I was in Lonavla last weekend, a perfect monsoon escape — misty hills, rain showers dancing in and out. We sat at a cozy restaurant for lunch.Few tables away, a young couple were trying to pacify their restless 2-year-old. The child refused food and was crying. After sometime, I realized the child has gone quiet.He … Continue reading Can we overcome this menace?
Author: Padma Rajeswari
Fear…
A couple of months ago, I asked my 80-year-old mother to join me for a short walk inside our condo complex. Just a few steps outside. She refused.She said, "What if I fall? What if it leads to complex health issues?"She stays indoors, not because she can’t step out, but because she fears what might … Continue reading Fear…
Inspiring leader
Ever worked with a boss who inspired you? They probably did these 5 things.Imagine you have created a proof of concept for a new solution.You present it to your leader, let’s call her Sonia. She listens to your presentation and finally says, “I appreciate your efforts in putting this together. However, I am not comfortable … Continue reading Inspiring leader
When everyone says YES
You share an idea in the meeting and people start nodding:“That’s a brilliant idea!”“Absolutely, let’s get started.”“This could really move the needle.”“Totally agree.”“Wow, love it!”It feels like a win! If you are the senior most person in the room, it's time to PAUSE.Ask yourself the reasons for YES. There are two possibilities here:1. Your idea … Continue reading When everyone says YES
Social media
Tara is a young woman whose husband has slipped into coma after a car accident. Played by Kalki Koechlin in Waiting, overwhelmed and alone, Tara says,“You know how many followers I have on Twitter? - 5800.How many are there with me here: zero"This statement underscores the digital world we live in today. We boast of … Continue reading Social media
Happiness
I was feeling lazy and restless last weekend. A friend had recommended couple of TV series. I spent the weekend binge watching.On Sunday evening, instead of feeling relaxed, I felt worse, totally washed out!Let’s rewind a bit, ask yourself: When was the last time I felt genuinely happy?Aristotle identified happiness as the ultimate goal of … Continue reading Happiness
I Logged Off LinkedIn for 3 Weeks—here’s what happened
I was on vacation, spending time with my family. Those two weeks were precious, time that we rarely get. I had a decision to make: stay active on LinkedIn: post, scroll, comment, stay “visible”—or fully unplug. I chose to PAUSE. And I extended it to shake off the jet lag, and felt like me again. … Continue reading I Logged Off LinkedIn for 3 Weeks—here’s what happened
The Manager’s Paradox
Some years back, my son — then a young boy — asked me a cheeky question. “I am your only child… so I can’t ask you who your favorite is. But you have worked with many team members over the years. Do you have a favorite?” I smiled and said, “Yes… I do have a … Continue reading The Manager’s Paradox
What does silence mean to you?
I was facilitating a two-day leadership workshop. One participant stood out—not for what he said, but for what he didn’t. He sat there like a mouse—listening and scribbling, barely speaking. Not in the large group, not even within his small group. As a facilitator, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is he uninterested? Is he struggling … Continue reading What does silence mean to you?
Small steps…
"I don’t get to exercise much..." I thought one day. “On average I manage to go for a walk about 2.5 kilometres in 35 minutes, four times a week.” “Is it enough? Shouldn’t I be doing more?” I was almost self-deprecating, when I realized how wrong I was. I did a quick math. My little … Continue reading Small steps…