Page 225 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

64. Enough of it, no more office

work at home

I learnt a lesson to be even more careful with my Chief then

onwards about his decisions that I might have to execute. More
so, when I was on learning curve about large advances. I had more
knowledge but less practical experience of processing the large
loan proposals. I had got this opportunity after 17 years of service in bank
for no fault of mine and I did not want to let it go.

Such exposure was necessary for being capable of holding higher
positions in the bank. Even the chances of second time overseas posting
as a Country Head were higher as the bank generally posted those senior
executives who had already worked for one tenure in a Managerial
position at some overseas branch and were having exposure of handling
large loan proposals.

I was new to the branch and had not studied the sanction files of different
large borrowers at this branch. In any new task, I had to read the files
that used to slow down the process. I knew that this affected the
efficiency but I had learnt to be vigilant than getting booked for any lapse.
Sometimes, the Chief would call me and ask about the status of the
account. I would go back to my chamber, call my concerned Manager,
take the status and update him taking a little bit time in this process.
Sometimes, he would then call the concerned Manager directly and take
the status. I was okay with this as long as I am informed of what status
update was given by my Managers. I had a meeting with them and
explained, "It is natural for me to take some time to check all the files as
I have just joined. So, if Chief requires a status update, kindly prepare
and send it to him directly marking a copy to me."

222 | A Banker down the Rabbit Hole