May 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2025
Career
Hi Ashwini, I am a 29 yr old marketing executive, and I tend to take negative feedback very personally, even when it's constructive. For example, last month, my manager said my presentation was all over the place and lacked clarity. Though she meant it to help me improve, I kept replaying it in my mind for days and started doubting my abilities.
Ans: Dear Sir/ Madam,

As humans we bound to overthink and question back and self-doubt. It's important to process the emotions then accumulating.

Try this the next time you feel negative-

Firstly, negativity or any feeling is just an emotion and every emotion is giving you feedback so that you can take can action. So, it works like a feedback mechanism.
Now, in the above situation where your manager said the presentation was all over the place or lacked clarity- it meant you should present the same from his perspective or from the audience’s perspective. As the person who is going to see the presentation should be able to understand and be in the same alignment as you are.

Have a discussion with your manager and ask where all did, he/she feels the presentation lacked clarity, ask what else you should have looked at to make it more valuable etc.

Once you get the feedback go back to the presentation and relook from his/ her perspective now then possibly that would make sense to you.

Idea is to process the information and see how you can make it better. Self-doubt is ok to have as it will help you relook but if you are sulking in that emotion, it will spiral down which is what happens most often. So, the next time when you get negative feedback look at from a perspective of working on yourself to be even better.

If you were not good then you wouldn't be in that job in first place. Remember that.

Thanks
Ashwini
Maverick Minds
www.ashwinidasgupta.com

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Relationship
I am a 41 yr old man. Married for the last 17 yrs, my wife is now 37 yrs old. w are Bengalis but now due t my work stay in Bengaluru. we had an arranged marriage but soon after the marriage I found her to be very irresponsible, she had the mentality that her husband has to be responsible for all her whims & fancies without any expectation from her. Though her family was more like ours middle class & financially poorer then us Initially I thought that she will mature with time. Within 1 yr we had our 1st kid who is 16 yrs old & in 11th now. Thinking she will now be responsible as mother but found very little change & I had to force/push her to do maternal duties while I managed the other things despite myself working as an engineer in an mnc & she being a housewife. next year we had our 2nd kid. This pressure was reflected in my office & my performance suffered, anyway I managed to stay afloat. Giving her any family task always resulted in her doing a coverup job & when things went wrong I had to set it right as the family or there will be monetary loss. Obviously I used to tell her about all this, then she will be OK for 1-2 weeks then again back to same. Even taking care of the children there studies soon became my responsibility. One thing was good was our sexual life which what I understand she is good & this gave me somewhat something to bear her Though other factor like middle class mentality that parents should not move out for the kids sake kept me somewhat tied to her & tried to make myself happy.Last year around June she told me that she will like to leave me as she wants to marry one of her telegu friend's brother who works in Dubai now, given my above reason I was not very upset on hearing this but was worried about our kids the eldest then gave his 10th exam & younger was promoted to class 10. After some talks & persuasion she agreed that she will wait for 3 yrs ie the younger kid to complete her schooling & going to college, & also keep the whole things secret with only 4-5 people knowing it, this she has responsibly done. Now its 1 year & I am in a very bad situation & need your support first she is now completely without any responsibility of the kids or family, she just cooks the meals sees that the maids work & even if I tell her to look into what the kids are studying or take the small responsibility like waking them up or minor things like go to the shop etc , she simply declines & always she is busy browsing or chatting, in Feb her to be husband came to Bangalore & she spend 2 nights with him in a resort. I did not want the kids to know about all this as it will mentally disturb them so I had to make stories to them about there mom going to a friend's marriage etc. He is again coming in mid July & they are planning to go out again.. My delima is I can bear the whole thing with a glimmer of hope that our separation maybe avoided which makes a somewhat social negativeness for me my parents & my kids but am I doing the right thing or being desperate is what I should be? The second point is something which I am feeling very uneasy to write, though we have decided to separate & she is having sex with this guy but we are still have sex, I dont want to really worry that she having sex with me is cheating with her to be husband but as I told you before it is really relaxing & gives me the strength to bear all this... Please suggest what I should do, immediately leave her which will end the story though I am not really ready if I & the kids will be able to take the social slur or wait for another 2 years with the hope that maybe things will change
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
What are you hanging around for? She's clearly move on...
You are perhaps citing the excuse of children and hoping that something would turn around. In fact, a dysfunctional environment affects children more than the truth.
So, take a decision that you feel will keep your children protected emotionally and physically. And most importantly, what makes you want to continue punishing yourself like this?

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2025
Relationship
I was only 23 when my mother left this world. Me & my father were alone after that. My father was asking me for marriage, so that a girl can come in our home & manage household chores. I wanted to focus on my career for at least 6 more years. That's why I denied. We somehow managed for 1 year after my mother left us, but after that my father started pressuring me to marriage. I was still not ready when I became 24. So, my father found a girl for himself. Co-incidence was that the girl was just 1 year elder than me. My father's master plan was that he will make us pretend that it's my wife in front of the world. I liked the idea & the girl was also ready. Don't know how that girl was convinced to marry my father. She is from decent family. Even her parents don't know that my father is her real husband. So, my father made me married to her in front of all. We managed everything excellently from all the rituals to our relatives. We acted well. In front of the world & in papers, she was my wife, but biologically she became my step mother. They got 2 children within 6-8 years, but I got stuck without marriage because according to everyone, I am married. Now, I am 39 now & my father also left this world last year. I am unmarried & she (step mother) is a widow. I & her both are feeling alone in this world without a partner. My step mother suggested if she can become my real wife. We both like each other's company but I don't know if there will be any consequences in the future. Nobody will say anything because nobody knows the truth except both of us. Divorce is not a good option because there are children. What do you suggest ??
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Nice circus within the house, yeah?
How did you even agree to get yourself manipulated by your father? He's just played you and you got played...years have gone by and now you wonder where all those years have gone by...
Move out of this entire arrangement otherwise you spend the rest of your life living a life that's not yours and being a person that is not you.
Who you are is what you need to bring up for yourself and that's not to play someone's husband when you are not. And look how it has confused the children...Your father needs a lesson on taking responsibility for his actions. He's just happy with his lust getting its due without having to play the husband to the outside world. All in all, you have got the raw end of all this...
First move out of this situation so that you have the time to get back to being YOU. It will give you enough clarity on what is to be done next and it will teach your father and his wife, that they have to now look after the family that they created without using you as an 'actor'.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2287 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on May 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 17, 2025
Money
Hello Sir, I am working in IT MNC. Details- I have 2 home loans. Outstanding 44.5L (50k EMI)& 12L (10k EMI) 1 loan against FD 4.5L ( 3.5K monthly interest Repay) 1 personal loan 3L (14.5K EMI) Credit Card -70k Monthly income- Salary-95K after deduction ( 18 LPA) House Rent-7k Investment- PF-11L (with active Investment 12K per month) Shares-4.5L( with active investment 10k per month) NPS- 1.5L value till date ( 2.5k monthly investment ) LIC- 25k yearly (since 2018) APY- (Since 2015) Need your valuable advice on how I can reduce the liabilities and create assets.
Ans: You're handling a complex financial situation, balancing multiple loans while actively investing. The key here is optimizing debt repayment while ensuring asset growth. Here’s a structured approach:
Step 1: Prioritize Loan Repayments
- High-Interest Debt First – Your personal loan (?3L at ?14.5K EMI) and credit card (?70K) likely carry the highest interest rates. Aim to clear these fast.
- Use surplus savings to repay the credit card first.
- Consider a personal loan balance transfer to a lower interest rate provider if feasible.
- Fixed Deposit Loan (?4.5L) – You're paying ?3.5K monthly just in interest, which adds up quickly.
- If you don’t urgently need this liquidity, repaying this loan should be a priority.


Step 2: Optimize Home Loan Repayments
Your home loans (?44.5L & ?12L) have EMIs of ?60K total, but they are long-term and likely at reasonable interest rates.
- Consider making small principal prepayments (?5K-?10K extra per month) on the bigger loan. Even modest prepayments can reduce the interest burden over time.

Step 3: Improve Cash Flow
- House Rent (?7K) – If feasible, consider subletting space or exploring alternative income streams.
- PF & NPS Investments – These are great long-term assets, but if cash flow becomes tight, reducing voluntary PF investment temporarily to ?6K (instead of ?12K) could help.

Step 4: Asset Creation Strategy
- Share Market Investments – Your ?4.5L portfolio with ?10K monthly investment is solid.
- Focus on dividend-paying stocks to generate passive income.
- If markets are volatile, consider SIP in blue-chip funds to reduce risk.
- Real Estate Appreciation – Your home property itself is an asset. Ensure rent or price appreciation aligns with market trends.
- LIC & APY – These provide long-term benefits. Ensure LIC is aligned with your financial goals rather than just traditional savings.

Step 5: Emergency Buffer
Given your existing liabilities, a small emergency fund (?1.5L-?2L) in liquid assets (FD or high-interest savings account) can provide stability.

...Read more

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