Wardrobe change - An attitudinal shift

• Business suit

• Matching Shirt and Trouser (Potentially 1 color as per German standard, if my memory serves me right)

• Formal Black shoes and

 

• A Tie (Stayed in overcoat pocket until I entered the Adidas, World of Global IT office)

All in all wearing formal business attire Herr Anand arrived for a “Vorstellungsgesprach” aka Interview on a not so cold day at Adidas. It was October 2013 and Friday afternoon siesta had almost set-in. My German like habit of being punctual (coming from a disciplined upbringing in India) or rather coming early transpired here too! Recognizing me easily based on my attire was one of the interviewers. First few exchanges helped sooth my nerves too. On prowl were 4 people waiting to operate on me, surgery was set:)

First glances made me realize what Adidas as a brand stood for. Interview setting was informal, with everyone dressed in non-business attire. A cherubic HR manager saved the day for me, by acquiescing to my formal dress code in spirit of the occasion. Honestly, it was a refreshing change for someone like me to get a good first impression of company culture as being “sporty and cool”. Growing as a kid, who always connected with sports - be it playing, reading or following; I felt at home.

Being a usual talkathon, I guess more or less I did well in the line of duty that day. Some hiccups and brain fades here and there, I felt accomplished at the end of day. Though a parched throat was an after effectJ Hospitality, warmth, inquisitiveness in not only my professional, technical, business and educational background, but also my philanthropy, sports side of life created a lasting connection.

Though I was never apprehensive on the outcome, but could not get a final answer until early months of 2014. Final result and offer delivery took painstakingly long time, but it was worth the wait. Other processes were expedited for me being on-boarded. D-day arrived and I set afoot for the Franconia Region, more close to amalgamate myself in München Fest someday, despite being a “fast” teetotaler:)

7th April 2014 was the auspicious day. I have always believed in the power of numbers and 7 being my other lucky number! Keeping the tradition on a not so cold April day, I reached the office facilitated by my relocation agent. To keep my decorum of first day in office I was again dressed in business attire. Only exception this time around was the elusive “Tie” which I surrendered to save my neck some trouble!

2 borrowed rides took me to the work location at the Adidas HQ building also christened as World of Sports (WoS). One magnificent place to work, can even say that today in hindsightJ Whilst I was enamored by the surroundings, I clearly felt myself to be out-of sync. Everyone around seemed to in informal or sports gear and to make matters worse I was reminded me of being the odd one outJ Entire day I felt that I had committed “hara-kiri” as they say in cricket.

7th April 2014 was the red-letter day in my professional career history. It was not hard to contemplate in a day that the work culture of a company resides not onlyin work ethics and team work, but it also transcends surroundings and tangibles like office wear. Since that day I hardly remember wearing formal attire at work! Sample sales and discounts for Adidas employees at Factory outlet went a long way in overhauling my wardrobe!

It was a long cherished desire which came true of working at a place which connects with my sports DNA. Recently came across a news item at Indian IT major, Infosys where the “diktat” of tie and formal wear was finally laid to rest. Doing away with requirements of mandatory formal clothing on some days, has provided greater equity to the company amongst its young and global workforce.Mindset change, a feeling of liberation, a feeling of ease and being my own self were the bigger ramifications of my “wardrobe change”.

A paradigm shift and potentially a life changing experience were set on 7th April 2014 at 3 stripes:)