Nirmama an art of higher discipline... In People/Team Management – a higher level of happiness.

 

‘Nirmama’ is a Sanskrit word which literally means ‘nothing is mine’.  People who come across this word for the first time find it difficult to understand the exact meaning of it. Nirmama doesn’t mean that you own nothing, instead it means that nothing owns you. It is a balanced state of mind.

This context is complex in nature. It is a higher form of discipline and comes with a lot of practice. However, once we start practicing it over a period of time, we will see that it will have a magical transformation, in the way we perceive things. It is relevant to the different aspects of professional and personal life. The result, however, varies from person to person depending on the ability and priorities of the person in question.

People are no strangers to challenges in life and the worries that follow. It could be a challenging situation at the workplace or a difficult phase in a relationship. It may be nerve wrecking in severe cases. In some situations, we could be fighting a losing battle and continue doing so without any point.

When we train ourselves on the concept of Nirmama, it does nothing to the situation itself, instead it changes our perception of the outcome and provides clarity in our decision making. A few tips to change the perception and facilitate better judgement, in important situations are as follows:

•         Getting our actual priorities right: The world’s hard enough as it is, we do not want to make it further harder on ourselves, by pursuing pointless misplaced priorities in life.

 

•         Getting the hang of ourselves: Not pursuing a blind love for a person or a thing, beyond a reasonable limit that starts messing up our own life.

 

•         This too shall pass: Not getting overwhelmed or worked up with situations, outcomes of situations. Not getting or taking things personally.

 

•         It’s just a matter of time: Do good and be good to yourselves first; bad surroundings and bad company will always result in negative outcomes for you. 

The situations may vary with different people, but when this approach is followed, it is always bound to give a positive outcome. Furthermore, it leaves you in a happier state of mind as you have done your part right. These principles when applied will result in a paradigm shift to our perception of life itself.

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Hate and anger are dangerous emotions that are rarely inseparable... In People/Team Management – overcoming them.

Hatred and the associated anger are dangerous, yet very common emotions that we experience a lot. Hate and anger are like twins that are rarely devoid of each other. We all can relate to hate in some way or the other, we hate a person, a thing, even certain situation. Hatred doesn’t develop overnight, usually it is sometimes one incident or experience that causes it, and similar repetitive occurrences help it grow deeper and stronger. 

Once the feeling of hatred for some person starts to take shape, it is only bound to grow over time. The next step is multiple layers building up, ensuring that hatred is hidden safely within and never ever gone. The source of these layers can be anything such as misunderstanding, reading the situation incorrectly, or simply misleading words from others who benefit out of the situation.

Hatred along with the resultant anger are so dangerous and powerful emotions that it doesn’t allow us to even imagine or to reason why we hate it so much. In severe cases, people go off bounds. The reasons could be only that stronger to and justifiable to the person in question.

Sometimes people tend to go off bounds to pursue the agenda even if their own reputation or in worst case scenarios put their own life at risk. If it is not addressed to on time, it will have harmful results that create some irreversible changes to life. It has the capability of wreaking havoc in both personal and professional lives. I am sure most people can relate to such instances.

The point here is whatever kind of hate that we harbor towards others is bound to disturb and destroy our peace and a part of ourselves too in the process. In this post we will discuss general hatred people tend to have towards others and ways to diffuse it.

·       Hatred is not a permanent condition that cannot be corrected or worked upon.

 ·       Reasons of hatred can be sometimes be as simple and silly as misunderstanding of a situation or falling prey to deceitful inputs from others 

·       Our ability to forgive is often an impeccable tool in curing hatred. 

·       Believing that there is something great in you, which will help you win over your own hatred. 

Another sure sign to observe is that we tend to justify our decisions and actions, however ridiculous they may seem. 

Some kind of hatred needs time to heal. However, the above tips can help us develop a positive mindset and speed up the process. The compelling need to stay away from negative emotions, fill our life and others with happiness, work like boosters in the process. The idea of living a meaningful life for ourselves and our surroundings is such a fascinating experience in itself; an act worth pursuing.

Career bucket list vs Life bucket list. In People/Team Management – Define and Achieve.

 

Bucket list can be explained as a to do list of the number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to accomplish during their lifetime. It is highly recommended to have one as it gives a sense of direction and a satisfaction of achievement; both in the career and life. Most people can relate to it and in fact have specific plans and goals for both their career as well as life. Generally, people get confused thinking a career bucket list and a life bucket list to be one and the same. They are two different things altogether. We will discuss in detail about both.

Bucket lists are categorized by what goes into them. The career bucket list is time specific and has to be achieved in a set pattern; it needs meticulous planning, and a systematic approach. The decision to create a career bucket list starts as early as our higher education. Some people have set plans for a career even from their schooling stage with the influence of family or surroundings. Once the basic idea is established it is then pursued as it progresses along with each step.

The career bucket list is essential to reach different stages of the career on a specified path at a set time. Success at each stage is a testimonial that you have put in the required efforts and have achieved it on time. A few benefits of a successful career bucket list plan and its execution are as follows:

·       Provides a defined career path that is rewarding from an early stage.

·       Promotes progressive thinking and a positive state of mind.

·       Recognition and respect in society for your efforts.

·       Secured and a comfortable life for your family.

·       Ensures financial independence to pursue ambitious Life bucket list items eventually.

Life bucket list items are a little different, they have more to do with financial discipline derived from financial independence. They can be achieved whilst achieving the career bucket list. A strong and an early career plan establishes a means to pursue an ambitious life bucket list. These items are more meaningful to you as a person. Things that go in this list are a reflection of who you actually are as a person and the list of things that you want to do in your life.

It is highly recommended that people are provided with this kind of orientation from an early stage of their life. This will ensure to stand a winning chance at both; a successful career and a meaningful life.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find them helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your input both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

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Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. In People/Team Management – cherishing the present.

Our present is the result of our actions, choices we made and decisions that we took in the past. There is a point in our life when we think about our past and wish for a few things that could have been done differently; a few decisions or choices that we may regret a lot. Some things we are glad that worked out well for us. It is only natural that we think like that. However, there is no point in either rejoicing or regretting it for a long period of time; hence the phrase ‘don’t live in your past’. Unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a rewind button. Moving on is the only prudent step that will help.

The best thing that we can do is pick up the learning from our past and based on that take wise and informed steps that will be beneficial for our future. Similarly, thinking relentlessly about our future seldom does any good. In our constant struggle to fight the mistakes of the past and the uncertainty of the future, we ignore enjoying the present to the fullest extent. Understanding that our present will eventually become our past in the future is very important. It is of no use if we continue to have similar regrets in the future too.

While we can’t control each and everything and live life to perfection. We can certainly lay down a few principles that can guide us through. Few things that can help get clarity of the process are:

•         Past is for learning, not living and tormenting ourselves.

•         Pickup learning, follow your passion and cherish the present.

•         It is never too late for anything.

•         Do what makes you happy. (of course, within boundaries)

•         You can never plan enough for the future, stop pushing and punishing yourself.

The world is ever demanding, it is perfectly ok if we are unable to keep up sometimes; we can do only so much at a time. Allowing worries to reach a point that starts telling upon our health is such a shame.

In our day-to-day life we come across so many people who have quit successful careers to pursue life close to Nature in remote places. We should be able to imagine, for such people, how important the things that matter to them are. (Definitely not suggesting stop whatever you are doing and pack your bags).

The things that matter to us vary from person to person.it could be picking up a music lesson to one person or could be gardening or sports to another. The point is identifying our passion point, taking time and efforts even if it needs to be in order to pursue that; because that will help you stay happy and provide you with a feeling of contentment.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

Understanding key drivers in career, life In People/Team Management – choosing the right ones.

Each process has certain key drivers that ensure its smooth running. These drivers work in tandem and are critical in ensuring a desired result. Similarly, there are specific drivers involved in planning a career and life too. It is critical to understand these drivers with utmost clarity and work on them on time. A lack of clarity in these drivers will be detrimental and may sometimes off-track the very plan itself.

Career is an ongoing journey and has different stages, a Beginner’s stage, Mid-level and a Senior level. The drivers among the various stages of career have two components fixed and variable. The fixed drivers remain the same to a specific career path. It is in fact a pre requisite for a role; like acquiring a particular skill set, personality development etc. A quick reference to my earlier post will help get a better understanding of it.

http://www.peoplemanagement.in/2014/09/knowing-knowledge-skills-and-abilities.html

The variable drivers are, however, softer aspects of the role specific to an individual point of view. It differs from person to person. It primarily constitutes the motivational factors specific to an individual. The motivational factors in choosing a particular career path and being successful at it may differ among people within the same group too. These variable motivational factors that may include, standing out in a particular profession, to emerge as a SME {Subject Matter Expert), making more money etc.

Pursuing a passion will provide a head start for success at career growth; when pursuing a passion an individual is automatically motivated. These are a few tips that will help gain clarity at the variable drivers and thereby establish a successful career path.

·       Not chasing money – Money is a natural major driver to most people even from the beginning stages of their career. It is essential to understand that money is just a byproduct of the efforts that an individual is putting in establishing a career. Focus should be more on important aspects like acquiring new skills that will complement the present role, overall personality development, making meaningful new connections and developing a positive frame of mind. WHEN YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL AT YOU CAREER MONEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW AND IT IS NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.

 

·       Getting the priorities right – It is essential to choose an organization that provides you with more learning opportunities and is willing to invest in your personality development. IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN TIME.

 

·       Ethics as a center pillar - It is natural for people to get lured into false promises, commitments and get into unethical practices that are detrimental to careers of other people. It is important to be mindful of the fact that what can happen today to others can happen to us too in the future. Making informed and right decisions is critical. It is important to stand up for the right thing always; even if you are the only one standing. IT IS A DEFINITION OF YOUR CHARACTER.

 

A successful career is achieved by a calculated balance of both the fixed and variable drivers of any career path. Only the sky is the limit to people who put in efforts, plan meticulously and execute it to perfection. Such people one day get to become successful leaders who BUILD WINNING TEAMS ALWAYS!

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

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A busy day in the busy world. In People/Team Management – don’t burn bridges you cross.

 

The world today is busier than ever, it is the same with each passing day. These busy schedules mean a lot of changes to both our professional and personal lives. Sometimes it involves a change in the workplace; for a better job or great perks. It may also require relocation to a new place. Most of the time these changes are our own choices. On few occasions we may not have a say, and may be compelled to face such changes.

These situations are common and can be challenging or rewarding. Challenging because we could get complacent in the present role and be hesitant to take up a new change. Rewarding as we never know what is in store for us in the new role.

We tend to grow complacent because we have worked so hard to make many successful connections, achieved many milestones in the present job. The fear of the unknown in the new opportunity is always there. So much so that we tend to forget that the present job that we are in was also an unknown territory at one time in the past.

The success at this present job was possible only because of the skills and the personality we possess.

In a few cases, the experience of leaving the present organization and the very process of how it is conducted can remain a sore memory to us for a really long time. We may feel betrayed and the process itself in question may seem very unfair; involving a grudge by one person or a small group of people indulging in a plot. The transition can be very painful, considering the innumerous, selfless contributions made by us. Here are certain tips that will help our thought process during these testing times.

•         Don’t burn the bridges – Do not sever the connections made by you over a period of time, painstakingly made with your skills and charisma.

•         Don’t hate the entire organization for the fault of one person – At times we may have the urge of harboring negative thoughts, praying for the failure of the entire organization itself just for the fault of one person.

•         Let go of the bad experience – Do not take it personally and let the experience not remain as a constant reminder of the pain.

•         A new learning – Mold the experience as a new learning for identifying similar situations well in advance in the future.

The person/s who is responsible for such a sinister act is not new to such deeds. They would have done it in the past or will repeat such actions in the future, with someone else. It will remain as a testament to the character they are associated with.

Wisdom lies in carrying on with focusing on the great connections that are made during the period there; instead of carrying the hurt as a burden for the rest of the life.

The world is a small place you never know when you will reap the benefits of your connections; hence don’t burn the bridges that have been crossed.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

Relationships flourish with love, trust and respect…in People/Team Management – Converting connections into relationships.

 

The connections that we make in our day-to-day activities are a very frequent part of our life, most of them are just casual acquaintances. A few of them grow over time and turn out to be a stronger emotion than being just a connection between two people. Relationship between two individuals, is a complex, time tested, strong bond made out of a series of such connections.

 

These relationships can be formed at almost any place where people interact constantly with each other for a long period of time, for example at the work place, in the neighborhood etc.

 

The factors that make a connection transform into a relationship are diverse, it could include common interests, a general liking, appreciation, affection or any other aspects that complement each other.

 

The process of forming a relationship may be complex and time consuming, however the fundamentals of a good working relationship is plain and simple. It constitutes three aspects working in conjunction namely Love, Trust and Respect.

 

All relationships function on these basic elements working in unison, let us understand these crucial elements in detail.

 

·       Love: An intense feeling of a deep affection; it is fundamental for any relationship.

 

·       Trust: A firm belief in the reliability or capability of the concerned person; a very crucial aspect of the relationship.

 

·       Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone for their abilities, strengths, achievements which form the crux of any good relationship.

 

It is crucial to understand that the above aspects Love, Respect and Trust (LRT) need to function in combination. Any aspect missing can be detrimental to the relationship itself.

 

People suffer a lot in sore relationships due to a lack of understanding or absence of the LRT’s. It will have a devastating effect of the absence of even one aspect of the LRT’s.

 

·       Absence of Love in a relationship: It defeats the very purpose of a relationship; it is no longer a relationship. It’s just two people being together due to some other ulterior motives.

 

·       Absence of Trust in a relationship: it causes a sense of betrayal and results in a compromised relationship thereafter; that may collapse any time due to the resultant insecurities on either side. 

 

·       Absence of Respect in a relationship: when two people tend to be together without respect for each other’s efforts, time and feelings; eventually they will end up in an abusive relationship. It’s just a matter of time.

 

A successful relationship will have all the LRT’s functioning at all times. It is crucial in establishing and living meaningful relationships. 

 

Love Trust and Respect cannot be commanded or gained through force, even though it may seem that it can be achieved by force or other means; it’s a false notion and is bound to collapse at any given time.

 

A good relationship flourishes when we initiate the LRTs from our side FIRST.

If our intention and efforts are genuine LRT’s will come back to us in Multifold. 

In spite of numerous efforts sometimes, relationships can be challenging, requiring more care, attention and sacrifices. There is peace in letting go off certain things, while there is happiness in clinging on to certain things; our decisions of what to let go off and what to cling on to, makes the entire difference in how our life is shaped.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find them helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your input both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!