How we think of our work influences how we approach it. Do we think of it as a ‘task’ or as ‘impact’? Any task will create an impact. So, does it really matter as to how we view it? It does, let’s see how…. Task is specific, its finite and neatly fits into our weekly … Continue reading How we approach our work: Task or Impact
‘Not to Judge’ – a difficult leadership lesson
We come across several situations in our lives – both personal and professional – when we tend to judge others’ actions as ‘right or wrong’, ‘acceptable or unacceptable’, ‘wise or not so wise’……. Let’s take an example: Say, a good assignment providing strong exposure and bright prospects for accelerated career growth has come up. Employees … Continue reading ‘Not to Judge’ – a difficult leadership lesson
Performance Appraisal or Bargaining?
The gap between self and manager rating has always intrigued me. What triggers this deficit: self-rating of employee higher than the manager? As we go through the appraisal season, at least in India, I am reminded of an interaction with my team member from yesteryears. I worked with this person for five years. I was … Continue reading Performance Appraisal or Bargaining?
Flow and emotional wellbeing
There are times when things seem to be going well. We then feel fortunate and happy. However, such good times also seem to last such a short while. So very soon, things seem to be falling apart. In our fast-paced lives, we often feel overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, frustration, anger… No wonder, conversations about emotional … Continue reading Flow and emotional wellbeing
Manager who always pushes the envelop
It is difficult to work with a manager who continuously pushes the envelope. However, this behavior enables his / her team members to learn, experiment, and do the very best, even surpassing their own expectations. They truly unleash the hidden potential. Agreed, working with such managers is not easy, can be truly frustrating… how about calling it the ‘cost of learning’, the ‘cost of becoming a better professional’ Maybe, it’s worth all the associated pain!
The Right Telescope
Pic Credit: 123rf.com Before telescope was invented, we could not see millions of stars in the cosmos. In fact, we were completely ignorant of their existence. The stars were always there! We did not have the lens to see them, till Hans Lippershey from Netherlands invented telescope in 1608. Or till Galileo turned his self-designed … Continue reading The Right Telescope
Learning to Learn 
Internet has truly democratized information. In today’s world of information overload, what differentiates individuals, teams and organizations is the ability to learn, the willingness to learn to learn. Four interconnected aspects that make a difference are: • Am I CURIOUS to understand things that I don’t know, or never knew existed? • Do I OBSERVE others in action, be leaders or co-workers (or even children, family, friends)? • How do I APPLY it to my context –what works, doesn’t work, why so? • Do I have the courage to engage in honest SELF-REFLECTION?
Visibility trap – beyond the chosen few…
It’s human to fall into Visibility Trap – not to take chances when putting together a team for key project or an important task. It’s natural to include people whom we trust, who have contributed in the past. It needs conscious effort to go beyond the obvious and continuously look for new people who can be included.
Making constructive feedback enjoyable 
Sharing constructive feedback is not something many people look forward to. What makes this conversation especially difficult is the difference in perspective: the person giving the feedback is likely to have a very different perspective from the person receiving it. It is hard for either member to know other’s perspective, and even harder to appreciate and acknowledge it. Four steps that can make this conversation inspiring 1. Start with intent 2. Understand the current reality faced by the receiver, share your feedback 3. Agree on common outcomes. 4. Explore options
The comfort of convention
Convention provides comfort… and natural gravitation towards it is understandable. Yet, what does it mean for our lives? work? organization? The same old! Same old everywhere…. Question for organizations, teams and individuals is to reflect: what can be done to break out of this comfort
Perspectives 