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 →

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

Circle of Competence

The forty-five years of reign by Queen Elizabeth 1 was one of triumph and success, inspiring loyalty and creativity in her citizens. However, when she ascended the throne in 1558, her country was in a precarious political situation. What was her key to success? Of course, she had excellent education and was a survivor. However, … Continue reading Circle of Competence →

Saying NO

World is full of opportunities – opportunities for exposure, growth, new areas of work, learning, relaxation…. When faced with so many choices, our natural tendency is to grab as many as possible! Right from our childhood, we have learnt never to miss an opportunity, who knows, we may never get it again. We take up … Continue reading Saying NO →

Cultivate Naysayers

What emotions do naysayers stir in us? Irritation? Frustration? Anger? Or Joy? Relief? Imagine that you along with few members have worked on a solution for days or maybe weeks. You are excited and want to take inputs from larger team. What will be the natural tendency? To discuss it with folks who are likely … Continue reading Cultivate Naysayers →

When deliverables are missed….

When deliverables are missed, lack of time management or prioritization are assumed to be the reason, there could be a deeper issue lurking behind..

Fear of Missing Out

You can opt out of a meeting, your presence is not essential, yet you join You take a day off to de-stress... but, you keep thinking about meetings you are missing.. worse still, join few meetings. You are already behind schedule on most of your deliverables, yet when a new project comes up, you raise … Continue reading Fear of Missing Out →

Gratitude and Disappointment

Something in office today left me feeling disappointed. I pushed through rest of the day and left office feeling dejected! On my way back home, I got a call from an ex-colleague..He has always been a strong performer. However the last year or so had been tough for him. The company he was working for … Continue reading Gratitude and Disappointment →

Life is a highway

Life is like a highway. Irrespective of how fast we run, there always be people ahead of us. Irrespective of how slow we run, there always be people behind us. It's pointless competing with others on a highway Compete we must, but with self, not others!