Joy is an emotion, a feeling that draws each of us to work every day. I wanted to capture my thoughts on JOY through narratives—because stories have the power to inspire, bring clarity, and spark meaning for those who seek it.

So get ready for a heart-to-heart conversation between JOY, STRESS and FEAR.

Picture a Tata STRIVE Center where JOY sits in one corner of the staff room. In the center STRESS fidgets with the long lists of to-do. Across the room, FEAR sits cautiously and afraid of mistakes.

STRESS (sighing): I don’t understand you JOY, work is never-ending. There is always so much to do. It’s like a bottomless pit. I wonder how you still stay so calm and cool!

FEAR (whispering): Adding to the never-ending work, we can’t or must not go wrong. How can we just be perfect?

JOY (smiling): While I hear you both, great ideas have turned into reality when we learn to respond to stress and fear. STRESS, you are needed and help us to push forward. You challenge and take all of us to the next level but too much of you will exhaust us. FEAR, you are important! It only helps us to anticipate and be prepared but when you take control, we stop growing.

STRESS (grumbling): So what do we do? Timelines won’t wait, my boss will not wait.

FEAR: And risks won’t disappear. What if something goes wrong?

JOY (smiling): True! Balance is the key. Anything in too much quantity is injurious to health. Learn to turn STRESS into motivation and FEAR into courage. That’s what helps me. At Tata STRIVE, you can reach out to anyone for help and support. When your PURPOSE is clear, then we learn to thrive during such days.

Closing Thought: Every day we will encounter moments of stress and fear but so is JOY – JOY is not just about celebration, it is in these moments where JOY can make a difference. When you have joy, conversations are always around hope, optimism and the future. Which emotion will you allow to take the lead?

The Big Review Meeting

STRESS (pacing): Oh! Where did I keep my pen, can’t find it?

JOY : It’s right in front of you. What happened, you look completely overwhelmed

STRESS (Pacing) : Today’s presentation with the leadership team is bothering me. What if we forget a point? Everything has to go as per the flow.

FEAR (trembling) : What if they hate the deck? What if we sound incompetent? Maybe we should just keep it short and to the point without giving too much details

JOY (calmly) : Hey folks, just breathe and relax. We have prepared well and I’m sure there will be different perspectives and suggestions for us. We know our work, let’s shift our focus from doubt and anxiety to confidence and courage. Courage to speak up when needed and courage to take feedback and get better next time. Let us shift the focus from ourselves to the work we do.

Finally, they go to the meeting and face it with courage and enthusiasm.

JOY Is infectious. It’s not just a feeling, it is Tata STRIVE’s greatest strength. Lead with JOY and continue to make Tata STRIVE a Great Place to Work!:

Please drop an email to bijitha.joyce@tatastrive.com and give me your feedback, views and inputs.