Want to demonstrate actions that promote equality? Begin with your thoughts, not actions.

‘Equality’ is an oft discussed topic. But, how often do we practice it through our ‘feelings’, ‘thoughts’ and ‘actions’? I remember visiting the Pink Palace in Jaipur few years ago. We reached a staircase with no signage. We were not sure where it would lead to. I tried to check with a uniformed guard standing … Continue reading Want to demonstrate actions that promote equality? Begin with your thoughts, not actions. →

My way or highway: it’s more common than we would like to believe

This leadership style is supposed to be archaic, with hardly any leader following it, especially if he / she nurtures a desire to be successful. It may be outdated, but by no means has it gone out of practice. I recollect an experience where I was requested by a leader to design a solution for … Continue reading My way or highway: it’s more common than we would like to believe →

Negotiate the U curve of adaptation

My son went to a NCC camp (National Cadet Corps, a wing of armed forces) couple of months back. The camp was for 15 days. Imagine what 15 days – with friends and neither studies nor school - would mean to a 14 year old. He was very excited; so much so that he could … Continue reading Negotiate the U curve of adaptation →

Why should I manage people?

My work regularly brings me in touch with managers from different functions. Couple of weeks back, I was chatting with the Production Head of a factory. After few minutes, our conversation turned towards the challenges he was facing with two people in his team. I could see the frustration on his face. Being an engineer, … Continue reading Why should I manage people? →

Stop Avoiding the Most Powerful Question

Last week around this time, another year was coming to a close. All set to welcome the New Year, our hearts were filled with new hopes, dreams and aspirations. A colleague who also happens to be a good friend walked into my office. The conversation turned towards what we are currently doing, how meaningless it … Continue reading Stop Avoiding the Most Powerful Question →

Ignoring small pleasures in life? It’s time we start savoring them…

I was traveling in a remote part of India couple of months back. We went for dinner to a small inexpensive restaurant. It served good local food, albeit with no frills that we get so used to in good restaurants in cities. A family seated next to our table was celebrating their son’s birthday. The … Continue reading Ignoring small pleasures in life? It’s time we start savoring them… →

The Dangers of Generalization

Generalization is fairly common in our lives. It happens at multiple levels – country, state, race creed and even at individual level (based on life style, style of dressing, age etc.). There are reasons for generalization. Needless to say, some generalization helps us, especially in terms of getting a broad understanding of a culture or … Continue reading The Dangers of Generalization →

Facing difficult times? Look at the long-term and take holistic view

Few months back, I spent several hours counseling a junior colleague. She was disturbed that her salary was far lower than others in similar roles, with similar experience and qualification. She felt that despite being the most hard-working member in the team, she was not getting due recognition. And her promotion was delayed. She was … Continue reading Facing difficult times? Look at the long-term and take holistic view →

Scarcity: the Fountain of Creativity

The other day I came across some beautiful paintings done by an artist with no arms. He uses his feet and mouth to paint. He lost both his arms in an accident when he was still a child. But, this did not deter him from painting, something that he always wanted to do. He has … Continue reading Scarcity: the Fountain of Creativity →

Manage Agreement: Don’t let it become a Dysfunction

Leaders often find themselves managing conflict. And focus their efforts on resolving conflicts and helping teams work towards common goal. Can we consider agreement – the opposite of conflict – a boon? Is it good for teams? Will an agreement bring a team closer to success? Not necessarily; inability to manage agreement can also be … Continue reading Manage Agreement: Don’t let it become a Dysfunction →