Last Updated on June 20, 2018 by Dolcey Jones Sawian
Narrative by Vilasini Kumar.
Sissy Warshong joined Chillibreeze in April 2012 as an executive in the Presentation Services team. The journey thus far has been challenging, as she has had to keep her skills continuously updated and meet the expectations of her manager and customers. But the hard work is paying off. She earned a promotion within two years of joining and now manages multiple customer accounts. Sissy hopes to continue to perform well and rise in the company.
The Deputy General Manager of Presentation Services, James Syngai, had these candid thoughts to share about Sissy:
“Sissy was part of a larger group of twelve who had undergone the company’s first training program for new recruits that was conducted at an offsite location. From this group of twelve only five were absorbed–as only the best are retained.
Sissy initially struggled with the kind of work that Chillibreeze does. So much so, her appointment was delayed. She became a full–time staff member only a month after the others in her group were appointed! As I found out later, this delay in her appointment caused her to really push herself and she was determined to excel above and beyond the other four. Her determination and perseverance has paid off, as she is now the only person from her group to be promoted to a Sr.Executive. Apart from the multiple accounts that she is managing, she now assists Charity in managing her team.”
Chillibreeze follows an open and fair performance assessment system and one of the important values it encourages is candor—giving clear feedback to help people grow. Feedback and support from her manager helped Sissy get better at her job.
We talked to Sissy about what this job has meant to her, tips for people looking for job opportunities in Chillibreeze and much more.
On changes Sissy has seen in herself since joining Chillibreeze
I now value time a lot more! Chillibreeze has taught me the value of serving customers, which means being punctual, disciplined, doing your best and being a good team player. In my school/college days, instead of studying/spending my time on something useful, I could sit in front of the television the whole day. I used to keep things on hold thinking that I would do it later. Now, even chatting a little longer with other team members seems a waste of time. When we have deadlines, every second counts. This is a big change that I see in myself.
In fact, Chillibreeze has helped me mature. The way I now behave and talk are very different. These days before saying or doing anything, I think twice about the outcome/ consequences. My self–confidence has increased. Even my language skills have improved. Though I studied in an English medium school, we did not get to practice our spoken English. During my job interview too my English was not good. But, I was my honest and open self. Maybe that helped? These days I am able to communicate orally with confidence. I do make mistakes, but I am improving with coaching from my colleagues!
On how she is supporting her family
I come from a middle income family. In my family there is only me, my mother and grandmother. The main income that my family gets is from our small shop which is in Bara Bazaar. So, basically, monthly earning fluctuates. We never know how much we will be able to save/get every month. But with my employment in Chillibreeze there is a fixed, additional income every month. This is such a blessing!
Just last year we were able to shift from our rented house to our own home. I contribute a large portion of my salary towards the home loan that we had taken to buy the house.
Earlier, with only mother and grandmother earning, we did not spend much, as we did not get much. My mother never used to buy things for herself, not even new clothes for X’mas! Now, I buy for her. I try and buy what they cannot, of course within my budget! The three of us, my mother, my grandmother and myself, have struggled and I want to bring them little happiness!
It feels good that at this young age I am able to support my family!
Tips for new recruits in Chillibreeze
New trainees need to be patient to get a clear picture of what the company is all about. When they join their understanding could be a little hazy. Once they are here for two or three months, they will get a clear picture of the impact Chillibreeze can make in their lives.
Feedback from friends and family
My mother Jessina is very proud of me. She often says to her friends and relatives things like, “Sissy is so mature–she can take right decisions,” much to my embarrassment!
I have a close friend with whom I share all that is happening in my life. When she heard about the bonus and increments I got in Chillibreeze she was genuinely thrilled and said, “I have seen you grow up and you truly deserve it! I have looked on you like a sister and am very happy for you.” I feel blessed to have a friend who is so fond of me!
On what it means to have a job
Now that I have a job, I cannot imagine not being employed! If I were to compare my life to someone who is unemployed, I can say that the difference is huge–from my maturity level to the way I behave, to the way I carry myself every day. I am more mature and financially strong.
| My life now, with a job | My life, if I did not have a job |
| Mature | Immature |
| Financially independent | Financially dependent |
| Support my family | Family will support me |
| Know the value of time | Will not value time. Will waste in things that do not matter or add value to me |
I am reminded of a story my teacher in Ramakrishna Mission told me. A son asks his father for a car and the father gives him a Bible. The son pushes the Bible away. Much later, he opens the Bible and sees a car key inside! He realizes that he had missed the opportunity when it came!
This story applies to me too! I was asking God for something—to be able to pursue higher studies outside Meghalaya and He gave me something else! He pointed me to a job poster through which I found Chillibreeze!
On her future
I will continue to do my best. Our company encourages people to constantly learn new work–related skills. I will use these opportunities and do my best to meet the expectations of my team manager. I will do my bit to make sure that we add value to customers.
And, I would like to earn my promotions, step by step, through hard work. I have dreams for myself and for my mother and grandmother. I pray that these be granted!
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