An experience – be it professional or personal – is a strong conduit to individual growth. We all go through experiences like assignments, new projects, leading or being part of a cross-functional team, or even a difficult conversation or negotiation. Irrespective of its outcome, every experience adds to our capability. An honest reflection on three … Continue reading Three questions to leverage the most from an experience
Tag: self development
Incessant Stories We Tell
Every waking moment of our lives, we involuntarily weave stories; stories about people around us, about our context, problems / challenges and even stories about ourselves. Stories are powerful, they influence our behaviors, actions and decisions. This in turn impacts our reality. When we tell ourselves a positive story, our actions are affirmative and energizing, … Continue reading Incessant Stories We Tell
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!
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
Learning from a chance encounter
Last Friday when I headed for Mumbai airport, like all other Fridays over last two years, litte did I know that I am about to step into one of the most valuable hours of my life. I had a heavy lunch, so instead of going to the food court, I headed to the Jet Airways … Continue reading Learning from a chance encounter
My mother – I learned from you as well, not just father
Most of my childhood memories are monopolized by my father; I was very close to him. My mother’s silent love and care were dwarfed by my father’s strong presence, overt expression of love, storytelling (he was an awesome storyteller) and countless other things. As a child, I thought of my mother like a shadow, whose … Continue reading My mother – I learned from you as well, not just father
Pathways to success
It happened almost two decades back, but I vividly remember the emotions as if it happened yesterday: 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. But, by lunch time, the participants were walking out of the room! They … Continue reading Pathways to success
Perspectives 