Chamchagiri is known as the unofficial code of conduct. Chamchas -literally 'spoons', perhaps because the one who plays this role feeds the ego of the one being toadied up to abound in all Indian walks of life. In the corporate world, they are also referred to as 'yes men or yes women' who have morphed the Cartesian 'I think therefore I am' to 'I flatter, therefore aye am'.
These people send half or information with their much-added masala to the bosses. When there's a meeting you would be shocked to notice how they go all-out to give their best with appearances, presentations, notepads etc. And ah when the meeting is over they hang around sip tea kill time. Those who know this `late-lateef' pseudonym do the nod-wink-n five minutes ago; she was at her bitchy best. Suddenly she's Miss All Concern. Wide-eyed, brows furrowed, she purrs “So how is your life going with other colleagues to extract the maximum information to her benefit and oh wow not to forget she will add her classic tadka of blather to it and pass it on further.
Chamchas, are the boss' best radar systems. Like feeding a child, the lackeys feed information to the boss, normally adverse reports about colleagues. Needless to say, the information is heavily spiced. "The boss also needs lots of interpersonal information about subordinates, which these wily men and women deliver.'' Then, `chamchas' sweat it out in giving the boss ``some ego massage.''
But, why does a `chamcha' become a `chamcha'? "Chamchagiri is a quest for influence. And influence comes through linkages. Be it a one-room office or a major corporate with thousands of employees, `chamchas' are omnipresent buttering the bosses. For all the effort, however, they do not get much. "Contrary to the general impression, they do not go up the promotion ladder fast. They get small advantages like flaunting their so-called proximity to the boss and making others jealous. `They also use the name of the boss and get things done. Obviously, a subordinate would never question a `chamcha' when he tells him that the boss would like a particular work to be done. He would never call up the boss and ask him whether he had given the instructions, right.''
Chamchi Queen and chamcha kings are super self-styled pseudos and want colleagues to barf on to their tunes and oh not to forget to save their asses they can use info of colleagues to win brownie points or be in good books of bosses. The same drill of that one person doing that little extra that's clearly for the individual and can best fit for the organization. At least one such creature is present in every office. Frankly, don't grudge the Chamchi Queen or king. She has a skill set and talents that take her far, abilities most can pick up but choose not to as outside in the corporate world no one would hire this person. Chamchi or chamcha behavior is thoroughly entertaining in most of the offices. It's a classic act and you can waste precious moments predicting the chamchi's next move....add to that healthy guffaws and, hey, office don't look so bad after all.
Have chamchas, but do not be surrounded by them. Be transparent and cultivate an image of open-mindedness within the organization.
Rab Rakha!!!!!
