Over the course of the interview with Mr. Sharma, he let it be known that he had a strong personal reason and commitment to his family for his desire to be in one steady job for a long time and to forgo opportunities to advance his career by changing his working hours or location.
He explained without giving too many details,"I need and want to work fixed hours. I want to remain local so that I can take care of my family. I do not want to travel or move outside the city or work random hours, Sir. I want to do a good job within fixed hours so that I can be home in time."
Ken and Billy let it go at that and made notes.
Soon, it came to the same 'trick' question: "How would you go about giving away one hundred million dollars a year to truly deserving and needy people so that the greatest good can be done?"
Mr. Sharma's face did not betray any emotion or surprise upon hearing the question. He asked to confirm and clarify it it was indeed a single person responsible to disburse the whole of one hundred million dollars.
He seemed to go into a shell of thought for a few seconds, before emerging to say.
"Let me think for a minute or two before answering, That seems like a tough problem."
"Sure, take a minute to suggest your approach. but can you tell us now why does it seem like a tough problem to you?" persisted Billy, his curiosity aroused.
"Because, Sir, it is easy to find the needy, almost everyone needs something, but it it is very difficult to find out if they are deserving. It is hard to know if good will come out of helping them or bad things will happen," said Mr. Sharma readily.
"Ok, take a minute to think and tell us how you will solve the problem," said Ken, pushing a sheet of paper and pencil towards him across the desk.
Mr. Sharma quietly, set about working things and numbers out. Periodically, he paused, shook his head, and made a few notes.
Slowly, after a couple of minutes, he said quietly, "This is very difficult. I am not sure I can give you a quick answer. I am not even sure I can do this task in real life. I can try but not sure if I can achieve the goal in first year."
"Won't you even take a shot?" asked Billy.
Mr. Sharma looked puzzled upon hearing the word 'shot'.
Sarita intervened and translated for him, "Will you not atleast take a chance and try to suggest an answer for the interview?"
"Oh!! I think I can suggest some principles or rules I would like to use. I also need to be flexible. This is human problem more than technical problem," said Mr. Sharma.
"Please explain," asked Ken.
"Technical issue: Large sum of money to be spent every day on average. We cannot work day by day. It will be too much exhausting. We need to plan and prepare to make sure people are deserving. Also, difficult analysis - if more good or bad will happen. Bad also will happen, even if we try good. So, we need to balance and manage. I think we should spend more time planning and filtering and spend most money in short time.
Human issue: We also need to monitor people before and after giving money. Intrusive and costly. It is very difficult to find good people or honesty if such large amounts.
Is there enough money available separately to run office, preparation and monitoring? Or we use the same money for running office?"
"Good points, Mr. Sharma. Yes, assume that the money to be actually given away is one hundred million. Assume that the costs of running this business is available separately. How much do you think is needed?"
"Sir, for efficiency, ideally administration costs should be fixed and low," said Mr. Sharma.
"That means your salary has to be fixed and low, while you have to give away large sums of money to anyone you feel is needy and deserving. How would you feel about that?" said Billy smiling broadly.
"Sir, This question and problem seem strange to me. I am only looking at the problem now from outside, like make believe. I am trying to give real, practical approach - best I can. I think anyone who works at this job should be happy if they are paid enough for their needs. Then do a good job. It is not their own money they are giving away. They should not have temptation. Not corrupt. Difficult to find," said Mr. Sharma simply.
"I think it will take me much longer to suggest good approach. Maybe one day or two. I am sorry. I cannot come up with good answer now. There are too many balancing needs - if we take too long to find prepare and process people, we need to give away may be too much too soon, more than they really need. If we do it quickly, we might not find right people. Too much money can cause bad that we do not think of. It is difficult to monitor afterwards if too much money. People can run away and difficult to find or control. Many people also will not believe you if you tell them you want to help or give such large amounts. If you give small amounts, too many to handle in one year. Too many opposite effects to balance, Sir."
Billy and Ken were impressed but did not show it.
"So, why don't you think about it and come back and let us know in a day or two? Can you send us an email with your suggested approach? We are here in town for another couple of days, interviewing. You can also hand in anything to the receptionists. Will you be available to talk over the phone if we want to discuss your ideas?"
If Mr. Sharma was surprised by this unusual interview, he did not show it. He seemed to have developed a composure beyond all this.
"Must be the life, the job and kind of people he has dealt with in the past," thought Billy and Ken to themselves.
Soon, Mr. Sharma left the room.
Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
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