CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE – JUNE 2009

“Today is going to be a great day” is a typical rousing sentiment encouraged by many motivational experts. It is easy to say but, in difficult times, hard to attain the desired result. However everyone needs a comfort zone on which to ground ones thoughts. Never is this truer than when navigating difficult situations. This is one of the main reasons companies have “mission and vision” statements. Any mission and vision must not just be something which looks good as window dressing. They should represent a summary of a company’s principles and objectives. Globally we hear about companies struggling to protect their resources and in these efforts staff plays a pivotal role. We all know that very few of us keep up a habit of reading our company’s “mission and vision” statements but as the saying goes “by all singing from the same hymn sheet” – we help to collectively motivate and boost our morale. The highest level of customer satisfaction, a healthy professional environment, a positive approach and an undertaking to nurture relationships, form part of our mission and vision statements. When I read ours they lift my spirit and make me smile, as I know it is these sentiments and beliefs that motivate us. There are favourable opportunities ahead. Monumental growth in Abu Dhabi should stimulate the power in our bellies, light in our eyes and an impetus to thrust forward. C.S.S. recognises that our infrastructure, resources and the ability will ensure we will become a front runner in this growth, not only in Abu Dhabi, but in the entire Middle East and the Sub Continent. We are all re-enforced and unified by using our mission and vision statements as comfort zones that focus potential to achieve growth through collective enthusiasm and innovation. Wish you all success.

—T S Kaladharan

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.

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

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