We know the story by heart. Running fast along the path, the hare laughs at the tortoise slowly laboring along. Humiliated, the tortoise challenges the hare to join a race. Slowly and steadily, the tortoise reaches the finishing line, even as the hare clumsily runs after a short nap, which unfortunately had turned into a … Continue reading Consequences of Underdog Mindset
Author: Padma Rajeswari Nandi
Sankofa – spring into future stepping on past
Few days back, I was reading articles on culture. I came across this phrase ‘Sankofa’. It is a Ghanaian expression; it refers to a mythical bird whose feet are firmly planted forward while its head is turned backwards carrying a precious egg in her beak. It represents the old African adage, “always remember the past … Continue reading Sankofa – spring into future stepping on past
I can do all that a man can
As a twenty something, this was my motto, at all times! I would look for opportunities to prove it. Of course, women can do all that a man can…. But is it really needed? Is it the only way to prove our ability? Now, with more salt than pepper in my hair, I have learnt … Continue reading I can do all that a man can
Personal productivity – Complex interplay of individual and org culture
Few weeks back, I came down with food poisoning. I was not ill enough to stay in bed, so I decided to go to work. At the end of the day, I was surprised at how little work I could get done. Productivity as a concept has its roots in economy; it is the ratio … Continue reading Personal productivity – Complex interplay of individual and org culture
The 12 hours in Terminal 2
17 -18 Jan 2023 – the 12 hours spent in Terminal 2 Mumbai – will remain etched in my memory. 28 ABGites were set to fly to Colombo for annual Planning and Budgeting meeting. Weeks of thinking, brainstorming, and planning were about to culminate into even richer conversations and final plans for FY’24. The excitement … Continue reading The 12 hours in Terminal 2
Question with disclaimers
Few days back, a colleague walked over and said, “this might be a silly question, but I want to ask if……….?” Why do we tend to add a disclaimer before asking a question: a simple question or unnecessary or trivial question or even complex question. Contrast this with how children ask questions; uninhibited and straight … Continue reading Question with disclaimers
Carpe Diem!
Last week I had taken a short break for Christmas in a lovely resort in Kolkata. One morning, sitting in a comfy lounge chair under warm morning sun, I was reading Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (a gripping tale set in the background of 900-days siege of Leningrad during World War II). Suddenly out of … Continue reading Carpe Diem!
Thoughts
Every day our brain processes about 6000 thoughts. That’s a whopping number of thoughts! Ever wondered what these thoughts lead to? I am reminded of the famous quote by Henry Ford, “whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right’ Indeed, our thoughts determine what we do, who we are … Continue reading Thoughts
The HOW and WHEN of Psychological Safety
Psychological safety in organizations is an oft discussed subject today. A key element of psychological safety is the ability to freely share a contrarian thought or idea; disagree with our co-workers, manager, or seniors. To build a psychologically safe workplace, we expect our co-workers and seniors to be open, not wedded to their ideas and … Continue reading The HOW and WHEN of Psychological Safety
Learning or Performing Mode
“Are you in learning mode or performing mode?” I recollect our master facilitator call out every time we began a practice session. We had to say aloud, “I am in learning mode” Initially, I wondered about the difference it would make. Gradually, it became obvious; while in learning mode, we were willing to experiment and … Continue reading Learning or Performing Mode