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October 27, 2014

Browsing

When my Dad gifted me book vouchers of a popular bookstore for my birthday last month, I was itching to buy some interesting non-fiction books. While browsing through the store, I noticed a white book titled ‘How Google Works’ under the section of newly released books and ended up buying it without a second thought. The book turned out to be exactly what I’d hoped it would be-insightful and engaging with many stories from Google’s journey and bits of humour and sarcasm in between.

Contrary to what one might initially assume, the book is not about the technology that Google uses to power its many products (search engine, Gmail, YouTube, Drive and so on), but how the organisation functions. Written by Google’s ex CEO and now Executive Chairman, Schmidt and former Senior Vice President Rosenberg, this book is divided into sections about hiring, creating a work culture, decision making and innovation.

As a Business Studies student, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the unique principles and factors that have shaped the way the company runs; factors that make it so successful and a company that thousands hope to join one day.

The one principle that stands out the most and is stressed on repeatedly is how important a company’s employees and work culture truly is. Google is known to have one of the best work cultures in the world (the book even mentions how one of the early engineers wanted to bring his pet ferret to the office and was told to go right ahead) and a very rigorous hiring process to ensure they hire what is referred to in the book, as a ‘Smart Creative’, each time. Google aspirants would find this chapter particularly useful as it roughly outlines the four categories used for evaluation of candidates; Leadership, Role related knowledge, General cognitive ability and ‘Googleyness’.

Another theme common to all sections in the book is the importance of data while making any decision, whether it’s about hiring, solving a problem, creating a strategy or starting a new product.

The chapter on Innovation was my favourite part of the book. It only makes sense for a company like Google to talk about such a factor, what with its ambitious projects of building self-driving cars and Project Loon, which hopes to provide wireless broadband service to the world through huge hot air balloon like devices.

All in all, whether you’re hoping to join Google one day or are just simply curious about the foresight and culture required to build a quality product and team, How Google Works should be next on your reading list for sure.

Image credits: hachettebookgroup.com

Q. Dear Amma, I have heard a lot about oral sex and I want to try it too but my girlfriend is not too keen. Amma, how do I convince her for oral sex?

Well, that was rather to the point. The number of times Amma has been asked this question is both amusing and sad! Having been at the receiving end and knowing fully well how great oral feels for either parties, trust me, my heart goes to your dosa.

Now, coming to your problem, the first and most important thing to remember is that any kind of ultimatum or pressurizing is a bad idea. Definitely steer clear of any “If you love me you’ll go down on me” kinda dialogues, okay? If you pressurize her, it’s probably not going to lead to a good outcome because even if she agrees, she’ll do it half heartedly and since you’ll know she dislikes it, you won’t have a good time either (yes, that is possible).

Instead, talk to her about it in an open and calm way.

Tell her that you’d want her to at least try it once and that you’ll make the whole affair much more comfortable for her.

(This includes maintaining proper hygiene, not rushing her or moving her head too much while she’s at it!) You could also try perfecting your skills at giving oral!

If she still doesn’t seem to want to go for it, don’t push it, little idli. There are a lot of other things you can try in bed. If you really have your dosa set on this though, and feel unfulfilled, you should consider moving on. (But again, don’t use this as an ultimatum either.)