On this day that is 26th January it is just right to think of nationalism. How nationalistic are we? Do we reckon that the patriotism which our freedom fighters had shown is still present in our lives? If not what are the reasons? Is that fast pace of today’s life where everybody has to compete with others has an impact? Is our education system at fault? Or does it have anything to do with our distancing ourselves from our ancient culture? Unless we apply our mind, we will remember our freedom fighter ancestors only on two days in a year – that is, on independence day and on 26th January, that is Republic Day.
The situation is far from satisfactory. It is for the activists, the NGOs, the educationists, and the State itself, who have to take adequate steps to reverse the rather sad state of affairs so far as our national character is concerned.
The good news is that the media today particularly social media gives an opportunity to all thinking people to contribute. It could be an awakening call for those in control to take necessary measures to bring back the patriotic spirit that earned us freedom from the British yoke.
Change Management
“People are always blaming circumstances for what they are. I do not believe in circumstances. The people who get on in the world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they don’t find them, they make them!”
These words of George Bearnard Shaw are more relevant today than ever before. In the continuous changing society, it is imperative to rely on knowledge, process and technology – all three to keep pace with the change. Leaders must keep in mind the following aspects for effectively ensuring and properly implementing change in the organisations they lead. These are:
1. Innovation: The leader should have the the ability to innovate. This requires imagination, knowledge and perspective, and a thorough understanding of the organisation he leads.
2. Personal Involvement: It is necessary for the leader to be personally involved for the efficacy of the strategy to bring about change. He can not carry out the same by proxy.
3. The Leader should know what needs to be done in general, though not in detail. This should be true at every stage of change management.
4. The Leader must be able to deal with ambiguity and be willing to take the required risks. Not taking any risks is the biggest risk.
5. Above all, the leader must understand and correctly assess how much the organisation can change and at what speed.
Satish Kakri, Director – Nimble Foundation
Guruvaar – the day devoted to the Guru! (Thursday)
In our Scriptures, Thursday has been described as the day when we can express our devotion to our Guru. Likewise the Guru bestows all his / her blessings on the devotees on this special day.
Sai Baba never claimed that he has special powers. In fact, he never was keen to enlarge his following by soliciting or any other such action. In fact he lived the life of a saint. The simplicity of his life was the essence of his philosophy. He propagated helping others, love for all, forgiveness, and contentment. These put together only can bring inner peace.
We find certain similarities in the teachings of Guru Nanak Devji and Sant Kabir. Here is more like Kabir who did not found any religion. In fact that is the essence of our Hindu religion. When we remove the ritual practices, we find that our religion teaches all what Sai Baba propagated. This is a good reason why his devotees are increasing by the day. It is not only people from Shridi, Maharashtra, or people from India, but Sai Baba is emerging as a true Guru for people around the world.
His devotees throughout the world remember him with respect on this special day – Guruvaar that is Thursday.
Lets remember the greatest freedom fighter on his birthday!
Stay hungry! Stay foolish!!
Steve Jobs apart from being a technical wizard, was a great human being. He knew that human ego hinders the progress of an individual. He know that knowledge is never bound by any limits. His continuous quest for knowledge, his ability to assimilate the same and to yearn for more, were the reasons for his phenomenal growth and progress.
He would often say “Stay hungry, stay foolish!”, and this would sum up his personality.
Interpersonal Relations
Our interpersonal relations with others depend upon various factors. Two most important factors are one – our behavior towards the concerned persons, and two and how we speak to the concerned persons.
The contents of what we convey to our peers and friends will primarily depend upon our behavior. If our conduct to certain persons has been consistently good. It shows our regard towards them. But how we speak to them, is equally important if not more. The efficacy of our speech can be improved by making our speech articulate. Besides, we also need to become good listeners. People want that when they speak, total attention of the listener/listeners should be focused on their speech. Their ego is hurt if they find listeners inattentive.
For more details:
Nimble Foundation
Interpersonal Relations
Our interpersonal relations with others depend upon various factors. Two most important factors are one – our behavior towards the concerned persons, and two and how we speak to the concerned persons.
The contents of what we convey to our peers and friends will primarily depend upon our behavior. If our conduct to certain persons has been consistently good. It shows our regard towards them. But how we speak to them, is equally important if not more. The efficacy of our speech can be improved by making our speech articulate. Besides, we also need to become good listeners. People want that when they speak, total attention of the listener/listeners should be focused on their speech. Their ego is hurt if they find listeners inattentive.
Words that moved a Nation : “Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat” – by Winston Churchill
A few days after he took over as British Prime Minister, Churchill made a brief speech about forming an administration consisting of members from all major parties. This happened on May 13, 1940. These were his words:
“I say to the House as I said to the ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering.
You ask what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea and air. War with all our might, and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue. This is our policy.
You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs: Victory inspite of all terrors, Victory no matter how long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival…..”
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We find today that our leaders don’t hesitate to comment casually on serious subjects. It only shows shallowness and immaturity which percolates downwards to the people at large. Clearly the situation call for positive change!
Five Best Practices For Interpersonal Skills
In a way our life depends on our interpersonal skills. If we are good at it, people help us. At home to we have peaceful life. However, if we are lacking in this highly desirable skill we are the losers both at home and at our work place.
The first of the five ‘Best Practices’ may be termed as – At Never React. What does it mean? it means never react to a person nor to any situation, However gloomy or happy. It also mean that even if a person has said something which he/she should not have said; you just do not react and try to give back to him. But it does not mean that you keep quite and except these doing nothing. In fact you should use your mind and carry out those actions which your mind will certainly guide you. But it will guide you only if you remain cool. When you act, you use your mind. But if you react you loose your mind.
‘Best Practice’ No Two- Listen twice as much as you talk. We have two ears to listen but only one voice box which enable us to speak. Therefore, we should always listen more and speak less. Besides, people feel happy if you make them speak. But you must listen. This is observed by the speakers from your body language which you can not fake.
‘Best Practice’ No Three- Never try to appease. You must realize that it is not possible to please to every one at all the time. You should play your role at home, at your work place or even in society just as your mind guides you. Listen to your heart and you will never try to appease any one. When you go out of your way to please you are not a gainer. In fact you are a looser in the long run.
‘Best Practice’ No Four- Don’t ever be judgmental. Each person is an individual an has his/her space. Passing judgement comprises intrusion on personal spaces which is best avoided. Further more you should not gave any unsolicited advice. You may offer your opinion during discussion with out any effort to impose.
‘Best Practice’ No Five- Maintain cordiality in the ‘tone’ of your voice. Often times, how you say something assumes greater importance then what you say. Normally, we do not use offensive language, but the tone of our voice sometimes offends the listeners. Tone in the voice represents your emotions. These must always be controls per requirement of the situation.
Following above practices will ensure that you are able to maintain good relations with everyone.
Seven Secrets of Public Speaking
Great leaders are great speakers. Public Speaking is an Art as well as a Science. One needs to understand what goes into making of a great public speaker. Today, I will talk to you about the seven secrets of Public Speaking.
Secret No. 1: Confidence
You must have confidence in yourself. You must respect yourself and value your opinions. You can only achieve this if you are not judgmental. It can be achieved if you have an open mind. Once you realise that like any other human being you can also make mistakes, you become confident. Again you become confident because you have nothing to hide and nothing to fear!
Secret No. 2: Overcoming Stage Fright.
Public Speaking dates back to the origin of history. Likewise stage fright has been felt by the Public Speakers from the time immemorial. There is no short cut for overcoming stage fright. We must realise that when we speak to audience it is not stage fright but it is heightened feeling. This is also a feeling we get whenever we are about to do something important. The more we find opportunities to address the audience, the faster we will overcome stage fright.
Secret No. 3: Body Language
This refers to the way you stand; the way you walk – it refers to your posture while speaking and your dress must also be cool!
Secret No. 4: Eye Contact
While speaking it is necessary that you make eye contact with you audience. It should appear that you are talking to the people. Each person of the audience should feel that you are talking to him or her. This can be achieved by practice along.
Secret No. 5: Articulation
Articulation for a Public Speaking refers to the clarity in his ideas, and the clarity of each and every word that he/she speaks. This is more of a Science. It can be achieved by understanding the principles and with lots of practice.
Secret No. 6: Ability to hold the attention of the audience
You have to develop modulation in your speech. This can be practiced by memorising and repeating dramatic monologues of Shakespeare and others. A lot of hard work has to get into building talent to modulate.
Secret No. 7: The Structure of the Speech
Every Speech must have a clear cut beginning. The various points that you want to communicate to the audience form the body. You need to be clear about these points which should not be more than three or four. In conclusion you must summarize what you have talked about and your speech on a happy note.
