The way we work is changing rapidly, offering an enormous competitive advantage to those who embrace the new tools that enable contextual, agile and simplified information exchange and collaboration to distributed workforces and networks of partners and customers.
We need technologies and business practices that liberate the workforce from the constraints of legacy communication and productivity tools like email. It provides business managers with access to the right information at the right time through a cloud of inter-connected applications, services and devices. Application that makes accessible the collective intelligence of many, translating to a huge competitive advantage in the form of increased innovation, productivity and agility.
Continued tomorrow....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
As the clock ticks.....
As the year end, time to look back and enjoy the good, learn from mistakes, make vows, make resolutions, make plans. This time itself is just so exciting, it gives me time to spend with myself :-)
2010 overall has been an extremely exciting year for me. Overall this has been one of the most spiced up and varied flavored year both personally and professionally.
Personally, it was priceless experience to see Siya perform on stage and a huge audience of 2000+ people appluading, it was priceless experience to see her win in sports, it is priceless experience to see her getting wittier day by day, it feels very good to see her level of curiosity and ask umpteen number of questions (I call to her, the Ms. WHY), it is lovely to be with her for her dance classes, it is priceless to see her perform on annual day in school! Siya has grown up by one more year this year and it is a PRICELESS experience to see her growing to a beautiful, caring, valued, curious, high on energy, joyful, happy and a good human being! She is surely on the way to the right path.
Personally, I am astonished to see how well is Vipul growing in his dad's role too. He is Siya's best friend, best toy almost! Seeing a very different shade of him, its priceless again!
Personally, my mom this year has become very health conscious and it is nice to see her loose weight and even get dad to follow a similar fitness routine! Very Nice!
Personally, we (my sisters) also started their new showroom and are doing well! Amita is well-settled and happy. Ruchi is enjoying her work and is treating life with far more seriousness this year. My sister-in-law (Vanita) is having a ball of a time in US and is well-settled finally. Rinku and Neeta didi (sister-in-law) are enjoying as much as I am seeing her daughters grow. Siya is crazy behind her cousins :-). Mummyji and Papaji are also well set after Vanita's marriage, however both need to watch their health!
Professionally, the year started with a working on a Product Launch for Netcore that I was very much involved with, which itself was very exciting! I also passed out my MBA this year which was a far BIG achievement given the fact that I was working for 365 days of the year for 2 years!!! My review feedback in Netcore was superlatively positive. I also exited from Netcore this year, tried out to entrepreneurship, exited to join a job! Overall, professionally this year, did learn a lot of different things which I am sure is setting a strong foundation for me to meet my goal when 35. Hopefully, I am progressing on the right path.
Just a few hours and this year shall come to an end.. Before I can wish you all a Happy New Year, I just wanted to say to all the people who made my life worth living this year:
Thank you - for everything you helped me and stood there for me
Sorry - for whenever I hurt you or let you down, I am sure I did'nt mean to
Remember - I am always there for you
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!
2010 overall has been an extremely exciting year for me. Overall this has been one of the most spiced up and varied flavored year both personally and professionally.
Personally, it was priceless experience to see Siya perform on stage and a huge audience of 2000+ people appluading, it was priceless experience to see her win in sports, it is priceless experience to see her getting wittier day by day, it feels very good to see her level of curiosity and ask umpteen number of questions (I call to her, the Ms. WHY), it is lovely to be with her for her dance classes, it is priceless to see her perform on annual day in school! Siya has grown up by one more year this year and it is a PRICELESS experience to see her growing to a beautiful, caring, valued, curious, high on energy, joyful, happy and a good human being! She is surely on the way to the right path.
Personally, I am astonished to see how well is Vipul growing in his dad's role too. He is Siya's best friend, best toy almost! Seeing a very different shade of him, its priceless again!
Personally, my mom this year has become very health conscious and it is nice to see her loose weight and even get dad to follow a similar fitness routine! Very Nice!
Personally, we (my sisters) also started their new showroom and are doing well! Amita is well-settled and happy. Ruchi is enjoying her work and is treating life with far more seriousness this year. My sister-in-law (Vanita) is having a ball of a time in US and is well-settled finally. Rinku and Neeta didi (sister-in-law) are enjoying as much as I am seeing her daughters grow. Siya is crazy behind her cousins :-). Mummyji and Papaji are also well set after Vanita's marriage, however both need to watch their health!
Professionally, the year started with a working on a Product Launch for Netcore that I was very much involved with, which itself was very exciting! I also passed out my MBA this year which was a far BIG achievement given the fact that I was working for 365 days of the year for 2 years!!! My review feedback in Netcore was superlatively positive. I also exited from Netcore this year, tried out to entrepreneurship, exited to join a job! Overall, professionally this year, did learn a lot of different things which I am sure is setting a strong foundation for me to meet my goal when 35. Hopefully, I am progressing on the right path.
Just a few hours and this year shall come to an end.. Before I can wish you all a Happy New Year, I just wanted to say to all the people who made my life worth living this year:
Thank you - for everything you helped me and stood there for me
Sorry - for whenever I hurt you or let you down, I am sure I did'nt mean to
Remember - I am always there for you
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Best of 2010!
Hopefully, you all will enjoy this as much as I enjoyed reading this....
Siya and her Stories
Netcore-Turning point in my career
Why do we paint or write or dance
My experience with leaders
Happy Birthday Siya
More tomorrow...
Siya and her Stories
Netcore-Turning point in my career
Why do we paint or write or dance
My experience with leaders
Happy Birthday Siya
More tomorrow...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
COLD in Mumbai
Ya I know what you all are thinking... COLD and in Mumbai? Yes, but that is true. After ages (or for that matter I do not even remember when was the last time I needed a sweater in Mumbai! In fact I don't even have one :-)
Momentum
If you ask my boss, "What does Purwa bring to the table", his answer among the few other words that he would generally say is "Momentum". As per wikipedia, Mōmentum was not merely the motion, which was mōtus, but was the power residing in a moving object, captured by today's mathematical definitions.
It can carry you like the way a strong current carries a fallen leaf. It can move you like wind moves a cloud across the summer sky. It can ignite your spirit and make you feel like you can do anything. It is momentum – that invisible, universal force that can saturate your every choice, your every step, your every breath, your every moment of resolve with vibrant, joyful energy. Momentum can surge you forward and it can pull you under. It goes with your flow, follows your lead and enhances your trajectory.
It can be harnessed, gathered and used as an incredibly transformational tool.
It can carry you like the way a strong current carries a fallen leaf. It can move you like wind moves a cloud across the summer sky. It can ignite your spirit and make you feel like you can do anything. It is momentum – that invisible, universal force that can saturate your every choice, your every step, your every breath, your every moment of resolve with vibrant, joyful energy. Momentum can surge you forward and it can pull you under. It goes with your flow, follows your lead and enhances your trajectory.
It can be harnessed, gathered and used as an incredibly transformational tool.
Opportunity - There is one always for you!
My mom's words are still echoing in my ears today - "Purwa, in every problem that you have, try finding a opportunity there and then experience the fun". Very often, when we are faced with a crisis or struggle we often despair. But we surely do forget the fact that it is in trouble that the best opportunities emerge, but the question is if we are keeping are eyes open to see it. A crisis allows to to grow, reflect, learn and makes you a better individual. Is that not a good enough opportunity! It’s where we discover who we are and how we can find a new way we couldn’t have imagined before the crisis presented itself. It allows us to practice patience and acceptance and find renewed hope — which is the most beautiful thing. When you loose your job, there is a opportunity for reinvention and to strike out something new and different (for all you know, something of your own). When you loose someone very near and dear to you, there is a opportunity to reflect on that loved one's wonderful life and for the family to come together in a way that was never possible before. When I failed at work I learned to improve and grow better. When Siya throws tantrums she is teaching me more patience and the power of raw emotions and the wonder of childhood and what happens when you lose perspective. When me and Vipul have arguments, it is an opportunity to learn more about each other and grow closer and become better at finding common ground. When I saw my near and dear one very ill, it was a opportunity for me to learn "Health is truly Wealth". When I am touring alone, it is an opportunity for me for introspection and gets me more closer to family. That is what is beautiful. Suddenly the crisis situation changes to hope and growth. In the struggle is the possible if we dare to look!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Meeting Customers!
It is 9 years that I am working now. While in NSE.iT and Saba, never got this opportunity. When in Netcore, started meeting people and interacting with them but did not really meet Netcore Customers in the B2B segment. And recently when I started meeting them, I realized that I have been doing stuff without really listening to them. And then we complain, in-spite of having the best technological product, why the hell sales are not happening!
As a product manager, there can be three strategies to product management:
1) Technology driven product management - Most of the start-up start in this manner where the think of building this awesome product that has a technological edge over others.
2) Sales driven product management - After the first launch of the product (especially in the B2B segment), the company moves to sales driven. The product would be highly customized for almost every sell.
3) Market driven product management - This is I guess the most difficult where you don't develop products because of the above reasons but you develop one to fulfill market NEEDS.
If I need to develop products that fulfill specific needs, I will need to meet the existing customers as well as people around. Why did I not do this earlier?
As a product manager, there can be three strategies to product management:
1) Technology driven product management - Most of the start-up start in this manner where the think of building this awesome product that has a technological edge over others.
2) Sales driven product management - After the first launch of the product (especially in the B2B segment), the company moves to sales driven. The product would be highly customized for almost every sell.
3) Market driven product management - This is I guess the most difficult where you don't develop products because of the above reasons but you develop one to fulfill market NEEDS.
If I need to develop products that fulfill specific needs, I will need to meet the existing customers as well as people around. Why did I not do this earlier?
Children's Day
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India was born on November 14, 1889. His birthday continues to be celebrated in India as Children's Day.
But for the majority of the nearly 300 million children in India, the day is practically devoid of meaning.]
Today I went to watch circus with Siya. In the circus I saw small boys (anywhere between 7-10 years) working, cleaning up the tent, selling all kinds of stuff in the tent and they were almost roaming without sufficient clothes! Siya asked me - "Mom, if today is Children's day, they should be happy right. Why don't I see chocolates in their hands, why don't I see a rose flower in their hand, is it Children's day only for me?".
I was really shaken by this. My 5 year old daughter could see how much are they suffering! How conveniently elders have ignored it!
But for the majority of the nearly 300 million children in India, the day is practically devoid of meaning.]
Today I went to watch circus with Siya. In the circus I saw small boys (anywhere between 7-10 years) working, cleaning up the tent, selling all kinds of stuff in the tent and they were almost roaming without sufficient clothes! Siya asked me - "Mom, if today is Children's day, they should be happy right. Why don't I see chocolates in their hands, why don't I see a rose flower in their hand, is it Children's day only for me?".
I was really shaken by this. My 5 year old daughter could see how much are they suffering! How conveniently elders have ignored it!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Diwali and a very Proserous New Year
Diwali - one festival where I see everyone happy, smiling, enjoying, dressed up , etc. There is so much of excitement in the atmosphere around, be it home, office, colony, where ever. I hope every day in each ones life is like this day.
Happy Diwali and a more than a Prosperous New year!
Happy Diwali and a more than a Prosperous New year!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Need for Agile Innovation
by Jeffrey Phillips
We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the way we think about our businesses. In a previous post I argued that the efficient use of ideas would become a new mantra, similar to the efficient use of capital. I think that’s true because it appears we’ve extended the concept of financial engineering and the efficient use of capital about as far as it can go. Additionally, we’ve reached the point where we aren’t creating any new value with the financial assets at our disposal. But that’s not the only reason for the paradigm shift. Along with the exhaustion of the efficient use of capital comes the increasing pace of change.
Now, the fact that the pace of change is increasing is not news to anyone, but the impact it will have to our business models and the way most businesses work is dramatic. Traditionally we’ve planned for long product or service development cycles and long lives for our products and services. It was taken as a given that most products would have a lifespan of many years or even decades, and that these products would create profits over the majority of those years. The tradeoff of a long investment in R&D and product development was a protected revenue stream over many years. For many reasons, the long-lived profitable product or service is falling by the wayside.
Any firm in any corner of the globe can complete with any other firm. Aggressive competition by firms that don’t feel the need to create new products and services – those that simply mimic existing products but drive down costs – is growing. That fact means that the days of long, profitable products and services are over. Any product can be quickly copied and delivered to the market, in some cases in just a quarter or two. Many countries that were once only able to mimic new products and brands are rapidly industrializing and moving quickly to create innovative new products and services of their own. This introduces a two pronged effect: your products and services are being copied and provided at less cost, and new innovations are being developed and presented to your customers as never before.
This loss of the long development cycle and long product life cycle means that firms must shift their strategies from long, arduous research and development cycles to more rapid understanding of customer needs and delivery of new products and services. It also means that firms must have more products and services in the innovation and development pipeline than ever before, and must launch more new products and services to keep pace with demand and competition. More profits will be attained in a shorter period of time as a firm plans for competition and obsolescence over shorter product life spans. This, in turn, reinforces the need for the efficient use of ideas, which will drive new product and service creation.
Trying to stick to a long development cycle coupled with a long product life cycle is probably risky, given the intense competition and the increasing pace of change, not to mention fickle customer attitudes. One comment I hear constantly within the management ranks of the firms we work with is “…when things get back to normal…” What we all have to realize is that we are defining a new normal, which may take several years to shake out. That new normal may reflect a US population less likely to spend and more likely to save, and a growing BRIC population ever more interested in spending and acquisition, just as a few examples. Any firm that assumes its existing business models and methods will sustain it through this period of change is missing an opportunity for renewal. Now is the time to determine the new business models, use of insights and ideas and to recraft internal processes to become more nimble, more agile and more innovative.
We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the way we think about our businesses. In a previous post I argued that the efficient use of ideas would become a new mantra, similar to the efficient use of capital. I think that’s true because it appears we’ve extended the concept of financial engineering and the efficient use of capital about as far as it can go. Additionally, we’ve reached the point where we aren’t creating any new value with the financial assets at our disposal. But that’s not the only reason for the paradigm shift. Along with the exhaustion of the efficient use of capital comes the increasing pace of change.
Now, the fact that the pace of change is increasing is not news to anyone, but the impact it will have to our business models and the way most businesses work is dramatic. Traditionally we’ve planned for long product or service development cycles and long lives for our products and services. It was taken as a given that most products would have a lifespan of many years or even decades, and that these products would create profits over the majority of those years. The tradeoff of a long investment in R&D and product development was a protected revenue stream over many years. For many reasons, the long-lived profitable product or service is falling by the wayside.
Any firm in any corner of the globe can complete with any other firm. Aggressive competition by firms that don’t feel the need to create new products and services – those that simply mimic existing products but drive down costs – is growing. That fact means that the days of long, profitable products and services are over. Any product can be quickly copied and delivered to the market, in some cases in just a quarter or two. Many countries that were once only able to mimic new products and brands are rapidly industrializing and moving quickly to create innovative new products and services of their own. This introduces a two pronged effect: your products and services are being copied and provided at less cost, and new innovations are being developed and presented to your customers as never before.
This loss of the long development cycle and long product life cycle means that firms must shift their strategies from long, arduous research and development cycles to more rapid understanding of customer needs and delivery of new products and services. It also means that firms must have more products and services in the innovation and development pipeline than ever before, and must launch more new products and services to keep pace with demand and competition. More profits will be attained in a shorter period of time as a firm plans for competition and obsolescence over shorter product life spans. This, in turn, reinforces the need for the efficient use of ideas, which will drive new product and service creation.
Trying to stick to a long development cycle coupled with a long product life cycle is probably risky, given the intense competition and the increasing pace of change, not to mention fickle customer attitudes. One comment I hear constantly within the management ranks of the firms we work with is “…when things get back to normal…” What we all have to realize is that we are defining a new normal, which may take several years to shake out. That new normal may reflect a US population less likely to spend and more likely to save, and a growing BRIC population ever more interested in spending and acquisition, just as a few examples. Any firm that assumes its existing business models and methods will sustain it through this period of change is missing an opportunity for renewal. Now is the time to determine the new business models, use of insights and ideas and to recraft internal processes to become more nimble, more agile and more innovative.
Interviews!
I have been now working from the past nine years. Given multiple interview and taken multiple interviews. Most of the interviews that the companies take now a days is technical rounds that only test the aptitude of the candidate. Do you know what are HTTP sessions, multithreading, etc. I have also been interviewed along these lines itself. It was good till I had some 3-4 years of experience. Soon I realized that just knowing the technical aspects is not enough. That is where most of us go completely wrong. I will really not speak for big companies but surely for small companies the attitude and the organization culture is so much important to the candidate. How many times have we (as interviewees) turned around to ask questions like who will be my manager, can I have a chat with, can I know him a little more personally, can I just walk through the office and talk to some people, can I on board for just a week to see I can adjust to environment, etc. Not many of us do that. Do companies allow that? I see no harm in it at all. You need people, smart people, sharp people, thinking people, solution oriented approach, you need finally people with ATTITUDE. We need people who can think out of the box, people who can communicate well, people who are ambitious, people who are very confidant! We need to focus on the core competency of the job and not the technicalities. If the core competencies are strong, technicalities will fall in place earlier than you think.
I really hope the interview questions soon change and focus on core competencies, attitude and ability to gel with organization culture.
I really hope the interview questions soon change and focus on core competencies, attitude and ability to gel with organization culture.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Siya and her stories
Siya and her stories.....
Siya - Which is your favorite movie, Lafange Parinde, Anjaana Anjaani, etc, etc etc or "BADAANG"
Purwa - Dear, it is "DABAANG" and not "BADAANG"
(She got her paper and her pencil)
Siya - See, "b" is ulta of "d", then why can "DABAANG" and "BADAANG" be ulta pulta....
...
:-)
16th Oct, 2010
Siya is back with her stories.....
Today I took Siya to the doctor for her vaccination.
Doctor - (while he was getting his injection ready). I have bad memory, I again forgot your name. Whats your name? (Basically he wanted to distract her). (The injection was ready)
Siya - My name is Siya. (And she was already vaccinate...d by now)
SIYA - I SAID MY NAME WAS SIYA AND NOT SUEE (as in needle in Hindi) AA!
28th Oct, 2010
Siya and her stories....
Siya - Mom, I have my dance lessons today, please be on time.
Purwa - I have office dear and I am feeling uncomfy today because I took panga with my boss.
Siya - What is panga?
Purwa - I messed up.
Siya - I do that with my cupboard everyday, you always get it back to order right, u r a champ at it!
Purwa - Cupboard aur boss mein farak hai dear
Siya - Kya farak hai, dono aapke samne nahi bolte
26th Nov, 2011
Siya and her stories....
I had gone out of Mumbai for work and when I called up my mom she mentioned that Siya did not go to school today. I told her to give the phone to Siya....
Purwa - Siya, I heard you missed school today!
Siya - Not at all! I never miss school, I only miss you...
...She is a sweetheart, isn't she :-)
Siya - Which is your favorite movie, Lafange Parinde, Anjaana Anjaani, etc, etc etc or "BADAANG"
Purwa - Dear, it is "DABAANG" and not "BADAANG"
(She got her paper and her pencil)
Siya - See, "b" is ulta of "d", then why can "DABAANG" and "BADAANG" be ulta pulta....
...
:-)
16th Oct, 2010
Siya is back with her stories.....
Today I took Siya to the doctor for her vaccination.
Doctor - (while he was getting his injection ready). I have bad memory, I again forgot your name. Whats your name? (Basically he wanted to distract her). (The injection was ready)
Siya - My name is Siya. (And she was already vaccinate...d by now)
SIYA - I SAID MY NAME WAS SIYA AND NOT SUEE (as in needle in Hindi) AA!
28th Oct, 2010
Siya and her stories....
Siya - Mom, I have my dance lessons today, please be on time.
Purwa - I have office dear and I am feeling uncomfy today because I took panga with my boss.
Siya - What is panga?
Purwa - I messed up.
Siya - I do that with my cupboard everyday, you always get it back to order right, u r a champ at it!
Purwa - Cupboard aur boss mein farak hai dear
Siya - Kya farak hai, dono aapke samne nahi bolte
26th Nov, 2011
Siya and her stories....
I had gone out of Mumbai for work and when I called up my mom she mentioned that Siya did not go to school today. I told her to give the phone to Siya....
Purwa - Siya, I heard you missed school today!
Siya - Not at all! I never miss school, I only miss you...
...She is a sweetheart, isn't she :-)
Common Wealth Games and Shiamak
After all the "shor sharaba" about the arrangements at the Common Wealth Games, The opening ceremony washed off all! And somewhere I feel, we really need to thank Shiamak and SPIDA for really choreographing a awesome opening ceremony. He did a great job! Also, I am wondering that he would be in a lot of pressure because firstly it is Common Wealth Games and secondly the country's name in itself was at stake. The opening ceremony was the first piece of event where "India was shinning" for CWG. Thanks Shiamak for making us proud that we are your students and making India proud of you!
Siya and her stories
Siya and her stories....
Purwa - We won 5 gold medals today in common wealth games, awesome right?
Siya - But I did not stand on the stand at all!
Purwa - What?
Siya - You only said na, WE won 5 gold medals!
Purwa - Are duffer, India won 5 golf medals, now don't ask how can India win pls!
Siya - Tell na, how can India win?
Purwa - Because we stay in India and people represent India.
Siya - Sometime you say we stay in Tardeo, then Mumbai, and now India :-(
(I took a map and explain her what the above means)
...Siya - That means this paper won! (what she meant is the Map won)
My God, kids.....
Purwa - We won 5 gold medals today in common wealth games, awesome right?
Siya - But I did not stand on the stand at all!
Purwa - What?
Siya - You only said na, WE won 5 gold medals!
Purwa - Are duffer, India won 5 golf medals, now don't ask how can India win pls!
Siya - Tell na, how can India win?
Purwa - Because we stay in India and people represent India.
Siya - Sometime you say we stay in Tardeo, then Mumbai, and now India :-(
(I took a map and explain her what the above means)
...Siya - That means this paper won! (what she meant is the Map won)
My God, kids.....
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Siya and her stories
Siya - What are you doing mom ?
Purwa - Liking people's status on facebook
Siya - Liking what? People's face or people's book !
Purwa - Liking people's status on facebook
Siya - Liking what? People's face or people's book !
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Siya and her Stories
Interesting question from Siya's (when she was 3yr old) - Mom parked the car and then decided to move ahead and park it again.
Siya - Aap yaha pur kyun park nahi kar rahe ho?
Purwa - Because that is a "No Parking" board (pointing towards it)
I take the car ahead....
...
Siya - Mummy, don't park here because I do not see a "Yes Parking" board here !!!
:-)
Siya - Aap yaha pur kyun park nahi kar rahe ho?
Purwa - Because that is a "No Parking" board (pointing towards it)
I take the car ahead....
...
Siya - Mummy, don't park here because I do not see a "Yes Parking" board here !!!
:-)
Siya and her Stories
Purwa - "Do you want to become like mom or dad when you grow up" (What I meant is in your career)
Siya - "Dad is good, mom is better but I cannot be both of them. I am the BEST, you always keep on telling me that mom..."
Yeh le, meri billi aur mujhse hi meow :-)
Siya - "Dad is good, mom is better but I cannot be both of them. I am the BEST, you always keep on telling me that mom..."
Yeh le, meri billi aur mujhse hi meow :-)
Siya and her Stories
There were a bunch of people smoking and .....
Siya - Mom, when you make Puris, there is smoke in the kitchen. What is cooking in their stomach? Inke burner ko kaise bundh karte hai?
:-)
Siya - Mom, when you make Puris, there is smoke in the kitchen. What is cooking in their stomach? Inke burner ko kaise bundh karte hai?
:-)
Siya and her Stories
Siya-"Mom, my school gives me homework everyday, even I wanna give homework!"
Purwa-"Ok,u and ur friend can give each other.(explained her the meaning of barter here)"
Siya-If I give you homework, I will NOT have to do barter right! So the question for u is "How are cartoon movies made?" When I come back from school, mak...e sure it is done...
She and her Whyzzzzz and Howzzzz? I get tasks assigned form her too now :-)
Purwa-"Ok,u and ur friend can give each other.(explained her the meaning of barter here)"
Siya-If I give you homework, I will NOT have to do barter right! So the question for u is "How are cartoon movies made?" When I come back from school, mak...e sure it is done...
She and her Whyzzzzz and Howzzzz? I get tasks assigned form her too now :-)
Siya and her Stories
Siya - Mom, can you buy me "Kinder Joy - 3 in 1 joy"
Purwa - You will have to earn it darling....
Siya - You did not go to office since so many days and still you got a car... I am only asking for Kinder Joy....
Purwa - You will have to earn it darling....
Siya - You did not go to office since so many days and still you got a car... I am only asking for Kinder Joy....
Siya and her Stories
Siya - What is Teacher's day?
Purwa - It is day for all your teachers where you thank them and let them know that they are very special in your life and have a very special place
Siya - But you did not thank me at all .... You always tell me that I am special which means I am your teacher right?
...:-)
Purwa - It is day for all your teachers where you thank them and let them know that they are very special in your life and have a very special place
Siya - But you did not thank me at all .... You always tell me that I am special which means I am your teacher right?
...:-)
Siya and her Stories
Siya - I am feeling like having some chocolates today.
Mom - Is today a Sunday? That means a "no chocolate day"
Siya - No one understand me except chocolate!
...Wonder who gave her birth then :-)
Mom - Is today a Sunday? That means a "no chocolate day"
Siya - No one understand me except chocolate!
...Wonder who gave her birth then :-)
Siya and her Stories
Siya - Where is my bag, I am getting for school?
Purwa - Must be in your room. Take it from there.
Siya - Get it for me "please".
Purwa - Why should I?
...Siya - Because I used the Golden Word "Pls" and you did not!
Purwa - Must be in your room. Take it from there.
Siya - Get it for me "please".
Purwa - Why should I?
...Siya - Because I used the Golden Word "Pls" and you did not!
Siya and her Stories
I got a new phone and did not get rid of the plastic coating on the screen and the back of the phone.
Siya - Guess you have a lot of money.
Purwa - Why?
Siya - You got a new phone which is broken, see it has cellotapes from day 1.
...
:-) I took quite sometime to interpret that one
Siya - Guess you have a lot of money.
Purwa - Why?
Siya - You got a new phone which is broken, see it has cellotapes from day 1.
...
:-) I took quite sometime to interpret that one
Siya and her Stories
Purwa - Today is your show, may be Shaimak will be there, are you nervous?
Siya - What is nervous?
Purwa - When something happens in your stomach, when you play with your hands very often, when you shiver, when you say the same thing atleast 10 times....
...After the show.....
Purwa - Were you Nervous?
Siya - No, I was not, Shaimak was, he said "Music" atleast 100 times.
Siya - What is nervous?
Purwa - When something happens in your stomach, when you play with your hands very often, when you shiver, when you say the same thing atleast 10 times....
...After the show.....
Purwa - Were you Nervous?
Siya - No, I was not, Shaimak was, he said "Music" atleast 100 times.
Siya and her Stories
Purwa - Today is your show, may be Shaimak will be there, are you nervous?
Siya - What is nervous?
Purwa - When something happens in your stomach, when you play with your hands very often, when you shiver, when you say the same thing atleast 10 times....
...After the show.....
Purwa - Were you Nervous?
Siya - No, I was not, Shaimak was, he said "Music" atleast 100 times.
Siya - What is nervous?
Purwa - When something happens in your stomach, when you play with your hands very often, when you shiver, when you say the same thing atleast 10 times....
...After the show.....
Purwa - Were you Nervous?
Siya - No, I was not, Shaimak was, he said "Music" atleast 100 times.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
When to Delegate?
When to Delegate
It is very important to understand when to delegate. Delegation should not be understood as merely getting the task off the plate. And it is not that one should always be delegating whatever is given to him. Delegation helps everyone when done appropriately, however that does not mean that you can delegate just anything. There are five key questions you need to ask yourself to determine if delegation is appropriate:
1) Is there someone else who has (or can be given) the necessary information or expertise to complete the task?
2) Does the task provide an opportunity to grow and develop another person's skills?
3) Is this a task that will recur, in a similar form, in the future?
4) Do you have enough time to delegate the job effectively? (You'll need to train people adequately, answer questions, check progress, and manage any rework that is necessary.)
5) Is this a task that you should delegate? Tasks critical for long-term success (for example, recruiting the right people for your team) genuinely do need your attention.
If you can answer "yes" to at least some of the above questions for a job, then it could well be worth delegating it.
Other factors that contribute to this include:
- The project's timelines/deadlines.
- How much time is there available to do the job?
- Is there time to redo the job if it's not done properly the first time?
- What are the consequences of not completing the job on time?
- Your expectations or goals for the project or task, including:
- How important is it that the results are of the highest possible quality?
- Is an "adequate" result good enough?
- How much would failure really matter?
- How much would failure impact other things?
That being said, having all these conditions present is no guarantee that the delegated task will be completed successfully either. You also need to consider to whom you will delegate the task, and how you will do it.
Tomorrow - Who and how - Delegate a task
It is very important to understand when to delegate. Delegation should not be understood as merely getting the task off the plate. And it is not that one should always be delegating whatever is given to him. Delegation helps everyone when done appropriately, however that does not mean that you can delegate just anything. There are five key questions you need to ask yourself to determine if delegation is appropriate:
1) Is there someone else who has (or can be given) the necessary information or expertise to complete the task?
2) Does the task provide an opportunity to grow and develop another person's skills?
3) Is this a task that will recur, in a similar form, in the future?
4) Do you have enough time to delegate the job effectively? (You'll need to train people adequately, answer questions, check progress, and manage any rework that is necessary.)
5) Is this a task that you should delegate? Tasks critical for long-term success (for example, recruiting the right people for your team) genuinely do need your attention.
If you can answer "yes" to at least some of the above questions for a job, then it could well be worth delegating it.
Other factors that contribute to this include:
- The project's timelines/deadlines.
- How much time is there available to do the job?
- Is there time to redo the job if it's not done properly the first time?
- What are the consequences of not completing the job on time?
- Your expectations or goals for the project or task, including:
- How important is it that the results are of the highest possible quality?
- Is an "adequate" result good enough?
- How much would failure really matter?
- How much would failure impact other things?
That being said, having all these conditions present is no guarantee that the delegated task will be completed successfully either. You also need to consider to whom you will delegate the task, and how you will do it.
Tomorrow - Who and how - Delegate a task
Friday, September 17, 2010
Delegation - Using the power of other people's help
Even "Super-You" needs help and support. There is no shame in asking for assistance. Push aside the pride and show respect for the talent others can bring to the table.
Get in the leadership fast lane!
If you work on your own, there’s only a limited amount that you can do, however hard you work. You can only work so many hours in a day. There are only so many tasks you can complete in these hours. There are only so many people you can help by doing these tasks. And, because the number of people you can help is limited, your success is limited. However, if you’re good at your job, people will want much more than this from you. This can lead to a real sense of pressure and work overload: You can’t do everything that everyone wants, and this can leave you stressed, unhappy, and feeling that you’re letting people down.
On the positive side, however, you’re being given a tremendous opportunity if you can find a way around this limitation. If you can realize this opportunity, you can be genuinely successful!
One of the most common ways of overcoming this limitation is to learn how to delegate your work to other people. If you do this well, you can quickly build a strong and successful team of people, well able to meet the demands that others place.
This is why delegation is such an important skill, and is one that you absolutely have to learn!
To figure out how to delegate properly, it’s important to understand why people avoid it. Quite simply, people don’t delegate because it takes a lot of up-front effort.
After all, which is easier: designing and writing content for a brochure that promotes a new service you helped spearhead, or having other members of your team do it? You know the content inside and out. You can spew benefit statements in your sleep. It would be relatively straightforward for you to sit down and write it. It would even be fun! The question is, “Would it be a good use of your time?”
While on the surface it’s easier to do it yourself than explain the strategy behind the brochure to someone else, there are two key reasons that mean that it’s probably better to delegate the task to someone else:
First, if you have the ability to spearhead a new campaign, the chances are that your skills are better used further developing the strategy, and perhaps coming up with other new ideas. By doing the work yourself, you’re failing to make best use of your time.
Second, by meaningfully involving other people in the project, you develop those people’s skills and abilities. This means that next time a similar project comes along, you can delegate the task with a high degree of confidence that it will be done well, with much less involvement from you.
Delegation allows you to make the best use of your time and skills, and it helps other people in the team grow and develop to reach their full potential in the organization.
Tomorrow: When to Delegate?
Get in the leadership fast lane!
If you work on your own, there’s only a limited amount that you can do, however hard you work. You can only work so many hours in a day. There are only so many tasks you can complete in these hours. There are only so many people you can help by doing these tasks. And, because the number of people you can help is limited, your success is limited. However, if you’re good at your job, people will want much more than this from you. This can lead to a real sense of pressure and work overload: You can’t do everything that everyone wants, and this can leave you stressed, unhappy, and feeling that you’re letting people down.
On the positive side, however, you’re being given a tremendous opportunity if you can find a way around this limitation. If you can realize this opportunity, you can be genuinely successful!
One of the most common ways of overcoming this limitation is to learn how to delegate your work to other people. If you do this well, you can quickly build a strong and successful team of people, well able to meet the demands that others place.
This is why delegation is such an important skill, and is one that you absolutely have to learn!
To figure out how to delegate properly, it’s important to understand why people avoid it. Quite simply, people don’t delegate because it takes a lot of up-front effort.
After all, which is easier: designing and writing content for a brochure that promotes a new service you helped spearhead, or having other members of your team do it? You know the content inside and out. You can spew benefit statements in your sleep. It would be relatively straightforward for you to sit down and write it. It would even be fun! The question is, “Would it be a good use of your time?”
While on the surface it’s easier to do it yourself than explain the strategy behind the brochure to someone else, there are two key reasons that mean that it’s probably better to delegate the task to someone else:
First, if you have the ability to spearhead a new campaign, the chances are that your skills are better used further developing the strategy, and perhaps coming up with other new ideas. By doing the work yourself, you’re failing to make best use of your time.
Second, by meaningfully involving other people in the project, you develop those people’s skills and abilities. This means that next time a similar project comes along, you can delegate the task with a high degree of confidence that it will be done well, with much less involvement from you.
Delegation allows you to make the best use of your time and skills, and it helps other people in the team grow and develop to reach their full potential in the organization.
Tomorrow: When to Delegate?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Teacher's Day
Following is the Full text of the Indian President's ( A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM ) address on the eve of Teachers' Day in India , 2003.
Dear listeners of All India Radio and teachers, my greetings to all of you.
I am talking to you on the special occasion of Teachers' Day. On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose dream was that "Teachers should be the best minds in the country". Hence, Teachers' Day is very important for all our people, for our students and even for all the parents, as the teachers lay the foundation for creating enlightened citizens for the nation. On this day, I would like to recall three teachers who helped me in shaping my life.
To begin with I am going to talk to you about my father Janab Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen, as a teacher. My father taught me a great lesson when I was a young boy. What was that lesson? It was just after India got Independence. At that time Panchayat board elections took place at Rameswaram. My father was elected Panchayat Board member and on the same day he was also elected the president of the Rameswaram Panchayat Board. Rameswaram Island was a beautiful place with 30,000 populations. At that time they elected my father as Panchayat Board president not because he belonged to a particular religion or a particular caste or spoke a particular language or for his economic status. He was elected only on the basis of his nobility of mind and for being a good human being. Dear listeners, I would like to narrate one incident that took place on the day he was elected president of the Panchayat Board.
I was at that time studying in school. Those days we did not have electricity and we used to study under ration kerosene lamps. I was reading the lessons loudly and I heard a knock at the door. We never used to lock the door in Rameswaram in those days. Somebody opened the door, came in and asked me where my father was? I told him that father had gone for the evening namaz. Then he said, I have brought something for him, can I keep it here? Since my father had gone for namaz, I shouted for my mother to get her permission to receive the item. Since she was also on the namaz there was no response. I asked the person to leave the item on the cot. After that I continued my studies.
I used to learn by reading aloud in my younger days. I was reading loud and fully concentrating on my studies. At that time my father came in and saw a tambalum kept in the cot. He asked me "What is this? Who has given that?" I told him, "Somebody came and has kept this for you". He opened the cover of the tambalum and found there was a costly dhoti, angawastram, some fruits and some sweets and he could see the slip that the person had left behind. I was the youngest child of my father, he really loved me and I also loved him a lot. He was upset at the sight of the tambalum and gifts.
That was the first time I saw him very angry and also that was the first time I had got a thorough beating from him. I got frightened and started weeping. My mother embraced and consoled me. Then my father came and touched my shoulder lovingly with affection and advised me not to receive any gift without his permission. He quoted an Islamic Hadith, which states that, "When the Almighty appoints a person to a position, He takes care of his provision. If a person takes anything beyond that, it is an illegal gain." Then he told me that it is not a good habit. A gift is always accompanied by some purpose and a gift is a dangerous thing. It is like touching a snake and getting the poison in turn. This lesson stands out always in my mind even when I am in my seventies. This incident, taught me a very valuable lesson for my life. It is deeply embedded in my mind.
I would like also to mention the writings in Manu Smriti which states that "By accepting gifts the divine light in the person gets extinguished". Manu warns every individual against accepting gifts for the reason that it places the acceptor under an obligation in favour of the person who gave the gift and ultimately it results in making a person to do things which are not permitted according to law.
I am sharing this thought, with all of you, particularly the young ones, do not be carried away by any gift which comes with a purpose and through which one loses his personality greatly. Do you think, you can follow this in your life? I will be very happy if you can practice this sincerely.
When I think of my second teacher, I am reminded of my childhood days when I was studying in 8th class at the age of 13. I had a teacher, Shri Siva Subramania Iyer. He was one of the very good teachers in our school. All of us loved to attend his class and hear him. One day he was teaching about a bird's flight. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard depicting the wings, tail and the body structure with the head. He explained how birds create the lift and fly. He also explained to us how they change direction while flying. For nearly 25 minutes he gave the lecture with various information such as lift, drag, how the birds fly in a formation of 10, 20 or 30. At the end of the class, he wanted to know whether we understood how birds fly. I said, I did not understand. When I said this, the teacher asked the other students whether they understood or not. Many students said that they also did not understand. He did not get upset by our response since he was a committed teacher.
Our teacher said that he would take all of us to the sea shore. That evening the whole class was at the sea shore of Rameswaram. We enjoyed the roaring sea waves knocking at the sandy hills in the pleasant evening. Birds were flying with sweet chirping voice. He showed the sea birds in formations of 10 to 20 numbers. We saw the marvellous formations of birds with a purpose and we were all amazed. He showed us the birds and asked us to see that when the birds fly, what they looked like. We saw the wings flapping. He asked us to look at the tail portion with the combination of flapping wings and twisting tail. We noticed closely and found that the birds in that condition flew in the direction they desired. Then he asked us a question, "Where the engine is and how it is powered"?
The bird is powered by its own life and the motivation of what it wants. All these things were explained to us within fifteen minutes. We all understood the dynamics from this practical example. How nice it was. Our teacher was a great teacher; he could give us a theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example available in nature. This is real teaching. I am sure many of the teachers in schools and colleges will follow this example.
For me, it was not merely an understanding of how a bird flies. The bird's flight entered into me and created a special feeling. From that evening, I thought that my future study has to be with reference to flight and flight systems. I am saying this because my teacher's teaching and the event that I witnessed decided my future career.Then one evening after the classes, I asked the teacher, "Sir, please tell me, how to progress further in learning all about flight." He patiently explained to me that I should complete 8th class, and then go to high school, and then I should go to engineering college that may lead to education on flight. If I complete all my education with excellence, I might do something connected with flight sciences. This advice and the bird flying exercise given by my teacher, really gave me a goal and a mission for my life. When I went to college, I took physics. When I went to engineering in Madras Institute of Technology, I took aeronautical engineering.
Thus my life was transformed as a rocket engineer, aerospace engineer and technologist. That one incident of my teacher teaching the lesson, showing the visual live example proved to be a turning point in my life which eventually shaped my profession.
A student during his school life upto 10+2 spends 25,000 hours in the school campus. His life is, more influenced by the teachers and the school environment. Therefore, the school must have the best of teachers with ability to, teach and love teaching and build moral qualities. Teachers should become role models. Similarly, the student must be alert to build himself with best of qualities and to get ignited with a vision for his or her future life.
I would like to share with you another experience with my teacher Prof. Satish Dhawan. First, I worked in Delhi with the Ministry of Defence. Later I joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 at the Aeronautical Development Establishment at Bangalore. There with the advice of the Director, I took up the development of hovercraft. Hovercraft design needed the development of a ducted contra-rotating propeller for creating a smooth flow balancing the torques. I did not know how to design a contra-rotating propeller though I knew how to design a conventional propeller. Some of my friends told me that I could approach Prof. Satish Dhawan of the Indian Institute of Science, who was well known for his aeronautical research, for help.
I took permission from my Director Dr Mediratta and went to Prof Dhawan who was sitting in a small room in the Indian Institute of Science with a lot of books in the background and a blackboard on the wall. Prof Dhawan asked me what the problem was that I wanted to discuss. I explained the problem.. He told me that it was really a challenging task and he would teach me the design if I attended his classes in IISc between 2 pm to 3 pm on all Saturdays for the next six weeks.
He was a visionary teacher. He prepared the schedule for the entire course and wrote it on the black board. He also gave me the reference material and books I should read before I start attending the course. I considered, this as a great opportunity and I started attending the discussion and started meeting him regularly. Before commencing each meeting, he would ask critical questions and assess my understanding of the subject. That was for the first time that I realized how a good teacher prepares himself for teaching with meticulous planning and prepares the student for acquisition of knowledge. This process continued for the next six weeks. I got the capability for designing the contra-rotating propeller. Prof Dhawan told me that I was ready for developing the contra-rotating propeller for a given hovercraft configuration. That was the time I realized that Prof Dhawan was not only a teacher but also a fantastic development engineer of aeronautical systems.
Later during the critical phases of testing, Prof Dhawan was with me to witness the test and find solutions to the problems. After reaching the smooth test phase, the contra-rotating propeller went through 50 hours of continuous testing. Prof Dhawan witnessed the test himself and congratulated me. That was a great day for me when I saw the contra rotating propeller designed by my team performing to the mission requirement in the hovercraft. However, at that time, I did not realize that Prof Dhawan would become chairman, ISRO and that I would get the opportunity to work with him as a project director in the development of the satellite launch vehicle SLV-3 for injecting the Rohini satellite into the orbit. Nature has its own way to link the student's dream and real life later.
This was the first design in my career which gave me the confidence to design many complex aerospace systems in future. The hovercraft could fly just above the ground level carrying two passengers. I was the first pilot for this hovercraft and I could control and maneuver the vehicle in any direction. Through this project I learnt the techniques of designing and developing the contra-rotating propeller. Above all, I learnt that in a project, problems will always crop up; we should not allow problems to be our masters but we should defeat the problems. Then successes will sparkle.
The three teachers in my life; what did they give me? In an integrated way it can be said, that any enlightened human being can be created by three unique characteristics. One is moral value system. That I got from my father the hard way. Secondly, the teacher becoming a role model. Not only does the student learn, but the teacher shapes his life with great dreams and aims. Finally, the education and learning process has to culminate in the creation of professional capability leading to confidence and will power to make a design, to make a product, to make a system, bravely combating many problems. What a fortune and blessing I had from my three teachers.
Among the listeners, there may be many parents, many teachers and a large number of students. Every one of us in this planet creates a page in human history irrespective of who he/she is. I realize my experience is a small dot in human life, but that dot has a life and light. This light, let it light many lamps.
My best wishes to all of you on this occasion of Teachers' Day. Thank you.
Dear listeners of All India Radio and teachers, my greetings to all of you.
I am talking to you on the special occasion of Teachers' Day. On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose dream was that "Teachers should be the best minds in the country". Hence, Teachers' Day is very important for all our people, for our students and even for all the parents, as the teachers lay the foundation for creating enlightened citizens for the nation. On this day, I would like to recall three teachers who helped me in shaping my life.
To begin with I am going to talk to you about my father Janab Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen, as a teacher. My father taught me a great lesson when I was a young boy. What was that lesson? It was just after India got Independence. At that time Panchayat board elections took place at Rameswaram. My father was elected Panchayat Board member and on the same day he was also elected the president of the Rameswaram Panchayat Board. Rameswaram Island was a beautiful place with 30,000 populations. At that time they elected my father as Panchayat Board president not because he belonged to a particular religion or a particular caste or spoke a particular language or for his economic status. He was elected only on the basis of his nobility of mind and for being a good human being. Dear listeners, I would like to narrate one incident that took place on the day he was elected president of the Panchayat Board.
I was at that time studying in school. Those days we did not have electricity and we used to study under ration kerosene lamps. I was reading the lessons loudly and I heard a knock at the door. We never used to lock the door in Rameswaram in those days. Somebody opened the door, came in and asked me where my father was? I told him that father had gone for the evening namaz. Then he said, I have brought something for him, can I keep it here? Since my father had gone for namaz, I shouted for my mother to get her permission to receive the item. Since she was also on the namaz there was no response. I asked the person to leave the item on the cot. After that I continued my studies.
I used to learn by reading aloud in my younger days. I was reading loud and fully concentrating on my studies. At that time my father came in and saw a tambalum kept in the cot. He asked me "What is this? Who has given that?" I told him, "Somebody came and has kept this for you". He opened the cover of the tambalum and found there was a costly dhoti, angawastram, some fruits and some sweets and he could see the slip that the person had left behind. I was the youngest child of my father, he really loved me and I also loved him a lot. He was upset at the sight of the tambalum and gifts.
That was the first time I saw him very angry and also that was the first time I had got a thorough beating from him. I got frightened and started weeping. My mother embraced and consoled me. Then my father came and touched my shoulder lovingly with affection and advised me not to receive any gift without his permission. He quoted an Islamic Hadith, which states that, "When the Almighty appoints a person to a position, He takes care of his provision. If a person takes anything beyond that, it is an illegal gain." Then he told me that it is not a good habit. A gift is always accompanied by some purpose and a gift is a dangerous thing. It is like touching a snake and getting the poison in turn. This lesson stands out always in my mind even when I am in my seventies. This incident, taught me a very valuable lesson for my life. It is deeply embedded in my mind.
I would like also to mention the writings in Manu Smriti which states that "By accepting gifts the divine light in the person gets extinguished". Manu warns every individual against accepting gifts for the reason that it places the acceptor under an obligation in favour of the person who gave the gift and ultimately it results in making a person to do things which are not permitted according to law.
I am sharing this thought, with all of you, particularly the young ones, do not be carried away by any gift which comes with a purpose and through which one loses his personality greatly. Do you think, you can follow this in your life? I will be very happy if you can practice this sincerely.
When I think of my second teacher, I am reminded of my childhood days when I was studying in 8th class at the age of 13. I had a teacher, Shri Siva Subramania Iyer. He was one of the very good teachers in our school. All of us loved to attend his class and hear him. One day he was teaching about a bird's flight. He drew a diagram of a bird on the blackboard depicting the wings, tail and the body structure with the head. He explained how birds create the lift and fly. He also explained to us how they change direction while flying. For nearly 25 minutes he gave the lecture with various information such as lift, drag, how the birds fly in a formation of 10, 20 or 30. At the end of the class, he wanted to know whether we understood how birds fly. I said, I did not understand. When I said this, the teacher asked the other students whether they understood or not. Many students said that they also did not understand. He did not get upset by our response since he was a committed teacher.
Our teacher said that he would take all of us to the sea shore. That evening the whole class was at the sea shore of Rameswaram. We enjoyed the roaring sea waves knocking at the sandy hills in the pleasant evening. Birds were flying with sweet chirping voice. He showed the sea birds in formations of 10 to 20 numbers. We saw the marvellous formations of birds with a purpose and we were all amazed. He showed us the birds and asked us to see that when the birds fly, what they looked like. We saw the wings flapping. He asked us to look at the tail portion with the combination of flapping wings and twisting tail. We noticed closely and found that the birds in that condition flew in the direction they desired. Then he asked us a question, "Where the engine is and how it is powered"?
The bird is powered by its own life and the motivation of what it wants. All these things were explained to us within fifteen minutes. We all understood the dynamics from this practical example. How nice it was. Our teacher was a great teacher; he could give us a theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example available in nature. This is real teaching. I am sure many of the teachers in schools and colleges will follow this example.
For me, it was not merely an understanding of how a bird flies. The bird's flight entered into me and created a special feeling. From that evening, I thought that my future study has to be with reference to flight and flight systems. I am saying this because my teacher's teaching and the event that I witnessed decided my future career.Then one evening after the classes, I asked the teacher, "Sir, please tell me, how to progress further in learning all about flight." He patiently explained to me that I should complete 8th class, and then go to high school, and then I should go to engineering college that may lead to education on flight. If I complete all my education with excellence, I might do something connected with flight sciences. This advice and the bird flying exercise given by my teacher, really gave me a goal and a mission for my life. When I went to college, I took physics. When I went to engineering in Madras Institute of Technology, I took aeronautical engineering.
Thus my life was transformed as a rocket engineer, aerospace engineer and technologist. That one incident of my teacher teaching the lesson, showing the visual live example proved to be a turning point in my life which eventually shaped my profession.
A student during his school life upto 10+2 spends 25,000 hours in the school campus. His life is, more influenced by the teachers and the school environment. Therefore, the school must have the best of teachers with ability to, teach and love teaching and build moral qualities. Teachers should become role models. Similarly, the student must be alert to build himself with best of qualities and to get ignited with a vision for his or her future life.
I would like to share with you another experience with my teacher Prof. Satish Dhawan. First, I worked in Delhi with the Ministry of Defence. Later I joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 at the Aeronautical Development Establishment at Bangalore. There with the advice of the Director, I took up the development of hovercraft. Hovercraft design needed the development of a ducted contra-rotating propeller for creating a smooth flow balancing the torques. I did not know how to design a contra-rotating propeller though I knew how to design a conventional propeller. Some of my friends told me that I could approach Prof. Satish Dhawan of the Indian Institute of Science, who was well known for his aeronautical research, for help.
I took permission from my Director Dr Mediratta and went to Prof Dhawan who was sitting in a small room in the Indian Institute of Science with a lot of books in the background and a blackboard on the wall. Prof Dhawan asked me what the problem was that I wanted to discuss. I explained the problem.. He told me that it was really a challenging task and he would teach me the design if I attended his classes in IISc between 2 pm to 3 pm on all Saturdays for the next six weeks.
He was a visionary teacher. He prepared the schedule for the entire course and wrote it on the black board. He also gave me the reference material and books I should read before I start attending the course. I considered, this as a great opportunity and I started attending the discussion and started meeting him regularly. Before commencing each meeting, he would ask critical questions and assess my understanding of the subject. That was for the first time that I realized how a good teacher prepares himself for teaching with meticulous planning and prepares the student for acquisition of knowledge. This process continued for the next six weeks. I got the capability for designing the contra-rotating propeller. Prof Dhawan told me that I was ready for developing the contra-rotating propeller for a given hovercraft configuration. That was the time I realized that Prof Dhawan was not only a teacher but also a fantastic development engineer of aeronautical systems.
Later during the critical phases of testing, Prof Dhawan was with me to witness the test and find solutions to the problems. After reaching the smooth test phase, the contra-rotating propeller went through 50 hours of continuous testing. Prof Dhawan witnessed the test himself and congratulated me. That was a great day for me when I saw the contra rotating propeller designed by my team performing to the mission requirement in the hovercraft. However, at that time, I did not realize that Prof Dhawan would become chairman, ISRO and that I would get the opportunity to work with him as a project director in the development of the satellite launch vehicle SLV-3 for injecting the Rohini satellite into the orbit. Nature has its own way to link the student's dream and real life later.
This was the first design in my career which gave me the confidence to design many complex aerospace systems in future. The hovercraft could fly just above the ground level carrying two passengers. I was the first pilot for this hovercraft and I could control and maneuver the vehicle in any direction. Through this project I learnt the techniques of designing and developing the contra-rotating propeller. Above all, I learnt that in a project, problems will always crop up; we should not allow problems to be our masters but we should defeat the problems. Then successes will sparkle.
The three teachers in my life; what did they give me? In an integrated way it can be said, that any enlightened human being can be created by three unique characteristics. One is moral value system. That I got from my father the hard way. Secondly, the teacher becoming a role model. Not only does the student learn, but the teacher shapes his life with great dreams and aims. Finally, the education and learning process has to culminate in the creation of professional capability leading to confidence and will power to make a design, to make a product, to make a system, bravely combating many problems. What a fortune and blessing I had from my three teachers.
Among the listeners, there may be many parents, many teachers and a large number of students. Every one of us in this planet creates a page in human history irrespective of who he/she is. I realize my experience is a small dot in human life, but that dot has a life and light. This light, let it light many lamps.
My best wishes to all of you on this occasion of Teachers' Day. Thank you.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Irrational Thinking
One of the biggest problems we have is the tendency for our mind to think in an irrational / unbalanced way. We see issues and other people through a clouded and fuzzy perspective. This judgment leads us to many problems, not least it makes life more stressful and depressing. These are a few perspectives which are misleading like:
Jumping to conclusions
Often we jump to conclusions on a small fraction of evidence. It does happen many a times in professional life when someone does not reply to your emails, we then project our own thoughts as to why this is. The mind creates a powerful scenario which we come to believe. Yet, our mental projections are often far from reality. To make things worse we often jump to conclusions in a negative way. The mind is suspicious of others’ intentions and we definitely create problems for ourselves by doubting our friends and relatives. We have to be very wary of jumping to conclusions; at the very least we should remind ourself our conclusion is likely to be wrong.
There are never shades of grey
We often come to see the world in black and white terms – either we are a total success or failure. Other people are either friends or enemies. The problem is that one small mistake can make us feel a total failure. For example, we say one wrong thing so then assume we have messed up a relationship with someone. On the other hand a small success can bloat us with pride. Life is never so clear cut; we have to avoid both the depths of despair and heights of vainglory. Rather than seeing ourselves as a total failure just see mistakes as stepping stones on the path to self-development.
Emotional thinking
Emotions are fleeting. Anger comes and goes. Fear comes and goes. Our emotional state is unreliable guide to the truth of an issue. Many times we are relieved we don’t act out of impulsive anger. To really understand a situation, we have to see it without the cloud of emotion. Take time to see beyond a misleading emotion.
These ways of looking at life all share a common theme – it is easy to gain an unbalanced look at life. When we look at problems through a certain filter it is inevitable that we create problems and have poor perception. To deal with this problem we need to avoid jumping to conclusions and be wary of our initial judgments.
Blaming other People for own Faults.
Often we sit in judgement on other people, but, if we were honest we would realise many of their faults we too share. We are not judging out of compassion but out of a sense of self-importance. The worst thing is when we do something wrong but seek to pass the blame onto other people – If only other people had done the right thing we would been fine. This is just our clever mind justify its wrong actions. But, with this attitude we will just continue doing the wrong thing and create more problems. We have to be honest with ourselves.
Before acting we need to test our state of mind.
Jumping to conclusions
Often we jump to conclusions on a small fraction of evidence. It does happen many a times in professional life when someone does not reply to your emails, we then project our own thoughts as to why this is. The mind creates a powerful scenario which we come to believe. Yet, our mental projections are often far from reality. To make things worse we often jump to conclusions in a negative way. The mind is suspicious of others’ intentions and we definitely create problems for ourselves by doubting our friends and relatives. We have to be very wary of jumping to conclusions; at the very least we should remind ourself our conclusion is likely to be wrong.
There are never shades of grey
We often come to see the world in black and white terms – either we are a total success or failure. Other people are either friends or enemies. The problem is that one small mistake can make us feel a total failure. For example, we say one wrong thing so then assume we have messed up a relationship with someone. On the other hand a small success can bloat us with pride. Life is never so clear cut; we have to avoid both the depths of despair and heights of vainglory. Rather than seeing ourselves as a total failure just see mistakes as stepping stones on the path to self-development.
Emotional thinking
Emotions are fleeting. Anger comes and goes. Fear comes and goes. Our emotional state is unreliable guide to the truth of an issue. Many times we are relieved we don’t act out of impulsive anger. To really understand a situation, we have to see it without the cloud of emotion. Take time to see beyond a misleading emotion.
These ways of looking at life all share a common theme – it is easy to gain an unbalanced look at life. When we look at problems through a certain filter it is inevitable that we create problems and have poor perception. To deal with this problem we need to avoid jumping to conclusions and be wary of our initial judgments.
Blaming other People for own Faults.
Often we sit in judgement on other people, but, if we were honest we would realise many of their faults we too share. We are not judging out of compassion but out of a sense of self-importance. The worst thing is when we do something wrong but seek to pass the blame onto other people – If only other people had done the right thing we would been fine. This is just our clever mind justify its wrong actions. But, with this attitude we will just continue doing the wrong thing and create more problems. We have to be honest with ourselves.
Before acting we need to test our state of mind.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Netcore - Turning Point in my career
The turning point in career came when I realized that all I wanted to know about Mobile VAS, team building, team dynamics, management, talent management, doing business was already out there. All I had to do was read it or listen to it. I then started to invest in myself and then never stopped. Netcore made me realize this and really thankful to them for providing me this opportunity. Also, as I was investing in myself, I realized that it was not only benefiting me but also the organization in many ways. So, it is not only personal interest but also in the interest of the organization. This kept me moving on and moving on really at a pace which I am happy with eventually because I could see myself contributing to the overall development of the company. I was not wrong when I said in my exit interview that "This company helped me in framing and developing my personality".
How did I start to invest in myself?
The first step I took was training. Be it in my office or in my college. At least one session of training every week was my target and achieved it well. Training gave me the confidence to stand and speak in front of a group, answer all kind of possible questions that come up, gave me a different perspective to look at a problem and the most important aspect was made me a very detail-oriented person. I am sure each one of you understand how did this benefit Netcore.
The second step I took was reading. I decided to read at least two books per week and also all that I can cover over the internet. Which means I decided to read up at least 2hrs per day. Reading made sure that I could be a part of any conversation and contribute to the same. It also made sure that when I speak, people will listen because there would surely be something interesting coming up.
The third step I took was decided to make my team my strength. I always feel that whatever I achieved, I would not have if my team was not there with me. Making a strong team helped me in sharpening my people management skills and enhancing my leadership skills.
The fourth step I took was decided to network and meet people. This helped me to build relationships and moreover market myself. It gave me the confidence that I could market myself in a more finished manner as I know how opinions are formed, what impression do people take away when they meet me, etc. This just made me work on myself.
The fifth step I took was decided to carry a attitude of "always in love with myself" and "fun-loving". In fact this is who I am, all I am trying to say is decide to surface it in office environment. Only reason was enhance my ability to take stress/pressure of any kind be it personally or professionally. I can always smile and be happy and make others happy too gave me the extra strength to go beyond what I can. I defined new boundaries for myself.
The sixth step I took was decided to scream for help at right time :-), what I meant is escalate the issue if I cannot manage it at the right time. There is no harm at all in saying "You don't know or you cannot handle or you are not capable of handling a task." But surely there is a harm when you say you do not have the attitude of learning the same. In fact, it gets more interesting when you think of it like this. If on daily basis, I don't know at least one thing, it means I learn at least one new thing everyday which means 365 new things every year and go on year on year. Wow!
There were of course many other tasks that I did but today when I look back, it was this that made me different. Thanks to my COO and MD who always encouraged me and made me what I am today. Thanks again!
How did I start to invest in myself?
The first step I took was training. Be it in my office or in my college. At least one session of training every week was my target and achieved it well. Training gave me the confidence to stand and speak in front of a group, answer all kind of possible questions that come up, gave me a different perspective to look at a problem and the most important aspect was made me a very detail-oriented person. I am sure each one of you understand how did this benefit Netcore.
The second step I took was reading. I decided to read at least two books per week and also all that I can cover over the internet. Which means I decided to read up at least 2hrs per day. Reading made sure that I could be a part of any conversation and contribute to the same. It also made sure that when I speak, people will listen because there would surely be something interesting coming up.
The third step I took was decided to make my team my strength. I always feel that whatever I achieved, I would not have if my team was not there with me. Making a strong team helped me in sharpening my people management skills and enhancing my leadership skills.
The fourth step I took was decided to network and meet people. This helped me to build relationships and moreover market myself. It gave me the confidence that I could market myself in a more finished manner as I know how opinions are formed, what impression do people take away when they meet me, etc. This just made me work on myself.
The fifth step I took was decided to carry a attitude of "always in love with myself" and "fun-loving". In fact this is who I am, all I am trying to say is decide to surface it in office environment. Only reason was enhance my ability to take stress/pressure of any kind be it personally or professionally. I can always smile and be happy and make others happy too gave me the extra strength to go beyond what I can. I defined new boundaries for myself.
The sixth step I took was decided to scream for help at right time :-), what I meant is escalate the issue if I cannot manage it at the right time. There is no harm at all in saying "You don't know or you cannot handle or you are not capable of handling a task." But surely there is a harm when you say you do not have the attitude of learning the same. In fact, it gets more interesting when you think of it like this. If on daily basis, I don't know at least one thing, it means I learn at least one new thing everyday which means 365 new things every year and go on year on year. Wow!
There were of course many other tasks that I did but today when I look back, it was this that made me different. Thanks to my COO and MD who always encouraged me and made me what I am today. Thanks again!
Spending time with Siya
Since I have taken a break in my career (may be not completely), I am spending now a days lot of time with Siya and enjoying every bit thoroughly. Don't feel like getting back to work at all :-(
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Why did we paint or write or dance?
Today after years I somehow felt I should start painting again! Off late, all the activities that I am doing is more on the creative side be it dancing, writing and now painting! Why do I want to paint or write or dance? What is it that gives me so much joy in doing all this? I am really not monetizing any of these (or rather I choose not to monetize) but still I am loving to spend time with these. I ask because there are a lot of people out there who would like to do painting and who are either scared, or intimidated, or simply don’t think they can do it, yet, the thought never leaves their minds…maybe they could paint? So let me take a attempt to think why do I like to dance or paint or write? I like to do all this because I like the uniqueness in it. When you think about it, writing is like painting in the sense that you use symbols to get across your thoughts. In writing, the symbols are the letters and in painting the symbols are the brushstrokes. I love to write, but today when I started to paint, I had a real different feeling. I felt the brushstrokes are more interesting, unusual, and many times more colorful. I find when I’m writing that I miss painting because I miss the different ways of creating brushstrokes that together form the art. I realized that I like analyzing the brushstrokes and coming up with different ways to create them. Also, I think 90% of me is below the surface. I never confuse the conscious, directed, purposeful 10% of me with who I really am. All of these, makes me meet myself. That is the only reason I like to paint, write or dance.
So today when I just started to draw something on the canvas, all I drew is a deserted street with a couple walking on the footpath. This is just so unlike me. I am sure every one of you will agree that Purwa is the one who would party a lot and is someone who would be surrounded by 100's of people. The painting just came out so different! Now you have to believe when I say, "I ONLY NETWORK, AND NOT SOCIALIZE". There is a difference :-)
So tell me friends, why do you paint?
So today when I just started to draw something on the canvas, all I drew is a deserted street with a couple walking on the footpath. This is just so unlike me. I am sure every one of you will agree that Purwa is the one who would party a lot and is someone who would be surrounded by 100's of people. The painting just came out so different! Now you have to believe when I say, "I ONLY NETWORK, AND NOT SOCIALIZE". There is a difference :-)
So tell me friends, why do you paint?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
How ISP helped me in bringing up Siya?
When I was expecting, I had done a 2 months session called Infant SSY Program conducted by MET Rishikul Vidhalya (recommended to me by a cousin of mine). That time, I was told that a child can be smart in more than one ways and there are more than one type of intelligence which can be very closely noted by parents based on the kind of activities the child performs, interests and abilities! The main ways children's intelligence and abilities are judged in our school systems are through their language and math skills. These are very important skills all children should learn but not the only way in which one should judge the child. Not every child is "Book Smart". Multiple intelligences are a set of different ways to look at how children (and all people) are smart and skillful. Understanding that children can be intelligent and good at different things allows you to help your child learn and succeed by seeing the world through her eyes. It can help you understand how she best shows what she knows and can do. The different types of intelligence are:
1) Visual-Spatial - They tends to solve a lot of puzzles, like drawing, have a good sense of direction
2) Verbal Linguistic - They tends to do a lot of speaking, story telling, writing, listening, having humour element in their conversations
3) Logical-Mathematical - They love problem solving, categorizing classifying, working with geometric shapes
4) Bodily-Kinesthetic - They would tend to show inclination towards dancing, sports, acting, anything requiring physical coordination, creating with hands.
5) Musical-Rythmic - They would tends to do a lot of singing, playing musical instruments, composing music
6) Inter-personal - Able to see other's point of view, listening, able to pick up on cues from others, good at forming good relations with other people, conflict resolution; good leaders
7) Intra-personal - Figuring out their own strengths and weaknesses, analyzing, understanding themselves and how they relate to others
Also, of course a child can have more than one skill and hence more than one intelligence but as parents it is very important for us to recognize them and then channelize their skills in right direction.
Siya is very much inclined towards sports, dance, skating and hence Bodily-Kinesthetic. She is also high on Inter-personal IQ (after all she is mommy's daughter). From a very young age she has been dancing and skating. She is done almost 6 shows till date (she is 5 now)! Also, as she is doing things where her skills are, it comes with her own will without any form of pressure from us. This also makes her a far stable and smart kid in school. A lot of concepts are taught to her while she is doing these activities. Like I remember talking to her about "Law of Inertia" while she was skating, talking to her about "Gravitational Force" when she is tired of climbing up 5 floors everyday, etc. She is eventually turned out to be a very smart girl and smart in more than one way!
1) Visual-Spatial - They tends to solve a lot of puzzles, like drawing, have a good sense of direction
2) Verbal Linguistic - They tends to do a lot of speaking, story telling, writing, listening, having humour element in their conversations
3) Logical-Mathematical - They love problem solving, categorizing classifying, working with geometric shapes
4) Bodily-Kinesthetic - They would tend to show inclination towards dancing, sports, acting, anything requiring physical coordination, creating with hands.
5) Musical-Rythmic - They would tends to do a lot of singing, playing musical instruments, composing music
6) Inter-personal - Able to see other's point of view, listening, able to pick up on cues from others, good at forming good relations with other people, conflict resolution; good leaders
7) Intra-personal - Figuring out their own strengths and weaknesses, analyzing, understanding themselves and how they relate to others
Also, of course a child can have more than one skill and hence more than one intelligence but as parents it is very important for us to recognize them and then channelize their skills in right direction.
Siya is very much inclined towards sports, dance, skating and hence Bodily-Kinesthetic. She is also high on Inter-personal IQ (after all she is mommy's daughter). From a very young age she has been dancing and skating. She is done almost 6 shows till date (she is 5 now)! Also, as she is doing things where her skills are, it comes with her own will without any form of pressure from us. This also makes her a far stable and smart kid in school. A lot of concepts are taught to her while she is doing these activities. Like I remember talking to her about "Law of Inertia" while she was skating, talking to her about "Gravitational Force" when she is tired of climbing up 5 floors everyday, etc. She is eventually turned out to be a very smart girl and smart in more than one way!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Dance - An expression of YOURSELF, my passion!
When I go back and think, all the best moments of my life were really followed up by some form of dancing. Like when I got my SSC results, HSC results, marriages of dear ones, my marriage, when Siya was born, etc etc etc. When I was a kid, I danced in rain out of radiance and joy. We all dance in some way or the other to express ourselves. Dance is an expression of one’s self! Through dance, one tries to express one’s joy, sadness or I can say various emotions that we go through in our lives. Dance is just not dancing with your body but it is dancing with your heart, mind and soul. There was a time I really thought of making dance as my career but dance as a career is not very conventional and there is no fixed way for it. Dancers really have to struggle at physical, emotional and mental level to realize their goals and dreams. They have to keep perfecting their technique and go beyond their body limitations which require extreme mental strength. Also, dance is a limited period career, it is age that becomes the biggest obstacle in dancer's career. So I am really not ashamed to declare that I really did not have the mental strength to take this forward. Hence, in spite of being a good dancer, I decided to take a step back and concentrate on home and career. But somewhere I always felt incomplete without it.
And then comes a day when Siya was born. As she was growing, I pretty much observed her interest towards dancing. When she turned 4, the first thing I did was enrolled her for dancing lessons and from then she has been continuing the same. It is because of Siya that I got connected with dancing all over again. I decided to enroll with her for dancing lessons again. And I am having just so much fun. I was just so wrong 10 years back! Despite all these disadvantages of this career, there are many dancers still devote their lives to dance for their passion. Because they find immense pleasure and joy in pursuing it which is above all the comforts and money which any other career provides them. For them, it’s an expression of their happiness and also a way to connect with their self.
Dance today actually has provided a way with which I connect with myself. I just cannot thank Siya enough for the same. :-). Who now really cares about the age, as long as I am having fun! As long as I have the feet, I can dance! It has definitely enhanced my body language and made me much confident in non-verbal communication. It distresses me completely that I look forward to it. And realizing what I have lost 10 years back, I would not want anyone to make this mistake again. If today Siya wants to make a career in dancing, I would surely encourage her and make sure she enjoys it fully!
And then comes a day when Siya was born. As she was growing, I pretty much observed her interest towards dancing. When she turned 4, the first thing I did was enrolled her for dancing lessons and from then she has been continuing the same. It is because of Siya that I got connected with dancing all over again. I decided to enroll with her for dancing lessons again. And I am having just so much fun. I was just so wrong 10 years back! Despite all these disadvantages of this career, there are many dancers still devote their lives to dance for their passion. Because they find immense pleasure and joy in pursuing it which is above all the comforts and money which any other career provides them. For them, it’s an expression of their happiness and also a way to connect with their self.
Dance today actually has provided a way with which I connect with myself. I just cannot thank Siya enough for the same. :-). Who now really cares about the age, as long as I am having fun! As long as I have the feet, I can dance! It has definitely enhanced my body language and made me much confident in non-verbal communication. It distresses me completely that I look forward to it. And realizing what I have lost 10 years back, I would not want anyone to make this mistake again. If today Siya wants to make a career in dancing, I would surely encourage her and make sure she enjoys it fully!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Serenity - Is it really laziness?
It is the bias of the culture that Serenity or Stillness is regarded as laziness or to put it the other way "not being in action" is regarded as negative. I personally don't really think so. I treat it as a action and in fact the most powerful one. Because it is only stillness that can conquer the heat! I see a lot of people in my office through the day who are really frazzled, swamped with work, meetings, emails, interruptions or are hassled by phone calls, kids, errands and chores.
PAUSE!!!
Stay still for a minute, close your eyes and breathe and find the stillness within yourself. This stillness spreads to your body and to your mind and it calms you down, centers you, focuses you on what you are doing right now, not on all that you have to do or all that has to happened. Stillness then becomes a transformative action for you. It is a very powerful tool to all the noise that is around you. It is a way to push back hard on all the buzz that is created around you, a way to remind you what is important for the moment.
I also do agree to the fact that it does not come naturally to all people but with practice, one can learn to master the art. Start your day with stillness, it sets the tone for the things to come. Through the day, take breaks of stillness. I have seen many people who have neck problems because of spending hours on the PC set a alarm to remind them of exercise. Along similar lines, set alarm to take stillness breaks. When chaos roars, pause. In the middle of a crisis or a noisy day, stop. Be still. Take a deep breath, and focus on that breath coming in, and going out. Find your inner stillness and then let your next action come from that stillness. Focus on that next action only.
PAUSE!!!
Stay still for a minute, close your eyes and breathe and find the stillness within yourself. This stillness spreads to your body and to your mind and it calms you down, centers you, focuses you on what you are doing right now, not on all that you have to do or all that has to happened. Stillness then becomes a transformative action for you. It is a very powerful tool to all the noise that is around you. It is a way to push back hard on all the buzz that is created around you, a way to remind you what is important for the moment.
I also do agree to the fact that it does not come naturally to all people but with practice, one can learn to master the art. Start your day with stillness, it sets the tone for the things to come. Through the day, take breaks of stillness. I have seen many people who have neck problems because of spending hours on the PC set a alarm to remind them of exercise. Along similar lines, set alarm to take stillness breaks. When chaos roars, pause. In the middle of a crisis or a noisy day, stop. Be still. Take a deep breath, and focus on that breath coming in, and going out. Find your inner stillness and then let your next action come from that stillness. Focus on that next action only.
Switch - Nice book on how to bring about "CHANGE"
Change can be a difficult thing. Most people want to change their lives, in some way, but find it difficult to either get started or to sustain the change for very long. What have I learned from my changes? I could write a book on this (and probably will someday), but the essence can be found in the space between the inevitable fact of change, and in the incredible resistance to change inside ourselves and in the people around us. We want to change, and yet we don’t. How do we resolve this tension? It can be incredibly difficult but extremely joyous path. This book highlights on how to make it a joyous path.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Brain Storming Format
From Emergic Blog
Brainstorming is very useful to get a set of opinions on different issues from a diverse group. I have tried out this format for getting ideas to bubble up from individuals and groups:
* Identity 4-5 key questions that needs to be discussed
* Create a questionnaire which is then given to each individual to answer in about 10 minutes
* Split people up into groups of 6-7 people at a roundtable. Depending on the number of people, work out the number of groups that will be there (call it N). Go around the room asking each person to sequentially say 1,2,3…N. Group all the people with the same number together. This is important to mix people up.
* Ask the group to discuss each of the questions based on the individual responses and come up with a common (consensus) answer to each of the questions. This helps draw out the “wisdom of crowds.”
* One person from each group presents to the wider audience.
* Collect both the individual answers and the group answers.
* After this, there can be an open-house (time permitting).
This process helps distill out both individual thinking and the collective view for each of the issues. It also ensures that each person gets an opportunity to talk (at the group-level). A structured discussion is necessary because a free-for-all format can degenerate into chaos very quickly.
Brainstorming is very useful to get a set of opinions on different issues from a diverse group. I have tried out this format for getting ideas to bubble up from individuals and groups:
* Identity 4-5 key questions that needs to be discussed
* Create a questionnaire which is then given to each individual to answer in about 10 minutes
* Split people up into groups of 6-7 people at a roundtable. Depending on the number of people, work out the number of groups that will be there (call it N). Go around the room asking each person to sequentially say 1,2,3…N. Group all the people with the same number together. This is important to mix people up.
* Ask the group to discuss each of the questions based on the individual responses and come up with a common (consensus) answer to each of the questions. This helps draw out the “wisdom of crowds.”
* One person from each group presents to the wider audience.
* Collect both the individual answers and the group answers.
* After this, there can be an open-house (time permitting).
This process helps distill out both individual thinking and the collective view for each of the issues. It also ensures that each person gets an opportunity to talk (at the group-level). A structured discussion is necessary because a free-for-all format can degenerate into chaos very quickly.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Launch of MyToday, India’s #1 SMS SuperStore
Today, we have launched MyToday, our direct-to-consumer store for great SMS content. It is first of its kind where there are almost 200 channels which is way beyond what anyone can offer! Our entire catalog of SMS channels is divided into nine categories for easy browsing, searching and discovery. A wide variety of topics that you could think of subscribing to. In case you do not find topic of your interest, simply write back to us (click on Feedback) and we would get that for you at the earliest. We are proud to say that at launch itself, we are the BIGGEST SMS marketplace!
We start at Rs.5 per month which is simply the unmatched pricing today. No one really offers at that price.
And it does not end at pricing, we offer a huge variety of products from publishers like Knowledge@Wharton, The Economist, MyIris, Rajshri Media, AstroCamp and our very own MyToday. We will be introducing many more more publishers in the coming weeks soon.
To register and get 30 credits FREE(where 1 credit = Re.1), simply sms PAL to 09212 012345
And fill in your life's moments with sms content of your choice. Because it is these moments that define your life!
Enjoy your know-now moments, your fun-filled moments, your learning moments with MYTODAY India #1 SMS SuperStore!
We start at Rs.5 per month which is simply the unmatched pricing today. No one really offers at that price.
And it does not end at pricing, we offer a huge variety of products from publishers like Knowledge@Wharton, The Economist, MyIris, Rajshri Media, AstroCamp and our very own MyToday. We will be introducing many more more publishers in the coming weeks soon.
To register and get 30 credits FREE(where 1 credit = Re.1), simply sms PAL to 09212 012345
And fill in your life's moments with sms content of your choice. Because it is these moments that define your life!
Enjoy your know-now moments, your fun-filled moments, your learning moments with MYTODAY India #1 SMS SuperStore!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Six Thinking Hats
The Six Thinking Hats brainstorming technique developed by Edward de Bono is used by thousands of organizations and millions of people around the world.
Six Thinking Hats is a profound and powerful technique. It is used to look at problems and decisions from different perspectives. The idea is that this forces you to think outside your usual constraints. This technique was introduced by Edward de Bono in his book, Six Thinking Hats, first published by Little, Brown and Company in 1985.
Many people think from an analytical, rational point of view. This is one reason why many such people are very successful. However, these same people on many other issues may neglect to consider their problems from a creative, emotional or intuitive viewpoint. This means that they may underestimate resistance to plans, fail to make creative leaps and not make essential contingency plans. Similarly, there is a tendency for pessimists to be defensive. Emotional people may fail to look at decisions calmly and rationally. The approach of the “Six Thinking Hats” technique is to allow people to solve problems using all approaches. Decisions and plans then mix ambition, skill in execution, public sensitivity, creativity
and good contingency planning.
How to Use the Six Thinking Hats
You can use Six Thinking Hats in group meetings or on your own. It makes an excellent approach to developing research proposals. In group meetings, “Six Hats” can block confrontations that happen when people with different thinking styles discuss the same problem. The result is that the energy in these meetings is devoted to moving forward rather than stagnating by a lot of defensive debating. Each “Thinking Hat” represents a different style of thinking that is metaphorically “put on your head” while you think through your issues. Each of the “Six Hats” is explained below:
Blue Hat: The Blue Hat stands for organization and control. The Blue Hat is worn by people chairing meetings and may be shared with others while organizing how the meeting is to be run. de Bono suggests that the Blue Hat be used at the beginning of meetings and at the end of the meetings, sort of like bookends, to help organize the agenda and lay out the discussion plans.
White Hat: The White Hat is the data and information hat. With White Hat thinking, you collect and examine information you have or can get, then look at what you can learn from that information. For example, the number of acres of citrus production is a White Hat topic. Look for gaps in your knowledge or where trends can be revealed, then try to fill them or take account of them. White Hat is where you analyze past trends and extrapolate into the future from available historical data.
Red Hat: Red hat thinking allows you to consider problems using intuition, gut reaction, and emotion. This is where everyone gets to see how other people will react emotionally to the ideas being developed during the session. You do not necessarily have to have logical explanations for your comments under the Red
Hat - just try to get your feelings out. But this is an opportunity to understand the feelings of people about the merits or drawbacks of a project.
Black Hat: Using black hat thinking, you consider the critical aspects of problem solving. Black Hat is an opportunity to examine the issues cautiously and defensively. Try to see why an idea might not work. Black Hat is very important (de Bono says one of the most important) since it highlights potential weak points in a plan. It allows you to eliminate, alter or prepare contingency plans to counter weaknesses in a plan.
Yellow Hat: The yellow hat is the positive hat. It is the optimistic viewpoint that helps you see all the benefits of the decision and the value in it. Yellow Hat thinking helps you to keep going when everything looks gloomy and difficult.
Green Hat: The Green Hat is the creativity hat. Green Hat is where you can develop creative solutions to a problem. It is a freewheeling way of thinking, in which there is little criticism of ideas. A whole range of creativity tools can help you here. Some people think of Green Hat as corresponding to traditional brainstorming techniques.
A variant of this technique is to look at problems from the point of view of different professionals. For example, if you are a grower, try to solve the problem through the eyes of a researcher customer. Researchers can benefit from using “Six Hats” to better understand the issues that growers face going into the future.
Six Thinking Hats is a profound and powerful technique. It is used to look at problems and decisions from different perspectives. The idea is that this forces you to think outside your usual constraints. This technique was introduced by Edward de Bono in his book, Six Thinking Hats, first published by Little, Brown and Company in 1985.
Many people think from an analytical, rational point of view. This is one reason why many such people are very successful. However, these same people on many other issues may neglect to consider their problems from a creative, emotional or intuitive viewpoint. This means that they may underestimate resistance to plans, fail to make creative leaps and not make essential contingency plans. Similarly, there is a tendency for pessimists to be defensive. Emotional people may fail to look at decisions calmly and rationally. The approach of the “Six Thinking Hats” technique is to allow people to solve problems using all approaches. Decisions and plans then mix ambition, skill in execution, public sensitivity, creativity
and good contingency planning.
How to Use the Six Thinking Hats
You can use Six Thinking Hats in group meetings or on your own. It makes an excellent approach to developing research proposals. In group meetings, “Six Hats” can block confrontations that happen when people with different thinking styles discuss the same problem. The result is that the energy in these meetings is devoted to moving forward rather than stagnating by a lot of defensive debating. Each “Thinking Hat” represents a different style of thinking that is metaphorically “put on your head” while you think through your issues. Each of the “Six Hats” is explained below:
Blue Hat: The Blue Hat stands for organization and control. The Blue Hat is worn by people chairing meetings and may be shared with others while organizing how the meeting is to be run. de Bono suggests that the Blue Hat be used at the beginning of meetings and at the end of the meetings, sort of like bookends, to help organize the agenda and lay out the discussion plans.
White Hat: The White Hat is the data and information hat. With White Hat thinking, you collect and examine information you have or can get, then look at what you can learn from that information. For example, the number of acres of citrus production is a White Hat topic. Look for gaps in your knowledge or where trends can be revealed, then try to fill them or take account of them. White Hat is where you analyze past trends and extrapolate into the future from available historical data.
Red Hat: Red hat thinking allows you to consider problems using intuition, gut reaction, and emotion. This is where everyone gets to see how other people will react emotionally to the ideas being developed during the session. You do not necessarily have to have logical explanations for your comments under the Red
Hat - just try to get your feelings out. But this is an opportunity to understand the feelings of people about the merits or drawbacks of a project.
Black Hat: Using black hat thinking, you consider the critical aspects of problem solving. Black Hat is an opportunity to examine the issues cautiously and defensively. Try to see why an idea might not work. Black Hat is very important (de Bono says one of the most important) since it highlights potential weak points in a plan. It allows you to eliminate, alter or prepare contingency plans to counter weaknesses in a plan.
Yellow Hat: The yellow hat is the positive hat. It is the optimistic viewpoint that helps you see all the benefits of the decision and the value in it. Yellow Hat thinking helps you to keep going when everything looks gloomy and difficult.
Green Hat: The Green Hat is the creativity hat. Green Hat is where you can develop creative solutions to a problem. It is a freewheeling way of thinking, in which there is little criticism of ideas. A whole range of creativity tools can help you here. Some people think of Green Hat as corresponding to traditional brainstorming techniques.
A variant of this technique is to look at problems from the point of view of different professionals. For example, if you are a grower, try to solve the problem through the eyes of a researcher customer. Researchers can benefit from using “Six Hats” to better understand the issues that growers face going into the future.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Is heart wiser than mind?
A misunderstanding – a misunderstanding between aspects of the One Being we all are. A conflict between light and dark, between yes and no, between good and bad, between truth and lie. This conflict begins "long ago", in the conflict between mind and heart. The mind and heart are such that they can disagree almost to all the things. Their disagreements are not important, except when they take the form of war and conflict, of domination and conquest.
In this context, I always tend to remember one story:
An old Cherokee chief is teaching his grandson about life:
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed."
Its a eternal war that goes on between them over who will take control over the other, the war of power, the war of authority! The "WE" in us is a consequence of this war. Every new fight sequence is a mother of a newborn emotion or a feeling or a reaction to some happening. Or body is the "Kurukshetra" for them. Our total existence remains on the fact that the fight goes on in a balanced way forever. The day the war ceases, we are dead. The mind wins over the heart at times when it is a question of rational calculated judgement. Whereas the heart, is a temporal organ(ism) who takes im"pulse"ive decisions and it often criticized the mind for doing that. As against this, the mind is rational and wins over the brain when it comes to deciding what to buy and what not to buy, even if the heart if fighting over its wants and love for some other stuff. Calculated risks and decisions are jobs of brain. But they are not always in good health and are always ridiculed over by the heart as being "acts of cowardliness". These organ(isms) often come together to fight another one, which is most of the times hazardous to all three : The Heart, The Mind and the Body. They fight collectively with "The Despair". Body in itself cannot survive as a barren piece or war land on which no war is being fought. It eventually dies and "The Despair" searches now for another territory. But most of the times, these two make up a good combo and give a good fight to "The Despair" and banish him out of the territory. Done that, they are again back to original foes and keep on fighting. Long live the war between the Heart and the Mind!
In this context, I always tend to remember one story:
An old Cherokee chief is teaching his grandson about life:
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied, "The one you feed."
Its a eternal war that goes on between them over who will take control over the other, the war of power, the war of authority! The "WE" in us is a consequence of this war. Every new fight sequence is a mother of a newborn emotion or a feeling or a reaction to some happening. Or body is the "Kurukshetra" for them. Our total existence remains on the fact that the fight goes on in a balanced way forever. The day the war ceases, we are dead. The mind wins over the heart at times when it is a question of rational calculated judgement. Whereas the heart, is a temporal organ(ism) who takes im"pulse"ive decisions and it often criticized the mind for doing that. As against this, the mind is rational and wins over the brain when it comes to deciding what to buy and what not to buy, even if the heart if fighting over its wants and love for some other stuff. Calculated risks and decisions are jobs of brain. But they are not always in good health and are always ridiculed over by the heart as being "acts of cowardliness". These organ(isms) often come together to fight another one, which is most of the times hazardous to all three : The Heart, The Mind and the Body. They fight collectively with "The Despair". Body in itself cannot survive as a barren piece or war land on which no war is being fought. It eventually dies and "The Despair" searches now for another territory. But most of the times, these two make up a good combo and give a good fight to "The Despair" and banish him out of the territory. Done that, they are again back to original foes and keep on fighting. Long live the war between the Heart and the Mind!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Happy Father's Day - Papa
Today is known as father's day. This is the day set aside to remind all of us to remember their father in some way :). This is the day to give expression and appreciation, for the love and care we have received and are receiving, from our fathers. Knowing you care little for a lot of sentimental or emotional praise (like all fathers do), I will limit my words of praise by saying I have, in my life time, met and known many fine fathers, and have read about many great men , yet, I can truthfully say I am glad I am your daughter.
You have always been the tough one in the family and I would say a lot more tougher than my uncles as you are the eldest in the family. You practically justify your zodiac sign (LIBRA) where all your decisions and actions are very balanced. You always wanted me to be someone "Big" in life. I am really not sure if I have really achieved that so far but I am surely only kid, lucky enough to have my very own "Big" dad. You've always been my #1 fan, and believed in me even when I was a rebel or not achieving success at anything in particular. It seems that your faith in me has never wavered, which is both a surprise and a blessing. Even though you don't want to admit it, you and I are very similar. It is only now, as an adult, that I can truly acknowledge, verbalize and respect that realization.
I have always been a rebellion through out and in-spite of that you congratulated me on my freedom when I entered college. Not a single exam of mine, you wished me "All the best" but your actions did speak louder than words. When I would be getting my results, mom would be like all happy and excited but you would be just quite. I know that you would be all excited and happy but would not want to express the same!
Then came the day when I got married. Among all three sisters, if someone who was the closest to you was me. We shared many and many good moments together and I could see all fading away the day I got married. I just did not want to leave my home and start a new life. You gave me the strength and courage to go ahead and start a new life.
Dads are very special and I am proud to have you as my father and my inspiration.
Love you!!!
You have always been the tough one in the family and I would say a lot more tougher than my uncles as you are the eldest in the family. You practically justify your zodiac sign (LIBRA) where all your decisions and actions are very balanced. You always wanted me to be someone "Big" in life. I am really not sure if I have really achieved that so far but I am surely only kid, lucky enough to have my very own "Big" dad. You've always been my #1 fan, and believed in me even when I was a rebel or not achieving success at anything in particular. It seems that your faith in me has never wavered, which is both a surprise and a blessing. Even though you don't want to admit it, you and I are very similar. It is only now, as an adult, that I can truly acknowledge, verbalize and respect that realization.
I have always been a rebellion through out and in-spite of that you congratulated me on my freedom when I entered college. Not a single exam of mine, you wished me "All the best" but your actions did speak louder than words. When I would be getting my results, mom would be like all happy and excited but you would be just quite. I know that you would be all excited and happy but would not want to express the same!
Then came the day when I got married. Among all three sisters, if someone who was the closest to you was me. We shared many and many good moments together and I could see all fading away the day I got married. I just did not want to leave my home and start a new life. You gave me the strength and courage to go ahead and start a new life.
Dads are very special and I am proud to have you as my father and my inspiration.
Love you!!!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Balancing act....
Lets start this write-up with Newton's third law, that is:
The mutual forces of action and reaction between two bodies are equal, opposite and collinear. This means that whenever a first body exerts a force F on a second body, the second body exerts a force −F on the first body. F and −F are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This law is sometimes referred to as the action-reaction law, with F called the "action" and −F the "reaction".
Simply put, "Every action has a equal and opposite reaction".
Over a period of time I have started sensing that it is just not a "Physical force" or a "Physical action" that follows this law but "Actions" in general follow this. It can be termed by different people differently like "after happiness there is sadness, after night there is day, your good deeds will pay back, God has an account of all right and wrong that will determine if we will be heaven or hell, etc". I strongly feel that one does not need to wait till death to close his accounts of deeds. Just like the way there is a balance sheet where you need to balance your assets and liabilities, there is some force around each one of us that maintains a balance sheet of your deeds.
Another analogy that I could think of relating with my Interiors Background is that of "Symmetry". Symmetry is the ordering principle in nature that represents the center of balance between two or more opposing sides. There are three types of symmetry (rather many types, but fundamentally three types):
1) Translation symmetry
2) Reflection symmetry
3) Rotational symmetry
Your deeds are more like reflection symmetry. Every deed you perform will have a reflection in some form nor the other. Sometimes, a correlation pattern can be clearly observed and hence you as a human will tend to relate it but sometimes it is just so abstract that one cannot really relate to it. But it is surely balanced always!
Many of my recent life incidences assert this fact!
The mutual forces of action and reaction between two bodies are equal, opposite and collinear. This means that whenever a first body exerts a force F on a second body, the second body exerts a force −F on the first body. F and −F are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This law is sometimes referred to as the action-reaction law, with F called the "action" and −F the "reaction".
Simply put, "Every action has a equal and opposite reaction".
Over a period of time I have started sensing that it is just not a "Physical force" or a "Physical action" that follows this law but "Actions" in general follow this. It can be termed by different people differently like "after happiness there is sadness, after night there is day, your good deeds will pay back, God has an account of all right and wrong that will determine if we will be heaven or hell, etc". I strongly feel that one does not need to wait till death to close his accounts of deeds. Just like the way there is a balance sheet where you need to balance your assets and liabilities, there is some force around each one of us that maintains a balance sheet of your deeds.
Another analogy that I could think of relating with my Interiors Background is that of "Symmetry". Symmetry is the ordering principle in nature that represents the center of balance between two or more opposing sides. There are three types of symmetry (rather many types, but fundamentally three types):
1) Translation symmetry
2) Reflection symmetry
3) Rotational symmetry
Your deeds are more like reflection symmetry. Every deed you perform will have a reflection in some form nor the other. Sometimes, a correlation pattern can be clearly observed and hence you as a human will tend to relate it but sometimes it is just so abstract that one cannot really relate to it. But it is surely balanced always!
Many of my recent life incidences assert this fact!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A stressful project - how do u manage your cool?
From the past year or so, work for me has been extremely hectic and at the same extremely stressful in terms of meeting milestones, delivery, deployments and to add all of above, DEAL WITH CHANGE! Finally after one year of slogging out, would ike to specifically share my experience.
Stay focused on one project at a time - Most of the time, I have several things that I am trying to do at once. I could be writing an email and at the same time I am thinking about an upcoming meeting. This split distraction puts strain on my focus and affects the quality of my work.
Depending on the task, I may set the timer for 30 minutes and try to knock the work out in that time frame. If I need more time, I let the timer beep at me and then I reset it for the appropriate amount of time. This allows me to focus on this one task.
Break the project down into tiny chunks - There are days when I feel that the length of tasks in my list would scare the hell out of someone! And then instead of getting the whole stuff done, my brain often shuts down in response to the overwhelming list. One thing that does help me is take a quick quick round outside my office and gulp in lots of water! I then break down my first big task into twenty minute chunks. When the project seems more manageable, I pick an easier 20 minute chunk and accomplish it. By doing this I boost my confidence and get my emotions back into a positive state.
Take a weird break - When I say weird, I mean here do something that you have never done before like pull someone leg, go for a walk, play TT, etc. There are so many ways we can pull ourselves out of a stressful state if we just take a moment to be creative.
Work for yourself - Many a times, when the project is too long, half way through I loose the motivation to accomplish the same. Then I try to figure of if the company's goals are aligned to my need. A constant watch at the same helps me not deviate and keeps me motivated.
Think only about the positives - I am sure it is much easier said than done but when going through a stressful phase, try to think about the positives and review them. By shifting my perspective to the positive, I’m able to let go of my negative thinking cycle and realign myself with the good things in my life.
Cope up with change as fast as possible - A change of any form like people leaving, organizational structure change, etc also adds to the stress levels. The best way to deal with this is to accept the change as soon as possible. This makes sure that it pinches you less and hence less stress.
And I personally believe that most of the work happiness comes from our relationship with ourselves!
Stay focused on one project at a time - Most of the time, I have several things that I am trying to do at once. I could be writing an email and at the same time I am thinking about an upcoming meeting. This split distraction puts strain on my focus and affects the quality of my work.
Depending on the task, I may set the timer for 30 minutes and try to knock the work out in that time frame. If I need more time, I let the timer beep at me and then I reset it for the appropriate amount of time. This allows me to focus on this one task.
Break the project down into tiny chunks - There are days when I feel that the length of tasks in my list would scare the hell out of someone! And then instead of getting the whole stuff done, my brain often shuts down in response to the overwhelming list. One thing that does help me is take a quick quick round outside my office and gulp in lots of water! I then break down my first big task into twenty minute chunks. When the project seems more manageable, I pick an easier 20 minute chunk and accomplish it. By doing this I boost my confidence and get my emotions back into a positive state.
Take a weird break - When I say weird, I mean here do something that you have never done before like pull someone leg, go for a walk, play TT, etc. There are so many ways we can pull ourselves out of a stressful state if we just take a moment to be creative.
Work for yourself - Many a times, when the project is too long, half way through I loose the motivation to accomplish the same. Then I try to figure of if the company's goals are aligned to my need. A constant watch at the same helps me not deviate and keeps me motivated.
Think only about the positives - I am sure it is much easier said than done but when going through a stressful phase, try to think about the positives and review them. By shifting my perspective to the positive, I’m able to let go of my negative thinking cycle and realign myself with the good things in my life.
Cope up with change as fast as possible - A change of any form like people leaving, organizational structure change, etc also adds to the stress levels. The best way to deal with this is to accept the change as soon as possible. This makes sure that it pinches you less and hence less stress.
And I personally believe that most of the work happiness comes from our relationship with ourselves!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My experience with leaders
Over the past years, I have worked with a good number of people in various fields. We can distinctly draw a pattern or pen down personality traits of what makes one a effective leader.
Effective leaders are joyous and fun. One of the main reasons they are good leaders is because they have eager followers. People like to follow leaders who are fun and who demonstrate obvious joy in their lives. After all, who wants to follow a grumpy and joyless leader?
Effective leaders have a strong work ethic. In fact, one of the greatest challenges of these leaders is maintaining balance. They are prone to be on the task 24/7.
Effective leaders are self-aware. They are able to see their strengths and weaknesses with a great deal of objectivity. They seek out critical evaluations from people they trust to tell them the truth. Because they are self-aware, they are constantly seeking to improve.
Effective leaders take initiative. These leaders do not need to be prodded to complete a task. To the contrary, they go well beyond others’ expectation. Good managers complete an assigned task. But good leaders are regularly envisioning a better way and better strategy.
Effective leaders love people. Some effective leaders are extroverts; they are energized when they are around people. Other effective leaders are introverts. Put them in a crowd sharing small talk, and they will be drained by the end of the day. But both types of leaders have a love for people. They truly care about others.
Effective leaders are tenacious. You rarely hear about them giving up. While others may view a setback as failure, the effective leaders see it as an opportunity to move in another direction.
But the good news is one can easily develop all of these skills. For some it may just come naturally but for some they might have to work on the same.
Effective leaders are joyous and fun. One of the main reasons they are good leaders is because they have eager followers. People like to follow leaders who are fun and who demonstrate obvious joy in their lives. After all, who wants to follow a grumpy and joyless leader?
Effective leaders have a strong work ethic. In fact, one of the greatest challenges of these leaders is maintaining balance. They are prone to be on the task 24/7.
Effective leaders are self-aware. They are able to see their strengths and weaknesses with a great deal of objectivity. They seek out critical evaluations from people they trust to tell them the truth. Because they are self-aware, they are constantly seeking to improve.
Effective leaders take initiative. These leaders do not need to be prodded to complete a task. To the contrary, they go well beyond others’ expectation. Good managers complete an assigned task. But good leaders are regularly envisioning a better way and better strategy.
Effective leaders love people. Some effective leaders are extroverts; they are energized when they are around people. Other effective leaders are introverts. Put them in a crowd sharing small talk, and they will be drained by the end of the day. But both types of leaders have a love for people. They truly care about others.
Effective leaders are tenacious. You rarely hear about them giving up. While others may view a setback as failure, the effective leaders see it as an opportunity to move in another direction.
But the good news is one can easily develop all of these skills. For some it may just come naturally but for some they might have to work on the same.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mother's Day Mom
As someone has rightly said "Since God cannot reach everywhere, he created a MOTHER". Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!
Since, I am the eldest in the family, I had the privilege of having the first emotional attachment with you and spending the most time with you. Few incidences that completely overwhelm me are my important years to education that is 10th and 12th. I still remember you at that age taking care of me, milkshakes, water, waking up just to wake me up, in your way telling me "Don't worry Purwa, we are sure that you will do well!". You always gave me the liberty to make my own decisions and trusted me. There are many a times that I did take you for granted and I apologize for that. In-spite of surely not being the best daughter, you always stood by me and never left me alone!
In my Engineering, you had gained complete confidence in me that I would manage my studies with all other things I did very well. You told me in your own way that these are just few years before you get married, so make the most of it now.
Then when I got married, I just hate the memories of parting away with you. I could not see myself without you. I always had a shoulder to cry but when got married, I suddenly found myself all alone. But you gave me the strength and silently told me to take control of my life.
When I entered motherhood, you were the ONLY one who stood by me in all the ups and downs we faced while bringing up Siya. I hate to give myself and Vipul alone the credit for bringing her up. She is this way because she is with you. Me and Vipul can work and enjoy our lives comfortably only because we know that Siya is in safe hands. You never objected the fact that because of just being there for Siya, you would be giving up a good bit of your personal life!
8th Oct, 2009 was the worst and the best day of my life ever. I have never got so scared ever as I did that day when you underwent a by-pass and was in a 11hr long operation. When I saw you after the surgery, I just could not see you in pain. It is very difficult to see a person who has always been a part of my pain, in so much pain! I thank God for this day too because it is because of him that I have not lost my PILLAR. Thank You God.
I thank God everyday for the wonderful relationship we share. All my dreams and hopes are for you, and though you might not always see the way I do things now, I know you always trust me to do my best. You know, whenever I feel down and sad, I still go to our own happy place. I remember you talking to me softly and telling me everything’s going to be fine. That’s how much I value your trust in me, Mom. I know you have faith in me so I do my best to get through all my troubles with you as my model of strength. Even when we’re apart, believe me when I say you will always be in my heart. I will never forget the way you held me when I thought I had no one to turn to. Mom, I cannot thank you enough for being there for me.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AGAIN MOM!!!
Since, I am the eldest in the family, I had the privilege of having the first emotional attachment with you and spending the most time with you. Few incidences that completely overwhelm me are my important years to education that is 10th and 12th. I still remember you at that age taking care of me, milkshakes, water, waking up just to wake me up, in your way telling me "Don't worry Purwa, we are sure that you will do well!". You always gave me the liberty to make my own decisions and trusted me. There are many a times that I did take you for granted and I apologize for that. In-spite of surely not being the best daughter, you always stood by me and never left me alone!
In my Engineering, you had gained complete confidence in me that I would manage my studies with all other things I did very well. You told me in your own way that these are just few years before you get married, so make the most of it now.
Then when I got married, I just hate the memories of parting away with you. I could not see myself without you. I always had a shoulder to cry but when got married, I suddenly found myself all alone. But you gave me the strength and silently told me to take control of my life.
When I entered motherhood, you were the ONLY one who stood by me in all the ups and downs we faced while bringing up Siya. I hate to give myself and Vipul alone the credit for bringing her up. She is this way because she is with you. Me and Vipul can work and enjoy our lives comfortably only because we know that Siya is in safe hands. You never objected the fact that because of just being there for Siya, you would be giving up a good bit of your personal life!
8th Oct, 2009 was the worst and the best day of my life ever. I have never got so scared ever as I did that day when you underwent a by-pass and was in a 11hr long operation. When I saw you after the surgery, I just could not see you in pain. It is very difficult to see a person who has always been a part of my pain, in so much pain! I thank God for this day too because it is because of him that I have not lost my PILLAR. Thank You God.
I thank God everyday for the wonderful relationship we share. All my dreams and hopes are for you, and though you might not always see the way I do things now, I know you always trust me to do my best. You know, whenever I feel down and sad, I still go to our own happy place. I remember you talking to me softly and telling me everything’s going to be fine. That’s how much I value your trust in me, Mom. I know you have faith in me so I do my best to get through all my troubles with you as my model of strength. Even when we’re apart, believe me when I say you will always be in my heart. I will never forget the way you held me when I thought I had no one to turn to. Mom, I cannot thank you enough for being there for me.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AGAIN MOM!!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How do I know what I am passionate about?
My boss during some appraisal cycle mentioned to me that "Purwa, you don't know what you don't know!" That really put me to a thought and started to question myself on "What am I really passionate about?"
These are the questions I asked myself.
1) What are you good at?
Unless you’re just starting out in life, you already have some skills or talent, shown some kind of aptitude. Even if you are just starting out, you might have shown some talent when you were young. Have you been good at ideas, connecting people, gardening, selling? Give this some thought. I took 30 minutes going over this question. Also, there could be a situation that the list is long. Pen it down on paper.
2) What excites you?
Is it something at job? Is it something outside job? Is it something with your family, with your kids? What excites you the most? Check the items listed question 1 against this.
3) What do I read about?
I found question 2 a little difficult to answer. So thought to ask myself, if I am excited about something, I will go out of my way and give time. Is it something that I read about a lot.
4) What have you secretly dreamed about?
You might have some ridiculous dream job you’ve always wanted to do — to be a novelist, an artist, a designer, an architect, a doctor, an entrepreneur, a programmer. But some fear, some self-doubt, has held you back, has led you to dismiss this idea. Maybe there are several. Add them to the list — no matter how unrealistic.
5. Learn, ask, take notes.
From the list obtained, pick one thing from the list that excites you most. This is your first candidate. Now read up on it, talk to people who’ve been successful in the field. Make a list of notes of things you need to learn, need to improve on, skills you want to master, people to talk to. Study up on it, but don’t make yourself wait too long before diving into the next step.
6. Experiment, try and banish your fears
Here’s where the learning really takes place. If you haven’t been already, start to do the thing you’ve chosen. Maybe you already are, in which case you might be able to skip to the next step or choose a second candidate to try out. But if you haven’t been, start now — just do it. This is the biggest obstacle for most people – self-doubt and fear of failure. You’re going to face it and banish it. First, acknowledge it rather than ignoring or denying it. Second, write it down, to externalize it. Third, feel it, and be OK with having it. Fourth, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
7. Find the time
Don’t have the time to pursue this passion? Make the time, dammit! If this is a priority, you’ll make the time — rearrange your life until you have the time. This might mean waking earlier, or doing it after work or during lunch, or on weekends. It will probably mean canceling some commitments, etc. Do what it take.
8. Make it your living
This doesn’t happen overnight. When you get to the point where someone would pay you for it, then you’re golden — there are many ways to make a living at that point, including doing freelance or consulting work, making information products such as ebooks, writing a blog, selling advertising, etc
All of this made me realize that it needs a lot of self-reflection, then the courage and learning and experimentation, and finally a lot of commitment.
These are the questions I asked myself.
1) What are you good at?
Unless you’re just starting out in life, you already have some skills or talent, shown some kind of aptitude. Even if you are just starting out, you might have shown some talent when you were young. Have you been good at ideas, connecting people, gardening, selling? Give this some thought. I took 30 minutes going over this question. Also, there could be a situation that the list is long. Pen it down on paper.
2) What excites you?
Is it something at job? Is it something outside job? Is it something with your family, with your kids? What excites you the most? Check the items listed question 1 against this.
3) What do I read about?
I found question 2 a little difficult to answer. So thought to ask myself, if I am excited about something, I will go out of my way and give time. Is it something that I read about a lot.
4) What have you secretly dreamed about?
You might have some ridiculous dream job you’ve always wanted to do — to be a novelist, an artist, a designer, an architect, a doctor, an entrepreneur, a programmer. But some fear, some self-doubt, has held you back, has led you to dismiss this idea. Maybe there are several. Add them to the list — no matter how unrealistic.
5. Learn, ask, take notes.
From the list obtained, pick one thing from the list that excites you most. This is your first candidate. Now read up on it, talk to people who’ve been successful in the field. Make a list of notes of things you need to learn, need to improve on, skills you want to master, people to talk to. Study up on it, but don’t make yourself wait too long before diving into the next step.
6. Experiment, try and banish your fears
Here’s where the learning really takes place. If you haven’t been already, start to do the thing you’ve chosen. Maybe you already are, in which case you might be able to skip to the next step or choose a second candidate to try out. But if you haven’t been, start now — just do it. This is the biggest obstacle for most people – self-doubt and fear of failure. You’re going to face it and banish it. First, acknowledge it rather than ignoring or denying it. Second, write it down, to externalize it. Third, feel it, and be OK with having it. Fourth, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
7. Find the time
Don’t have the time to pursue this passion? Make the time, dammit! If this is a priority, you’ll make the time — rearrange your life until you have the time. This might mean waking earlier, or doing it after work or during lunch, or on weekends. It will probably mean canceling some commitments, etc. Do what it take.
8. Make it your living
This doesn’t happen overnight. When you get to the point where someone would pay you for it, then you’re golden — there are many ways to make a living at that point, including doing freelance or consulting work, making information products such as ebooks, writing a blog, selling advertising, etc
All of this made me realize that it needs a lot of self-reflection, then the courage and learning and experimentation, and finally a lot of commitment.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Dreams
Dream Big and Achieve big. This is my motto. Everything begins with a dream. Every great achievement was once a dream. If you can dream it then you can achieve it. Follow your intuition and in turn success will follow you.
I still remember my HR professor in college who told us to draw up our vision board. We did laugh a lot that time and felt it weird but I guess how it helped me was to put my dreams into a concrete form! This is what he told us to do:
1) Collect all those old magazines
2) Find the glue and scissors and painting material
3) Big chart paper
4) Make a collage of what are your dreams
My Vision Board today is 12 months old already. I still use it when I need to, without fail. It can be a long time before you reach ALL of your goals as some are very long term and some are short term.
But the true fact is, it makes to meet your dreams everyday!
I still remember my HR professor in college who told us to draw up our vision board. We did laugh a lot that time and felt it weird but I guess how it helped me was to put my dreams into a concrete form! This is what he told us to do:
1) Collect all those old magazines
2) Find the glue and scissors and painting material
3) Big chart paper
4) Make a collage of what are your dreams
My Vision Board today is 12 months old already. I still use it when I need to, without fail. It can be a long time before you reach ALL of your goals as some are very long term and some are short term.
But the true fact is, it makes to meet your dreams everyday!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Happy Birthday Siya - 5 years
Dear Siya,
It is been a wonderful experience from 6th April, 2005 to 6th April, 2010. These five years, I have truly understood that it is the baby that gives birth to a mom! There are no words that I can write here that would be able to express what you are to us, but I still feel like just writing them anyways (we want you to read once you grow up). From the day we knew that I was expecting, we realized that God had chosen us as your family. From then, we have been talking about you all the time. In spite of the fact that neither mom nor dad are around through the day, you are a part of us wherever we go. I am proud to be known as Siya's mom more than Purwa Jain herself.
I still remember 6th April, 2005. Your mom has always been afraid of doctors, medicines and hospitals. When I was told that day, I will be undergoing a surgery, for the first time, I was not scared but decided to fight back to get you in this world! After seeing you, I was peaceful and calm. I stopped worrying about me and just was overwhelmed with joy.
By 6th April, 2006, you had learned by then to talk, walk, laugh, play and not to forget fall :-). You had achieved all your milestones well and much before time. I would just enjoy seeing you for hours and hours and learn from you. The energy, the enthusiasm, the curiosity to know everything around has always been a inspiration for me.
By 6th April, 2007, you grew up to a complete sporty girl. You started to recognize those flash cards and words and pretty much knew almost 300 patterns! Remarkable right! You will read this someday and feel extremely proud about it. And so is mom today. You also started going to playschool and that is when we realized that you love socializing. While all your friends were crying on the first day, you were pretty ok to be away from your mom for few hours.
By 6th April, 2008, we had to decide your school. You again did pretty well there in your interview and again mom and dad did not have to struggle much for the same. This year I had tried innovative ways to handle your tantrums (bird language, etc). What I liked most about you the most this year (rather what I learned from you) was if you made a mistake, you would accept it. You would come to me and apologize and I would be all geared up again to do something to hear the word "sorry" (mean mommy, i know).
By 6th April, 2009, we mainly tried to focus on your interest area be it dancing, skating, cycling, etc. You started schooling this year and as usual was pretty smooth start. You performed on the stage umpteen number of times this year and also got a good number of certificates and medals. You would just not settle for less than what you were worth and that really put me into thought many a times. I am really not sure if that is right or wrong but I surely know that if you have to learn from your failures too.
By 6th April, 2010, you have grown up as a extremely talkative and a supportive daughter. Getting water when I come back from college or office, making sure I sleep well, making sure you talk to me every afternoon when in office, and many such incidences just get tears to my eyes. You have been so caring and so adorable. You have started to write and read and this is basically your first entry to the world of information. You have shown interest in reading newspapers and books and always is looking forward to outings to Crosswords. All that I would like to tell you on your birthday today is (of course told to me by one of my friends a few days back) your future is decided by choices and not by the chances that you take along the way. Everyone in this world (including us) will have a opinion but the matter of fact is that only you can decide what can make you happy.
And always remember our world revolves around you. We love you, we are very proud of you and we do accept that you are growing up. Just know that you will always be our baby.
Happy Birthday Siya and God Bless!
It is been a wonderful experience from 6th April, 2005 to 6th April, 2010. These five years, I have truly understood that it is the baby that gives birth to a mom! There are no words that I can write here that would be able to express what you are to us, but I still feel like just writing them anyways (we want you to read once you grow up). From the day we knew that I was expecting, we realized that God had chosen us as your family. From then, we have been talking about you all the time. In spite of the fact that neither mom nor dad are around through the day, you are a part of us wherever we go. I am proud to be known as Siya's mom more than Purwa Jain herself.
I still remember 6th April, 2005. Your mom has always been afraid of doctors, medicines and hospitals. When I was told that day, I will be undergoing a surgery, for the first time, I was not scared but decided to fight back to get you in this world! After seeing you, I was peaceful and calm. I stopped worrying about me and just was overwhelmed with joy.
By 6th April, 2006, you had learned by then to talk, walk, laugh, play and not to forget fall :-). You had achieved all your milestones well and much before time. I would just enjoy seeing you for hours and hours and learn from you. The energy, the enthusiasm, the curiosity to know everything around has always been a inspiration for me.
By 6th April, 2007, you grew up to a complete sporty girl. You started to recognize those flash cards and words and pretty much knew almost 300 patterns! Remarkable right! You will read this someday and feel extremely proud about it. And so is mom today. You also started going to playschool and that is when we realized that you love socializing. While all your friends were crying on the first day, you were pretty ok to be away from your mom for few hours.
By 6th April, 2008, we had to decide your school. You again did pretty well there in your interview and again mom and dad did not have to struggle much for the same. This year I had tried innovative ways to handle your tantrums (bird language, etc). What I liked most about you the most this year (rather what I learned from you) was if you made a mistake, you would accept it. You would come to me and apologize and I would be all geared up again to do something to hear the word "sorry" (mean mommy, i know).
By 6th April, 2009, we mainly tried to focus on your interest area be it dancing, skating, cycling, etc. You started schooling this year and as usual was pretty smooth start. You performed on the stage umpteen number of times this year and also got a good number of certificates and medals. You would just not settle for less than what you were worth and that really put me into thought many a times. I am really not sure if that is right or wrong but I surely know that if you have to learn from your failures too.
By 6th April, 2010, you have grown up as a extremely talkative and a supportive daughter. Getting water when I come back from college or office, making sure I sleep well, making sure you talk to me every afternoon when in office, and many such incidences just get tears to my eyes. You have been so caring and so adorable. You have started to write and read and this is basically your first entry to the world of information. You have shown interest in reading newspapers and books and always is looking forward to outings to Crosswords. All that I would like to tell you on your birthday today is (of course told to me by one of my friends a few days back) your future is decided by choices and not by the chances that you take along the way. Everyone in this world (including us) will have a opinion but the matter of fact is that only you can decide what can make you happy.
And always remember our world revolves around you. We love you, we are very proud of you and we do accept that you are growing up. Just know that you will always be our baby.
Happy Birthday Siya and God Bless!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Dealing with others at office for your ideas
In our day to day professional lives, we find that many a times our colleagues or our bosses just not realize the importance of a idea, thought, process change, etc. How do you really get to convince them (that is only if you are convinced) is a big questions. Few things that I tried recently and may be of help to each one of you:
Model behavior: The most important thing you can do to convert others to your ideas is to be the best model possible. Walk the walk, and do it visibly, so others can see what you’re doing. Just showing how to do it can be a powerful tool indeed. Share how important it is to you and its benefits : Show others how great it is to you, how important a part of your life this is. Talk with them about it, and tell them why you’re doing this. When people understand your motivation, they can start to get on board, or at least stop feeling so threatened. And when they see how great it is for you, how happy it makes you and all the great things it brings into your life, they’ll move closer and closer to your way. Ask for help: It is very important to recognize that you need help and don't shy at all. Make "simplifying" a team effort — not just something you’re doing, but something you’re all doing together. And make it fun! Educate other to make them a part of the change: The best way to educate others is, by your good example. But beyond that, you may want to share books and websites and blogs you’re reading, not in a way that insists that they change, but just to show what you’re interested in and how they might learn more if they’re interested. You can’t force people to read or watch, but you can make it available. In addition, talk with them about it — again, not in a pushy way but in a way that shows how excited you are and how you’d like to share what you’re learning about. If they seem put off, don’t go on and on. (I learn this from MD of my company) Realize you can’t control or change others. One of the most common frustrations comes when people try to control other people, or force them to change. You can try to control others, but there will always be a struggle, and you’ll always fail to some degree. This applies to your significant other, even to kids. We try to control them but we can’t, not really. Instead, try to influence others, encourage them, support them, help them find happiness. And let go of the need to control. It’s difficult but really essential here. Once you can release that need to control, you’ll find much more happiness.
And of course last but not the least have patience!
This is very difficult for me too but I am learning and will be able to get through one day.
Model behavior: The most important thing you can do to convert others to your ideas is to be the best model possible. Walk the walk, and do it visibly, so others can see what you’re doing. Just showing how to do it can be a powerful tool indeed. Share how important it is to you and its benefits : Show others how great it is to you, how important a part of your life this is. Talk with them about it, and tell them why you’re doing this. When people understand your motivation, they can start to get on board, or at least stop feeling so threatened. And when they see how great it is for you, how happy it makes you and all the great things it brings into your life, they’ll move closer and closer to your way. Ask for help: It is very important to recognize that you need help and don't shy at all. Make "simplifying" a team effort — not just something you’re doing, but something you’re all doing together. And make it fun! Educate other to make them a part of the change: The best way to educate others is, by your good example. But beyond that, you may want to share books and websites and blogs you’re reading, not in a way that insists that they change, but just to show what you’re interested in and how they might learn more if they’re interested. You can’t force people to read or watch, but you can make it available. In addition, talk with them about it — again, not in a pushy way but in a way that shows how excited you are and how you’d like to share what you’re learning about. If they seem put off, don’t go on and on. (I learn this from MD of my company) Realize you can’t control or change others. One of the most common frustrations comes when people try to control other people, or force them to change. You can try to control others, but there will always be a struggle, and you’ll always fail to some degree. This applies to your significant other, even to kids. We try to control them but we can’t, not really. Instead, try to influence others, encourage them, support them, help them find happiness. And let go of the need to control. It’s difficult but really essential here. Once you can release that need to control, you’ll find much more happiness.
And of course last but not the least have patience!
This is very difficult for me too but I am learning and will be able to get through one day.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Habits to cultivate in professional life
When you are working in a environment that almost similar to startup (by this I mean one person handles more than one role), you need to cultivate the following as habits:
1) Plan your day - My body is so programmed that it exactly can sense the time without a alarm system! This happens with many of you right? As soon as it is 1:00pm, you are hungry, as soon as it is 6:00am, you are awake, etc. You really do not need to look at the clock for this. Along similar lines, before you reach for office, you need to tell yourself that "Hey, these are the tasks, meeting, etc for the day and lets have timings for each one of them". Hence, every morning before you reach office, plan your day!
2) Execute your planned day - Do not try to change the planned timings at all until unless it is absolutely necessary. There is really no harm in saying "NO". Respect others timings to get respect for your schedule. Reach on time for meeting, be prepared for meeting, ask suitable questions, have discipline in the meeting and last but not the least realize that you are important in a meeting because some decisions will impact you hence be alert. Make sure that every meeting ends with a conclusive decision and a set of action items with named resources. Else the ball keeps on bouncing among people. Before the meeting, the person who runs the show should define the agenda and give enough material for one to come prepared in the meeting.
3) Task execution - All the above have been talking about meetings, now coming to task in hand. Before you execute a task (a developer to write a code), ask yourself the following:
- Who is your consumer to the task I do as in who is the end user of the task. e.g. for a corporate site, internet users are consumers (external)
- Have I heard my end users enough to identify what they want, what they do not, why they want, how they want, when they want and where do they want? If not, get answers to all the questions.
- After you get the answers, did the end user buy these answers. Get them knowing the same.
- Identify check points to inform your end consumer on what is happened till now.
- When the task is completed, inform the end user via email specifically telling the him/her what all needs to be done.
- Within the system, identify components/systems that get impacted by the task (integration points)
- Follow the same that you would have done for the end user
- Please take more time in designing rather than coding.
4) Know your role and know your KRAs - This is very important in a professional environment. Always have your role defined very clearly and know your key result areas. You will be assessed only on your KRAs. If there in less clarity, talk to your managers.
5) Get into the habit of assessing yourself to find out if you have improved and if you are justifying your KRAs. If not, make sure you let your manager know that you need help! There is really no harm to let your manager know your weakness provided you have the attitude to overcome the same. Trust your managers!
6) Attitude - Remember, "Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching? " Carry attitude that has positive vibes. Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.
Ok guess, too much of gyan for the day :-)
1) Plan your day - My body is so programmed that it exactly can sense the time without a alarm system! This happens with many of you right? As soon as it is 1:00pm, you are hungry, as soon as it is 6:00am, you are awake, etc. You really do not need to look at the clock for this. Along similar lines, before you reach for office, you need to tell yourself that "Hey, these are the tasks, meeting, etc for the day and lets have timings for each one of them". Hence, every morning before you reach office, plan your day!
2) Execute your planned day - Do not try to change the planned timings at all until unless it is absolutely necessary. There is really no harm in saying "NO". Respect others timings to get respect for your schedule. Reach on time for meeting, be prepared for meeting, ask suitable questions, have discipline in the meeting and last but not the least realize that you are important in a meeting because some decisions will impact you hence be alert. Make sure that every meeting ends with a conclusive decision and a set of action items with named resources. Else the ball keeps on bouncing among people. Before the meeting, the person who runs the show should define the agenda and give enough material for one to come prepared in the meeting.
3) Task execution - All the above have been talking about meetings, now coming to task in hand. Before you execute a task (a developer to write a code), ask yourself the following:
- Who is your consumer to the task I do as in who is the end user of the task. e.g. for a corporate site, internet users are consumers (external)
- Have I heard my end users enough to identify what they want, what they do not, why they want, how they want, when they want and where do they want? If not, get answers to all the questions.
- After you get the answers, did the end user buy these answers. Get them knowing the same.
- Identify check points to inform your end consumer on what is happened till now.
- When the task is completed, inform the end user via email specifically telling the him/her what all needs to be done.
- Within the system, identify components/systems that get impacted by the task (integration points)
- Follow the same that you would have done for the end user
- Please take more time in designing rather than coding.
4) Know your role and know your KRAs - This is very important in a professional environment. Always have your role defined very clearly and know your key result areas. You will be assessed only on your KRAs. If there in less clarity, talk to your managers.
5) Get into the habit of assessing yourself to find out if you have improved and if you are justifying your KRAs. If not, make sure you let your manager know that you need help! There is really no harm to let your manager know your weakness provided you have the attitude to overcome the same. Trust your managers!
6) Attitude - Remember, "Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching? " Carry attitude that has positive vibes. Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.
Ok guess, too much of gyan for the day :-)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Frustration
Over a last few days (precisely 4 days) I have been noticing myself getting frustrated, angry and a good bit of depression. This happens with me generally in two cases:
1) When expecting some great news and fear failure
2) When things around me do not work as expected
Even one of these two reasons is enough for me to get dislocated from my mental state of mind. But this time, it is BOTH! I have started realizing that I am not been able to handle this and it is getting beyond my control. Consequences are I get extremely sensitive, feel upset about things that I am not suppose to, start doubting my capabilities and so on.
The weird part to this whole thing is I realize that this is my start of mind and also know the reason why, in-spite of that not able to help myself!
1) When expecting some great news and fear failure
2) When things around me do not work as expected
Even one of these two reasons is enough for me to get dislocated from my mental state of mind. But this time, it is BOTH! I have started realizing that I am not been able to handle this and it is getting beyond my control. Consequences are I get extremely sensitive, feel upset about things that I am not suppose to, start doubting my capabilities and so on.
The weird part to this whole thing is I realize that this is my start of mind and also know the reason why, in-spite of that not able to help myself!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Potluck in office on Women's day
On 8th March, we had potluck in our office. A potluck is a gathering of people where each person or group of people contributes a dish of food to be shared among the group. It was really awesome to see a huge gathering of people having food at the same time in the pantry and people enjoying the food to the fullest. The smile on everyone's face made my day! I am ready to do anything for only that smile ;-).
Managers !!!
When I had just started my career, I would always be thinking that it is a very simple to be a manager. They do nothing but just attend meeting through out the day and the outcome of the meeting (good or bad) is literally vomited on us! Today when I am at a similar position, I realize it is just not so simple. The biggest challenge that a manager faces is being accountable for others actions, slippages in schedule, carelessness and many more. Even to give a feedback, one has to think 10 times before letting the person know that he needs to improve. The biggest challenge to be a manager is that YOU NEED TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE (who have feelings, emotions, interpretations) which is surely not a easy job! In the past there was a incidence where I yelled at one of my team members for carelessness and lack of passion towards work. It did hurt me to a great extent as he was a very good friend of mine too. But I had to do it as I am paid for getting the work done and not for being good. I did feel real hurt with whatever followed that incidence and the effect stayed on me for a good bit of days (almost a year now). But when I think of it today, guess what I did was right! A person who cannot take feedback for improvement is really not matured and will never grow. It is this feedback that help the person to continuously improve. The other thing that contributes to growth is the ability to adapt to change (of any kind) like change of organization structure, change of your manager's mood, manager's perceptions, the company policies, etc.
And today I am sorry for thinking that "MANAGER HAVE NO WORK" in the past!!!
And today I am sorry for thinking that "MANAGER HAVE NO WORK" in the past!!!
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