CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

“Too much” are two words that, when applied to any issue, appear to make it unacceptable. Too much sport is bad for you! Too much money can cause you problems! Too much sun will damage your skin! However what is certain in the current global economic crisis “Too much bad news” only breeds mistrust and leads to even more industries being adversely hit. It is easy to play the “blame game”. Blame another country! Blame the banks! Blame real estate investors! Blame the greedy capitalists! In fact blame everyone else for the problems. There is no doubt that spending too much time trying blame others is bad for our economy because this “too much” ideology can easily cloud ones ability to identify challenging opportunities. A hapless driver on a busy Mumbai Street was struggling beneath the bonnet of his broken car, trying to get it started. The queue of traffic being held up had become enormous and all their occupants were shouting and blaring their horns. Too much noise! Eventually the driver of the broken car walked back to the driver of the vehicle immediately behind him in the queue and asked, “Why don’t you let me sit with you and help blast your horn, maybe it will get my car fixed more quickly?” Whilst we will no doubt face problems during these difficult times it is important to appreciate that, by helping others face their challenges, we may also help our own progress. If the drivers of the cars blaring their horns had all come to the broken driver’s assistance, not only would the car have been fixed quicker, but everyone would have also been able to move sooner rather than later. Challenges and problems provide opportunities to enable us to move forward, develop and make friends. It is a similar distinctive culture within CSS which will ensure we recognise and seize on the challenges and opportunities. “Too much”, may provide an excuse for others but, if analysed and viewed with a positive attitude it will produce a favourable outcome. Affirmation of this positive attitude, within CSS, will ensure we greet challenges in the knowledge that they provide opportunities to help our clients, friends and colleagues as well as giving us confidence to rise high above the “too much” debilitating mentality.

HOW TO BECOME A WINNER DURING RECESSION

It is recession the medias, economics gurus, politicians, journalists everybody has to talk about. Even though it is difficult to quantify the intensity or predict the impact period, the effect of recession influence on differently to different people. A retailer see fall in sales, a stock broker a fall in stock prices and for a manufacturer its impact will be on production side. But how do you overcome it has no authoritative theories or definitions.

Recession is a reality of business life. Managing to navigate and come out of the economic downturn is a critical business capability. In the past companies who have managed to emerge as winners must have had an approach which made it possible for them to do so. Trying to improve the business performance during these times may not take you all the way long , but companies who built financial strength during the good times acquired liquid assets , limited debt and focused on cash flow to remain flexible and unscathed.

It would be wise to narrow rather than broaden business portfolios focusing in areas on which a clear lead can be established. These acts can be described as a very conservative financial management, but there are other factors as well. Investing on Information systems to manage and gain insight about their key value drivers, to have more enhanced outputs and responsive systems.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at CSS

At CSS Group, CSR is first demonstrated within the organization from confirming to all legalities to high quality services and to promote high standards of ethics all over the company. According to CSS Group Chairman T.S. Kaladharan, “From the inception stage itself we are continuously pursuing the initiatives related to quality management, environmental preservation and humanity. The CSR activities towards the employees will be based on working towards a diversified workforce, a fulfilling workplace environment to achieve improved working conditions. To ensure safety and healthy working environment we constantly revise the measures within the organization.”

No smoking Please
One of the recent health care courses of action issued by the Group was Non Smoking Policy for CSS across its offices. This was introduced in Jan ’09 for prohibiting smoking within the working premises for all the employees in CSS Group offices world wide. This was well acknowledged by everyone.

A Magic Show with Cricket Bat

The day will be long remembered, by those who were lucky enough to watch, when balls were fired like bullets from the magical bat of Shaiman Anwer, of Team CSS. With his superlative skills, that day Shaiman scored an unbeaten 104 runs from just 38 balls stuffed with 12 sixes and 4 fours. Shaiman Anwar, the hard-hitting batsman who has taken do- mestic cricket by storm, was once again in full flow in the Sharjah Cricket Council’s Sharjah Invitation Tournament semifinal at the Al Dhaid cricket ground. Shaiman recollects, that eventful innings with pride and says that he was so happy for the achievement and being a CSS fam- ily member. He thanks the company management for providing such an op- portunity to him and wants to contribute more to his team in the future. He played with teams like Sialkot Cricket Association in the beginning and achieved a first class batting average of 40.14 in 5 Matches and 7 innings. His strike rate of 103.40 in the List A matches is an exemplar of his extraordinary performance with his bat. A champion performer with both ball and bat, Shaiman has always been an asset to the Cricket team of CSS. Born in Sialkot, in Pakistan, Shaiman had nurtured in him the value of humanity and love to help the needy. Even though Cricket is his passion, Shaiman loves reading and watching TV as well.

Empowered with E- Recruitment

As an ongoing research & development process with the IT department of CSS Group, many new innovative findings have been formulated with in the existing group site as well as the upcoming portal of the company. Recently, the CSS IT department had announced the implementation of the e- recruitment solutions with in its system. ERecruitment is a part of FINS Portal application to give scalable solution for HR recruitment. It is an integrated version of HR module available in FINS platform, which are responsible in supporting the applicational part of the Group’s software solutions. This process gives managers and recruiters full flexibility in vacancy posting, identifying & recruiting. On the other hand, an applicant will have transparency in the application status and tracking new employees. This e-Recruitment process is developed with the vision of providing self service recruitment capabilities to companies and to attain complete hassle free recruitment management. Users can view vacancy position by logging into the portal with their email address and a unique password. Email alerts are equipped for timely notifications. Online test can also be conducted successfully using this application.










Promenade into Paradise- CSS Kolkata family Pic-Trip

CSS KOLKATA family had their get together at the nature blessed Dooars, an exotic tourist destination at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. It was a joining filled with energy & understanding. Taking care of each & individual member, Arup Ray, Director CSS India led the group’s family get-to-gather in the month of January 2009. The entire team enjoyed the scenic beauty with the Murty river where the wild elephants come in the very early morning for drinking and bathing. Later in the evening having the Bon Fire and watching the Adivasi (Tribal) dance with their beats & rhythms along with the sumptuous wild cuisines CSS KOLKATA team has experienced a new smell of Unity with nature.

Pongal Celebrations at CSS Chennai

CSS Chennai office celebrated Pongal this year in a grand manner with traditional customs and all the festive joys. Pongal is one of the most popular harvest festivals of South India, mainly Tamil Nadu. Pongal falls in the mid-January every year and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan – Sun’s journey northwards. Pongal festival lasts for four days. Celebrations include drawing of Kolam, swinging & cooking of delicious Pongal (A delicacy prepared with Rice, Daal & Ghee as the main ingredients)

Aiming to achieve

SANAL HARIDAS -Commercial Air Freight Manager, CSS GROUP SPEAKS TO SHEEBA ANTONY ABOUT AIR FREIGHT DEPARTMENT AND PROSPECTS FOR 2009

How different are you from other freight providers in the region?

CSS with its presence in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent are having an array of services like Ocean, Air, land Transportation, Projects, Air Charter Services, GSA to major carriers and Supply chain management. This makes us unique in offering an integrated service that is unmatched in this region.

Does the price competition really affect the business?
Price is a perceived competition. Value addition and service levels are the factors which always keep our customers with us. However we should always be mindful that overpricing can make us loose our edge in any market situation. Especially during this trying time it is always advisable to keep our cost low and offer the best product, service and the best price to our customers. This will ensure loyalty and growth even in a challenging price market.

What are the new challenges that you look forward for the air freight in the Middle East?
During this period of Global recession and financial turmoil we see numerous challenges posed in the market place and such situations not only affect the financial and property market, it will also have some adverse affect on our offering as some of these sectors have been the catalyst for our growth in the recent past. In light of this during this downturn as an organization we need to look at new ideas and ways to stimulate the market place with our service offerings. This can especially be leveraged by seeking the feedback of our customer and looking at ways for us to be a part of their supply chain and meet the challenges faced together to sustain growth. If we are able to further contribute to our customers requirements in this manner we can come out of this situation together and build up a partnership that will go beyond this trying times securing a stable and trustworthy relationship in the future.

As you are aware the business landscape in UAE is taking a different turn all together .What are the plans for CSS Airfreight to tap this development?
CSS has to look at its strengths and find new ways of working with our customers, providing guidance and assistance to ensure a win-win situation during this period. This will eventually secure our future growth.

What about the changing face of the industry?

The freight and logistics business has been the same for centuries and continue to be a catalyst in growth for all works around. Most of the time this business is the last to be affected by any recession or turmoil as it is required in the best and worst of time. We have also seen this sector evolving into an integrated service offering, providing movement of goods, information and finance and that is exactly what we need to continue to do. We need to understand the challenges the industry faces and together work towards a way to resolve and take it forward to enhance commerce. As many economists say, during recession we need to spend more money and during good time we need to save, unless we put our minds to resolving and helping promote commerce we will not be able to build a strong organization and sustain growth. We always need to remember it is during the great recessions and challenges that corporates like Microsoft and many other organizations have become what they are today.

Could you brief about CSS Group’s association with service providers?

CSS works closely with a host of affiliates & agents in the U.S, U.K, Europe, Far East and Africa who are leaders and experts within their region and share a very good business relationship. They understand our commitment to the customers and fulfill every requirement in the same manner as CSS does. This is our strength and we need to capitalise the relations we have with our agents and affiliates and work with them to promote trade and commerce collectively.

Opportunities that you foresee in the air freight industry in the Middle East?

As you are aware the business landscape in UAE is taking a different turn all together .What are the plans for CSS Airfreight to tap this development? CSS has to look at its strengths and find new ways of working As mentioned above capitalise on emerging markets and promote dialogues and partnership with customers and grow together during this period. On the other hand we could also target African region during this period. Although various agents and carriers are already supporting this market, a very large area of this region is still being untapped. Dubai is well known for trade and the facilities offered by the government to the traders. If focused and serviced better, this route could be further developed and prove to be potential for the entire Middle East region.

Cochin Port – India’s first e-Port

Cochin Port Trust crosses a major milestone, as it becomes the first e-Port in India. Christened as ‘e thuramukha’ (e-Port) the project integrates the port’s operational, financials, real estate and human resources system on an integrated port information system. Once, fully functional, it will provide a real time interface with customs, port users, banks and the port community system of the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The system will provide a single window facility to the trade for filing applications, receiving service bills, payments and enquiries. According to the CoPT press release the project covers computerization of all its customer facing and internal back office processes to improve its all round efficiency. The motto of the project is accuracy, speed, efficiency and transparency.

Consolidated Shipping Logistics Centre2- SCM completes 5 years

The Supply Chain Management facility CSLC- 2, of CSS Group, completes its fifth year of operations at Jebel Ali, successfully. Supply chain management (SCM) is a necessity in today’s business. It is a dynamic issue. It is the focus of key issues such as the global marketplace for sourcing and sales and with outsourcing. Consolidated Shipping Group, being a front runner in the field of freight forwarding in the Middle East and Indian Sub continent, their customer base and the requirements have to be successfully harmonised with the state-of –the art infrastructure and service qualities. CSLC-2 is a towering example of CSS Group’s commitment towards its clients. CSLC-2 has an operational space of 100,000 sq ft with 21,000 CBM capacity. The 12,200 pallet positions, comfortable racking, storage areas, and the designated space for handling the value added services, makes CSLC-2 distinct. The entire warehouse comes under special security surveillance with the most modern equipments. For the hi-tech industry, dedicated storage area and special handling equipments are also available here. The SCM facility has wireless handheld and truck mounted technology to support both barcode and RFID methodologies. The value added services offered at the CSLC-2 are:

•Re working & Modifications
•Repacking
•Promo pack
•Palletizing & Shrink-wrapping
•Transportation & door delivery

Hareesh M Haridas, Asst. Manager, CSLC- 2 states that now the clients of CSS can take the full advantage of a standardized business, evenly supported by the Information technology solutions, affirming its motto of being the one stop solution for logistics. “We have become a significant SCM provider in the region, giving emphasis to innovation. CSS Group has always been keen in professional wokers and quality service. Company’s global network and image has always been a catalyst for CSLC-2 in its growth process. The global presence of CSS Group has brought in a handful of reputed names as clients to CSLC-2,” says Hareesh. Supply chain management seeks to reduce inefficiencies as to time, inventories and cost. Today the clients need best quality services at justifiable rates without compromising on the supplies. and RFID methodologies.

CSS Group, with a firm determination, started CSLC-2 with in the most competitive segment of UAE, with a vision to innovate and improve the quality. Today, the success story of this establishment re-affirms the far sightedness of the company and its management. From an average of 12,000 CBM per month in the first year, CSLC-2, is handling 20,000 CBM per month on an average basis today. According to Hareesh, “Eventhough the changing economic scenario and the globalization is inviting more challenges and stringent competition in the industry, CSLC-2, with its uncompromised service quality, is gearing up to conquer more heights in the future.” The advantages of an association with the Supply Chain Management facility of CSS could be cited in a few simple terms like enhanced customer satisfaction, cost conciousness, information sensitivity and quality. At CSS Group, Supply chain management is a process that crosses the organization.

Contact Details:
Consolidated Shipping Logistics Centre -2 –SCM
PO Box 18595, Jebel Ali, Dubai,
UAE Tel: +971 4 8873999
Fax: +971 4 8818696
Email: info@fmcglogistics.net

Chairman’s Message

VISION” is a wonderfully exciting word as it has so many stimulating meanings including – the faculty of sight, intelligent foresight, the manner of seeing or conceiving something, a mental imagination, a mystical experience or something of great beauty. “Share The Vision”, the theme for this year’s strategy meet held in Middle East aboard Costa Victoria cruise liner from 14th December, was designed to utilise all aspects of “vision”.  In these global turbulent times, we all need to be focused and visualise provocative ideas so that our creative business skills are aroused. Our C.S.S. strategy team was encouraged to visualise, produce and absorb ideas so they may be put to practical use. Such a process is vital to ensure we surmount the current challenges forced upon all within our industry. To emulate the ethos of our strategy meeting we must remain open to others’ thoughts and ideas. We should be prepared to listen more than we talk and be happy to change our opinion when new information demands it. New ideas often arise by listening to what others have overlooked so we may benefit from their unrecognised opportunities. We should be encouraged to ask questions, even when they may expose our weaknesses, so that team players may willingly guide and inspire us. If we avoid acting defensively when faced with constructive criticism then such situations will provide a beneficial opportunity to respond and interact.
Imagine breath-taking panoramic views across a sparkling pool where avant-garde design sets new standards of excellence. You may ask, “What has this to do with C.S.S. and our visions?” “Everything!” is my answer. This is a description of The Costa Victoria cruise ship that reflects the warmth and spirit of Italy, which is destined to be feted as one of the most exciting and stunningly beautiful ships of our time. A new vision within the C.S.S. Group, The Costa Victoria emphasises our enhanced strategies which will enable us to rise above this period of global recession. I am confident and enthused by our resilience, perception and visions, which I know will achieve greater rewards for all of us throughout 2009.
Wish you an exciting and promising year ahead !!!
                                                                                                                       T S Kaladharan

Cruising Italian Style aboard Costa Victoria

It was one of the most exciting strategy meets, CSS Group had over the years. Yes, it was truly overwhelming, breathtaking and grand aboard The Costa Victoria. CSS group’s sales strategy meet was held from 14th to 17th December onboard this stunningly beautiful floating luxury to which the CSS Group boarded from Dubai and travelled through Oman & Fujaira to disembark at Abu Dhabi. It carries 1928 passengers and has 12 decks for you to explore, out of the 14 decks in total, while you are at sea. The 790 member crew will pamper you and see to your every need. The massive vessel takes you to the ports of your dreams as you sail away into the sunset. It is becoming too poetic when you describe about this floating extravaganza.
CSS strategy meet had seen an increase in the number of participants from 50 the last year in Goa to 61 this year. The team comprised of CSS group members from Middle East, India & USA. Associates of CSS group, from Doha and Kuwait also attended on an invitation for this meet. The meet was formally inaugurated with a welcome note from the Group Chairman T. S. Kaladharan, as he invited all to “Share the vision” of the group for the future, the motto being the theme this year. Amith Surya Horra, Asst. Marketing Manager, who was also the team head for the organising committee explained about the four days programme for the event, and the details about the Cruise Vessel.
From the breathtaking panoramic Concorde Plaza to the sparkling indoor pool, ultramodern Pompei Spa and incredible Planetarium Atrium spanning seven decks, the Costa Victoria cruise ship combines the elegance of European style with the sophistication of American comforts.
Day one saw the CSS Volume being presented by Paul D’ Souza, Senior VP for Sales & Marketing, followed by, the team from Projects Oil & Gas presenting their status with the current economic scenario and the figures they had calculated. There after presentations and figures from the sales team of Dubai was presented. The Captain’s night was the attraction for the evening where in the Crew heads introduced themselves to the passengers, which was followed by the Gala dinner organised by the Costa crew. The appetizers are good but sometimes unusual, along with desserts and salads. The Casino opened till early morning attracting many, to part with some good amount of bills, on the Black jack table.
Day two started with the Airfreight presentation from Sanal Haridas, Commercial Manager. Presentations and budget figures were later on presented from the Land Transport department, CSLC-1, Abudhabi, Bahrain, CSS Logistics, and Business development in USA. A scavenger hunt organised by the crew animators, was the team building activity for the day. CSS India presentations were started by Mumbai by Rampal and later on moved on to Kolkata and Delhi. The bar-be-que night organised by CSS Group topped up the day’s events.
Day three saw the presentations being continued from the Indian offices and then the group’s corporate communications department had its presentation. Marketing department had their presentation on Day four which was followed by the open discussion initiated by the Management
It was then time to pack back with lots of memories aboard this mighty liner. The team CSS disembarked at the Abu Dhabi port after the long four days of sail away parties and much more to remember. The CSS sales strategy meet 2009, can be remembered as one of the most exciting and stimulating of all the strategies meets we had over the years past.

Shipco Transport – Global Agents Meeting

Shipco Transport hosted a Global Agents Meeting in October 2008 in Weehawken, New Jersey.

With representatives from 58 countries, the meeting was truly ‘global’ and was the first time that all Shipco offices and agents had assembled since April 2000.

The guests had the opportunity to get together in the world-famous Shipco Bar in Hoboken on Thursday October 23rd.  This was the first social occasion of the event but was followed by more serious business on the Friday.

Klaus Jepsen, Group CEO for Shipco, opened the proceedings with a welcome and key note address.   This was then followed by presentations from other senior Shipco personnel. 

With the formalities out of the way, everyone got down to the real business of the day – one-on-one meetings.  This allowed Shipco offices and agents to meet individually, to further develop their relationship and, in some cases, start new working partnerships.  It is rare, with such a diverse crowd, that people have the opportunity to sit down, face-to-face and with the buzz in the meeting room, it was obvious that much business was done that day. 

Following a busy but beneficial day, the group left Weehawken for Liberty State House – a beautiful restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson River, overlooking the dramatic New York City skyline.  The ‘global’ nature of the event then took a very American twist with the theme of the evening being ‘Country & Western’.  As well as listening to some good old country music, the participants were given lessons in ‘line dancing’.  Everyone had great fun with this but whether their dancing skills improved remains to be seen.

On the Saturday, guests had a choice of leisure activities – golf, shopping or a New York City tour.  Unfortunately, the New Jersey weather was somewhat uncooperative although the golfers swear it was dry on the course.

However, the weather really did take a turn for the worse in the evening with hurricane-like winds and torrential rain – all the more unfortunate since the night’s entertainment was a dinner cruise around Manhattan.  With that plan ‘sunk’, the group had to make their own entertainment in the hotel.  This didn’t
seem to be too much of a problem and, although it was not quite as planned, the evening was still a success.

Sunday marked the end of the two day extravaganza and while many participants were tired, all agreed that it was a fruitful – and fun – event.  Let’s just hope it’s not 9 years until the next one!

30 years young- Shinyei Shipping Co. Ltd.


Shinyei Shipping Co.,Ltd. based in Tokyo prosperously commemorated
the 30th anniversary at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan on October 8th, 2008 then invited approximately 400 guests from home and abroad, i.e. the customers, the shipping companies, the customs brokers and the overseas agents. 

Established in 1978, they started LCL cargo business for Singapore and Hong Kong as a
specialist of the consoli-cargo transporter in Asia. They are now acknowledged widely
obtaining the legal basis as a pioneer of expanding the basis in this field having built
the network that covers all over Asia including the Middle East even from the time when the NVOCC was not yet common.

‘We’ve got all kinds of inquiries at the beginning, but NVO’s been established legally and acknowledged ever since. Nowadays the market is even seriously competitive.
Even though we’ve been through a lot, we wouldn’t be here without all your supports and would like to thank you for it. Keeping ourselves motivated, we’ll keep striving for the improvements.’ the general manager of the company, Mr. Nagashima greeted.

Representing the overseas agents, Mr. Iskandar Zulkarnain, the chairman of FPS Group congratulated and presented gifts. Representing, CSS Group, Mr. T.S Kaladharan Chairman and Mr. Paul James D’Souza, Senior VP- Sales & Marketing attended the function.

FPS AGM

This year FPS Annual General Meeting was held between 27th- 29th of October, 2008 at the Melia Galgos Hotel in Madrid, Spain.The meet was attended by FPS network agents and general agents. There were 113 delegates from 60 offices who represented 41 countries. “Your vision is our mission” is stated to be the motto /theme of the meet.

Iskandar Zulkarnain, Chairman was pleased to introduce 6 new companies to all the delegates. During his presentation, specially mentioned the spirit of togetherness during the time of economic crisis. Invitation to CSS proved to be an ideal opportunity for the team to cement the existing relationship with FPS. It was such a great honour for CSS Group to be part of this meet. It was always a strategic business relationship from the inception for both the groups.

CSS Group delegates headed by Paul D’Souza and the team consisted of Siby C Kurian from CSS UAE, Narayan R.T from CSS Bahrain, Dean Landers from CSS Kuwait, Jairam K R, Arup Ray, Rampal Tandon, Hemant Bhanushali from Console Shipping Services India and Asim Saeed Khan from Console Shipping Services Pakistan Private Ltd.

There were presentations given by FPS members on various functional activities of the Group such as Oliver Ward GED, Marina Rollan–SC Header of IT Development, Kettivit Sittisoontornwong, Ian Matheson–Impress Communication. The meet truly witnessed a great networking opportunity for all the delegates.

Professional Talk


NGL is a leading transportation and logistic solutions provider in Germany with an enviable international network of partners and agents. As a European company, NGL offers a comprehensive service portfolio to the customers through their extraordinary and sophisticated logistic solutions.
Face to face with Mr. Mathias Brosowsky, Managing Director, NGL Logistics Company. The Company is 2 years old in the market.
Mr. Mathias is a pioneer in the logistics industry with an experience of more than 2 decades


What would you consider as the USP of NGL in the cut throat market conditions of today?
Ans: More Performance equals More Success. This is the philosophy that we would like to carry on towards servicing our customers and maintaining the relationship with our business partners. We are in the logistics service industry, so service means  to us more than the routine handling of logistics and transportation jobs , we believe in personalizing our services by tailoring our products to suit the customers .
.

Can we please talk about the NGL team?
Ans:   Every NGL team member is empowered to be the decision maker on-the-spot who believes in understanding the customers’ needs and giving a new dimension to the service with our personalized logistics solutions. We are available 24 hrs for our customers needs.
.

What are the core products/industries that NGL has focused primarily?
Ans:  Our core products are Air & Ocean freight, as well as Logistics. Our understanding of Logistics ranges from classical consulting up to the realization of complex outsourcing solutions.
Our customer portfolio ranges from small and medium sized companies, as well as stock exchange listed global acting companies.

Brief about NGL network (countries)?
Ans: It is our goal to cover the major industrial states with network partners that share our philosophy and business understanding. A major benefit for us is working with Partners that are able to offer services in different countries under one brand. For example, our exclusive Network Partner for US and Asia is Phoenix Intl. For Dubai and other GCC Countries we are associated with the CSS Group.

Has the recent economic crisis had any effect on your business?
Ans: We are associated with a group of networking partners whose reputation and experience has taken them beyond small size business. Of course worldwide economy crises will also affect the forwarding industry, but such crises can also be a chance for forwarders that offer personalized and sophisticated logistic solutions.

Can we please discuss about NGL’s association with CSS?
Ans: Mr.T. S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group and I go long back together in this industry. His foresight has helped to place CSS Group as one of the leading freight forwarders in the region.
Apart from our excellent personal rapport, we have zeroed down on CSS Group as our Middle East networking partner because of the Group’s enviable world wide network and professional team service.
We have always received excellent support and service from the team and will look forward to enjoying a mutually beneficial and supportive working relationship.

Corporate Backchat

Would you like to hear some “Corporate Backchat?” How about a little light teasing, some slightly audacious or perhaps adroit and clever replies?  Backchat makes the world a livelier place and also more challenging. What though does backchat mean for management and staff, especially in the context of a company’s internal communications??

Well if you were asked, “What do you think about the painting – Backchat” what would you say? “It’s nice”, “I do not like it”, “It is bright and colourful” or “Why should I care?” maybe some of your short responses but if we consider these replies they do not really tell us anything constructive. An art critic would examine the emotional thoughts of Kerala artist, Rajesh Ragendran and interpret the composition design. Is it two ladies who have fallen out or are they defending themselves, united together, “back to back”, fighting off a verbal attack? For someone who is trying to be investigative and look for the meaning, all sorts of ideas spring to mind. It is these same qualities of constructive investigative comments that a company seeks in responses and feed-back from their staff. Whereas backchat might be seen as sometimes cheeky or impulsive it often provides, for those who are alert, an insight into what is uppermost in the speaker’s mind. Remember many a true word is said in jest.
Recent findings
A recent study by The Work Foundation, a London based non profit making independent research consultancy, recognised the importance and potential of corporate internal communications.  Based on a study of over 500 organisations, many of which were multi-site, it found that departments who developed good internal communications were able to enhance closer contacts and responses between executives, management and staff. This resulted in improved organizational cohesion and performance. To be effective it is important that internal communications move both upwards as well as downwards within the corporate structure. This is why staff feedback, throughout all levels of management, is so important for the development and well being of a company.  So why is it in many companies that the staff seem reluctant and shy to give meaningful feedback? Why, when asked for “feedback”, are the few comments which are received usually so general and vague?.
.

Barriers to be breached
Feedback responses, to be helpful, need to explain or give suggestions for discussion otherwise they are not much use. Probably the main difficulty for staff is that they wish to be seen as “team-players” so making individual comment is tantamount to “sticking one’s head above the parapet”. This may not only cause jealousy or problems but also there is no obvious possibility of a reward. If this is so, why bother to respond? This is the barrier that needs to be breached and broken down so that a company may achieve greater things. That’s why backchat within internal communications is an innovative concept. “Backchat” requires that all involved within a company need to be proactive as well as reactive. Those who ask for responses and comments should never primarily look to apportion credit and certainly never blame. Their “backchat” motivation should be an endeavour in discovering information on which to develop opportunities.  The upside of getting involved, by sending in comments or feedback, is that it stimulates staff to focus their own thoughts which has a beneficial effect amongst team members.

The current global economic challenges demand that every opportunity to rise above them should be seized upon. “Backchat” provides an advantage.  Remember, “Great oak trees from little acorns grow”. One small seemingly insignificant piece of “backchat”, if spotted and acted upon, may well increase a company’s good fortune…….and “Good Fortune” is, without doubt, something everyone wishes for in 2009. Thank you for the great support from our readers..
.

Good Luck and happy reading !!!.
.

Unnikrishnan G
Head- Corporate Communications

Chairman’s Message

“My word is my bond” and “Giving your handshake on a deal” are two well known principled sayings which underpin our ability to build-up longstanding relationships in our industry, where trust is paramount. Naturally any legal advice will tell you that it is the signed contract which really seals a deal. The time between reaching an agreement and actually signing on the dotted line is where trust is the supreme issue. I have always believed that relationships cannot be built in a day. Only personal effort and a commitment to our principles develop good relationships. Without such associations and connections, especially in the current global financial turbulence, companies and organisations will struggle to survive. C.S.S. has always taken a firm stand in our efforts to engender trust both inside and outside our industry. It is an opportune time to especially thank our C.S.S. sales and marketing teams for gaining new relationships and strengthening existing ones. We must carry forward our commitment and dedication, to ensure that we resolutely continue to uphold our promises and fulfil the trust which has been bestowed on us by our business associates. The elements of attraction, sympathy and trust are the ingredients of the chemistry for building and sustaining effective relationships. It is this chemistry which will, no doubt, become the subject for discussion for any marketing aspirants – a chemistry which is at the core of our philosophy. Trust and honour make me proud of C.S.S., as these core values emphasise ethics which we all justifiably share.

T.S.Kaladharan

CSS Cares

At CSS Group, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is first demonstrated within the organization. From conforming to all legalities to fair pricing, from keeping its promise of high quality services, from being honest to practicing employee welfare and promoting high standards of ethics throughout the company, CSS Group acts as socially responsible corporate organization. T S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group says “Having been sensitive to social issues right from inception, the Group always believed in the act of giving back to society seriously and continuously”. Emirates Association of Blind is a voluntary organization formed in UAE in the filed of humanitarian support and aiding the disabled and blinds. CSS Group has been actively supporting the organization cause for the past 3 years.

Welcome on Board

Surajit Pattanaik has joined CSS India as the General Manager- North India. He carries with him a rich industry experience of more than 12 years in Operational and Sales back ground. A native of Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, Suri, as he is known among his friends in the Industry circle, has worked with major logistics providers like Interline Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd and A V Global Corporation Pvt. Ltd. in senior management capacities before joining Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. He has worked in different locations in India and gained excellent leadership qualities. He is known for his strengths like strategic planning, problem solving & team building capacities. His ability to analyse market & product patterns and stream line strategies accordingly, has been well admired by his colleagues and friends. His interests other than his profession are Chess, Cricket and watching news channels. Mr. Surajit will be stationed in the Delhi office of CSS and control the operations of North India.