I was presenting a couple of approaches to solve a difficult problem. After presenting the solutions, I said, “If you have a different point of view or suggestion, please share” A junior colleague raised her hand and said, “Padma, I don’t think this is going to work. And here’s why…” Immediately a thought crossed my … Continue reading Who says working with diverse people is easy?
Author: Padma Rajeswari
The soft power of consistency
Indeed, consistency gives one superpower! It isn’t flashy or scream for attention, nor does it promise instant results. However, it can quietly transform an individual or a team or an organization. Here’s why it works. Imagine you want to learn piano. You’re excited, so you practice for four hours straight on day one. Then life … Continue reading The soft power of consistency
Don’t make another resolution till you read this…
65% respondents said that they set a new year resolution or goal (My LinkedIn poll last week) Studies have shown that Gym memberships surge in January; ~12% new members join, but the attendance drops by ~50% by March. Only 9% report successfully sticking to their New Year resolutions by December. So how can we stay … Continue reading Don’t make another resolution till you read this…
Tale of two roads to success
Imagine this: You’re on a road trip with your friends. You have meticulously planned every detail. The snacks are packed, the playlist is ready, and the route is set. But halfway through, your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. What happens next determines whether your trip is a tale of triumph or frustration.Success … Continue reading Tale of two roads to success
Behind talent
Last weekend, I went to a music concert with friends. The ambiance was magical; one artist stayed with most of us—the sarangi player. As his fingers danced effortlessly on the strings, the hall resonated with melodies.“Wow! He is so talented!” we exclaimed, marvelling at the ease with which he created magic.The next day, I was stuck … Continue reading Behind talent
Growth mind-set in action
It happened more than two decades ago, but I vividly remember the emotions: sense of failure and melancholy.I was facilitating a session on Key Account Management for the first time. I had prepared for it for days. By lunch, the participants were walking out of the room! They found the session extremely boring. My manager … Continue reading Growth mind-set in action
Who is your best competitor?
Who is you best competitor? Spoiler alert – its closer than you imagineAs I went for my morning walk today, I started comparing my pace with others. “Oh, that elderly man has moved ahead of me, am I slower than him? Really?”Few minutes later, I caught myself… I was astounded… I was competing for something totally … Continue reading Who is your best competitor?
Unfiltered – Authenticity – lesson 4
This was from the years when I first became a manager. We got a large project and I wanted it to be successful. I spoke a lot about pushing boundaries and encouraging creative work. However, I was also risk averse and wanted to stay anchored to the shore.Result?Whenever my team brought any bold ideas or … Continue reading Unfiltered – Authenticity – lesson 4
Unfiltered – Authenticity Lesson 3
Our team had gone for an offsite; the goal was simple – to connect on a deeper level and foster trust. In one of the exercises, our facilitator asked us to share a challenge, personal struggle, difficult situation or an ongoing weakness.One by one we began sharing: the stories were raw and honest. Someone spoke … Continue reading Unfiltered – Authenticity Lesson 3
Unfiltered – authenticity Lesson 2
Authenticity Lesson 2 - learnt from a senior leader.He was a busy man and held several responsibilities. He was traveling extensively and overlooked a critical email. He had seen it the previous week and recognized that it required action by few members in his team. He intended to share it with concerned people. But, he … Continue reading Unfiltered – authenticity Lesson 2