10.10.2008
Visited the factory of Parfetti Van Melle to conduct a programme on “Basic Communication Skills”. The participants were quite young and sensitive to the need for honing their communication skills. As the workshop had numerous “fun activities” the learning was experiential and relevant. Most of the concepts I discussed were based on challenges faced in day-to-day work as an executive.
Mr. Jawahar Michael, the HRD Head gave me a few insights into the particular needs of the target group. This helped me to tune my delivery.
Immediately after the Lunch break, as the participants were assembling inside the hall, I casually enquired if they had found the session, till then had been useful. All of them confirmed that it had been useful. One of the participants, Mr. Mukesh Agarwal, a gentleman from Jharkhand was kind enough to share his experience in applying the learning on the work spot! He is a part of the purchase team and as such was responsible for supplier deliveries and quality. It is a well known phenomenon almost everywhere for purchase to constantly harangue and argue with suppliers. This time Mr. Mukesh took a leap of faith based on my suggestion that communication can be soft yet firm. He reported that when he adopted this approach, the supplier who had hitherto been somewhat unresponsive had replied responsibly and had agreed to a committed course of action for resolving the issue! This, obviously, gratified me a lot as most trainers like me sincerely want the learning from our workshops to be actually applied on the job!
While training, I don’t advocate what I have not practiced myself. When a behavioral approach works, I try to make it generic by identifying the reasons that made the approach work. These characteristics of the solution are then packaged into presentations, activities and usable content.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Positive Attitude for Better Productivity
06.10.2008
My good friend and Mentor M Keshav, founder of MANTRA, is a regular training services provider for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. He usually invites me to conduct portions of his workshops for BPCL executives at their Anna Nagar office complex. These are usually sessions on Financial Well Being. So it came as a pleasant surprise to me when he wanted me to conduct a session for an hour and a half at a workshop on “Positive Attitude for Better Productivity.”
When I entered the Training hall at the time appointed for my session to commence I found that the facilitator of the preceding session was going on at full swing! The speaker Mr. V Ranganathan, a HR trainer and voice-over artist had a conversational yet powerful style. One thing that stuck in my mind from his delivery was the point he made about procrastination. He said, “We do things at our own pace, but expect results to come rushing towards us!”
After this session, Keshav introduced me with his usual flair. Keshav made the point that he chose his co-trainers not only based on their talent as speakers, trainers and facilitators but also on their proven track record in practicing what they preach! Such words not only make us feel happy but also strengthen our resolve to continue walking our talk! In fact, I do not discuss the seven habits ever in my workshops! I just share all my experiences, hurdles and learnings while implementing the seven habits in my own life!
During this session, I could introduce the following concepts to the participants:
There are no problems in the lives of Positive Thinkers, only opportunities.
Positivity is not something outside which needs to be brought inside! It is the energy within us that needs to be channelized and used. The deep scripting that we have undergone in early childhood has coated this positivity with a cynical attitude that makes us question every new idea and reject it. Positive thinking ensures that this coating is removed. Nothing changes except the way we look at things!
I also suggested that we should look at a crisis as an opportunity for learning. A Manager is paid to take decisions not merely to list out problems continuously. When faced with a problem apply WWW?/WWW? technique.
The first “WWW?” is “What Went Wrong?”(Not World Wide Wrestling!) We don’t waste time blaming people. We simply search for the root cause for the problem and identify it. Having done that, we evolve Solution strategies that are workable. This is the next “WWW?” which is “What Will Work?”.
After that we proceed for implementation. Subsequently we review the implementation for necessary course correction. This is effectiveness in a nutshell!
Practical tips for Anger Management
Anger is one of the greatest of negative forces, arguably next only to jealousy. I shared my own experience in practical Anger Management. This is what I suggest you do when you feel that you are about to lose your cool:
Step 1
Sit down! When you lose your temper you stand up! So reverse the process. You cannot remain angry while sitting down. Research has consistently shown that different nerve groups are involved when we do something while standing up.
Step 2
Drink water! Remember, when your automobile’s engine is heats up you pour water to cool it. The same logic works here too. Water is the best coolant. It cools you down. A cool body leads to a cool mind that is ready to think rather than shout!
Step 3
Take a deep breath! This gives much needed oxygen to your brain. The brain is now clear and ready to function a little more dispassionately.
Actually these three steps are not sequential. You can perform them in any order, though I find that the order I’ve given is most convenient. It is easy to sit down. Then you can even ask for water. This would alert the other person that you are trying to avoid the conflict. Both of you get the interval needed to stop confrontation and explore a route towards collaboration!
During my session, I tried to infuse some pragmatism into my delivery. I concentrated on the practical approaches to invoking and converting the positive energy inherently present in all of us to perform more effectively on the job.
Positive Thinking: Talking Vs. Workable Solutions!
29.09.2008
I happened to hear Mr. Gopinath, a Wealth Management consultant and trainer at the Valedictory function of PRIME Academy, Chennai. He has a powerful voice and a rapid fire delivery style that keeps the audience fully engaged. The speech was a rousing one on positive thinking and need for commitment.
Here are some nuggets I could pick from his speech:
While most other species are capable of maintenance only, Human beings alone are meant to excel.
Tensing Norgay, the famous Sherpa mountaineer actually failed seven times in his attempt to conquer Mt. Everest. Finally, he did climb Mt. Everest and placed his feet on the summit. During the Press meet that followed this momentous achievement, he was asked how he felt when his feet touched the peak after the eighth successful attempt. He said, ‘I felt like I had captured Mt. Everest!’ Were these the words of an arrogant man? No! He went on to explain that while he, after the arduous climb felt that he had energy to climb another 100 feet, Mt. Everest could not grow bigger than the height he had then scaled!
(I’ve heard a similar tale about Sir Edmund Hilary. On his penultimate unsuccessful attempt, Sir Hilary is reported to have turned around on his way down, looked up at the looming mountain, clenched his fists and shouted, “I will conquer you one day, because as a mountain you cannot learn or grow but as a man I can!”)
Whatever the provenance of the tale, it is inspiring and teaches us the valuable lessons that failure is but a learning opportunity and not a reason to give up!
Mr. Gopinath, repeatedly made the point that our success is entirely in our hands. All of us have the energy to succeed in whatever we choose to do! This energy is waiting within us. But, it won’t come out unless there is a challenge. It wants us to take up a challenge or a task that is apparently beyond our current abilities, physical, intellectual or financial! When faced with a challenge, this energy will flow out and enable us to actualize our true and fullest potential! If we do not take up the challenge, the energy will go with us into the grave!
He identified two vital ingredients necessary for our growth and success! Desire and Belief!
Desire
Desire is the fire in our belly! The desire to go beyond our current circumstances! “Our life is bigger than the petty things we’ve chosen to do with it!”
He waxed emotional and announced that many people believe in mediocrity. He said people who are satisfied with food, bed and a roof over their heads were no better than dogs who too are satisfied with these! (Very Powerful!)
Human beings are distinguished by our willingness to starve when we are hungry and sacrifice sleep when we are tired while working towards our chosen goals!
We Have Not Come Into This World To Exist! We Have Come To Create History!!!!
We study History to inspire ourselves and to ensure that our names are printed in the History books of the future!!!
Belief
Belief acts on our body. Belief leads to efforts that produce results.
Examples of Dr. S Radhakrishnan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam were given to inspire the audience. Gopinath mentioned that Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan began his life in a small gorala or village near Thirthani (then in AP) as a Vaaralu Abhayee, meaning a bouy who had to do small errands in various houses and eat at a different house on a different day! This was the man who went on to become the President of Independent India!
Some powerful quotes
If you rise before the sun, you will rise above the Sun!
God did not send us here as tourists; we have come here as rulers!
Our birth can be an insignificant event, but our death should be a part of history!
My views on the suggestions made by the speaker:
Although I was enthusiastically applauding the oratorical skills from the Dias where I was sitting, I could not help but think that while powerful speakers like Gopinath are able to hold audiences by using rhetoric like this, when it comes to translation into real life specific situations and problems these sentiments vanish like thin mist when faced with the sun’s rays. What is needed is a pragmatic and focused approach that is based on a clear vision!
Gopinath informed us that all of us have the Power of Belief. The power to shape our lives the way we want it to be!
I agree totally, but the point is that most of us do not know what we want from life! It is here that the Seven Habits are a powerful method for bringing focus to our life! Continuously understanding and sincerely practicing the Second Habit: Begin with the End in Mind is the key to sustained superior performance and growth. The Compass is more important than the Clock! It is not how fast you walk but whether you know where you are headed!
Gopinath also lauded the efficacy of Hardwork! He gave the example of a lazy young boy who toiled hard at the behest of a sanyasi only to obtain Alauddin’s Chirag (Lamp) so that he could be idle for life! At the end of the week the Swamji showed him the genie not in the lamp but in the mirror! We are all our own genies capable of providing our heat’s desire, if only we work hard!
I am all for Hard work! But every minute should be spent in value added activities not in “work” that is meaningless or routine! Many people ask “if I work hard will I become rich!” Yes and No! Mere hardwork will give you a livelihood and will keep you away from the debtor’s prison! But wealth maximization and accumulation are more about brains than brawn! Work smarter not harder!
I happened to hear Mr. Gopinath, a Wealth Management consultant and trainer at the Valedictory function of PRIME Academy, Chennai. He has a powerful voice and a rapid fire delivery style that keeps the audience fully engaged. The speech was a rousing one on positive thinking and need for commitment.
Here are some nuggets I could pick from his speech:
While most other species are capable of maintenance only, Human beings alone are meant to excel.
Tensing Norgay, the famous Sherpa mountaineer actually failed seven times in his attempt to conquer Mt. Everest. Finally, he did climb Mt. Everest and placed his feet on the summit. During the Press meet that followed this momentous achievement, he was asked how he felt when his feet touched the peak after the eighth successful attempt. He said, ‘I felt like I had captured Mt. Everest!’ Were these the words of an arrogant man? No! He went on to explain that while he, after the arduous climb felt that he had energy to climb another 100 feet, Mt. Everest could not grow bigger than the height he had then scaled!
(I’ve heard a similar tale about Sir Edmund Hilary. On his penultimate unsuccessful attempt, Sir Hilary is reported to have turned around on his way down, looked up at the looming mountain, clenched his fists and shouted, “I will conquer you one day, because as a mountain you cannot learn or grow but as a man I can!”)
Whatever the provenance of the tale, it is inspiring and teaches us the valuable lessons that failure is but a learning opportunity and not a reason to give up!
Mr. Gopinath, repeatedly made the point that our success is entirely in our hands. All of us have the energy to succeed in whatever we choose to do! This energy is waiting within us. But, it won’t come out unless there is a challenge. It wants us to take up a challenge or a task that is apparently beyond our current abilities, physical, intellectual or financial! When faced with a challenge, this energy will flow out and enable us to actualize our true and fullest potential! If we do not take up the challenge, the energy will go with us into the grave!
He identified two vital ingredients necessary for our growth and success! Desire and Belief!
Desire
Desire is the fire in our belly! The desire to go beyond our current circumstances! “Our life is bigger than the petty things we’ve chosen to do with it!”
He waxed emotional and announced that many people believe in mediocrity. He said people who are satisfied with food, bed and a roof over their heads were no better than dogs who too are satisfied with these! (Very Powerful!)
Human beings are distinguished by our willingness to starve when we are hungry and sacrifice sleep when we are tired while working towards our chosen goals!
We Have Not Come Into This World To Exist! We Have Come To Create History!!!!
We study History to inspire ourselves and to ensure that our names are printed in the History books of the future!!!
Belief
Belief acts on our body. Belief leads to efforts that produce results.
Examples of Dr. S Radhakrishnan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam were given to inspire the audience. Gopinath mentioned that Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan began his life in a small gorala or village near Thirthani (then in AP) as a Vaaralu Abhayee, meaning a bouy who had to do small errands in various houses and eat at a different house on a different day! This was the man who went on to become the President of Independent India!
Some powerful quotes
If you rise before the sun, you will rise above the Sun!
God did not send us here as tourists; we have come here as rulers!
Our birth can be an insignificant event, but our death should be a part of history!
My views on the suggestions made by the speaker:
Although I was enthusiastically applauding the oratorical skills from the Dias where I was sitting, I could not help but think that while powerful speakers like Gopinath are able to hold audiences by using rhetoric like this, when it comes to translation into real life specific situations and problems these sentiments vanish like thin mist when faced with the sun’s rays. What is needed is a pragmatic and focused approach that is based on a clear vision!
Gopinath informed us that all of us have the Power of Belief. The power to shape our lives the way we want it to be!
I agree totally, but the point is that most of us do not know what we want from life! It is here that the Seven Habits are a powerful method for bringing focus to our life! Continuously understanding and sincerely practicing the Second Habit: Begin with the End in Mind is the key to sustained superior performance and growth. The Compass is more important than the Clock! It is not how fast you walk but whether you know where you are headed!
Gopinath also lauded the efficacy of Hardwork! He gave the example of a lazy young boy who toiled hard at the behest of a sanyasi only to obtain Alauddin’s Chirag (Lamp) so that he could be idle for life! At the end of the week the Swamji showed him the genie not in the lamp but in the mirror! We are all our own genies capable of providing our heat’s desire, if only we work hard!
I am all for Hard work! But every minute should be spent in value added activities not in “work” that is meaningless or routine! Many people ask “if I work hard will I become rich!” Yes and No! Mere hardwork will give you a livelihood and will keep you away from the debtor’s prison! But wealth maximization and accumulation are more about brains than brawn! Work smarter not harder!
Delegation in a Matrix Organization?
26.09.2008
Conducted my programme on Managerial Effectiveness for the executives of En Mas Andritz Ltd. The company is engaged in supply and erection of Boilers and other capital equipments. There were fifteen executives including two who were General Managers. Mr. Rajasekharan their HR Consultant and Ms. Paromita Roy were also present.
I had to dig deep into my experience reserves to make the programme more relevant and interactive.
One of the participants raised the issue about the applicability of generic thoughts like Delegation to a flat organizational structure where dual reporting was practiced. Yes, delegating in Matrix style organizations is a challenge that needs to be addressed. I am currently working on developing a suitable approach that would work universally. I would love to receive inputs fro
m any one who has a view on this if not a solution!
Conducted my programme on Managerial Effectiveness for the executives of En Mas Andritz Ltd. The company is engaged in supply and erection of Boilers and other capital equipments. There were fifteen executives including two who were General Managers. Mr. Rajasekharan their HR Consultant and Ms. Paromita Roy were also present.
I had to dig deep into my experience reserves to make the programme more relevant and interactive.
One of the participants raised the issue about the applicability of generic thoughts like Delegation to a flat organizational structure where dual reporting was practiced. Yes, delegating in Matrix style organizations is a challenge that needs to be addressed. I am currently working on developing a suitable approach that would work universally. I would love to receive inputs fro
m any one who has a view on this if not a solution!
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