Leading by example… In People/Team Management – Touching people’s lives.

 

The world is a busy place forever. In this busy schedule, it is only natural that we are busy ourselves too, so much so that we take people and sometimes situations for granted. We tend to think that with people associated with us, simply following a routine and following procedures will continue to give the desired outcomes always.

In our day-to-day life there are several opportunities, for us to lead by example. A critical leadership virtue is where you exhibit the behavior that sets you apart from the rest. People notice this behavioral trait in you and get influenced by it. It is not a surprise that such continued behavior will prompt people to choose you as their role model. This set of people can be at your workplace or in your personal life.

Once we make it a habit to look for such opportunities of leading by example, we not only provide value addition to others but to ourselves too. Once practiced to perfection this habit becomes second nature. This expertise will touch people’s lives in many ways. Touching someone’s life means making a positive change in someone’s life. The following tips will guide in establishing such a path.

•          Doing the right thing always: Sometimes we tend to falter from doing the right thing or make some adjustments or making some compromises, for personal benefit or to favor others. As leaders we should be aware that we are being observed all the time. 

•          Never to think less of someone or wish bad for someone: It is very important that we practice this particular virtue to such an extent that it becomes our second nature.  It is important that we stay away from the temptation of judging others.

•          Standing up for the right thing: It is critical that you stand up for the right thing; even if you are the only person standing. 

Practicing these virtues is easier said than done. However, it is not impossible.  Handling situations and taking decisions based on the above guidelines is a good way to start. Initially, little effort is needed to get used to this shift in the thought pattern. This paradigm shift in your behavior will not go unnoticed and phenomenally impact you connect with people for good. As a result, over time you will notice that people’s way of looking at you will change and they too will start reciprocating in the same manner.

As they say: Write something that is worth reading about or do something that is worth writing about.

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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The problem of problems… In People/Team Management – Understanding and resolving.

 

Problems as we are aware of come in all shapes and sizes. The causes are mostly self-made and sometimes it may occur due to external factors that we don’t control; not to mention the worries and tensions that are associated with it

The problems that we are referring to in this post are non-technical in nature. It’s not like we are trying to address a major civil engineering calculation error in the construction of a dam or something like that. We are discussing people's general problems and the softer aspects of it. The general day-to-day problems caused and faced by people in their professional and personal lives.

The reason most of the problems are self-made is not because we simply enjoy being stuck with a problem. It is our miscalculation, misinterpretation, misjudgment, over expectation etc. The list is exhaustive. Irrespective of whether the problem is self-made or due to external factors, the only option left to us is that we face the problem that lies in front of us.

In this post we will discuss the basic problems of a problem. In other words, why is it sometimes so difficult to resolve an issue? It is important to understand these factors before we actually go about solving complex problems that we face. These tips are helpful to clearly define an issue we are facing and the way to go about resolving it. They are as follows:

·       Defining the problem: Many times, we don’t define the issue at hand and hence fail to find a solution to it. For example, are we facing similar issues with other people or is it with this one particular person? If it is with one particular person, then the methodology of resolution differs from facing the issue with multiple people.

 

·       Identifying the root cause: This is a critical step. Unless we identify the root cause of a problem and address it, it is more likely that we will continue to face similar issues in the future. Methods like ‘5 Why Technique’ are quite helpful in identifying the root cause. In general, asking ourselves the reason’ Why’ 5 times will help dig deep and help us locate at the exact reason of an issue. Each time we get an answer to the previous ‘Why’, the same exercise needs to be followed until we reach the root cause.

 

·       Identifying the emotion involved: Surprisingly a majority of issues we face are results of Egos involved; ego of our self or the other person involved. If we are serious about resolving the issue, open communication setting aside the ego is the only way forward.

 

The problem that we face tends to create a roadblock and blur our mind seeing through the resolution to it. It is always recommended to take expert advice or a third-party perspective to a situation when we fail to see the real issue in clarity. These tips will not only help resolve our present issues, but over time will build as a rich experience. These methods may not take away all the problems in life but are certain to create substantial improvement to the overall quality of 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.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

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.

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!

 

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.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

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.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!