Welcome to Lala Land

Here, Lalaji, the business owner, calls the shots. Here, every day is an event; every commitment may not really be a commitment; every promotion may not be a career ascent and every salary hike may not mean more money in your bank account. Lalaji's strategies are not based on the size of his business, its market share or the competition but often on the whims and guidance of sycophants, advisors and friends. For a 'good' employee, working in a Lala company is akin to swimming in crocodile infested waters-tread cautiously or become the next casualty. Drawing on his intimate study of several large and small family businesses, Rajiv Gupta provides a hilarious, no-holds-barred account of how things work in Indian family businesses. Here's a survival guide to help you navigate the tricky terrain of Lala Land.