The purpose of life…In People/Team Management – understanding the charm of living.

 

The purpose of life is living it to the fullest, while it lasts. We seem to have lost this understanding somewhere in the hustle of life. People plan extensively for their academics, career, their life itself. It is only natural and of course good to have a great plan in place. No offense with that at all.

However, the problem lies when things do not go as planned. The resultant disappointment is sometimes really very difficult to handle. The inability to prepare ourselves to handle failures and manage our expectations makes matters worse for us.

In worst case scenarios, people even commit suicide over petty things such as failure in exams, relationships, financial problems etc. I have come across cases in the news where people have ended their life as they could not get their desired mobile phone. It is such a shame that people can end up taking such disastrous steps, for such silly reasons.

The reason that such incidents happen is because during that instance people are so consumed by the desire that they cannot imagine the guilt nor were they prepared to handle the fear of loss. These silly things unfortunately, do not at all matter to our life in general. No reason can possibly justify these disastrous decisions no matter what.

Even in not so severe cases, people suffer to manage the fear of things not going as planned, fear of loss. The loss could be anything, a lost job, a failed relationship, going bankrupt etc. In general, the fear of loss of anything gets so overwhelming that it disables our ability to think beyond the cocoon that we unfortunately spin around us.

Our ability to deal with such situations depends solely on our inner strength that we nurture and our thought process. A few pointers that can help build the same are as follows:

•         The best thing in life aren’t things at all; realizing life is much bigger than we can fathom.

•         Life is not about doing big things perfectly, it is about doing little things right; one thing at a time, rest will fall into place.

•         Realizing Forgiveness is a superpower; holding things to yourself can hurt a lot.

•         Listening to our heart and letting the power of our love overcome our fears.

There is no such thing as being too late when we are trying to improve the quality of life. Our life is our choice, how and where we choose to take it. When we keep letting ourselves in these horrible situations then we lose a piece of ourselves. When we approach life situations with this thought process and a firm inner strength, we are only bound to make quality decisions in life; even while facing our biggest fears.

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!

 

You win some you lose some…In People/Team Management – Making wise choices.

People have a network of relationships both in their professional and personal life. It is a very big and integral part of life itself. Most of these relationships are results of the choices that they make in life. The choices made are based on that person’s feelings, observations, likes and dislikes, compatibility etc.

The relationships thus made are sometimes thriving and at times challenging. In the worst cases, it can turn into an abusive relationship. The reasons it turns abusive can be varied, and assorted too. It reaches an extent that you can no longer continue the relationship even for a day; yet due to some reasons or pressures you are forced to survive through it. It feels like leading a miserable life every day.

People sometimes struggle in their relationships. Even when there are numerous reasons to give up, they cling to that one reason not to. In most cases it is a simple lack of understanding of each other, incompatibility, unwillingness, ego etc.

The transformation in a relationship from a challenging one to an abusive one does not happen all of a sudden. Only in rare cases it happens suddenly, for example due to an unacceptable incident etc.

We cannot control the things life does to us, they are done even before we know it, and once they are done it makes us do other things. The idea is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

However, it is paramount to identify the changes in the behavior and act swiftly to control the damage. The following are few pointers that will help see through the rough patches:

·       The ability to see the best in people even when they don’t deserve it. 

·       Trusting and believing in people motivates them to want to make adaptations. 

·       Taking timely bold decisions is sometimes necessary in worst cases. 

·       Understanding that procrastination will only delay the inevitable outcome.

Needless to mention, these steps should be considered only after exhausting the preliminary efforts of having open communication, taking counselling and putting multiple efforts to address the situation.

One must understand that relationships are formed due to our own choices and they last due to our own part of conducting affairs too. In short, it is a reflection of ourselves. Hence, the reason relationship between two people failing or flourishing is a direct result of shortcomings or capability of both.

Wishing all my readers a happy and fulfilling relationship!

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!

 

 

Silence is golden…In People/Team Management – A great art of a conversation.

 

Education, knowledge, wisdom and being humble is the hierarchy of learning in life.

The purpose of education is gaining knowledge to help ourselves and others. The next step is gathering wisdom over a period of time, by virtue of our experiences. After getting an excellent education, acquiring great knowledge and getting wise; it is critical to be humble despite our achievements. It is like a feather in a cap.

This is all possible only with our ability to communicate. Communication sets us apart from the other species. Great accomplishments are a result of this ability. However, there are many instances that require us to be silent too. In fact, we need to understand that silence is an integral part of our communication too. We need to be wary of the instances and importance of remaining silent in some situations. It is crucial that we identify those situations well in advance.

A few instances where silence is golden are:

•         When you are angry: it is the most important time that you need to control yourself and refrain from speaking. Many a times you will come across people saying that ‘I just cannot control my anger’. While it may be true due to any reason; it is just not enough to avoid the resultant consequences thereafter. It is critical to understand that you will end up doing more damage to yourself than others. 

•         When you don’t have full knowledge of the subject or situation: It is not possible to be a master at everything. However, it is in our best interest to remain silent and control our urge to speak up and subject ourselves to insults. 

•         When your words aren’t valued: When your words aren’t valued and your opinion doesn’t matter, be sure enough not to provide any unsolicited advice. It’s in our best interests to avoid even our presence in such groups. 

•         When you want to observe more: When you want to expose yourself less and observe more, silence can be golden. For example, when you are new to a group and you want to understand the group dynamics before trying to fit in. 

Silence is sometimes more effective in conveying the message; more than the words themselves. Being silent, especially during the time we are angry, helps us channel our thoughts and take better decisions.

Controlling our anger is not at all an easy task, however, it is not impossible. It requires a lot of practice. There are lot of techniques in anger management. It is advisable to take up one immediately that is result oriented. Once we start adopting the techniques that work well for us, we will soon realize that silence is certainly golden.

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!

Features and benefits…In People/Team Management – What’s in it for me?

 Features and benefits – These terms are easy to relate, for people from sales background. In basic sales training these terms are taught extensively, with many examples. It is critical that they understand these terms well. Their success in sales is directly dependent on a clear insight into these terms.

They are taught to differentiate between the features of the product and the benefits it has to offer. While executing a sale, they are coached to explain the features of the product and sell the benefits of it. Although the product may be feature rich, it sells mainly because the buyer finds it beneficial.

In this post we will discuss as to how most people tend to get confused with the process of managing relationships Vis a Vis buying a product.

While buying a product it is only natural to think, what is in it for me? Buying a commodity is an investment in money. Hence it is only prudent that we decide on it after weighing the need, cost and how beneficial the product is to us.

Unfortunately, what’s in it for me? This mindset has cascaded in the way we are managing our relationships too. We are too occupied in looking at the relationship in one way.  

We tend to ignore or forget that if we treat relationships as a commodity. Then relationships tend to behave as a commodity.

In a failing relationship, many things may go wrong, few of them are as follows:

•         It may malfunction as a product does,

•         It may stop providing the desired outcome it was originally intended for.

•         One or both parties may just lose interest, as we do with a product after a certain period.

•         One or both parties may start comparing and liking a newer product rather than the present one.

The worst part is of all this will happen without warning, should the initial signs be ignored.

The good news is that these things can be avoided, if we act on time. Relationships should be nurtured with love and care. They are unique in nature and need special attention. Unlike products that come with a ‘Use by date’, flourishing relationships last long most of the time ‘Lifelong’.

Our mindset and choices make the difference in managing relationships that we make; whether we choose to make it a fragile one or a long lasting one. Relationships are more than an investment. They are an integral part of our life.

A product may go out of fashion, become outdated and not relevant anymore. A good relationship will only strengthen over time. Good memories from the past and a hope of a great future sustain and strengthen any relationship.

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!

A few good men... In People/Team Management – being one among them.

 The world today is getting divided forever in the name of religion, power and geographical boundaries etc. The sad part of it is these changes are irreversible and result in major catastrophes. These changes are happening at such a rapid phase that it is challenging the very future of the world itself. People for whom hate is a way of life are getting innovative at means of spreading it. It is really unfortunate that it is working well for them. People for their vested interests are actively promoting hatred and fueling wars.

Today, I want to share with you a real-life incident, a small experience, which I came across. The other day there was an electrical equipment delivery person with his helper trying to unload a refrigerator, which he had to deliver from his pickup truck. The refrigerator was a huge one and hence it was difficult to unload it just by themselves. This person asked a passerby in the local language (Hindi) “Bhai thoda madath karoge” the passerby replied “bilkul is duniya me aaye hi hum madath karneko”

{For the benefit of my readers from various parts of the world, I will translate it to English}

The delivery guy asked the passerby “Brother can you help us with unloading”

The passerby replied “Of course, the purpose of me coming into this world is to help others”

Now these two people are absolute strangers and met for the first time in their life. We too normally help people in our day-to-day life. However, I was thoroughly impressed by the mindset and his eagerness to help others. His proactive approach to helping people was commendable and reflected his way of thinking.

The words from the passerby really left a strong impression in my mind and influenced me a lot. I was intrigued by the thought that if everyone followed this approach towards, the world today would be such a great place than it is now.

It was only natural that I looked upon him as my role model and tried to mirror his mindset ever since then. I started actively looking for opportunities to help people since then. Now, for me it no longer matters how it changes the world, it certainly has changed mine for good.

The world is in dire need of Good Samaritans like these. I am sure most of you, if not all, are already helping others whenever and wherever possible. Doing it with this mindset, eagerness and proactively looking for opportunities will only better the world for you and the people who you touch.

Like 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.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

What you give is yours forever... In People/Team Management – getting richer by the day.

 

Wealth means different things to different people. For some, it may be a hefty bank balance, for others it may be property etc. etc. It is only natural for us to have a goal in life, work hard towards and fulfill our dreams. It is the way we secure our life and the lives of our loved ones. It is a different thing that some people even commit crimes or are involved in illegal means to amass wealth.

The thought process of securing a comfortable life for self and for loved ones is only natural and absolutely fine. It is how we plan to better our life and lifestyle. However, the point here is that considering money as the only form of wealth is an incorrect narrative. People who can relate to this may have seen many problems that just can’t be resolved with money.

Realizing that there are different forms of wealth, which we all have the means and ability to possess, is important and necessary. These forms of wealth don’t come with a price tag and are invaluable. We all possess it in some form or the other. A conscious effort to get rich further in these forms of wealth will only better our life and our surroundings. Some ways to recognize these forms of wealth are as follows:

•         Spending quality time with family and friends is wealth.

•         Happiness is wealth, spreading happiness is spreading wealth.

•         Giving up hate and forgiving is wealth.

•         Doing small things that matter for others is wealth.

•         Health is wealth.

We may have made some wrong choices in the past. However, it doesn’t mean that we cannot attempt to better our present and have a fulfilling life for the future. Considering the above and realizing them as a form of wealth too; as important as money, in itself is an achievement.

Our ability to ‘Give’ is a way that ensures we can lead a fulfilling life. We can give only what we have. Giving small things or small experiences to people that matter a lot to them. Sometimes it is just your time that people need. What you give will always remain with you forever, as a memory of a rich experience the other person had because of you.

It is very unfortunate that people most of the time fail to understand this simple thing.

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!

The power of your smile... In People/Team Management – Unlock the potential.

 

In our day-to-day life we meet many new people, both in our personal and professional lives. Few of them are people in our neighborhood, at our work place or when we are out on a journey etc.

When we have a journey ahead, we plan extensively and work out many things to make our journey a pleasant and memorable one. We don’t leave things to chance. Also, we plan the journey ourselves, nobody else plans on our behalf.

We do not get to choose people who travel with us, yet we are hopeful and look forward to the opportunity of having good company along. It all depends mostly on how we establish a great connection.

How different is our life then? If we relate our life as a journey, it would only make sense to put efforts into making it a pleasant one; by establishing good connections with the people, we meet. We meet some of them just for a few times and some form a good connection over a period of time. The onus is however on us to make great connections along the way. The guidelines for making a journey a pleasant one or a life a meaningful one is pretty much the same. The tips to build great connections are simple and a few of them are follows:

•         Your powerful smile and a few good words to go with it: People underestimate the power of their own smile. I am sure that people who use this attribute will know the benefits that follow, it will have a magical effect on the connections you make. People identify you with your smile and remember you for your gesture. It is not about pleasing everybody. It is in fact expressing your genuineness. 

•         People enjoy and appreciate this virtue in you: It is the same with us too, right? It is not at all an exaggeration to say that people will go out of their way (in their own capacity) to return the gesture back. People start missing you and look forward to your company. 

•         Being engaged, sensitive and sympathetic in conversations: Expressing happiness or sorrow when they share their emotions; even if it doesn’t matter to us in any way. Once you start meeting people this way, people reciprocate in a similar way. It is only natural that people will want and cherish your company.

This is a very easy method that you can start using right away, if you aren’t doing it already.  It will have a phenomenal improvement to your own quality of life. It doesn’t matter if it fails to get a desired result in some cases. It only matters that you do it each and every time you meet people, especially new ones. It won’t be long before you notice the benefits of this virtue. Also, you will be surprised to see a noticeable difference in how people react.

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!