Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. In People/Team Management – cherishing the present.

Our present is the result of our actions, choices we made and decisions that we took in the past. There is a point in our life when we think about our past and wish for a few things that could have been done differently; a few decisions or choices that we may regret a lot. Some things we are glad that worked out well for us. It is only natural that we think like that. However, there is no point in either rejoicing or regretting it for a long period of time; hence the phrase ‘don’t live in your past’. Unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a rewind button. Moving on is the only prudent step that will help.

The best thing that we can do is pick up the learning from our past and based on that take wise and informed steps that will be beneficial for our future. Similarly, thinking relentlessly about our future seldom does any good. In our constant struggle to fight the mistakes of the past and the uncertainty of the future, we ignore enjoying the present to the fullest extent. Understanding that our present will eventually become our past in the future is very important. It is of no use if we continue to have similar regrets in the future too.

While we can’t control each and everything and live life to perfection. We can certainly lay down a few principles that can guide us through. Few things that can help get clarity of the process are:

•         Past is for learning, not living and tormenting ourselves.

•         Pickup learning, follow your passion and cherish the present.

•         It is never too late for anything.

•         Do what makes you happy. (of course, within boundaries)

•         You can never plan enough for the future, stop pushing and punishing yourself.

The world is ever demanding, it is perfectly ok if we are unable to keep up sometimes; we can do only so much at a time. Allowing worries to reach a point that starts telling upon our health is such a shame.

In our day-to-day life we come across so many people who have quit successful careers to pursue life close to Nature in remote places. We should be able to imagine, for such people, how important the things that matter to them are. (Definitely not suggesting stop whatever you are doing and pack your bags).

The things that matter to us vary from person to person.it could be picking up a music lesson to one person or could be gardening or sports to another. The point is identifying our passion point, taking time and efforts even if it needs to be in order to pursue that; because that will help you stay happy and provide you with a feeling of contentment.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

Understanding key drivers in career, life In People/Team Management – choosing the right ones.

Each process has certain key drivers that ensure its smooth running. These drivers work in tandem and are critical in ensuring a desired result. Similarly, there are specific drivers involved in planning a career and life too. It is critical to understand these drivers with utmost clarity and work on them on time. A lack of clarity in these drivers will be detrimental and may sometimes off-track the very plan itself.

Career is an ongoing journey and has different stages, a Beginner’s stage, Mid-level and a Senior level. The drivers among the various stages of career have two components fixed and variable. The fixed drivers remain the same to a specific career path. It is in fact a pre requisite for a role; like acquiring a particular skill set, personality development etc. A quick reference to my earlier post will help get a better understanding of it.

http://www.peoplemanagement.in/2014/09/knowing-knowledge-skills-and-abilities.html

The variable drivers are, however, softer aspects of the role specific to an individual point of view. It differs from person to person. It primarily constitutes the motivational factors specific to an individual. The motivational factors in choosing a particular career path and being successful at it may differ among people within the same group too. These variable motivational factors that may include, standing out in a particular profession, to emerge as a SME {Subject Matter Expert), making more money etc.

Pursuing a passion will provide a head start for success at career growth; when pursuing a passion an individual is automatically motivated. These are a few tips that will help gain clarity at the variable drivers and thereby establish a successful career path.

·       Not chasing money – Money is a natural major driver to most people even from the beginning stages of their career. It is essential to understand that money is just a byproduct of the efforts that an individual is putting in establishing a career. Focus should be more on important aspects like acquiring new skills that will complement the present role, overall personality development, making meaningful new connections and developing a positive frame of mind. WHEN YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL AT YOU CAREER MONEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW AND IT IS NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.

 

·       Getting the priorities right – It is essential to choose an organization that provides you with more learning opportunities and is willing to invest in your personality development. IT IS AN INVESTMENT IN TIME.

 

·       Ethics as a center pillar - It is natural for people to get lured into false promises, commitments and get into unethical practices that are detrimental to careers of other people. It is important to be mindful of the fact that what can happen today to others can happen to us too in the future. Making informed and right decisions is critical. It is important to stand up for the right thing always; even if you are the only one standing. IT IS A DEFINITION OF YOUR CHARACTER.

 

A successful career is achieved by a calculated balance of both the fixed and variable drivers of any career path. Only the sky is the limit to people who put in efforts, plan meticulously and execute it to perfection. Such people one day get to become successful leaders who BUILD WINNING TEAMS ALWAYS!

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

A busy day in the busy world. In People/Team Management – don’t burn bridges you cross.

 

The world today is busier than ever, it is the same with each passing day. These busy schedules mean a lot of changes to both our professional and personal lives. Sometimes it involves a change in the workplace; for a better job or great perks. It may also require relocation to a new place. Most of the time these changes are our own choices. On few occasions we may not have a say, and may be compelled to face such changes.

These situations are common and can be challenging or rewarding. Challenging because we could get complacent in the present role and be hesitant to take up a new change. Rewarding as we never know what is in store for us in the new role.

We tend to grow complacent because we have worked so hard to make many successful connections, achieved many milestones in the present job. The fear of the unknown in the new opportunity is always there. So much so that we tend to forget that the present job that we are in was also an unknown territory at one time in the past.

The success at this present job was possible only because of the skills and the personality we possess.

In a few cases, the experience of leaving the present organization and the very process of how it is conducted can remain a sore memory to us for a really long time. We may feel betrayed and the process itself in question may seem very unfair; involving a grudge by one person or a small group of people indulging in a plot. The transition can be very painful, considering the innumerous, selfless contributions made by us. Here are certain tips that will help our thought process during these testing times.

•         Don’t burn the bridges – Do not sever the connections made by you over a period of time, painstakingly made with your skills and charisma.

•         Don’t hate the entire organization for the fault of one person – At times we may have the urge of harboring negative thoughts, praying for the failure of the entire organization itself just for the fault of one person.

•         Let go of the bad experience – Do not take it personally and let the experience not remain as a constant reminder of the pain.

•         A new learning – Mold the experience as a new learning for identifying similar situations well in advance in the future.

The person/s who is responsible for such a sinister act is not new to such deeds. They would have done it in the past or will repeat such actions in the future, with someone else. It will remain as a testament to the character they are associated with.

Wisdom lies in carrying on with focusing on the great connections that are made during the period there; instead of carrying the hurt as a burden for the rest of the life.

The world is a small place you never know when you will reap the benefits of your connections; hence don’t burn the bridges that have been crossed.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find it helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your inputs both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!

Relationships flourish with love, trust and respect…in People/Team Management – Converting connections into relationships.

 

The connections that we make in our day-to-day activities are a very frequent part of our life, most of them are just casual acquaintances. A few of them grow over time and turn out to be a stronger emotion than being just a connection between two people. Relationship between two individuals, is a complex, time tested, strong bond made out of a series of such connections.

 

These relationships can be formed at almost any place where people interact constantly with each other for a long period of time, for example at the work place, in the neighborhood etc.

 

The factors that make a connection transform into a relationship are diverse, it could include common interests, a general liking, appreciation, affection or any other aspects that complement each other.

 

The process of forming a relationship may be complex and time consuming, however the fundamentals of a good working relationship is plain and simple. It constitutes three aspects working in conjunction namely Love, Trust and Respect.

 

All relationships function on these basic elements working in unison, let us understand these crucial elements in detail.

 

·       Love: An intense feeling of a deep affection; it is fundamental for any relationship.

 

·       Trust: A firm belief in the reliability or capability of the concerned person; a very crucial aspect of the relationship.

 

·       Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone for their abilities, strengths, achievements which form the crux of any good relationship.

 

It is crucial to understand that the above aspects Love, Respect and Trust (LRT) need to function in combination. Any aspect missing can be detrimental to the relationship itself.

 

People suffer a lot in sore relationships due to a lack of understanding or absence of the LRT’s. It will have a devastating effect of the absence of even one aspect of the LRT’s.

 

·       Absence of Love in a relationship: It defeats the very purpose of a relationship; it is no longer a relationship. It’s just two people being together due to some other ulterior motives.

 

·       Absence of Trust in a relationship: it causes a sense of betrayal and results in a compromised relationship thereafter; that may collapse any time due to the resultant insecurities on either side. 

 

·       Absence of Respect in a relationship: when two people tend to be together without respect for each other’s efforts, time and feelings; eventually they will end up in an abusive relationship. It’s just a matter of time.

 

A successful relationship will have all the LRT’s functioning at all times. It is crucial in establishing and living meaningful relationships. 

 

Love Trust and Respect cannot be commanded or gained through force, even though it may seem that it can be achieved by force or other means; it’s a false notion and is bound to collapse at any given time.

 

A good relationship flourishes when we initiate the LRTs from our side FIRST.

If our intention and efforts are genuine LRT’s will come back to us in Multifold. 

In spite of numerous efforts sometimes, relationships can be challenging, requiring more care, attention and sacrifices. There is peace in letting go off certain things, while there is happiness in clinging on to certain things; our decisions of what to let go off and what to cling on to, makes the entire difference in how our life is shaped.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your time reading this post. I hope you enjoy reading the posts and find them helpful. I request you to share the learning as much as possible so that many more benefit from it. I would be glad to know your input both For or Against. Please feel free to post, share or like if you find it useful.

Happy Learning! and Happy Sharing!