Utterly, Butterly, Delicious

This brand needs no introduction!!!

The brand that represents the essence of India and is deeply ingrained in the hearts of its people, with its name originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Amulya,’ symbolizing priceless value.

Yes, it’s none other than “Amul!!!

Started as a cooperative movement, helmed by the great visionary Dr Kurian, the Amul brand offers many Umbrella brands.

Butter, Ghee, Chocolate, Ice Cream, Packaged foods, Ethnic Sweets, Yogurt.

The memorable tagline ‘Utterly, Butterly, Delicious‘ for Amul Butter, coined by Slysestor Dacunha, is a timeless piece of Indian advertising history. The Enduring Polka-Dotted Icon, the ‘Amul Girl,’ continues to delight Indian consumers.

Amul Butter dominates 85% of Indian household tables and has also made its mark on
“corporate office tables.”

Welcome to The Great Indian Corporate Life!!!

Yes, you read it right…

We all work for bread and butter, but some just work with butter. It’s not hard to figure out whom they’re trying to butter up –  the bread, the ones in power.

All characters appearing in this blog are not fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely not coincidental. The purpose of the blog is not to harm their reputation, but if they feel that they are the one, the writer takes no responsibility for their anger. 🙂

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So what actually is buttering up!!!

In the corporate world, “buttering up” is like spreading honey on toast, except you’re trying to sweeten up the boss instead of your breakfast. It’s the act of showering your superiors with compliments, gifts, or coffee runs to get ahead in the rat race.

We all have done it at some stage of our life, buttering Dad for a bike / or mummy to make the favorite food / buttering up your girlfriend for a date / buttering up your boyfriend for an expensive gift, etc… 

These are all non-harmful buttering or “kind buttering”, it does not harm anyone else directly or indirectly. But things start looking ugly when this buttering becomes harmful to others, especially in a professional environment.

In my work career which spans over 20 years, I have seen two types of people, one who works and one who butters.

The one who works silently toils, while the Butter-er Merely pretends. The latter utilizes buttering as a powerful weapon in their arsenal.

They are those “Yes Boss” kind of employees who bring “Muska Bun” in their tiffin but only to
offer their bosses

with “Aaj Kee Taaja Khabar”.

Let’s look at some of them:

1.   The “Raja Babu – Nandu Jodi”. – Nandu sirf apka bandhu…

I had observed the Jodis dynamics very closely in my first job only. All information  about the department is passed on to Raja babu with added flavours and condiments. A daily morning office chores :-).

2. The Munna bhai – Circuit Jodi

Many times this activity is encouraged by the bosses themselves. They want to know the happenings in the company. Rather than being receptive in their approach towards their employees, they rely upon their “Man Friday” to spill the beans.

Bosses are smart enough (no pun intended) to identify who will provide them with the information
they need to stay informed about the happenings.

And when the boss knows all the information….

The act of “buttering up” often leads to the more complicated and ominous realm of corporate politics. The once harmless tactic transforms into a dark and competitive game.

Unfortunately, I have been on the receiving end of these office politics, many times, eventually leading me to take sabbaticals.

From being,

in no time.

No regrets on that as I did not compromise on my ethics and values which have been rock solid, and I take pride in that.

I was fortunate to have bosses who were empathetic and supportive throughout my career. I earned their respect and developed strong bonds and friendships through my hard work, and dedication to the organization. Although I’ve been away from Mumbai for nearly a decade, but we are still connected.

I would like to give a special mention of late Mr. Anaggh Desai, former CEO of The Bombay Store, under whom I had worked. When I moved to Ahmedabad to pursue entrepreneurship, he called me to inform me that a senior-level position was available and he highly recommended me for the role. Receiving such a recommendation from someone of his stature was truly a remarkable honor, akin to being recommended by Sachin Tendulkar himself.

Now I am buttering myself, my past deeds…. J  

Negative corporate politics is a direct result of the most important aspect of any organization, the Corporate Culture. The former evolves in a company when the latter is weak.

The formation of a corporate culture is primarily the responsibility of the organization’s leader/founder. It originates at the highest level and permeates throughout the company.

Tata group serves as a premier example of a strong corporate culture. Their thriving culture is evident in their working style and approach, where the well-being of employees takes priority, leading to satisfied clients. The company places emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and continuous learning and development. Their employees are highly motivated and have a positive outlook towards the company.

A positive work environment should inspire enthusiasm and a desire to go to the office every day. The excitement and the motivation should be both physical and mental.

One day… one day I shall provide a fruitful work environment in my office, where the butter would be used for its primary use, adding richness and tenderness to a croissant and other baked goods, and not to “butter up” people.

Take note, That Day is Imminent. Very soooooooonnnnn…

Till then,

Butter up your loved ones.

Utterly, Butterly Delicious…

Coming soon… The Lazy Entrepreneur – Part 4 (Mocktails and more…)