Under or Over

Human's mostly underestimate or overestimate themselves.

The key is to find a balance and be rational!

But given how funny the brain works, finding a balance, can again be the case above.

Outside of Work

Always do something outside of your regular work, something you are interested or passionate about.

It can be anything - music, theatre, travel, dance, reading books, running, community work, cooking, blogging or anything. But DO SOMETHING.

It can open up many doors and opportunities, increase your networks etc. And if not anything else, you'll have good fun & peace.

After all, life is about different experiences!!

Don't Look for Reasons, Instead Act

You know, one of the biggest disappointments of life is when you trust someone about their abilities but they do not realize their true potential. 

I see way too many people who do not make enough efforts or take chances to be that awesome person/leader they can actually be. Instead they look for reasons/excuses for not being one. 

Build or Break - is your choice!

But its never too late to start...

Questions or Answers?

What is more important - to know your questions or answers?

 

I believe, asking the right questions is the first step towards getting the answers.

 

Teams often look up to their leaders for answers but most of the times, the leaders themselves do not know the answers. The job of the leader is to not have ready answers/solutions for every situation but to ask the right questions & to work with the team to find those answers, be it related to increasing people engagement, increasing customer satisfaction, growing revenues, innovating new products etc 

 

It is not your mistake if you do not have the right answers but it is definitely your mistake if you do not ask the right questions! 

A Team

The team is as good as the leader and the leader is as good as the team.

Any given day, the success of the leader depends on the team, as they are an integral part of the journey. But is it the entire team? Yes, if we look at a high level but if you drill down, it boils down to a couple of individuals, the "A Team" as I would like to call them.

So, who are this "A Team"? They are the doers, the enablers, the set of folks who believe in you, your vision and are kicked about building something valuable along with you. The trust, admiration & respect is mutual. These are the set of people who get their hands dirty and get the job done, for you.

Get the right set of people onto your bus and the journey will be fun and amazing. But it is for you to ensure they are aligned to the bigger vision. Make them feel connected, give them ownership, make them part of the decision making process, engage them, provide them all the support to grow and deliver. Eventually they become family.

It is interesting to understand why these individuals give so much to your vision and plans. It might be because they trust you, they connect with your vision or whatever reason. If you already have your "A Team" - great, half your job is done. Remember, they are your biggest strength and value them.

To have your own "A Team" is one thing but to be on someone's "A Team" is a complete different game. And both the journey's are equally worthwhile.

Today - sit down and think about, from your personal networks, who will be part of your "A Team" and on whose "A Team" would you like to be on. Connect with them and share your ideas, thoughts or just have a good chat - it might open up new possibilities of collaboration. 

Together you can build something great, if not today, definitely in the near future!

Looking into the Mirror

When you look into the mirror, What do you see?

Do you see your past or your future?

I guess, the answer makes all the difference!

Btw, the choice is all yours!

People Engagment

How to engage your team or tribe to your vision & goals and increase their engagement levels has always intrigued me.

 

People are engaged when there is something in it for them - monetary benefits, passion for the work/cause, growing their networks, a point on their resume/profile and few are generally excited and kicked about the idea of building something of value.

 

While it might be one thing to engage people when they are professionally committed (full-time jobs/careers), it is a completely different game when it comes to engaging teams in a volunteer set up.

 

As I have thought through, read and also learned about it while working with an awesome team - all of us love our alma mater, here are a few things I have realised.

 

• Give the team the bigger picture
• Make them understand how their contributions connect to the bigger picture of the team and organization
• Provide them all the support & help
• Be quick & proactive in your communication
• Have regular follow up's and interactions
• Give them total responsibility - make them the owners
• Recognize and appreciate their good work and efforts
• Get regular feedback
• Connect with them at a non-work related level and understand their interests, passions etc
• (Will add to the list - as and when I learn/realize something more)

I plan to write about some/all of the above topics in my subsequent posts.

 

But I am equally interested to know how you have increased your teams/tribes engagement levels or any thoughts on this topic. Will be happy to hear/read/discuss them.

 

Abhinav Bindra's Shot At History

Just finished reading the biography of Abhinav Bindra, the lone Olympic Gold medalist from India till date. The book gives an insight into his Olympic Gold journey. Very refreshing and inspiring.

The book throws light into the highs and lows of an athletes career. The mental struggle they go through when they lose or win. The level of training, support, infrastructure and attention to detail that is required to win a game or competition. 

Lucky are the sports athletes in the west and a lot has to improve in India. We are improving but our development pace and enthusiasm should be more infectious. If one medal in Olympics can bring so much cheer in a billion people. Imagine the jubilation its brings if we lead the medals table. India has talent but it requires nurturing. I hope we get there soon. 

Abhinav take a bow coz you proved that a gold in Olympics is very much possible and you inspired so many budding athletes. And respect to all Athletes.