ABSTRACT
Many authors have defined about leadership in various ways. But this article focuses about the ways and means by which any lay man can cultivate and inculcate this much sought after trait. It clearly differentiated between talent and skill and it concluded at the end that leadership is a skill that can be cultivated by a common man. It highlighted about the qualities needed in any leader. It laid emphasis between a manager and a leader. It has come out with novel strategies and secrets and tools and techniques by which an ordinary person can become an extraordinary person. This article is highly useful for CEOs and aspiring leaders in the corporate world.
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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”, John Quincy Adam.
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?
“Research on leadership indicates that 50 – 75 per cent of organizations are currently managed by people sorely lacking in leadership competence. They are hired or promoted based on technical competence, business knowledge and politics not on leadership skill”.
Before explaining in detail about leadership it is worthwhile to identify whether it is a skill or a talent. If it is a talent then leadership is an inborn quality as talents are innate by nature. If it is a skill, then it can be acquired by voracious reading, learning, continuous practice, by training and by experience. If it is a talent then the leaders are born if it is a skill then the leaders are made.
Leadership is more of an action rather than by preaching. Leadership is the ability to lead from the front despite many successive setbacks with a passion and with a conviction of a great vision. It is also taking a sense of responsibility, setting as a role model with qualities like courage, commitment and conviction. Leadership is also a way of calling ‘we’ not ‘I’ because no leader is successful as an individual. Whenever there is a success the leader ascribes it to his team behind and in case of a failure, he owns the sole responsibility. There are many dimensions and definitions to the concept of leadership. In this context, it is pertinent and relevant to classify the types of leadership.
LEADERSHIP STYLES/TYPES:
Traditionally there are three types of leadership - Dictatorial or Autocratic leadership, Democratic or Participative leadership and Delegative or Free reign leadership. In the case of the autocratic leadership, the leader takes decisions of his own based on his gut feeling and intuition and orders the execution of his instructions. And the followers have to accept and execute whether they like the same or not. There are no consultations or discussions with subordinates in this style. And in the case of any debacle he is held solely responsible for his actions and instructions. That is the reason it is also called as dictatorial style and it is unique in military organizations.
In democratic leadership, the leader consults with his subordinates on various occasions and takes them into confidence. A consensus is generated after weighing the pros and cons of the matter. Entire team is held responsible either for success or failure of the decision making. Since many key heads are involved in decision making it is called as democratic type of leadership.
Thirdly, in the delegative style of leadership, the decision making is delegated by the leader to his subordinates. The second in command takes the decision and executes. Even if there is any failure, the leader is held responsible as he delegated the decision making power to his lieutenant. It is also known as free reign leadership.
All leaders make use of all the three styles and types as per the situation. It is not prudent to declare that a specific style is wrong.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER:
First and foremost quality of any leader is to have passion to lead the people and the passion to serve the people. Passion is nothing but a burning desire to contribute his best for the people without expecting any returns. Only when he is passionate he can ignite passion amongst his followers.
He should have a vision and a common goal or objective for which people should have interest to come forward to realize the goals and objectives. Only when the vision is strong then the mission can be strong. He knows ‘where to go’ and he directs his followers continuously by showing ‘how to go’.
He should be a self-motivator and only self motivators become self starters. He should be filled with strong convictions and should be highly motivated so that he can maintain higher levels of energy amongst his followers.
Zig Zigler Zig said, 97 per cent people live in comfort zone and only 3 per cent of the people live in effective zone. The leaders always live in the effective zone and they get excited by being always in effective zone. They love to face challenges continuously. They continue shifting from one orbit to another at ease.
Leaders always look for excellence not for perfection. They always look at the things positively and are firm optimists.
They experiment a lot and make many mistakes and learn a lot from the same and for them every big fall is a big rise. They rise like phoenix. Robert Francis Kennedy rightly quoted, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly”.
They are excellent networkers and thrive on network. Even if they fall they rise because of their strong network. And the network helps either because he has helped them in the past with altruism or because their network is fascinated with his altruistic and leadership style.
They are men of integrity and strong character. They are very firm in their commitments and convictions. They have higher tolerance levels and have a positive bent of mind towards other people’s sentiments and cultures.
They maintain stoic silence and display mental and emotional stability even in extreme provocations or failures. They are excellent listeners and listen to different people with different dimensions and yet maintain independent thinking in arriving at solutions.
Good leaders always talk of positive things and make positive statements like ‘you can do it’, ‘it is possible’, ‘you will achieve big’ and so on. And they never make negative remarks like ‘it is impossible’, ‘it is doubtful’, ‘you can never improve’ etc.,
They are open to change and they know very well that change is always constant. They become the champions of change and are very effective change masters.
For them, success is not outsmarting others but setting their own goals and touching their upper limits. Once they reach their upper limits they raise the bar automatically and again touch their upper limits.
They never beat around the bush and always stay focused. Neither can they be neither distracted nor diverted from their cherished goals and objectives. They know how to hit the bulls’ eye.
They always radiate positive energy and are expert at visualizing opportunities from threats. They know how to capitalize on their strengths, how to overcome from their weaknesses, manage both the internal and external threats effectively and effectively and last but not the least they are good at spotting the opportunities.
They strongly believe in others and trust their subordinates or followers. As trust begets trust, the leader in turn is trusted by his followers.
They always look at the big picture. If a lay man thinks about the repercussions, implications and complications of a decision making just after a step. The leader thinks, imagines the same, number of stages and steps ahead based on his abilities in problem solving and also because of his experience.
All great leaders are strong at communication skills. They mesmerize their followers with their oratorical skills and abilities and they continuously ignite and excite their followers to reach their goals.
”Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other”, quoted John F. Kennedy. They learn and grow continuously. They regularly update their skills and abilities. Most of the great leaders are great readers. Apart from providing motivation and inspiration books also provide great ideas.
Leaders create their own set of advisers and consult them whenever they are confronted with complicated situations. Their team of trusted advisors provides various comments and after having brainstorming discussions the right solution is arrived and the leaders adopt the same.
They find out the unexplored and unexploited areas and they build up mindset, skills set, tools set so as to excel in those areas and people follow them as they are specialist in those area. They rarely follow the road and rather they make a road for their followers and leave a mark behind. In this context, it is apt to quote, “Don’t follow where path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”.
Neither are they dominant nor submissive and are flexible and are assertive in their dealings. They respect people and love people and they do not hesitate to go extra mile to please their people.
Leaders are socially adept and have social intelligence and they know the value of people and value of relations. John C.Maxwell rightly quoted, “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people. People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”.
Leaders are sound at judgment. They know the strengths and weaknesses of their subordinates and utilize them according to their skills and abilities so as to meet the desired goals and objectives. They are smart at converting ordinary people as extraordinary people.
They know how to balance their lives and good at leading balanced life. They have self discipline and do the things proactively without prompting of others. They move like a clock in a systematic and organized manner and are competent time managers.
Leaders know how to motivate their followers and they know the knack of uncorking and unlocking the hidden potential amongst the people. It is aptly said, “A leader is someone who helps others do and become more than they ever thought possible. Leadership is about unlocking potential, whether individual potential or that of a group, company, or organization. It is not about telling people what to do, but inspiring them to see what they are capable of, then, helping them get there”.
Good leaders are effective motivators and they understand the gravity of the situation and don the hat as per the situation and give their best to provide win-win situation for all without hurting anybody. They are excellent in persuasive skills, goal setting skills and soft skills.
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT:
Both are closely related although there are a few basic differences.
Peter F.Drucker said, “Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things”. It clearly demarcates the difference by saying that management deals with how efficiently the work is done and leadership deals with how effectively the work is done. Management insists on performance where as leadership talks about productivity.
While leadership focuses more on vision the management lays stress on mission. While the leaders talk of where to reach the goals, the managers talk of how to reach. The leader derives power the manager acts as per the authority. When the manager provides the direction the leader sets the pace and speed. The manager always follow the road where as it is the leader who creates road. The manager is involved in execution while the leader is involved in delegation. It is the leader who is always the high risk taker where as the manager has limited risk to take.
The manager always does the different things where as the leader does the things differently with his unconventional attitude. The manager is with in the hierarchy where as the leader is the creator of the hierarchy. Ultimately to put it in a nut shell, if the manager puts efforts in climbing the ladder and it the role of the leader to see that the ladder is on the right side of the wall. To sum it up in the words of Stephen R.Covey, “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall”.
Fed Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company believes in nurturing the leadership skills of its employees. Any one aspiring to become a leader has to undergo LEAP (Leadership Evaluation and Assessment Process) test. All organizations are laying emphasis on leadership development programs and many companies are conducting workshops on Leadership in order to enhance productivity and performance in this cut throat competitive world.
HOW TO CULTIVATE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES?
• Take someone you love the most and the one who is successful and when you remember him you get ignited spontaneously as your role model and learn to behave like a leader. Of course, you make mistakes and people have reached to the level of leadership after learning a lot from their mistakes.
• Possess passion to become a leader because leadership is more of a state of mind than that of an action and again more of an action than that of theory. Participate in group activities and slowly you develop the skills. Whenever there is an opportunity to organize group activities like functions, seminars, meetings take proactive posture. Involvement is essential.
• Visualize yourself as a successful leader standing on the top of the world with so many followers around you applauding you. This visualization will motivate you to strive towards building leadership qualities.
• Read number of motivational books, biographies and autobiographies of great leaders across the world, you learn new ideas and concepts and try to put the same which were untried and unexplored.
• Have clarity of mind and approach because it is leader who should first understand the way, should go the same way thereby paving the path for his followers.
• Always cultivate and inculcate the in built attitude like what best can you give to people not what can you get from the people.
• Never shy away from shouldering responsibilities. Given the opportunity, shoulder the responsibilities and you can learn many lessons out of it.
• You need to display constant levels of energy and enthusiasm and must take initiative in all your endeavors.
• Knowing in depth about your field or areas of study will provide you the arms and ammunition like competence; confidence and courage which over a period of time make you rise from the rest. Having knowledge in your chosen area along with integrity will bring effective results as both are coupled. Failure to bring synergy between these two will prove to be a great disaster. In this context, Samuel Johnson aptly said, “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless. And knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful”.
• M.K.Gandhi became a Mahatma Gandhi only by involving himself in the freedom movement and by moving along with common people and he motivated the people to participate in the freedom movement. He won success because he practiced what he preached. He was a Karma yogi. You have to be part of the people in order to motivate, inspire and provide a right kind of direction.
• You need to display a lot of endurance because things will not go as per your plans. At times, problems crop up due to your internal forces and factors which can be manageable up to certain extent and the problems do arise due to external forces and factors and endurance is an imperative in this context.
• Develop emotional intelligence as this trait will help you get along with people and develop social adjustment. Enhance edge and this will toughen you mentally very strong. And when the going gets touch, the tough gets going. Develop perseverance and move like a marathoner because you know where you are going and why you are going.
• Conduct SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis. It is a wonderful tool and by this you can analyze your strengths and weaknesses which will help you to maximize your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses. Manage the most of your time in capitalizing your strengths and less of your time in converting your weaknesses into strengths and the least of your time in delegating the weaknesses that can not be overcome to your subordinates.
• Whenever you are wedded with success share the same and pass on to your team members and followers. No leader attained success by himself independently. Whenever success comes it comes purely because of collective efforts, team efforts and all the people involved in the movement.
• Last but not the least never misuse your authority for your personal ends or to settle your scores with your rivals. Never let down the trust and confidence of your followers. So far in the history of mankind, no followers let down their leaders but it is only a few leaders who let down their followers.
CONCLUSION:
Leadership is a skill not a talent which can be acquired by reading, learning, training, continuous practice and experience. Every one should know that leaders are not born but are made due to external environment and circumstances. The road to leadership is not an easy but an uphill and an Herculean task. Anybody can become a leader but everybody can not become a leader.. The leaders lead their lives with lot of struggles and sacrifices and they live larger than life even after their death because they live more in the hearts of the people rather than in the minds of the people.
MESSAGE:
More than half of all CEOs of all Fortune 500 companies had an average academic educational background. The boss of Microsoft, Mr. Bill Gates is a college drop out and also the boss of Dell Corp, Mr. Michael Dell is also a college drop out. Half of all millionaire entrepreneurs never finished their college. But what made all of them to tick as leaders? The answer is a simple 7 letter word, - PASSION. It is the first and last eligibility to attain the status of a 6 letter word – LEADER.
T H E E N D
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
WHAT THEY DON’T TEACH IN B SCHOOLS?
ABSTRACT
Indian management education system, no doubt, survived and succeeded in establishing its wings spread across all sectors in India. Yet there are number of grey areas to be addressed. We produce quantitative management graduates but not qualitative. It is a matter of great regret to note. The article highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the present management education. It focuses on ‘what they do not teach in B schools?’ in detail because the author has rich experience in this field being a visiting faculty for ICFAI University as he takes classes for management graduates (MBA). And also he is a permanent faculty in an engineering college and he regularly takes classes for engineering graduates (B.Tech). He found out various tools and techniques to improve upon the present method of management education based on his 25 years of previous work experience that includes business experience apart from his multiple academic qualifications in management and other diversified fields. At the end, there is a clear-cut message to bring out the best leaders and gurus in management from India across the world.
INTRODUCTION:
India has around 1400 Business schools accredited by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and produces management graduates seven times than that of United Kingdom. But we could not produce the best business leaders and managers across the world from our B Schools. We often glorify frequently about our quantity of management education but not about the quality. Presently Harvard University stands first in the top US list of B schools and INSEAD stands first in the non-US list of B schools in the world. What is the official ranking of Indian management institutions across the world? Unfortunately none of our B schools stands in the top 100 list. What ails our B schools? It is high time we introspected honestly and thoroughly.
B SCHOOLS AND MBA:
Every year nearly two lakh MBA aspirants take part in Common Admission Test (CAT). Right now there are 1.25 lakh full time students and one-lakh distance education students pursuing MBA. What makes them to be crazy after MBA tag? Is it because it offers wider opportunities to grow professionally or to get fat pays and perks? It is, in fact, a debatable issue. Especially after the opening up of Indian economy in early nineties, many private players jumped into the bandwagon of creating many B schools with money spinning attitude. It is very difficult to predict how many institutions will survive and succeed and how many will go into the dustbins of history. The institutions are in a great hurry to create managers in quantity but not quality.
Students are also, in general, find it fancy to go for such courses so as to have firm foothold in their career. Statistics reveal that IIM-A selects one out of 400 aspirants as against the one in 20 aspirants of US B schools. Newspapers and magazines also come out with screaming headlines about the prestigious degree. Such headlines make the students crazier after MBA degree.
The MBA degree has its brainchild of American educational system and in early fifties, Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) has been established in India to provide management education. Ever since, IIMs have become the official, authoritative and commendable institutions in India. Although it is nearly more than half a century, we could not produce Indian management gurus across the globe and it is a matter of great regret to note. The business education system is American in content and context and also by nature thus resulting in creating critical gaps in the system.
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR ENGG. STUDENTS:
The present trend indicates that there is more number of people of technical background (B.E and B.Tech) entering B schools. The MBA enhances career prospects for engineering graduates. Engineers, by qualification, are sound technically and can excel as technical leaders. But having an MBA becomes another extra lifeline to scale the corporate ladder quickly. The combination of technical and managerial skills will prove handy and make the people as an effective business leaders and managers. It is because of these reasons the engineering graduates need to pass in managerial subjects to groom them as effective managers.
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN NON-PROFESSIONAL DEGREES:
In India, there is a strong need to encourage students of Arts, Commerce, Science and Computers to go for MBA courses. And also inclusion of management subjects or topics or concepts in these areas will enhance their exposure to the field of management so that they can gradually develop an aptitude for management. When these non-professional degree holders go for placement they find fully equipped to face the day to day challenges at their work place. In fact, the strength of non-technical graduates outnumbers technical graduates. As a result, there will be steady and strong growth of appetite for MBA qualification. Ultimately we can expect more number of managers from all fields of study.
WEAKNESSES IN PRESENT MANAGEMENT EDUCATION:
Henry Mintzberg is one of the strongest critics of MBA degrees. He found out many defects in the present management education system. The present system does not encourage entrepreneurial skills and abilities. It does not lay stress on ethical part of education. It is not able to inculcate or cultivate industry or sector specific skills. There are set of skills required for each sector, segment and industry. The inability to focus on the same became a major area of weakness. Real industrial problems are neither thought nor taught. It is not able to cater to Indian type of education and on the contrary, it began to believe in aping American method of education, which at times found to be highly irrelevant and superfluous. It does not focus on Total Productive Maintenance (TQM) where teams are forged and motivated to contribute their best without any egoistic considerations. It is devoid of multicultural experience. It is highly commercialized and commoditised. It is like a shop where goods and services are offered in exchange for money. Of course, no qualifications can be provided without money, as it is essential to ensure circulation of the entire organizational set up effectively. The degree of commercialization and commoditisation has become rampant. It is filled with antiquated, outdated and condemned pedagogic and teaching skills and needs to be overhauled thoroughly and immediately.
STRENGTHS:
The present management education survived for nearly five decades in India and struggling to expand beyond national and geographical boundaries. With the boon of rapid changing technology and communication, the educational system is undergoing drastic changes although the pace is slow. The students in B schools develop the ability to network and grow fast. The alumni links serve as strong launching pad.
WHAT THEY DO NOT TEACH IN B-SCHOOLS?
B schools teach the theoretical concepts and aspects, which will help the people to get tuned with the corporate terminology right from the school itself and also the meanings of the related concepts. The tools and techniques, which were taught in school, help them equip to take over the managerial/leadership roles in the corporate world. In fact B schools’ objective is to groom the business leaders for tomorrow.
It is always an well-admitted fact that there is vast chasm between theory and percept. The B school product when he finds himself in the hot seat in the industry, he finds himself suffocated as he finds vast gap in his dreams and realities. He needs to get his hands dirty in the real organizations, which he might have fantasized, from a totally different perspective.
The ability to deal with the people can not be taught in B schools and even if it was taught, it is very difficult to implement, as there would be so many bottlenecks. B schools only teach how to do but the corporate world only, indeed, teaches the practical way of learning. It is like learning how to swim, i.e. whatever the student learnt such as tools and techniques by way of theoretical explanations in school, he can only learn when he gets into the deep waters of the corporate world.
Traits like diplomacy and tactness and emotional intelligence can be learnt only by practical experience. The books and B schools have certain limitations. The efficiency and efficacy can be learnt only by involving oneself in real like situation. However the case studies one might have come across by way of thorough reading in school, the real life is total different from fantasized reel life. In a nutshell, a person comes from reel life to real life.
The concepts like brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, lateral thinking, vertical thinking, out of the box thinking, emotional intelligence, change agents, mind mapping, morphological analysis, six thinking hats, synectics, Type A personality and Type B personality could be better be understood and felt in the real corporate life.
B schools equip tons of information, data, knowledge, and case studies, which can help to get tuned with the real problems in the organizations to some extent. But it can not be summed up altogether that they produce the best managers in the industry.
B schools do not teach entrepreneurial skills and risk taking abilities. They teach about soft skills and communication skills, which can best be experimented in the battleground of corporate life and can be perfected. If the tools of efficiency are taught in B schools, the tricks of effectiveness is learnt in corporate world.
B schools do not talk much about building relations. Whatever the little so taught becomes too little in the practical life. In real business, it is always the products or services, which speak in volumes to the customers initially and the subsequent transactions, depend on relationships to a greater extent. Ultimately it is the satisfied customer who turns again and gives business. Therefore, much of the business solely depends on building relationships, which is again missing in B schools. B schools do highlight on evolutionary approaches but not revolutionary. But the practical business mostly talks of revolutionary approaches.
To lay more stress, if ‘what B school teaches’ is one side of the coin then the other side of the coin is ‘what one learns in organizations’. And the coin will have complete value only when these two are clubbed together. The combination of two sides creates a complete corporate personality.
FILLING THE CRITICAL GAPS:
There is a strong need to lay stress on the Indian-industry oriented management education. This does not mean to do away with the American methodology of concepts and teachings. What is now needed is glocal approach i.e. the combination of global and local approach.
The visiting faculty usually teaches in more than one institution and teaches more than one subject. As a result their approach is short term oriented and less focussed. Where as the permanent faculty works under one roof in the same system and subjects resulting in staying highly focussed in his approach. These people tend to have long term orientation and it pays off heavily for the students.
There is vast chasm between the salaries of academic and non-academic professions. At the industries, pay and perks are heavy and the best brains are naturally going to non-academic line. This does not mean totally that those who work in academic profession do not posses brighter talents and skills. There may be a segment of brains that would like to work in academic line because of their taste for teaching. The vast gap between these two in terms of salaries needs to be narrowed down and addressed. Sometimes, the teaching faculty may work outside on part time basis to generate more income. This again contributes in less concentration in teaching.
Recruiting the faculty who possess diversified academic back ground, experience and expertise will bring quality of education as these people can combine their multiple skills learnt from academic field along with their industrial or business experience. Similarly industries must come forward to encourage the trainee management graduates to do project work in their organizations which will enhance competency and confidence.
The present management education refers to many case studies related to other countries. Although it is good to have a feel of the case studies of foreign land, there is an element of nativity lost in teaching. It is necessary to generate our own case studies and explain the concepts or topics with native examples for understanding and enhancing the qualitative education. It is like, when you in Rome do as Romans do, but not as Greece do. The need of the hour is to create glocal mindset in the minds of management graduates.
Indian B schools must evolve its own tools and techniques in teaching and tune its B schools as the battlegrounds to create global management gurus.
CHAK DE! INDIA:
The Shah Rukh Khan’s starrer, ‘Chak De! India’ has been included as a case study in a management institute for showcasing leadership, motivation, human resource management and other excellent skills. There is a need to encourage such case studies, which can be well understood and practiced to make effective managers and leaders. Encourage reel like heroes like Amitabh Bachhan, Shah Rukh Khan and so on into real life heroes by participating once in a while in management education. They can narrate their own practical problems related to film industry which become the best case studies for the students thereby adding a touch of glamour and knowledge in management education.
Turn around heroes who are instrumental in making their companies profitable like Mr.R.Seshasayee, the Managing Director for Ashok Leyland, Mr. Krishnamurty of SAIL, and Mr.Laloo Prasad Yadav, the Union Railway Minister should be invited to provide guest lectures at B schools (Of course, Mr.Laloo Prasad did take part in such lectures). These people can come out with practical problems they faced while turning around their institutions. Like wise, the successful leaders and managers across various Indian industries, sectors and segments should be invited to management institutions who can become source of inspiration and motivation for the students. What is needed is the practical business education not ivory tower type of education. And the leaders need not to be MBAs. There are leaders who became corporate czars not because of MBA but because of their business acumen, dedication, discipline and determination.
CONCLUSION:
AICTE has a pivotal role to play in streamlining and overhauling Indian management education system with many checks and balances. Late Dhirubhai H Ambani and Laxmi Niwas Mittal have become corporate legends not by doing MBA but by business acumen and right application of available resources. MBA helps in enriching the minds of the business managers and leaders. MBA does supplement and does not substitute business acumen. Sound academic background with strong business and industry insights along with stimulated and simulated case studies can bring out the best results in quality of management education in India.
MESSAGE:
The best business managers and leaders can be created only by a successful synthesis of academic theory and business practice or industrial experience. The business education should be based on practical or simulated and effective case studies. If the educational infrastructure is sound then one can expect a strong superstructure in future. Imagine an India with a population of a more than a billion can produce how much number of Jack Welchs’, Philip.Kotlers’ and Peter F Druckers’.
T H E E N D
Indian management education system, no doubt, survived and succeeded in establishing its wings spread across all sectors in India. Yet there are number of grey areas to be addressed. We produce quantitative management graduates but not qualitative. It is a matter of great regret to note. The article highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the present management education. It focuses on ‘what they do not teach in B schools?’ in detail because the author has rich experience in this field being a visiting faculty for ICFAI University as he takes classes for management graduates (MBA). And also he is a permanent faculty in an engineering college and he regularly takes classes for engineering graduates (B.Tech). He found out various tools and techniques to improve upon the present method of management education based on his 25 years of previous work experience that includes business experience apart from his multiple academic qualifications in management and other diversified fields. At the end, there is a clear-cut message to bring out the best leaders and gurus in management from India across the world.
INTRODUCTION:
India has around 1400 Business schools accredited by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and produces management graduates seven times than that of United Kingdom. But we could not produce the best business leaders and managers across the world from our B Schools. We often glorify frequently about our quantity of management education but not about the quality. Presently Harvard University stands first in the top US list of B schools and INSEAD stands first in the non-US list of B schools in the world. What is the official ranking of Indian management institutions across the world? Unfortunately none of our B schools stands in the top 100 list. What ails our B schools? It is high time we introspected honestly and thoroughly.
B SCHOOLS AND MBA:
Every year nearly two lakh MBA aspirants take part in Common Admission Test (CAT). Right now there are 1.25 lakh full time students and one-lakh distance education students pursuing MBA. What makes them to be crazy after MBA tag? Is it because it offers wider opportunities to grow professionally or to get fat pays and perks? It is, in fact, a debatable issue. Especially after the opening up of Indian economy in early nineties, many private players jumped into the bandwagon of creating many B schools with money spinning attitude. It is very difficult to predict how many institutions will survive and succeed and how many will go into the dustbins of history. The institutions are in a great hurry to create managers in quantity but not quality.
Students are also, in general, find it fancy to go for such courses so as to have firm foothold in their career. Statistics reveal that IIM-A selects one out of 400 aspirants as against the one in 20 aspirants of US B schools. Newspapers and magazines also come out with screaming headlines about the prestigious degree. Such headlines make the students crazier after MBA degree.
The MBA degree has its brainchild of American educational system and in early fifties, Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) has been established in India to provide management education. Ever since, IIMs have become the official, authoritative and commendable institutions in India. Although it is nearly more than half a century, we could not produce Indian management gurus across the globe and it is a matter of great regret to note. The business education system is American in content and context and also by nature thus resulting in creating critical gaps in the system.
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR ENGG. STUDENTS:
The present trend indicates that there is more number of people of technical background (B.E and B.Tech) entering B schools. The MBA enhances career prospects for engineering graduates. Engineers, by qualification, are sound technically and can excel as technical leaders. But having an MBA becomes another extra lifeline to scale the corporate ladder quickly. The combination of technical and managerial skills will prove handy and make the people as an effective business leaders and managers. It is because of these reasons the engineering graduates need to pass in managerial subjects to groom them as effective managers.
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN NON-PROFESSIONAL DEGREES:
In India, there is a strong need to encourage students of Arts, Commerce, Science and Computers to go for MBA courses. And also inclusion of management subjects or topics or concepts in these areas will enhance their exposure to the field of management so that they can gradually develop an aptitude for management. When these non-professional degree holders go for placement they find fully equipped to face the day to day challenges at their work place. In fact, the strength of non-technical graduates outnumbers technical graduates. As a result, there will be steady and strong growth of appetite for MBA qualification. Ultimately we can expect more number of managers from all fields of study.
WEAKNESSES IN PRESENT MANAGEMENT EDUCATION:
Henry Mintzberg is one of the strongest critics of MBA degrees. He found out many defects in the present management education system. The present system does not encourage entrepreneurial skills and abilities. It does not lay stress on ethical part of education. It is not able to inculcate or cultivate industry or sector specific skills. There are set of skills required for each sector, segment and industry. The inability to focus on the same became a major area of weakness. Real industrial problems are neither thought nor taught. It is not able to cater to Indian type of education and on the contrary, it began to believe in aping American method of education, which at times found to be highly irrelevant and superfluous. It does not focus on Total Productive Maintenance (TQM) where teams are forged and motivated to contribute their best without any egoistic considerations. It is devoid of multicultural experience. It is highly commercialized and commoditised. It is like a shop where goods and services are offered in exchange for money. Of course, no qualifications can be provided without money, as it is essential to ensure circulation of the entire organizational set up effectively. The degree of commercialization and commoditisation has become rampant. It is filled with antiquated, outdated and condemned pedagogic and teaching skills and needs to be overhauled thoroughly and immediately.
STRENGTHS:
The present management education survived for nearly five decades in India and struggling to expand beyond national and geographical boundaries. With the boon of rapid changing technology and communication, the educational system is undergoing drastic changes although the pace is slow. The students in B schools develop the ability to network and grow fast. The alumni links serve as strong launching pad.
WHAT THEY DO NOT TEACH IN B-SCHOOLS?
B schools teach the theoretical concepts and aspects, which will help the people to get tuned with the corporate terminology right from the school itself and also the meanings of the related concepts. The tools and techniques, which were taught in school, help them equip to take over the managerial/leadership roles in the corporate world. In fact B schools’ objective is to groom the business leaders for tomorrow.
It is always an well-admitted fact that there is vast chasm between theory and percept. The B school product when he finds himself in the hot seat in the industry, he finds himself suffocated as he finds vast gap in his dreams and realities. He needs to get his hands dirty in the real organizations, which he might have fantasized, from a totally different perspective.
The ability to deal with the people can not be taught in B schools and even if it was taught, it is very difficult to implement, as there would be so many bottlenecks. B schools only teach how to do but the corporate world only, indeed, teaches the practical way of learning. It is like learning how to swim, i.e. whatever the student learnt such as tools and techniques by way of theoretical explanations in school, he can only learn when he gets into the deep waters of the corporate world.
Traits like diplomacy and tactness and emotional intelligence can be learnt only by practical experience. The books and B schools have certain limitations. The efficiency and efficacy can be learnt only by involving oneself in real like situation. However the case studies one might have come across by way of thorough reading in school, the real life is total different from fantasized reel life. In a nutshell, a person comes from reel life to real life.
The concepts like brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, lateral thinking, vertical thinking, out of the box thinking, emotional intelligence, change agents, mind mapping, morphological analysis, six thinking hats, synectics, Type A personality and Type B personality could be better be understood and felt in the real corporate life.
B schools equip tons of information, data, knowledge, and case studies, which can help to get tuned with the real problems in the organizations to some extent. But it can not be summed up altogether that they produce the best managers in the industry.
B schools do not teach entrepreneurial skills and risk taking abilities. They teach about soft skills and communication skills, which can best be experimented in the battleground of corporate life and can be perfected. If the tools of efficiency are taught in B schools, the tricks of effectiveness is learnt in corporate world.
B schools do not talk much about building relations. Whatever the little so taught becomes too little in the practical life. In real business, it is always the products or services, which speak in volumes to the customers initially and the subsequent transactions, depend on relationships to a greater extent. Ultimately it is the satisfied customer who turns again and gives business. Therefore, much of the business solely depends on building relationships, which is again missing in B schools. B schools do highlight on evolutionary approaches but not revolutionary. But the practical business mostly talks of revolutionary approaches.
To lay more stress, if ‘what B school teaches’ is one side of the coin then the other side of the coin is ‘what one learns in organizations’. And the coin will have complete value only when these two are clubbed together. The combination of two sides creates a complete corporate personality.
FILLING THE CRITICAL GAPS:
There is a strong need to lay stress on the Indian-industry oriented management education. This does not mean to do away with the American methodology of concepts and teachings. What is now needed is glocal approach i.e. the combination of global and local approach.
The visiting faculty usually teaches in more than one institution and teaches more than one subject. As a result their approach is short term oriented and less focussed. Where as the permanent faculty works under one roof in the same system and subjects resulting in staying highly focussed in his approach. These people tend to have long term orientation and it pays off heavily for the students.
There is vast chasm between the salaries of academic and non-academic professions. At the industries, pay and perks are heavy and the best brains are naturally going to non-academic line. This does not mean totally that those who work in academic profession do not posses brighter talents and skills. There may be a segment of brains that would like to work in academic line because of their taste for teaching. The vast gap between these two in terms of salaries needs to be narrowed down and addressed. Sometimes, the teaching faculty may work outside on part time basis to generate more income. This again contributes in less concentration in teaching.
Recruiting the faculty who possess diversified academic back ground, experience and expertise will bring quality of education as these people can combine their multiple skills learnt from academic field along with their industrial or business experience. Similarly industries must come forward to encourage the trainee management graduates to do project work in their organizations which will enhance competency and confidence.
The present management education refers to many case studies related to other countries. Although it is good to have a feel of the case studies of foreign land, there is an element of nativity lost in teaching. It is necessary to generate our own case studies and explain the concepts or topics with native examples for understanding and enhancing the qualitative education. It is like, when you in Rome do as Romans do, but not as Greece do. The need of the hour is to create glocal mindset in the minds of management graduates.
Indian B schools must evolve its own tools and techniques in teaching and tune its B schools as the battlegrounds to create global management gurus.
CHAK DE! INDIA:
The Shah Rukh Khan’s starrer, ‘Chak De! India’ has been included as a case study in a management institute for showcasing leadership, motivation, human resource management and other excellent skills. There is a need to encourage such case studies, which can be well understood and practiced to make effective managers and leaders. Encourage reel like heroes like Amitabh Bachhan, Shah Rukh Khan and so on into real life heroes by participating once in a while in management education. They can narrate their own practical problems related to film industry which become the best case studies for the students thereby adding a touch of glamour and knowledge in management education.
Turn around heroes who are instrumental in making their companies profitable like Mr.R.Seshasayee, the Managing Director for Ashok Leyland, Mr. Krishnamurty of SAIL, and Mr.Laloo Prasad Yadav, the Union Railway Minister should be invited to provide guest lectures at B schools (Of course, Mr.Laloo Prasad did take part in such lectures). These people can come out with practical problems they faced while turning around their institutions. Like wise, the successful leaders and managers across various Indian industries, sectors and segments should be invited to management institutions who can become source of inspiration and motivation for the students. What is needed is the practical business education not ivory tower type of education. And the leaders need not to be MBAs. There are leaders who became corporate czars not because of MBA but because of their business acumen, dedication, discipline and determination.
CONCLUSION:
AICTE has a pivotal role to play in streamlining and overhauling Indian management education system with many checks and balances. Late Dhirubhai H Ambani and Laxmi Niwas Mittal have become corporate legends not by doing MBA but by business acumen and right application of available resources. MBA helps in enriching the minds of the business managers and leaders. MBA does supplement and does not substitute business acumen. Sound academic background with strong business and industry insights along with stimulated and simulated case studies can bring out the best results in quality of management education in India.
MESSAGE:
The best business managers and leaders can be created only by a successful synthesis of academic theory and business practice or industrial experience. The business education should be based on practical or simulated and effective case studies. If the educational infrastructure is sound then one can expect a strong superstructure in future. Imagine an India with a population of a more than a billion can produce how much number of Jack Welchs’, Philip.Kotlers’ and Peter F Druckers’.
T H E E N D
TEAM BUILDING SKILLS
Andrew Carnegie said, “Team work is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results”.
Formation of homogeneous group out of heterogeneous for achieving organizational goals and objectives can be defined as team work. Working in teams is a fun and frolic. Team work touches upon our hidden talents. It is here people communicate more freely and work together in a team resulting in more efficient and effective results. It is nothing but synergy of strengths of diversified people. Every individual is blessed with unique qualities, abilities, talents and skills and when they work in teams with passion, we can expect unique results. Although numerically one plus one is two, but in team work it gives rise to more than two. It is here where people of diversified backgrounds and faculties come together to do their best forgetting their egos, differences of opinions, views and ideas so as to keep the objectives of the team paramount. Effective team work develops team spirit, flexibility, openness, adjustability and adaptability.
Characteristics of an Effective Team:
Basically a team must possess four elements such as purpose, duration, structure and membership. The leader or the manager must be very clear in his or her goals and objectives to avoid ambiguity. He or she must be a risk taker for conducting such an exercise. Creation of conducive and relaxed climate is an imperative to get desired results. The entire members are to be interdependent and independent to make the team building exercise relevant. There should be a provision for positive and creative ideas. All members must be free to air their opinions and ideas. There has to be collective responsibility and accountability.
How to Build an Effective Team?
It is basically the team leader or manager who should create. He must know group behavior and must be good at group psychology. He must build the team so as to achieve the organizational goals and objectives which are measurable, realistic and attainable. He needs to be an excellent jockey till the race is completed. Resolving conflicts in the team, encouraging relevant meetings, sharing goals and objectives, creating a conducive climate, clear demarcation of the roles and responsibilities , providing adequate training, strengthening bottom lines, communicating effectively and efficiently - a powerful team can be built. There is a team facilitator who provides required guidance and support to the team members. An efficient team member can become a successful team facilitator and then as a team leader. The leader must build members who believe in smart work rather than hard work.
There is a subtle difference between smart work and hard work. For instance, there are two teams each containing three members and are asked to cut two different trees of same size shape and width. The members of team A immediately took their axes and started cutting the tree at the root as the time frame fixed is one hour for both to complete the task. Whereas the members of the team B took around 15 minutes to grind their axes and then they began cutting the tree. And they could cut it with in 15 minutes of starting the activity and finished with in 30 minutes by cutting at the base of the tree. The team A began cutting the tree but failed to do with in an hour and took more than that to fell the tree. Here the difference between the team A and B is: The team A did not plan well, coordinate well and on the other hand they worked very hard but could not achieve the result with in the time frame. It is a clear indication of hard work and their sincerity can not be questioned. Where as the team B, planned well, coordinated properly, ground their axes, worked smartly and got the result much before the deadline. It is a clear indication of smart work. And in this growing technological and competitive world it is not the hard work but the smart work that counts.
Merits of Team Work:
According to Herb Kelleher of South West Airlines – “Team play is a fundamental concept ….. If you want to succeed, if you want to win, you have to play as a team.”
The results can be maximized and expedited due to the strength in synergy. When the team members consult one another during the process, they learn to come out openly and learn to respect others’ ideas. Members start believing with each other shedding their inhibitions and hesitations. The outcome will be in exponential proportions. There will be supplementary and complementary of skills and abilities. At times, the team members come out with ideas which they themselves never thought of, from their subconscious minds. The member also realizes his strengths and weaknesses vis-à-vis other members and tries to overcome his weaknesses and strengthens his strengths.
People working in teams develop using two letter word ‘we’ instead of one letter word ‘I’. Stephen Covey, in his book, ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effectively People’ wrote about the terminology of synergy and it is one of the greatest habits across the successful people in the world.
Working in groups or teams promotes esprit de corps (loyalty), camaraderie, and problem solving ability. People, when work in teams develop the ability to resolve the conflicts amicably. Due to the physical proximity in teams, the members derive job satisfaction by various means and they gradually develop multitasking abilities. By way of discussions and dialogues, bags of information are generated and team members become more knowledgeable. It is here cooperation replaces competition with in the team members. Ability to stay focused is an efficient trait; the members tend to hit the bulls’ eye accurately. No repetition of the work takes place as all are aware of what is going on right under their noses.
Employee turn over is thorny issue in all sectors of the industry and it can be minimized by inculcating team spirit as people do not feel to quit their organizations when they develop good relations with their colleagues. Optimum utilization of time and available resources can be ensured. There will be enhancement of qualitative work and the recognition of hidden potential amongst the employees.
Team Spirit as a Skill Tested In Interviews:
When the students go for employment, the employers look for the team spirit. The employers will be on the look out for this trait and they try to examine whether the candidate possesses this characteristic. Non possession becomes a major liability and the candidate gets rejected. The psychologists and other interviewing officers try to find out this ability by posing questions from different directions and dimensions and when the candidate demonstrates constantly then only there is a possibility to get into the slot. All organizations whether it is civil or military organizations lays great emphasis on this quality.
Soft skills are a cluster of many skills and abilities and it is said that possession of team spirit is one of the major skills. In order to inculcate this quality, the students must learn to work in teams’ right from their childhood itself by participating in sports, cultural activities, in academic careers to avoid displeasure at the time of interviews. To put it in the words of Stephen Covey, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”.
T H E E N D
Formation of homogeneous group out of heterogeneous for achieving organizational goals and objectives can be defined as team work. Working in teams is a fun and frolic. Team work touches upon our hidden talents. It is here people communicate more freely and work together in a team resulting in more efficient and effective results. It is nothing but synergy of strengths of diversified people. Every individual is blessed with unique qualities, abilities, talents and skills and when they work in teams with passion, we can expect unique results. Although numerically one plus one is two, but in team work it gives rise to more than two. It is here where people of diversified backgrounds and faculties come together to do their best forgetting their egos, differences of opinions, views and ideas so as to keep the objectives of the team paramount. Effective team work develops team spirit, flexibility, openness, adjustability and adaptability.
Characteristics of an Effective Team:
Basically a team must possess four elements such as purpose, duration, structure and membership. The leader or the manager must be very clear in his or her goals and objectives to avoid ambiguity. He or she must be a risk taker for conducting such an exercise. Creation of conducive and relaxed climate is an imperative to get desired results. The entire members are to be interdependent and independent to make the team building exercise relevant. There should be a provision for positive and creative ideas. All members must be free to air their opinions and ideas. There has to be collective responsibility and accountability.
How to Build an Effective Team?
It is basically the team leader or manager who should create. He must know group behavior and must be good at group psychology. He must build the team so as to achieve the organizational goals and objectives which are measurable, realistic and attainable. He needs to be an excellent jockey till the race is completed. Resolving conflicts in the team, encouraging relevant meetings, sharing goals and objectives, creating a conducive climate, clear demarcation of the roles and responsibilities , providing adequate training, strengthening bottom lines, communicating effectively and efficiently - a powerful team can be built. There is a team facilitator who provides required guidance and support to the team members. An efficient team member can become a successful team facilitator and then as a team leader. The leader must build members who believe in smart work rather than hard work.
There is a subtle difference between smart work and hard work. For instance, there are two teams each containing three members and are asked to cut two different trees of same size shape and width. The members of team A immediately took their axes and started cutting the tree at the root as the time frame fixed is one hour for both to complete the task. Whereas the members of the team B took around 15 minutes to grind their axes and then they began cutting the tree. And they could cut it with in 15 minutes of starting the activity and finished with in 30 minutes by cutting at the base of the tree. The team A began cutting the tree but failed to do with in an hour and took more than that to fell the tree. Here the difference between the team A and B is: The team A did not plan well, coordinate well and on the other hand they worked very hard but could not achieve the result with in the time frame. It is a clear indication of hard work and their sincerity can not be questioned. Where as the team B, planned well, coordinated properly, ground their axes, worked smartly and got the result much before the deadline. It is a clear indication of smart work. And in this growing technological and competitive world it is not the hard work but the smart work that counts.
Merits of Team Work:
According to Herb Kelleher of South West Airlines – “Team play is a fundamental concept ….. If you want to succeed, if you want to win, you have to play as a team.”
The results can be maximized and expedited due to the strength in synergy. When the team members consult one another during the process, they learn to come out openly and learn to respect others’ ideas. Members start believing with each other shedding their inhibitions and hesitations. The outcome will be in exponential proportions. There will be supplementary and complementary of skills and abilities. At times, the team members come out with ideas which they themselves never thought of, from their subconscious minds. The member also realizes his strengths and weaknesses vis-à-vis other members and tries to overcome his weaknesses and strengthens his strengths.
People working in teams develop using two letter word ‘we’ instead of one letter word ‘I’. Stephen Covey, in his book, ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effectively People’ wrote about the terminology of synergy and it is one of the greatest habits across the successful people in the world.
Working in groups or teams promotes esprit de corps (loyalty), camaraderie, and problem solving ability. People, when work in teams develop the ability to resolve the conflicts amicably. Due to the physical proximity in teams, the members derive job satisfaction by various means and they gradually develop multitasking abilities. By way of discussions and dialogues, bags of information are generated and team members become more knowledgeable. It is here cooperation replaces competition with in the team members. Ability to stay focused is an efficient trait; the members tend to hit the bulls’ eye accurately. No repetition of the work takes place as all are aware of what is going on right under their noses.
Employee turn over is thorny issue in all sectors of the industry and it can be minimized by inculcating team spirit as people do not feel to quit their organizations when they develop good relations with their colleagues. Optimum utilization of time and available resources can be ensured. There will be enhancement of qualitative work and the recognition of hidden potential amongst the employees.
Team Spirit as a Skill Tested In Interviews:
When the students go for employment, the employers look for the team spirit. The employers will be on the look out for this trait and they try to examine whether the candidate possesses this characteristic. Non possession becomes a major liability and the candidate gets rejected. The psychologists and other interviewing officers try to find out this ability by posing questions from different directions and dimensions and when the candidate demonstrates constantly then only there is a possibility to get into the slot. All organizations whether it is civil or military organizations lays great emphasis on this quality.
Soft skills are a cluster of many skills and abilities and it is said that possession of team spirit is one of the major skills. In order to inculcate this quality, the students must learn to work in teams’ right from their childhood itself by participating in sports, cultural activities, in academic careers to avoid displeasure at the time of interviews. To put it in the words of Stephen Covey, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”.
T H E E N D
HOW TO ORGANIZE GROUP DISCUSSIONS?
ABSTRACT
Many fresher find it very difficult to face Group Discussions(GDs) when they go for professional jobs. GD has been made almost mandatory for most of the professional placements. It is also essential for joining MBA courses. The article highlights the importance and significance and the tools and techniques involved in coming out of this process successfully. The expectations of the employer are explained briefly so that the candidates would develop the same to succeed. The entire session has been divided into three sessions such as pre-session, during session and post-session. The article explained about the norms and rules along with the responsible role of moderator to conduct it professionally. It also dwelt at length about the dos and don’ts during the session. At the end it concluded that it is a very easy process and there is fun in participation.
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We discuss too many things in daily life at home or in office or in colleges on various topics. We find a few agree to us and a few disagree with us. At home if there are more family members and when they want to take a decision they talk to one another either at dinning table or at leisure time. After duration of heated or cool discussions they build a consesus and finalize a decision.
At the corporate level also there will be frequent meetings on various issues for taking a concrete and solid decision. Hence, we take decisions regularly whether in our personal life, professional life or social life by means of group discussions. Many companies are conducting Group Discussions (GDs) to prospective employees so as to check their suitability to their corporate culture. While we understood the concept of GD let us look at the objectives of the same.
OBJECTIVES OF GD:
The main objective of any GD is to provide wide range of solutions to a particular problem and then streamlining and creating a viable consensus solution by means of discussion. Discussions always provide more knowledge base. GD generates ideas by way of sharing and exchanging and at times it unlocks many things unconsciously as everyone has hidden potential. At times, new ideas flash from the subconscious mind unconsciously when provoked. It helps in eliciting the personality traits besides enhancing the knowledge base. Usually people tend to brood over problems only not on the solutions. GD helps in generating too many solutions if it is practiced properly. The corporate conduct GDs in order to find out a few qualities they expect from the prospective employees opting for executive cadre level.
EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYER:
Every employer expects a few qualities out of its prospective employees so as to improve and enhance value addition to its institution. There are number of qualities which are expected but a few of them are mentioned briefly.
• Initiative is essential. Without prompting the candidate should be able to take proactive stance in doing the things. He must be willing to come forward actively and voluntarily to shoulder the responsibility.
• Clarity of thoughts. Whether the candidate is able to express coherently, logically, forcefully and clearly his ideas and thoughts is assessed.
• Team building is an essential tool in the corporate world and conducting group discussion is one of the effective ways and means towards team building. If a candidate is not able to contribute towards an effective team he will become a liability. Team spirit is laid too much stress upon these days. In fact teams bring wonderful results because of many synergies and strengths.
• Content is king. Whether the candidate possesses requisite knowledge of the topic or does he beat around the bush.
• The ability to get along and adjusted socially with other colleagues is observed closely. Or whether is he socially inept.
• Emotional Intelligence is the ability to act and react to the situations without inviting any rift or conflict within the group. There is a strong need to display emotional stability and mental maturity in order to succeed in discussions.
• Leadership. It is a great trait which can be cultivated by continuous practice. The ability to lead from the front voluntarily so as to keep the interests of the group as paramount. The ability to manage divergent people with different opinions and views is essential.
• Interpersonal skills and relations is the area where every employer lays stress upon. In day to day life, everyone should learn to behave smoothly and productively for achieving organizational goals and objectives. Considerable amount of time is spent at the corporate world towards interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage the given time and equally important is the ability to respect others’ time is more important. Many man hours are wasted because of improper time management.
• There should be burning desire and passion which is essential for success in professional life. As long as there is fire in the belly of an individual lot of results can be expected. There is growing stress on passion.
• Learnability is the ability to listen attentively and alertly to learn the things. As long as an individual possesses this trait the individual will grow personally and professionally.
• Flexibility is the ability to accept others’ viewpoints positively by considering the merits without any egoistic attitude. And also it is the ability to change oneself according to the surroundings and requirements.
• Presentation skills are essential at the corporate life. Every professional needs to deliver presentations regularly either to persuade his clients or his superiors or peers or subordinates.
• Above all, the employer looks for soft skills which are focused heavily these days.
The process of GD can be divided as pre-session, during session and post session so as to make it comprehensive and understandable.
PRE-SESSION:
Read number of books, journals, magazines and publications related to GDs. Also visit various websites which will provide right direction. Find out your strengths and weaknesses both at the personal and at the professional level. After taking stock try to overcome your weaknesses. Before going for the real session it is advisable to collect like minded friends and join as a team and conduct mock GDs. In fact, everyone involves in one discussion or the other in our daily life. By converting such informal discussions productively by channelising in a right direction, the art of discussion can be cultivated and inculcated.
Usually people talk of cinema and cricket and other gossips in daily life. And if the same ambience is covered and canvassed with controversial or thoughtful topics, we can make a mock GD. By practicing number of times before the real GD, we can gain wonderful expertise and experience. One may give too many theoretical guidelines and outlines but ultimately it is the practice that makes the man perfect. Through mock GDs the strengths and weaknesses can be analyzed and weaknesses can be corrected so that it becomes easy on the D-day.
NORMS AND RULES:
The total number of participants must be minimum 8 and moderate level of 10 and the maximum must be 16. Beyond this it will be difficult to manage, concentrate and evaluate. The ideal size must be 8 to 10. And the time frame fixed is between 10 to 15 minutes. If the session is extended beyond 15 minutes it would loose its impact. Make the formation of the group either circular or rectangular.
ROLE OF MODERATER:
Every GD will have a moderator who moderates the discussion. He ensures that the participants do not go out of the track. He must see to it that conflicts are averted and commotions are avoided. All efforts must be made to maintain the decency and decorum of the discussion. He should act like a leader and trigger passion amongst the participants. He should stimulate and bring out synergy from the strength of the participants. He should be free from pre-conceived notions and should not judge any participant by his appearance or academic achievements. He has to provide honest feedback to each participant without any prejudices. He must be supportive and sympathetic to the members without any favoritism.
TIPS DURING SESSION:
• Speak clearly, audibly and politely. Do not use harsh tone.
• Initiate the discussion if you are confident of the topic and if you can provide valid justification to prove your point. Or else wait for the right opportunity to express.
• Don’t look at the moderator. Do concentrate on the topic only.
• Don’t jump into conclusions. Talk about the topic, provide valid points and then offer firm opinions.
• Listen attentively to the topic and weigh its pros and cons and then comment.
• Try to carry the participants along with you.
• Don’t get emotional and do maintain calm and stability.
• Don’t declare yourself as a self-styled leader.
• Never get sidetracked from the given topic.
• Don’t agree for the sake of agreeing in order to build consensus and don’t dilute your independent thinking.
• If someone talks for a longer time, request him to make it brief and concise and also request him to provide an opportunity for others too to speak.
• Present yourself professionally to create good impression.
• Do demonstrate conceptual skills, human skills, critical skills, analytical skills, common skills, hard skills and soft skills in the entire session.
• Do not interrupt the conversation. If you strongly feel to intervene then add statements like ’if you permit I would speak. . . .’ and then offer your comments.
• How you present is more important than what you present. Application of soft skills will prove to be handy.
• Do not monopolize or hijack the discussion. Provide opportunity to non participants to air their views.
• Don’t provoke any conflict.
• Never snub the participants. Always express assertiveness in your views.
• Support and substantiate your views with facts and figures or by narrating a brief story.
• If possible open the discussion with a wonderful quotation or shocking statements or revelations to make your comments catchy.
• Don’t speak for the sake of speaking but speak for the sake of providing substance.
• Honestly accept and accommodate the comments of fellow participants to get along with the participants. Don’t gaze at a particular participant and talk, rather shift your eye ball movement towards all the participants so that they will develop interest and curiosity to listen to you.
• Demonstrate positive body language.
• Be cheerful and maintain smile.
• Do lay stress on quality of delivery not the quantity.
• You may criticize the views or opinions of other participants but not them personally.
• When you differ with the views of other person, you may say like ‘I respect your views. However I differ with your views on the topic . . .’ and offer your own views.
• Be always tactful and diplomatic especially when your views are not in tune with that of other participant.
• Use simple and straight language and don’t confuse the participants with jargon.
• Present your views logically, coherently and forcefully.
• Look at the things from others’ perspective.
• Manage your time judiciously.
• Try to build consensus, collaborate and bring different viewpoints into one main line of acceptable level.
• At the end, take initiative to synthesize and summarize what was discussed and provide conclusion. But don’t add any fresh points.
POST SESSION:
After completion of the session, write down your experience by going flash back in the areas where you have done well and where you have gone wrong. Such constructive and creative self analysis will pave the way for better performance next time. Continuously practice such sessions in simulated situations so as to attain perfection, competence and confidence.
CONCLUSION:
Participation in Groups Discussions is indeed fun and provides education and entertainment. Instead of depending too much on theoretical aspects it is essential to actively participate and learn the tricks of the trade. It is like learning how to swim and drive. GD teaches many lessons in life that will help become a successful and complete corporate personality.
T H E E N D
Many fresher find it very difficult to face Group Discussions(GDs) when they go for professional jobs. GD has been made almost mandatory for most of the professional placements. It is also essential for joining MBA courses. The article highlights the importance and significance and the tools and techniques involved in coming out of this process successfully. The expectations of the employer are explained briefly so that the candidates would develop the same to succeed. The entire session has been divided into three sessions such as pre-session, during session and post-session. The article explained about the norms and rules along with the responsible role of moderator to conduct it professionally. It also dwelt at length about the dos and don’ts during the session. At the end it concluded that it is a very easy process and there is fun in participation.
--------------
We discuss too many things in daily life at home or in office or in colleges on various topics. We find a few agree to us and a few disagree with us. At home if there are more family members and when they want to take a decision they talk to one another either at dinning table or at leisure time. After duration of heated or cool discussions they build a consesus and finalize a decision.
At the corporate level also there will be frequent meetings on various issues for taking a concrete and solid decision. Hence, we take decisions regularly whether in our personal life, professional life or social life by means of group discussions. Many companies are conducting Group Discussions (GDs) to prospective employees so as to check their suitability to their corporate culture. While we understood the concept of GD let us look at the objectives of the same.
OBJECTIVES OF GD:
The main objective of any GD is to provide wide range of solutions to a particular problem and then streamlining and creating a viable consensus solution by means of discussion. Discussions always provide more knowledge base. GD generates ideas by way of sharing and exchanging and at times it unlocks many things unconsciously as everyone has hidden potential. At times, new ideas flash from the subconscious mind unconsciously when provoked. It helps in eliciting the personality traits besides enhancing the knowledge base. Usually people tend to brood over problems only not on the solutions. GD helps in generating too many solutions if it is practiced properly. The corporate conduct GDs in order to find out a few qualities they expect from the prospective employees opting for executive cadre level.
EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYER:
Every employer expects a few qualities out of its prospective employees so as to improve and enhance value addition to its institution. There are number of qualities which are expected but a few of them are mentioned briefly.
• Initiative is essential. Without prompting the candidate should be able to take proactive stance in doing the things. He must be willing to come forward actively and voluntarily to shoulder the responsibility.
• Clarity of thoughts. Whether the candidate is able to express coherently, logically, forcefully and clearly his ideas and thoughts is assessed.
• Team building is an essential tool in the corporate world and conducting group discussion is one of the effective ways and means towards team building. If a candidate is not able to contribute towards an effective team he will become a liability. Team spirit is laid too much stress upon these days. In fact teams bring wonderful results because of many synergies and strengths.
• Content is king. Whether the candidate possesses requisite knowledge of the topic or does he beat around the bush.
• The ability to get along and adjusted socially with other colleagues is observed closely. Or whether is he socially inept.
• Emotional Intelligence is the ability to act and react to the situations without inviting any rift or conflict within the group. There is a strong need to display emotional stability and mental maturity in order to succeed in discussions.
• Leadership. It is a great trait which can be cultivated by continuous practice. The ability to lead from the front voluntarily so as to keep the interests of the group as paramount. The ability to manage divergent people with different opinions and views is essential.
• Interpersonal skills and relations is the area where every employer lays stress upon. In day to day life, everyone should learn to behave smoothly and productively for achieving organizational goals and objectives. Considerable amount of time is spent at the corporate world towards interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage the given time and equally important is the ability to respect others’ time is more important. Many man hours are wasted because of improper time management.
• There should be burning desire and passion which is essential for success in professional life. As long as there is fire in the belly of an individual lot of results can be expected. There is growing stress on passion.
• Learnability is the ability to listen attentively and alertly to learn the things. As long as an individual possesses this trait the individual will grow personally and professionally.
• Flexibility is the ability to accept others’ viewpoints positively by considering the merits without any egoistic attitude. And also it is the ability to change oneself according to the surroundings and requirements.
• Presentation skills are essential at the corporate life. Every professional needs to deliver presentations regularly either to persuade his clients or his superiors or peers or subordinates.
• Above all, the employer looks for soft skills which are focused heavily these days.
The process of GD can be divided as pre-session, during session and post session so as to make it comprehensive and understandable.
PRE-SESSION:
Read number of books, journals, magazines and publications related to GDs. Also visit various websites which will provide right direction. Find out your strengths and weaknesses both at the personal and at the professional level. After taking stock try to overcome your weaknesses. Before going for the real session it is advisable to collect like minded friends and join as a team and conduct mock GDs. In fact, everyone involves in one discussion or the other in our daily life. By converting such informal discussions productively by channelising in a right direction, the art of discussion can be cultivated and inculcated.
Usually people talk of cinema and cricket and other gossips in daily life. And if the same ambience is covered and canvassed with controversial or thoughtful topics, we can make a mock GD. By practicing number of times before the real GD, we can gain wonderful expertise and experience. One may give too many theoretical guidelines and outlines but ultimately it is the practice that makes the man perfect. Through mock GDs the strengths and weaknesses can be analyzed and weaknesses can be corrected so that it becomes easy on the D-day.
NORMS AND RULES:
The total number of participants must be minimum 8 and moderate level of 10 and the maximum must be 16. Beyond this it will be difficult to manage, concentrate and evaluate. The ideal size must be 8 to 10. And the time frame fixed is between 10 to 15 minutes. If the session is extended beyond 15 minutes it would loose its impact. Make the formation of the group either circular or rectangular.
ROLE OF MODERATER:
Every GD will have a moderator who moderates the discussion. He ensures that the participants do not go out of the track. He must see to it that conflicts are averted and commotions are avoided. All efforts must be made to maintain the decency and decorum of the discussion. He should act like a leader and trigger passion amongst the participants. He should stimulate and bring out synergy from the strength of the participants. He should be free from pre-conceived notions and should not judge any participant by his appearance or academic achievements. He has to provide honest feedback to each participant without any prejudices. He must be supportive and sympathetic to the members without any favoritism.
TIPS DURING SESSION:
• Speak clearly, audibly and politely. Do not use harsh tone.
• Initiate the discussion if you are confident of the topic and if you can provide valid justification to prove your point. Or else wait for the right opportunity to express.
• Don’t look at the moderator. Do concentrate on the topic only.
• Don’t jump into conclusions. Talk about the topic, provide valid points and then offer firm opinions.
• Listen attentively to the topic and weigh its pros and cons and then comment.
• Try to carry the participants along with you.
• Don’t get emotional and do maintain calm and stability.
• Don’t declare yourself as a self-styled leader.
• Never get sidetracked from the given topic.
• Don’t agree for the sake of agreeing in order to build consensus and don’t dilute your independent thinking.
• If someone talks for a longer time, request him to make it brief and concise and also request him to provide an opportunity for others too to speak.
• Present yourself professionally to create good impression.
• Do demonstrate conceptual skills, human skills, critical skills, analytical skills, common skills, hard skills and soft skills in the entire session.
• Do not interrupt the conversation. If you strongly feel to intervene then add statements like ’if you permit I would speak. . . .’ and then offer your comments.
• How you present is more important than what you present. Application of soft skills will prove to be handy.
• Do not monopolize or hijack the discussion. Provide opportunity to non participants to air their views.
• Don’t provoke any conflict.
• Never snub the participants. Always express assertiveness in your views.
• Support and substantiate your views with facts and figures or by narrating a brief story.
• If possible open the discussion with a wonderful quotation or shocking statements or revelations to make your comments catchy.
• Don’t speak for the sake of speaking but speak for the sake of providing substance.
• Honestly accept and accommodate the comments of fellow participants to get along with the participants. Don’t gaze at a particular participant and talk, rather shift your eye ball movement towards all the participants so that they will develop interest and curiosity to listen to you.
• Demonstrate positive body language.
• Be cheerful and maintain smile.
• Do lay stress on quality of delivery not the quantity.
• You may criticize the views or opinions of other participants but not them personally.
• When you differ with the views of other person, you may say like ‘I respect your views. However I differ with your views on the topic . . .’ and offer your own views.
• Be always tactful and diplomatic especially when your views are not in tune with that of other participant.
• Use simple and straight language and don’t confuse the participants with jargon.
• Present your views logically, coherently and forcefully.
• Look at the things from others’ perspective.
• Manage your time judiciously.
• Try to build consensus, collaborate and bring different viewpoints into one main line of acceptable level.
• At the end, take initiative to synthesize and summarize what was discussed and provide conclusion. But don’t add any fresh points.
POST SESSION:
After completion of the session, write down your experience by going flash back in the areas where you have done well and where you have gone wrong. Such constructive and creative self analysis will pave the way for better performance next time. Continuously practice such sessions in simulated situations so as to attain perfection, competence and confidence.
CONCLUSION:
Participation in Groups Discussions is indeed fun and provides education and entertainment. Instead of depending too much on theoretical aspects it is essential to actively participate and learn the tricks of the trade. It is like learning how to swim and drive. GD teaches many lessons in life that will help become a successful and complete corporate personality.
T H E E N D
ANGER MANAGEMENT
On the other day when I was role playing in a Soft Skills Workshop organized by Infosys in Hyderabad, a person hit my spectacles and it was broken. Suddenly I got angry and I thought of hitting him back. I could not control my feelings and emotions for a moment and I was about to outburst because I did not have any spare spects at that time. But I immediately controlled my anger because it happened accidentally, unconsciously and unintentionally. The other person regretted for hitting and for breaking my spects even though it happened without any negative intention. Had the situation been intentional I would have suddenly expressed my anger and would have warned him sternly for the same.
WHAT IS ANGER?
It is a state of emotional outburst related to the psyche of the individual. Some people ascribe it due to genetic factors and some are grown up to be angry when their social upbringing was subjected to severe criticism in their childhood. Also when a section of people are neglected for a long time or suppressed or oppressed they vent out anger in multiple proportions. One thing is certain and sure that there is always danger in anger. A few people express anger frequently by their very nature.
CAUSES:
Psychology of an individual plays a crucial role in finding out the reasoning for sudden outburst. The inability to judge the people properly or due to preconceived notions or prejudices can result into anger. Whenever there is a vast gap between one's expectations and realities, the problem begins. Individuals tend to develop either sympathy or antipathy towards other individuals. If there is strong antipathy against a particular person, then again the problems crop in. When the issues are kept pending or when not addressed appropriately, that becomes a danger signal. Lack of openness and sharing can create problems. It is often the clash of egos and conflicts. Wrong inputs may lead to complications. Improper time management at the work place may result in delay and thus resulting in anger. When an individual is unable to look at the things from others' perspective due to lack of empathy, then also anger builds up.
At the work front when an individual does not reach his prescribed targets then the emotions outburst and self-criticism starts. Both the internal and external factors play crucial deciding factors. If any pressure due to external, an individual attacks on others. If any mistake because of one, one resorts to self-criticism. In this case, it becomes a psychological problem.
EFFECTS:
It is like tsunami effect for both the individual and for the individuals in and around both physically and psychologically. Heart beat increases and may result in transferring the anger to somebody and which further complicates the matter worse. There will be no concentration on the work and leading to negativism and feeling strongly that all are wrong.
At the corporate level due to the increased competition and workload, people are developing high stress levels and subsequently burning out. Long years of relations that have been tried and tested and are built based on mutual trust and confidence will break up with in no time. In corporate world, anger results in loss of clients and loss of business, which in turn leads to loss of prospects. Society does not accept people with anger and such people become socially inept. They are treated as liability not as an asset in the corporate world. It ends in loss of respect and image. Of course, there is sudden relief to mind and one feels relaxed after losing temper. One can recoup fresh energies, which is the only silver lining over the dark cloud of anger. 'Where there is anger, there will be affection' goes famous Tamil saying which is another positivity from negativity.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME:
The first and foremost thing is not to attack the person but the behavior of the person. Identify the problem why the other person went that much extreme. Once the hidden feelings or emotions are noticed then the half battle on anger is won. Firstly, the angered person must label his feelings. Secondly, there is need to express and report the root cause of such feelings. Thirdly, there is a strong need to take action before it becomes a volcano. And fourthly, there is a need to follow up the entire process in a systematic manner.
An individual must introspect and take intrapersonal feedback within himself about the causes, consequences and then about the credibility of the anger. If an individual is honest at the core he can judge himself and can come out of it successfully. Secondly, he can meet a trusted friend and explain the scenario frankly in order to verify and cross check from his judgement. If there is contradiction between the individual and the other person then the solution, which is more genuine, should be adopted.
An individual can go and talk to friends forgetting the anger and relax himself. While sympathy makes the other person better it is in fact the empathy that makes the other person stronger. Pinpointing the problem is the right method and analyzing the same from the root provides the right solution. A mature man resorts to quick correction and limits the damage. It requires extraordinary courage to go for self-analysis and introspection to manage the damage. Doing meditation and yoga can bring fresh energies to the mind. It also enhances creative energy and brings down the tempers to the lowest level. Addressing and redressing the grievances without any delay is essential.
ANGER MANAGEMENT:
The organizations are taking the concept of anger management very seriously and the concept is added in many seminars because of growing stress levels due to stiff competition. Everyone is serious and is working harder and smarter in order to prove himself. When one fails in reaching his targets or goals or deadlines at the work front then there will be strained relations with in the companies.
Drinking water when one feels that one is irritated and feels strongly that it will result into sudden outburst will prove to be handy. Counting numbers from 1 to 10 and vice versa can contain the anger. Keeping quiet for sometime is also a good thing. Or leave the room so that the tempers can be averted. It is also necessary to go separately from the scene and do inhaling and exhaling exercises as it avoids embarrassing situation and also gives fresh oxygen to mind. Be cool and go in front of the mirror and force yourself for a repeated smile.
CONCLUSION:
Amitabh Bachhan was known as an angry young man in his initial celluloid career. He put his anger in aggression and acted in selective roles and succeeded in his celluloid world. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and he intelligently converted his weaknesses into strengths by channeling his energies in a creative and stylish manner.
Globally renowned Gold sportsperson, Tiger Woods is also noted for aggression and for his razor sharp tongue. He also utilized his energies in a constructive and creative manner and is a global celebrity.
MESSAGE:
All human beings are not free from weaknesses. Channelise the hidden emotions and energies in a creative and constructive form so as to vent our feelings softly rather than harshly. We can change, transform by fine-tuning our skills and abilities. Let us all put sincere efforts to turn our scars into stars for building a society, which is full of love, peace and harmony.
THE END
WHAT IS ANGER?
It is a state of emotional outburst related to the psyche of the individual. Some people ascribe it due to genetic factors and some are grown up to be angry when their social upbringing was subjected to severe criticism in their childhood. Also when a section of people are neglected for a long time or suppressed or oppressed they vent out anger in multiple proportions. One thing is certain and sure that there is always danger in anger. A few people express anger frequently by their very nature.
CAUSES:
Psychology of an individual plays a crucial role in finding out the reasoning for sudden outburst. The inability to judge the people properly or due to preconceived notions or prejudices can result into anger. Whenever there is a vast gap between one's expectations and realities, the problem begins. Individuals tend to develop either sympathy or antipathy towards other individuals. If there is strong antipathy against a particular person, then again the problems crop in. When the issues are kept pending or when not addressed appropriately, that becomes a danger signal. Lack of openness and sharing can create problems. It is often the clash of egos and conflicts. Wrong inputs may lead to complications. Improper time management at the work place may result in delay and thus resulting in anger. When an individual is unable to look at the things from others' perspective due to lack of empathy, then also anger builds up.
At the work front when an individual does not reach his prescribed targets then the emotions outburst and self-criticism starts. Both the internal and external factors play crucial deciding factors. If any pressure due to external, an individual attacks on others. If any mistake because of one, one resorts to self-criticism. In this case, it becomes a psychological problem.
EFFECTS:
It is like tsunami effect for both the individual and for the individuals in and around both physically and psychologically. Heart beat increases and may result in transferring the anger to somebody and which further complicates the matter worse. There will be no concentration on the work and leading to negativism and feeling strongly that all are wrong.
At the corporate level due to the increased competition and workload, people are developing high stress levels and subsequently burning out. Long years of relations that have been tried and tested and are built based on mutual trust and confidence will break up with in no time. In corporate world, anger results in loss of clients and loss of business, which in turn leads to loss of prospects. Society does not accept people with anger and such people become socially inept. They are treated as liability not as an asset in the corporate world. It ends in loss of respect and image. Of course, there is sudden relief to mind and one feels relaxed after losing temper. One can recoup fresh energies, which is the only silver lining over the dark cloud of anger. 'Where there is anger, there will be affection' goes famous Tamil saying which is another positivity from negativity.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME:
The first and foremost thing is not to attack the person but the behavior of the person. Identify the problem why the other person went that much extreme. Once the hidden feelings or emotions are noticed then the half battle on anger is won. Firstly, the angered person must label his feelings. Secondly, there is need to express and report the root cause of such feelings. Thirdly, there is a strong need to take action before it becomes a volcano. And fourthly, there is a need to follow up the entire process in a systematic manner.
An individual must introspect and take intrapersonal feedback within himself about the causes, consequences and then about the credibility of the anger. If an individual is honest at the core he can judge himself and can come out of it successfully. Secondly, he can meet a trusted friend and explain the scenario frankly in order to verify and cross check from his judgement. If there is contradiction between the individual and the other person then the solution, which is more genuine, should be adopted.
An individual can go and talk to friends forgetting the anger and relax himself. While sympathy makes the other person better it is in fact the empathy that makes the other person stronger. Pinpointing the problem is the right method and analyzing the same from the root provides the right solution. A mature man resorts to quick correction and limits the damage. It requires extraordinary courage to go for self-analysis and introspection to manage the damage. Doing meditation and yoga can bring fresh energies to the mind. It also enhances creative energy and brings down the tempers to the lowest level. Addressing and redressing the grievances without any delay is essential.
ANGER MANAGEMENT:
The organizations are taking the concept of anger management very seriously and the concept is added in many seminars because of growing stress levels due to stiff competition. Everyone is serious and is working harder and smarter in order to prove himself. When one fails in reaching his targets or goals or deadlines at the work front then there will be strained relations with in the companies.
Drinking water when one feels that one is irritated and feels strongly that it will result into sudden outburst will prove to be handy. Counting numbers from 1 to 10 and vice versa can contain the anger. Keeping quiet for sometime is also a good thing. Or leave the room so that the tempers can be averted. It is also necessary to go separately from the scene and do inhaling and exhaling exercises as it avoids embarrassing situation and also gives fresh oxygen to mind. Be cool and go in front of the mirror and force yourself for a repeated smile.
CONCLUSION:
Amitabh Bachhan was known as an angry young man in his initial celluloid career. He put his anger in aggression and acted in selective roles and succeeded in his celluloid world. He knew his strengths and weaknesses and he intelligently converted his weaknesses into strengths by channeling his energies in a creative and stylish manner.
Globally renowned Gold sportsperson, Tiger Woods is also noted for aggression and for his razor sharp tongue. He also utilized his energies in a constructive and creative manner and is a global celebrity.
MESSAGE:
All human beings are not free from weaknesses. Channelise the hidden emotions and energies in a creative and constructive form so as to vent our feelings softly rather than harshly. We can change, transform by fine-tuning our skills and abilities. Let us all put sincere efforts to turn our scars into stars for building a society, which is full of love, peace and harmony.
THE END
CAREER DECISION SKILLS
After completion of the tenth standard, the students in India are confronted with what kind of stream they should opt for in 10 plus 2 (Intermediate). Is it commerce, science, arts or computers etc.? At the age of approx. 15 years itself students start thinking, which stream to follow? At this stage, they may not be able to decide and hence they leave their career choice to their parents to decide. The parents look at the pulse of the market and the present potential and trend in the job scenario and they advise their children to opt for a particular stream. This is the way career choice is made indirectly in the initial stage in India. Is it justified to thrust upon their children? If not, then what should be done?
It is necessary to look at the aptitude, attitude, abilities and awareness of the child and then proper choice should be made. The parents should study the progress report and find out the areas where the child is weak and strong. After weighing thoroughly his past and present performance then the choice should be offered and the child should be counseled accordingly. If this happens then the child takes interest automatically and without any external initiative from parents he will study and pass the examinations.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER:
Usually the students go for conventional careers where the risk is minimal and nominal. The conventional careers means not swimming against the current but rather sailing with stream and trend. For instance, there is an excellent trend towards engineering, medicine and management profession these days. It is mostly because of availability of plenty of jobs. Both the students and parents want to play safe by opting for hot cake section. Where as in the unconventional careers the risk is higher and prospects are not clear like fashion designing and entertainment industries. These are the roads less traveled and there will be high risk and high returns. One has to swim against the current. According to American author, Dale Carnegie there are six types of fears human beings face such as fear of criticism, fear of old age, fear of poverty, fear of ill health, fear of death and fear of failure. It is basically the ‘fear of failure’, which is the root cause for not opting for unconventional careers.
SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It is a powerful tool regularly used by corporate to find out the implications and effects of strategic decision making. And whenever the companies are going for mergers and acquisitions or take overs, then also it is conducted and evaluated by an independent body headed by a person who is known as corporate planner or a strategist. The same tool can be applied vis-a-vis career decision. What are the strengths and weaknesses of taking up a particular career? Whether the student possesses the personal qualities and competencies. If not possessed and the students wants to pursue, he can overcome the weakness by thorough practice and training. Any skill or competency can be acquired if there is will power to attain the same. The cherished career must have wider opportunities so as to minimize and eliminate the risks. The probable threats involved both from internal and external angles should be examined thoroughly. The internal threats arise out of the individual incompetence while the external threats arise which are beyond the reach and control of the individual. One should be able to anticipate and discount internal threats and, overall, one should be wary of threats related to the career.
FALL OUT DUE TO WRONG MOVE:
What happens if an individual makes a wrong move and opts for a wrong career? He will never enjoy his work and he will be in a continuous hell. He will have everything but no mental peace and develop stress levels. In some cases people fail in their careers and they keep doubting their confidence levels. Self-esteem decreases. At the work place they will be subjected to ridicule, laughter, insult and humiliation.
CAREER STRATEGY:
According to Md.Mubeen Shaikh, the faculty of Arkay College of Engg. & Tech, Bodhan in Andhra Pradesh, “At the age of 15 years the student is not able to decide any specific stream of his choice. Therefore, there should be no stream specialization or selection just after 10th class itself. Rather it should be postponed to after 10 plus 2 (Intermediate) level”. By the age of 17 the students will be mature enough to select the stream of their choice which could be free from family or teacher or parental influence. One can give out his best when one enjoys what he is doing.
Presently people opt for medical and engineering after 10 plus 2(Intermediate) and the career options are limited, as these two are considered professional. If computer or commerce is also made like professional qualification by application of computer or management related subjects respectively, the students will take more interest in those areas also and they can be easily absorbed into jobs. By converting non professional qualifications as professional and the base for professional courses get widened.
ROLE OF CAREER CONSULTANTS:
When the students are caught between the devil and deep sea they can approach the career coach. Now a day there is professionalism around everywhere. Taking the help of career consultants will be of great use. Usually it is the parents who provide the career support. If not, then the teacher should provide such support. When students approach the career counselors, they view it from career perspective and can provide right tools and techniques towards right career decision.
CONCLUSION:
Students should know that jobs don't grow on trees and there is right seed for the right career. Choose a career that is a sure shot passport to your success. In few cases, it is observed that students scale the ladder of success and realize at the end that the ladder is on the wrong side of the wall. The onus lies with parents and teachers to see that the ladder is placed on the right wall. When one gets a job of his choice and spouse of his choice he is said to be the luckiest. Set your priorities rightly based on the life the way you want according to your tastes and temperaments such as your job satisfaction, work life balance, monetary aspects etc., Rank all your priorities in the scale of 1 to 5 from three dimensions, such as personal level, social level and professional level. And choose the career after weighing all the pros and cons. Once the right career decision is made work hard to achieve your goals for ensuring all round peace, progress and prosperity.
T H E E N D
It is necessary to look at the aptitude, attitude, abilities and awareness of the child and then proper choice should be made. The parents should study the progress report and find out the areas where the child is weak and strong. After weighing thoroughly his past and present performance then the choice should be offered and the child should be counseled accordingly. If this happens then the child takes interest automatically and without any external initiative from parents he will study and pass the examinations.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER:
Usually the students go for conventional careers where the risk is minimal and nominal. The conventional careers means not swimming against the current but rather sailing with stream and trend. For instance, there is an excellent trend towards engineering, medicine and management profession these days. It is mostly because of availability of plenty of jobs. Both the students and parents want to play safe by opting for hot cake section. Where as in the unconventional careers the risk is higher and prospects are not clear like fashion designing and entertainment industries. These are the roads less traveled and there will be high risk and high returns. One has to swim against the current. According to American author, Dale Carnegie there are six types of fears human beings face such as fear of criticism, fear of old age, fear of poverty, fear of ill health, fear of death and fear of failure. It is basically the ‘fear of failure’, which is the root cause for not opting for unconventional careers.
SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It is a powerful tool regularly used by corporate to find out the implications and effects of strategic decision making. And whenever the companies are going for mergers and acquisitions or take overs, then also it is conducted and evaluated by an independent body headed by a person who is known as corporate planner or a strategist. The same tool can be applied vis-a-vis career decision. What are the strengths and weaknesses of taking up a particular career? Whether the student possesses the personal qualities and competencies. If not possessed and the students wants to pursue, he can overcome the weakness by thorough practice and training. Any skill or competency can be acquired if there is will power to attain the same. The cherished career must have wider opportunities so as to minimize and eliminate the risks. The probable threats involved both from internal and external angles should be examined thoroughly. The internal threats arise out of the individual incompetence while the external threats arise which are beyond the reach and control of the individual. One should be able to anticipate and discount internal threats and, overall, one should be wary of threats related to the career.
FALL OUT DUE TO WRONG MOVE:
What happens if an individual makes a wrong move and opts for a wrong career? He will never enjoy his work and he will be in a continuous hell. He will have everything but no mental peace and develop stress levels. In some cases people fail in their careers and they keep doubting their confidence levels. Self-esteem decreases. At the work place they will be subjected to ridicule, laughter, insult and humiliation.
CAREER STRATEGY:
According to Md.Mubeen Shaikh, the faculty of Arkay College of Engg. & Tech, Bodhan in Andhra Pradesh, “At the age of 15 years the student is not able to decide any specific stream of his choice. Therefore, there should be no stream specialization or selection just after 10th class itself. Rather it should be postponed to after 10 plus 2 (Intermediate) level”. By the age of 17 the students will be mature enough to select the stream of their choice which could be free from family or teacher or parental influence. One can give out his best when one enjoys what he is doing.
Presently people opt for medical and engineering after 10 plus 2(Intermediate) and the career options are limited, as these two are considered professional. If computer or commerce is also made like professional qualification by application of computer or management related subjects respectively, the students will take more interest in those areas also and they can be easily absorbed into jobs. By converting non professional qualifications as professional and the base for professional courses get widened.
ROLE OF CAREER CONSULTANTS:
When the students are caught between the devil and deep sea they can approach the career coach. Now a day there is professionalism around everywhere. Taking the help of career consultants will be of great use. Usually it is the parents who provide the career support. If not, then the teacher should provide such support. When students approach the career counselors, they view it from career perspective and can provide right tools and techniques towards right career decision.
CONCLUSION:
Students should know that jobs don't grow on trees and there is right seed for the right career. Choose a career that is a sure shot passport to your success. In few cases, it is observed that students scale the ladder of success and realize at the end that the ladder is on the wrong side of the wall. The onus lies with parents and teachers to see that the ladder is placed on the right wall. When one gets a job of his choice and spouse of his choice he is said to be the luckiest. Set your priorities rightly based on the life the way you want according to your tastes and temperaments such as your job satisfaction, work life balance, monetary aspects etc., Rank all your priorities in the scale of 1 to 5 from three dimensions, such as personal level, social level and professional level. And choose the career after weighing all the pros and cons. Once the right career decision is made work hard to achieve your goals for ensuring all round peace, progress and prosperity.
T H E E N D
CAREER PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
ABSTRACT
At the outset, the article starts with a wonderful quotation of Abraham Maslow. The article speaks in volumes about the Career Planning and Career Management individually and Career Planning and Management collectively both from the individual and institutional perspective. The concept of SWOT analysis is utilized to pave the way for the right career. The repercussions like stress and burn out are highlighted if CPM is not adhered adequately. Various tools and techniques are dwelt at length in order to make CPM effective and efficient. The concepts like multipotentiality and early emerger are focussed to make the script interesting. At the end, the author comes out with a clarion call ‘not to compromise the career for monetary consideration but to plan and manage the career from all perspectives’.
* * * *
“Human needs arrange themselves in hierarchies of pre-potency. That is to say, the appearance of one need usually rests on the prior satisfaction of another, more pre-potent need. Man is a perpetually wanting animal”- Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs theory.
"By spending just 10 per cent of GDP (RS 4,90,000 Crores) on skill repair, the country would be able to generate extra income of 61 percent of GDP (RS 17,51,487 Crores) for the current unemployable youth", according to India Labor Report 2007. There is a wide mismatch between unemployment and unemployability. It is well known that unemployment means lack of job opportunities where as unemployability means people having the requisite qualification but not having the requisite skills and abilities to get the job despite availability of jobs. Rather unemployability arises due to skills deficit. Career Planning and Management (CPM) will address the issue of unemployability effectively.
WHAT IS CPM?
Because of the growing attrition rate there is greater focus on CPM by all companies. The companies find it difficult to hire the employees, as there is no skill set matching at the recruitment. This is the problem that is one side of the coin. And the other side of the coin is another problem of retaining the employees. Besides, poaching of employees by the rival companies. Likewise, problems are getting manifold at the corporate level. The companies are conducting regular workshops, seminars and training sessions in order to upgrade the skills and abilities of their employees in enhancing efficiency and efficacy. The growing competition and the rapid changes in technology also compelled the corporate to train and groom their employees regularly.
The Human Resources Department (HRD) that basically involves the employees from recruitment to retirement is gradually reinventing its role by focussing more on development of the professionals apart from their traditional role. The roles and responsibilities of HRD are getting expanded with the fast changing business environment. The liberalization, privatization and globalization have opened up the Indian economy. As a result, MNCs have come and competed with the Indian companies. Initially the Indian companies were worried with the onslaught of MNCs but gradually Indian entrepreneurs realized that there were no way out of it and began competing. Although there were many initial hiccups, gradually things were settled and the hidden potential of Indian business has come out and now we find Indian MNCs across the world which is a positive and victorious sign. All these contributed into specialization of each area and line of professional activities. There is growing professionalism in each and every area of business. So is the case with each and every department of every institution. The HRD began concentrating and expanding the roles and responsibilities related to career planning and management of its precious human resources to make it effective and efficient to check rising attrition.
SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It is an effective tool either to evaluate career prospects or to solve any problems in day to day life. It is widely used in all spheres of personal and professional life, be it, for individuals or for institutions.
When we look at individually, SWOT analysis is as mentioned below. The person who passes out of his college and who intends to search for a right placement should evaluate himself his strengths, such as his academic qualifications, achievements, honors, any research papers etc., Academically, he should analyze his aptitude, attitude, tastes and temperaments. And he should list out if he got any distinction. Whether he has won class first, or gold medal etc., He should look at his personal qualities where he is strong at and in which way he can capitalize his strengths. Coming to the weaknesses he should analyze the subjects or areas where he is weak and look at if he can convert his weaknesses into strengths. If the person lacks a few qualities or capabilities to get a job of his choice, he should put efforts to improve himself by systematic training and practice. Regarding the opportunities the person should look at wider opportunities so as to have wider choice of survival and success in his chosen career. Rather one should look at risk minimization and risk elimination. Usually one can not avoid threats but one must be able to manage the probable or possible threats, which could be both internal and external. The threats resulting out of internal are better manageable than that of external.
CAREER PLANNING:
After conducting SWOT analysis, one can easily come to a conclusion about one's aptitude towards career. In India, the career planning (CP) mostly lies in the hands of parents followed by teachers and friends. Rather it is advisable to look at the career from one's own perspective such as mental aptitude, social and economic dimensions. CP is a crucial factor either to make or break one's career. If one selects wrong career the life would become a hell. God gifted us only 24 hours. Out of this 24 hours, people spend approx. 6 to 8 hours for sleep. 6 to 8 hours again for social and recreational activities and commuting from work place to residence and vice versa. People work from 8 to 14 hours a day depending upon the career and service one has chosen. All these timings are flexible totaling again God gifted 24 hours a day. So most of the time is spent at the work place followed by regular sleep and then again with family.
If one gets the job of his choice and spouse of his choice s/he is said to be the luckiest. Because one can enjoy his work at office and prosper and similarly at home he can lead a peaceful and pleasant life. Either building or breaking one's life solely depends on the selection of career. Once the right career is planned, all efforts should be put to pursue the same. The right tools and techniques should be acquired to meet the goals and plans. Adequate courses, degrees, skills and abilities are to be acquired regularly so as to fine-tune with the desired career goal. Once the cherished career is achieved it is just the beginning the real battle.
There is a need to upgrade with the tricks of the trade related to the job. By accepting a capable and veteran as a mentor the career can be pursued more effectively and efficiently. Time and again there would be both internal and external problems, which have to be properly handled, and managed so as to ensure survival and success in the chosen career.
Keeping goals, which are duration based one can gradually, scale the ladder of career. Now a day, there is rapid change in technology and one who keeps pace with the changes can attune himself and can smoothly scale the ladder in any organization.
CAREER MANAGEMENT:
Fresher of college pass out are young and energetic and their priorities are different. They should not get into job for the sake of job. Rather they must look at the niceties and pitfalls of pursuing a specific career and must pursue after weighing the pros and cons. They must view career not only from financial perspective but also growth perspective. If they get into the right track they can pull the strings for the fast track. In most of the cases, the fresher get into wrong career track and struggle to get into the right career track resulting into wastage of precious energies, time and money. And, of course, a few get demoralized.
For middle aged, the priorities are different. They are mature and tested and tasted the life but the family problems keep pulling them behind. They easily get into the right track but may find it difficult to be on the fast career track due to family, social and economic conditions.
For those on the verge of retiring or those who are just at their fag end of their life, their energies don't support. However, they can encash on their past experience to mould themselves to provide guidance and mentoring to the youngsters.
Overall, CPM is well said than done. There are always critical gaps between planning and execution. However, the career development professional can play a vital role to fill the gaps.
STRESS MANAGEMENT:
Research reveals that only 2 out of 10 employees are the most suitable to get selected for placements and the rest 8 are not able to cope up resulting into stress. These two are enjoying, learning, earning and growing in their organizations. What is about the balance 8 employees?
The companies also have no option but to recruit the people although there is mismatch in the expected abilities and accepted realities. All these are leading to higher stress levels at the work front, as the employees are not fully competent to cope up with the job expectations. Inability to manage the same is leading to the initial stage of stress and subsequently to burn out stage. While stress is the initial stage, burn out is the ultimate stage.
A few well-established companies are providing meditation and yoga classes to their employees during the working hours to manage the stress. They are also providing counseling classes and conducting various seminars and workshops to highlight this menace.
If people opt for careers based on their aptitude and abilities rather on prestigious or monetary considerations the stress could be minimized to a greater extent.
TOOLS FOR CPM:
• Dr. Stephen R Covey, in his book, ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ highlighted one of the habits such as continuously learning and growing. Education is a learning process from womb to tomb. Always learn new things and trends in the trade so as to stay ahead of stiff competition.
• It is essential to network effectively with the people in and around you. Networking should not be from one side and should be based on the policy of ‘give and take’. The growing communication taught many lessons. Although it separated people physically it connected people mentally and emotionally thereby promoting relations. Networking is a powerful tool to CPM. But never neglect the present network.
• ‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush’ goes the saying. Never neglect the present job. There are many lessons we can learn from the present job either from seniors or peers or from subordinates. By interacting frequently with colleagues professionally, many tools and techniques can be learnt. One can create new tools from the present experience, which may become the benchmark for others to emulate. By working diligently in the same job one can rise from the rest and can stand out from the pack.
• Passion to learn and grow and passion to go extra mile will prove handy for career success. Inculcating inquiry spirit will make one to stretch out. When an individual works with passion in the same trade, there will be recognition and response and the opportunities will become manifold.
• Attending seminars, workshops and courses will expand ones mental horizons and attending such events will provide wider network and exposure. Each job has its own skills set and if one wants to get into another related or unrelated line of career, there is a strong need to acquire such skills set.
• The CV is a concrete, accomplishable tool for job search. The CV of an individual must regularly modify with the changes in the skill set and with the courses, or skills or abilities one acquired. The more modifications in the CV are an indication of more transformational changes in the personality. In the CV, try to project what the employer expects thereby enhancing marketability.
• Always be in touch with the labor market with details like potential, opportunities, changes etc., Coupled with labor market, research on the career regularly will throw new light. In a nutshell, search, research and in touch with the job market is an imperative.
• If required, be in touch with career development professional that will do your job in a professional manner. Such professionals ensure smooth career shift and career success.
• This is the age and stage of specialization. All efforts must be put to find out what exactly one wants to pursue and narrow down the options to one or two and again pursue the same up to the hilt. There is no logic in beating around the bush. Don’t let your mind waver in complexity but be in simplicity and accuracy.
• According to statistics, approx. 80,000 hours of our life is spent at the work place. Try to spend it wisely, qualitatively and happily by enjoying the same.
• Always set your priorities right and straight and pursue accordingly.
• Always exit the existing institution with sweet will and good will.
JACK OF ALL TRADES:
Two terms like ‘multipotentiality’ and ‘early emerger’ are often used in CPM. According to Frederickson & Rothney, 1972, “Multipotentiality is the ability to select and develop any number of career options because of a wider variety of interests, aptitudes and abilities”. In fact, multipotentiality is a person who is capable in various activities right from the scratch. Rather he is a versatile person. Such kinds of people are strong in many areas but not in in-depth knowledge. Such people can be called as Jack of all trades but master of none.
On the contrary, ‘early emerger’ is a person who is highly focussed in one activity right from the childhood. He has passion and he tends to continue in his passionate field. He is unmindful of other areas of interest. Rather he is specialist in one area. Such people can be called as Jack of none but master of one trade.
There are pros and cons in both multipotentialities and early emergers. Such concepts will help in selecting the right career based on one’s mental aptitude and attitude towards the career.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t lose so much of happy life for so little money. Don’t become a round peg in a square hole or a square peg in a round hole. Identify the right aptitude, plan the right career and manage it. Acquire the right ingredients to reach the cherished career and chase it till the end to reach your goals and motivate yourself constantly in the process. And ultimately reach your beloved career. Up to here, it is only the half of the battle won and the rest half would be won only when you manage your career by acquiring and upgrading skills and abilities continuously.
MESSAGE:
Life is short and make it sweet. And don’t make your career like a prison sentence. Everything depends on the perceptions of the person. There is a strong need to strike the balance between work and life and between money and recreation. CPM as a tool, if utilized and managed effectively and efficiently, the life could be spent qualitatively leaving a mark behind.
T H E E N D
At the outset, the article starts with a wonderful quotation of Abraham Maslow. The article speaks in volumes about the Career Planning and Career Management individually and Career Planning and Management collectively both from the individual and institutional perspective. The concept of SWOT analysis is utilized to pave the way for the right career. The repercussions like stress and burn out are highlighted if CPM is not adhered adequately. Various tools and techniques are dwelt at length in order to make CPM effective and efficient. The concepts like multipotentiality and early emerger are focussed to make the script interesting. At the end, the author comes out with a clarion call ‘not to compromise the career for monetary consideration but to plan and manage the career from all perspectives’.
* * * *
“Human needs arrange themselves in hierarchies of pre-potency. That is to say, the appearance of one need usually rests on the prior satisfaction of another, more pre-potent need. Man is a perpetually wanting animal”- Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs theory.
"By spending just 10 per cent of GDP (RS 4,90,000 Crores) on skill repair, the country would be able to generate extra income of 61 percent of GDP (RS 17,51,487 Crores) for the current unemployable youth", according to India Labor Report 2007. There is a wide mismatch between unemployment and unemployability. It is well known that unemployment means lack of job opportunities where as unemployability means people having the requisite qualification but not having the requisite skills and abilities to get the job despite availability of jobs. Rather unemployability arises due to skills deficit. Career Planning and Management (CPM) will address the issue of unemployability effectively.
WHAT IS CPM?
Because of the growing attrition rate there is greater focus on CPM by all companies. The companies find it difficult to hire the employees, as there is no skill set matching at the recruitment. This is the problem that is one side of the coin. And the other side of the coin is another problem of retaining the employees. Besides, poaching of employees by the rival companies. Likewise, problems are getting manifold at the corporate level. The companies are conducting regular workshops, seminars and training sessions in order to upgrade the skills and abilities of their employees in enhancing efficiency and efficacy. The growing competition and the rapid changes in technology also compelled the corporate to train and groom their employees regularly.
The Human Resources Department (HRD) that basically involves the employees from recruitment to retirement is gradually reinventing its role by focussing more on development of the professionals apart from their traditional role. The roles and responsibilities of HRD are getting expanded with the fast changing business environment. The liberalization, privatization and globalization have opened up the Indian economy. As a result, MNCs have come and competed with the Indian companies. Initially the Indian companies were worried with the onslaught of MNCs but gradually Indian entrepreneurs realized that there were no way out of it and began competing. Although there were many initial hiccups, gradually things were settled and the hidden potential of Indian business has come out and now we find Indian MNCs across the world which is a positive and victorious sign. All these contributed into specialization of each area and line of professional activities. There is growing professionalism in each and every area of business. So is the case with each and every department of every institution. The HRD began concentrating and expanding the roles and responsibilities related to career planning and management of its precious human resources to make it effective and efficient to check rising attrition.
SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It is an effective tool either to evaluate career prospects or to solve any problems in day to day life. It is widely used in all spheres of personal and professional life, be it, for individuals or for institutions.
When we look at individually, SWOT analysis is as mentioned below. The person who passes out of his college and who intends to search for a right placement should evaluate himself his strengths, such as his academic qualifications, achievements, honors, any research papers etc., Academically, he should analyze his aptitude, attitude, tastes and temperaments. And he should list out if he got any distinction. Whether he has won class first, or gold medal etc., He should look at his personal qualities where he is strong at and in which way he can capitalize his strengths. Coming to the weaknesses he should analyze the subjects or areas where he is weak and look at if he can convert his weaknesses into strengths. If the person lacks a few qualities or capabilities to get a job of his choice, he should put efforts to improve himself by systematic training and practice. Regarding the opportunities the person should look at wider opportunities so as to have wider choice of survival and success in his chosen career. Rather one should look at risk minimization and risk elimination. Usually one can not avoid threats but one must be able to manage the probable or possible threats, which could be both internal and external. The threats resulting out of internal are better manageable than that of external.
CAREER PLANNING:
After conducting SWOT analysis, one can easily come to a conclusion about one's aptitude towards career. In India, the career planning (CP) mostly lies in the hands of parents followed by teachers and friends. Rather it is advisable to look at the career from one's own perspective such as mental aptitude, social and economic dimensions. CP is a crucial factor either to make or break one's career. If one selects wrong career the life would become a hell. God gifted us only 24 hours. Out of this 24 hours, people spend approx. 6 to 8 hours for sleep. 6 to 8 hours again for social and recreational activities and commuting from work place to residence and vice versa. People work from 8 to 14 hours a day depending upon the career and service one has chosen. All these timings are flexible totaling again God gifted 24 hours a day. So most of the time is spent at the work place followed by regular sleep and then again with family.
If one gets the job of his choice and spouse of his choice s/he is said to be the luckiest. Because one can enjoy his work at office and prosper and similarly at home he can lead a peaceful and pleasant life. Either building or breaking one's life solely depends on the selection of career. Once the right career is planned, all efforts should be put to pursue the same. The right tools and techniques should be acquired to meet the goals and plans. Adequate courses, degrees, skills and abilities are to be acquired regularly so as to fine-tune with the desired career goal. Once the cherished career is achieved it is just the beginning the real battle.
There is a need to upgrade with the tricks of the trade related to the job. By accepting a capable and veteran as a mentor the career can be pursued more effectively and efficiently. Time and again there would be both internal and external problems, which have to be properly handled, and managed so as to ensure survival and success in the chosen career.
Keeping goals, which are duration based one can gradually, scale the ladder of career. Now a day, there is rapid change in technology and one who keeps pace with the changes can attune himself and can smoothly scale the ladder in any organization.
CAREER MANAGEMENT:
Fresher of college pass out are young and energetic and their priorities are different. They should not get into job for the sake of job. Rather they must look at the niceties and pitfalls of pursuing a specific career and must pursue after weighing the pros and cons. They must view career not only from financial perspective but also growth perspective. If they get into the right track they can pull the strings for the fast track. In most of the cases, the fresher get into wrong career track and struggle to get into the right career track resulting into wastage of precious energies, time and money. And, of course, a few get demoralized.
For middle aged, the priorities are different. They are mature and tested and tasted the life but the family problems keep pulling them behind. They easily get into the right track but may find it difficult to be on the fast career track due to family, social and economic conditions.
For those on the verge of retiring or those who are just at their fag end of their life, their energies don't support. However, they can encash on their past experience to mould themselves to provide guidance and mentoring to the youngsters.
Overall, CPM is well said than done. There are always critical gaps between planning and execution. However, the career development professional can play a vital role to fill the gaps.
STRESS MANAGEMENT:
Research reveals that only 2 out of 10 employees are the most suitable to get selected for placements and the rest 8 are not able to cope up resulting into stress. These two are enjoying, learning, earning and growing in their organizations. What is about the balance 8 employees?
The companies also have no option but to recruit the people although there is mismatch in the expected abilities and accepted realities. All these are leading to higher stress levels at the work front, as the employees are not fully competent to cope up with the job expectations. Inability to manage the same is leading to the initial stage of stress and subsequently to burn out stage. While stress is the initial stage, burn out is the ultimate stage.
A few well-established companies are providing meditation and yoga classes to their employees during the working hours to manage the stress. They are also providing counseling classes and conducting various seminars and workshops to highlight this menace.
If people opt for careers based on their aptitude and abilities rather on prestigious or monetary considerations the stress could be minimized to a greater extent.
TOOLS FOR CPM:
• Dr. Stephen R Covey, in his book, ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ highlighted one of the habits such as continuously learning and growing. Education is a learning process from womb to tomb. Always learn new things and trends in the trade so as to stay ahead of stiff competition.
• It is essential to network effectively with the people in and around you. Networking should not be from one side and should be based on the policy of ‘give and take’. The growing communication taught many lessons. Although it separated people physically it connected people mentally and emotionally thereby promoting relations. Networking is a powerful tool to CPM. But never neglect the present network.
• ‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush’ goes the saying. Never neglect the present job. There are many lessons we can learn from the present job either from seniors or peers or from subordinates. By interacting frequently with colleagues professionally, many tools and techniques can be learnt. One can create new tools from the present experience, which may become the benchmark for others to emulate. By working diligently in the same job one can rise from the rest and can stand out from the pack.
• Passion to learn and grow and passion to go extra mile will prove handy for career success. Inculcating inquiry spirit will make one to stretch out. When an individual works with passion in the same trade, there will be recognition and response and the opportunities will become manifold.
• Attending seminars, workshops and courses will expand ones mental horizons and attending such events will provide wider network and exposure. Each job has its own skills set and if one wants to get into another related or unrelated line of career, there is a strong need to acquire such skills set.
• The CV is a concrete, accomplishable tool for job search. The CV of an individual must regularly modify with the changes in the skill set and with the courses, or skills or abilities one acquired. The more modifications in the CV are an indication of more transformational changes in the personality. In the CV, try to project what the employer expects thereby enhancing marketability.
• Always be in touch with the labor market with details like potential, opportunities, changes etc., Coupled with labor market, research on the career regularly will throw new light. In a nutshell, search, research and in touch with the job market is an imperative.
• If required, be in touch with career development professional that will do your job in a professional manner. Such professionals ensure smooth career shift and career success.
• This is the age and stage of specialization. All efforts must be put to find out what exactly one wants to pursue and narrow down the options to one or two and again pursue the same up to the hilt. There is no logic in beating around the bush. Don’t let your mind waver in complexity but be in simplicity and accuracy.
• According to statistics, approx. 80,000 hours of our life is spent at the work place. Try to spend it wisely, qualitatively and happily by enjoying the same.
• Always set your priorities right and straight and pursue accordingly.
• Always exit the existing institution with sweet will and good will.
JACK OF ALL TRADES:
Two terms like ‘multipotentiality’ and ‘early emerger’ are often used in CPM. According to Frederickson & Rothney, 1972, “Multipotentiality is the ability to select and develop any number of career options because of a wider variety of interests, aptitudes and abilities”. In fact, multipotentiality is a person who is capable in various activities right from the scratch. Rather he is a versatile person. Such kinds of people are strong in many areas but not in in-depth knowledge. Such people can be called as Jack of all trades but master of none.
On the contrary, ‘early emerger’ is a person who is highly focussed in one activity right from the childhood. He has passion and he tends to continue in his passionate field. He is unmindful of other areas of interest. Rather he is specialist in one area. Such people can be called as Jack of none but master of one trade.
There are pros and cons in both multipotentialities and early emergers. Such concepts will help in selecting the right career based on one’s mental aptitude and attitude towards the career.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t lose so much of happy life for so little money. Don’t become a round peg in a square hole or a square peg in a round hole. Identify the right aptitude, plan the right career and manage it. Acquire the right ingredients to reach the cherished career and chase it till the end to reach your goals and motivate yourself constantly in the process. And ultimately reach your beloved career. Up to here, it is only the half of the battle won and the rest half would be won only when you manage your career by acquiring and upgrading skills and abilities continuously.
MESSAGE:
Life is short and make it sweet. And don’t make your career like a prison sentence. Everything depends on the perceptions of the person. There is a strong need to strike the balance between work and life and between money and recreation. CPM as a tool, if utilized and managed effectively and efficiently, the life could be spent qualitatively leaving a mark behind.
T H E E N D
COMMON SKILLS
ABSTRACT
The article highlights about concept of common skills, which become the bedrock of all skills among people. The most TEN common skills have been chosen after filtering with pros and cons of all skills and abilities based on certain parameters. All the ten common skills have been briefly explained. A comparative study has been made amongst common skills, hard skills and soft skills. At the end there is a strong message that these three concepts are essential for becoming a successful personality.
People may have heard of soft skills and hard skills. Perhaps very few people may have heard of Common Skills. When one of my favorite students, and a bright student, G.Amulya Reddy, III year IT branch in Vijay Rural Engg. College, Nizamabad asked 'Sir, What do you mean by Common Skills?' I was little surprised to hear and developed curiosity to find out what these skills actually are? Initially I thought that these were the skills and abilities, which were common among all individuals. But I decided to know fully and then referred a few books and websites. Because it is always my in-built nature to know the things in depth as I am basically an inquisitive person.
We talk about common sense in daily life. That means the common qualities, which are expected out of human beings, based on a particular cultural background. When people make silly and folly mistakes, which are not expected out of them, we usually question 'Don't you have common sense?' Likewise, common skills are the skills and abilities, which are connecting and running through a common thread that are fundamentally essential for the survival and success of the people. These skills become the core skills for human beings and we can call it as core skills or key skills. Since these skills ensure survival and success of the people we may call them as survival skills and success skills. Having known what are common skills it is desirable to explain in brief what are these common skills. Again there are plenty of common skills but I would like to take TEN key skills, which are common.
TEN COMMON SKILLS:
Communication skill: Communication skill is the key of all skills. We all communicate from womb to tomb. Man can not survive without communication. He communicates either by verbal language or by non-verbal language or by the combination of both. Under verbal language falls speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and reading skills. And under the non-verbal language falls the body language, which is also known as kinesics and voice modulation. The ability and the skill to receive and reciprocate one’s feelings and emotions by all these elements are known as communication skill.
Creativity: All individuals must possess the ability to create and recreate. Many inventions have surfaced because of this ability. Individuals should not only learn the things but also be able to create new things based on their learning and observation. And for all this, creativity becomes again another core skill.
Career development: Managing and developing one's own career is essential so as to survive and succeed in life. There could be many personal, social and professional compulsions. When one is able to develop one's career, naturally there will be all round development of personality.
Team spirit: Ability to work in teams is necessary. When people learn to develop team spirit by working in teams, the results can be faster and smarter. If numerically one plus one is two, in team spirit one plus one is more than two because of the synergy in strength.
Technology: This is the world of technology where technology is dominating the world. Not knowing or not learning technology will lead to many complications and implications. People should know the basics of technology and should equally know the application of the same. For instance, now a day, Internet has become common thing. If people know how to make use of the minimum computer technology they will know how to survive and succeed better.
Time management: Although rapid changes in technology have brought many comforts, it has made life more complicated and complex. People do not find time and it is often heard every where that ‘I don’t have time’. God gifted us with 24 hours of time a day. Every one should know how to manage time effectively and efficiently. Setting priorities by categorizing as A, B, C, D & E can prove to be beneficial. A stand for the most important activities which if not addressed will have far-reaching negative implications. B stands for important activities and if not executed will have minor negative fall out. C stands for the activities, which have to be addressed but not having any significance. D stands for the activities, which can be addressed if time permits. And last but not the least is the E, which stands for insignificant activity. If addressed it is okay or else it can be sent to trash. So setting priorities can save time, energy and precious resources.
Sociability: Aristotle aptly said, ‘Man is a social animal’. Man can’t live alone; he strives for affiliation and social acceptance. A few people found to be socially inept. In such case, it becomes a liability. For the success and survival of the people it is essential to develop the trait of sociability. Therefore, this skill becomes the core skill and one of the fundamental features of the common skills.
Self-development: People should learn to manage and develop themselves. It is inherent quality hidden in all human beings to grow. Every one wants to grow from birth to death in all faculties. Only when one develops himself he can develop others. Therefore, managing and developing of oneself becomes a core skill.
Numerical ability: The ability to have knowledge of numerical ability is a must. Having numerical bent of mind is essential in daily life. Not only having this ability but also to have the ability to apply, as well in the real world is essential.
Problem solving: WHO has made problem solving as the 8th life skill. Everyone confronts problems from birth to death. Problems are part of life and every problem, at times, leads to an opportunity. Man becomes tough only when he faces problems because every problem teaches some lessons in life. ‘A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner’ goes the saying. In fact when the going gets tough the tough gets going. Hence the problem solving becomes the tenth most crucial skill amongst all common skills.
There are number of other skills which belong and become the part of common skills. For instance cognitive i.e. the ability to think creatively, critically and analytically. Empathy - that means the ability to get into the shoes of other person and think. Research i.e. the ability to go in depth in a field or activity for creating base for further and future studies. Personality development and likewise the list of common skills go on in length.
CORELATION OF COMMON SKILLS, HARD SKILLS AND SOFT SKILLS:
People do get confused with common skills, hard skills and soft skills. There are both thin and thick lines that separate all these three concepts. Soft skills are the skills that are essential for the survival at the corporate world that enhances employability. Anything other than domain knowledge is also known as soft skill. These are also known as people skills and also known as Emotional Intelligence. Soft skills are specialized skills at the work place more on a professional plane. Where as the common skills are the key skills, which are simple skills, related to personal and social life. The hard skills are just the domain knowledge and are related to the subjective knowledge. Hard skills deal with 5 W’s such as What, Why, Which, Where and When. The soft skills deal with 1H i.e. How? If what you have become the hard skills, how you present the same becomes the soft skills. All the three skills are interrelated and if interwoven makes an individual highly successful personality.
MESSAGE:
What common sense is to human sense, the common skills are to human skills. Both hard skills and soft skills can be compared with two layers of the earth with lower layer being hard skills, surface layer being soft skills. And deep within the core of the earth being the common skills. And also common skills are known as core skills which become the infrastructure, then hard skills are known as domain skills which become the superstructure and finally the soft skills are known as surface skills which becomes the superior structure.
T H E E N D
The article highlights about concept of common skills, which become the bedrock of all skills among people. The most TEN common skills have been chosen after filtering with pros and cons of all skills and abilities based on certain parameters. All the ten common skills have been briefly explained. A comparative study has been made amongst common skills, hard skills and soft skills. At the end there is a strong message that these three concepts are essential for becoming a successful personality.
People may have heard of soft skills and hard skills. Perhaps very few people may have heard of Common Skills. When one of my favorite students, and a bright student, G.Amulya Reddy, III year IT branch in Vijay Rural Engg. College, Nizamabad asked 'Sir, What do you mean by Common Skills?' I was little surprised to hear and developed curiosity to find out what these skills actually are? Initially I thought that these were the skills and abilities, which were common among all individuals. But I decided to know fully and then referred a few books and websites. Because it is always my in-built nature to know the things in depth as I am basically an inquisitive person.
We talk about common sense in daily life. That means the common qualities, which are expected out of human beings, based on a particular cultural background. When people make silly and folly mistakes, which are not expected out of them, we usually question 'Don't you have common sense?' Likewise, common skills are the skills and abilities, which are connecting and running through a common thread that are fundamentally essential for the survival and success of the people. These skills become the core skills for human beings and we can call it as core skills or key skills. Since these skills ensure survival and success of the people we may call them as survival skills and success skills. Having known what are common skills it is desirable to explain in brief what are these common skills. Again there are plenty of common skills but I would like to take TEN key skills, which are common.
TEN COMMON SKILLS:
Communication skill: Communication skill is the key of all skills. We all communicate from womb to tomb. Man can not survive without communication. He communicates either by verbal language or by non-verbal language or by the combination of both. Under verbal language falls speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and reading skills. And under the non-verbal language falls the body language, which is also known as kinesics and voice modulation. The ability and the skill to receive and reciprocate one’s feelings and emotions by all these elements are known as communication skill.
Creativity: All individuals must possess the ability to create and recreate. Many inventions have surfaced because of this ability. Individuals should not only learn the things but also be able to create new things based on their learning and observation. And for all this, creativity becomes again another core skill.
Career development: Managing and developing one's own career is essential so as to survive and succeed in life. There could be many personal, social and professional compulsions. When one is able to develop one's career, naturally there will be all round development of personality.
Team spirit: Ability to work in teams is necessary. When people learn to develop team spirit by working in teams, the results can be faster and smarter. If numerically one plus one is two, in team spirit one plus one is more than two because of the synergy in strength.
Technology: This is the world of technology where technology is dominating the world. Not knowing or not learning technology will lead to many complications and implications. People should know the basics of technology and should equally know the application of the same. For instance, now a day, Internet has become common thing. If people know how to make use of the minimum computer technology they will know how to survive and succeed better.
Time management: Although rapid changes in technology have brought many comforts, it has made life more complicated and complex. People do not find time and it is often heard every where that ‘I don’t have time’. God gifted us with 24 hours of time a day. Every one should know how to manage time effectively and efficiently. Setting priorities by categorizing as A, B, C, D & E can prove to be beneficial. A stand for the most important activities which if not addressed will have far-reaching negative implications. B stands for important activities and if not executed will have minor negative fall out. C stands for the activities, which have to be addressed but not having any significance. D stands for the activities, which can be addressed if time permits. And last but not the least is the E, which stands for insignificant activity. If addressed it is okay or else it can be sent to trash. So setting priorities can save time, energy and precious resources.
Sociability: Aristotle aptly said, ‘Man is a social animal’. Man can’t live alone; he strives for affiliation and social acceptance. A few people found to be socially inept. In such case, it becomes a liability. For the success and survival of the people it is essential to develop the trait of sociability. Therefore, this skill becomes the core skill and one of the fundamental features of the common skills.
Self-development: People should learn to manage and develop themselves. It is inherent quality hidden in all human beings to grow. Every one wants to grow from birth to death in all faculties. Only when one develops himself he can develop others. Therefore, managing and developing of oneself becomes a core skill.
Numerical ability: The ability to have knowledge of numerical ability is a must. Having numerical bent of mind is essential in daily life. Not only having this ability but also to have the ability to apply, as well in the real world is essential.
Problem solving: WHO has made problem solving as the 8th life skill. Everyone confronts problems from birth to death. Problems are part of life and every problem, at times, leads to an opportunity. Man becomes tough only when he faces problems because every problem teaches some lessons in life. ‘A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner’ goes the saying. In fact when the going gets tough the tough gets going. Hence the problem solving becomes the tenth most crucial skill amongst all common skills.
There are number of other skills which belong and become the part of common skills. For instance cognitive i.e. the ability to think creatively, critically and analytically. Empathy - that means the ability to get into the shoes of other person and think. Research i.e. the ability to go in depth in a field or activity for creating base for further and future studies. Personality development and likewise the list of common skills go on in length.
CORELATION OF COMMON SKILLS, HARD SKILLS AND SOFT SKILLS:
People do get confused with common skills, hard skills and soft skills. There are both thin and thick lines that separate all these three concepts. Soft skills are the skills that are essential for the survival at the corporate world that enhances employability. Anything other than domain knowledge is also known as soft skill. These are also known as people skills and also known as Emotional Intelligence. Soft skills are specialized skills at the work place more on a professional plane. Where as the common skills are the key skills, which are simple skills, related to personal and social life. The hard skills are just the domain knowledge and are related to the subjective knowledge. Hard skills deal with 5 W’s such as What, Why, Which, Where and When. The soft skills deal with 1H i.e. How? If what you have become the hard skills, how you present the same becomes the soft skills. All the three skills are interrelated and if interwoven makes an individual highly successful personality.
MESSAGE:
What common sense is to human sense, the common skills are to human skills. Both hard skills and soft skills can be compared with two layers of the earth with lower layer being hard skills, surface layer being soft skills. And deep within the core of the earth being the common skills. And also common skills are known as core skills which become the infrastructure, then hard skills are known as domain skills which become the superstructure and finally the soft skills are known as surface skills which becomes the superior structure.
T H E E N D
GREAT TEACHERS ARE NOT BORN IN THE MINDS OF THE STUDENTS BUT THEY ARE BORN IN THE HEARTS OF THE STUDENTS
“ A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others”. Author unknown.
All teachers can’t make impact in the minds of their students. But a very few teachers touch the hearts of their students thereby becoming legends. There is no specific formula or a secret mantra in this, except dedication, determination and discipline in the methods of their teaching. Good teachers work with passion and they are totally involved in their profession and they contribute their best without expecting any rewards or returns from their students except with burning desire to be great at their profession. Many people think that teaching is an inborn quality to become a great teacher and it proved beyond doubt there are teachers who were not blessed great but became great teachers by virtue of their sincere efforts, abilities through practice, concentration and training. William Arthur ward said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”. A teacher is like a player of a musical instrument. He can produce either a sad music or a joyful music by way of playing the instrument. A good subject can be taught in an ineffective manner and a poor subject can be taught in an effective manner. And everything depends totally on the presentation of the player (i.e.teacher).
Wikipedia defined teacher, “In education, teachers facilitate, student learning, often in a school or academy. The objective typically a course of study, lesson plan or a practical skill including learning and thinking skills". In China, teacher is called as SHIFU, or SIFU, in UK, it is called as MENTOR and teacher is also called as GURU in India and is also referred to as RABBI or TUTOR etc.,
TYPES OF TEACHERS:
Teachers can be classified in various types; such as good teacher versus bad teacher, friendly teacher versus hostile teacher, jovial teacher versus strict teacher, dominant teacher versus submissive teacher, serious teacher versus casual teacher and so on.
According to R.Verdi, “Good teachers are those who know how little they know, bad teachers are those who think they know more than they don't know”. The good teachers never boost nor boast of themselves too much. However knowledgeable they might be, they think and declare that whatever they know is only a drop of an ocean. On the other hand, the bad teachers are poor performers who are not knowledgeable and in order to cover up their weaknesses, they pretend to be strong at subject. These kinds of teachers always blame their students for not concentrating in the class. It is like a weak tradesman who always blames his tools and never admits his weak workmanship.
A friendly teacher is always amenable, adjustable and empathizes with their students and narrows down the gap between faculty and students thereby developing relations. Such a teacher is always accessible to the students for clarifying their doubts. On the other hand, a hostile teacher is inimical and his actions towards their students are reactive rather than proactive. They display unfriendly and irritating attitude when they hear from their students that other teachers are teaching better than him. Hostile teachers don’t take criticism constructively and positively in their stride.
The jovial teachers are replete with fun and humor. They entertain students with lot of humorous jokes and anecdotes and they believe in imparting education in an entertaining manner. They do not get provoked and take the comments from the students jovially. While teaching, this kind of teachers believes in the carrot but not stick policy. This kind of teachers behaves from ‘Child Ego State’. (According Dr.Berne, there are three types of ego states – ‘Patent Ego State’, ‘Adult Ego State’ and Child Ego State’ i.e. PAC Ego States). On the other hand, the strict teachers are, no doubt, good teachers but they believe in stick rather than carrot in the method of teaching. They expect the class to be total silent and they do not encourage their students to discuss on the topic among themselves. This kind of teachers is highly knowledgeable and uncompromising. Mostly they behave like Parent Ego State.
The dominant teachers are again a type of strict teachers but the degree of strictness is higher and hence can also be called as dictatorial or autocratic teachers. They hardly bother about the sentiments, views and opinions of their students. On the contrary, the submissive teachers are those who always succumb to the demands of their students and they do not know how to control their students. Both these types are unwarranted and uncalled for and what is expected is the average of these two traits which can be called as assertive teachers who strike a fine chord between dominant teachers and submissive teachers. An assertive teacher behaves from all the three ego states i.e. Parent, Adult and Child Ego States situational. “The best teachers teach from heart, not from the book”, anonymous. An assertive teacher is the best teacher and an ideal teacher who teaches from his heart.
The serious teachers are by nature serious in their approach and they teach without adding any touch of humor but they are very efficient and effective and believe in professional approach. The students learn the topics in a professional manner. For this kind of teachers work is worship. They always mean business. On the contrary, the casual teachers take everything lightly but not seriously and may not be stuffed with adequate knowledge and believe in completing the syllabus and passing their time. This kind of teachers’ work for the sake of working and they never win the hearts of their students.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD TEACHER:
Lola May quoted, “There are three things to remember when teaching; know your stuff, know whom you are stuffing; and then stuff them elegantly”. Any one can become a good teacher if equipped with certain qualities and characteristics.
A teacher wears many a hat such as, he should be an effective communicator, leader, disciplinarian, mentor, guide, parent, friend, philosopher, motivator, counselor, actor, a role model, well wisher, manager, fair and impartial etc.,
He should not take the things for granted.
Should concentrate on all students equally but rather more on the weak or dull students who needs little more care and attention.
Should carry the entire students along with them as a team leader.
A teacher should be thorough and well versed with the subjective knowledge and should add outside information along with the topics relevantly whenever warranted.
Should have higher levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Should remember the names of all the students in the class.
Should always work with sincerity and integrity.
Should know how to present the topic based on common sense. If students are found to be not tuned or going out of the track they should be criticized privately. On the other hand, if any students does anything miracle must be praised publicly in the class. Such acts serve as positive strokes and the rest of the students would like to catch up it with such positive trend.
A great teacher teaches but also inspires, motivates and changes the mindsets of their students and also the entire world. A great teacher always works with heart and head, as both are essential for effective teaching. A great teacher never demands but always commands respect from his students.
A great teacher is not only a teacher but also a great listener and learner. He teaches what he knows to his students and learns from what the students’ know. Egotism is not the quality of a great teacher. A good teacher concentrates more on weak students rather on bright students as Mara Collins said, “The good teacher makes the poor student good and good student superior”.
A great teacher always sees big picture. Whenever he finds that the topic is tough he breaks down the topic into several small pieces and explains the small pieces effectively and efficiently to the students and gradually assembles the pieces into a one single entity mentally and explains. He should be a voracious reader of various books, magazines, journals, browser of many educational web sites and should be a good observer.
A great teacher is like a Gardner who plants seeds, waters and feels satisfied when it starts blooming. He knows the psychology of his students, must be highly creative, dreamer and must rise expectations and aspirations of his students. He should never be reactive but should always be proactive. He lays stress not only on education but also on ethical values and character building. He involves in character building apart from subject building.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING:
“More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the spirit in which the teaching is given”, Bertrand Russell.
A good teacher is always a good storyteller. He should start the topic with a story and should gradually enter into the topic without the knowledge of the students and at the end of the session, only students should know that the teacher covered the relevant topics.
Students should feel that they entered into a theatre where they forget their real world problems the moment they enter the classroom. All that depends on the skills and abilities being displayed by the teacher.
A teacher may start the class with an interesting anecdote, or day to day happening report or a newspaper report or something sensational and emotional everyday so as to draw the attention of their students.
A teacher can also start delivering lecture by role playing, or by referring an interesting case studies or by his own personal experience and with his industrial insights so as to bring the student to the real life from the real life.
He can also throw the topic for open discussion and get their views or opinions or comments related to the topic. By this the teacher is able to unearth the hidden talents lying the in the subconscious minds of their students. It is like brainstorming or it encourages the students to think innovatively, imaginatively and it ignites their minds. It is apt to quote Chinese proverb in this context, “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand”.
A good teacher always explains the concepts and fundamentals in depth as it serves as a strong infrastructure (foundation) over which they can build their superstructure.
Body language of the teacher must always complement with his oral language as any inconsistency between body language and oral language can create doubts in the minds of the students. Body language contributes 93% of communication while the oral language contributes 7% of the communication. The combination of both is the complete communication. Although men can talk many things orally but his body language always speaks his sincerity and integrity. The teacher must best make use of his body language up to the hilt and, if required, he has to act in order to reach his students. Gail Godwin rightly said, "Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourth pure theatre”.
A good teacher is a great democrat and he always encourages students in participation of discussion on the subject to generally different dimensional thinking, apart from encouraging out-of-the box thinking and unconventional and uncharted path. A great teacher should be totally free from doubts. He should be highly confident and comfortable while teaching.
A good teacher is an effective and efficient communicator and makes the complex things simple with his easy and straight teaching tools. He tickles the students and enhances their creativity and innovation. If any student raises any doubts, then the teacher must ask any other person in the class to clarify the same and if it is not clarified he must accept the ball into his court and must clarify through simple methods. By this, the teacher provides an opportunity to other students to come out with their way of answering the questions.
A good teacher blows away, if any myths in the minds of their students and he should encourage and challenge them to touch their upper limits. If stars are their goals then sky is their limit. A good teacher must be like a doctor with a healthy and positive mindset. Because when a patient goes to a doctor for taking medicine by injection, the patient will have fear to get the same executed. Then the doctor says nothing would happen and engages the patient in a friendly chat and offers medicine by injection. Similarly if any topic is tough, the teacher must infuse confidence in his students by saying it as simple and then should explain the concepts clearly with clarity of thought.
Teaching is nothing but a novel method of presenting the subject. One should know clearly that all successful teachers may not be knowledgeable teachers and all knowledge teachers may not be successful teachers. It is aptly said, “The essence of education is not what is poured in a student’s mind but what is planted”.
A good teacher should be a great learner and he should be fully prepared on the topic by referring various books and then only he should enter the class as Joseph Joubert correctly said, “To teach is to learn twice”.
A good teacher should not only know ‘How to teach?’ but also should
know ‘How to learn?’ Because the way he learns and the same way he can teach with wider applications and implications. To put it in the words of John Carolus S.J, “We think too much about effective methods of teaching and not enough about effective methods of learning”.
If necessary a good teacher must carry audio, visual material, newspaper cuttings, to the class to experiment and experience the topic lively. The teacher should not be static on the dais like a statue; he must move his body from place to place to make the teaching natural and pleasant. In the middle of the teaching he should ask relevant questions about the topic to keep students agile, active, awake and alert in the class. Smile, as and when it is essential to put the students at ease.
He must link the topic from previous class to the present and to the future classes and there should be effective interconnectivity of the topic so those students can feel that the subject is being taught with a natural flow. He should also ask questions from the previously discussed classes so that the students will prepare seriously at home to avoid ambiguity and confusion in the class. If necessary, tests have to be conducted periodically to ensure that the students study seriously at home and also to overcome from examination fever.
When the author took up teaching profession about Management Science (M S) subject in an engineering college initially, the students did not understand when he introduced his name along with his defense background. A student got up and asked seriously, “Sir, I did not hear your name properly and would you mind repeating your name?” To that, the author further questioned the student to name the subject he was teaching. Then the student quickly replied as Management Science. Then the author asked the student to name the subject in abbreviated format. Then the student replied as M S. Then the author further asked the student to add RAO as suffix to M.S. and then the student felt greatly happy to remember the author’s name as Prof. M.S.RAO. This is also a way of teaching by questioning and involving in conversation and it is popularly called as Socratic method of teaching.
While teaching apart from the academic curriculum the students should be taught about the practical application of the concepts taught and whenever something is related their career, it must be focussed firmly and finely. It is advisable and desirable to reconfirm from the students during the course of teaching by using sentences like ‘Is that OK? Is it clear ?, Do you understand ?, Is it alright ? And so on. It is a fine technique to keep the students totally immersed in class.
Conducting regular quiz programs or topic related quiz activities encourage the students to involve actively and briskly even at home related to syllabus studies. It is far better by gifting the bright students based on score they get during such programs. Or else, providing ‘appreciation letters’ or ‘participation certificates’ for such activities will also motivate them to stay to the academic syllabus.
Teacher should respect their students and should hold them to high standards. Teacher should not snub students if they ask for any clarifications during the session. And it is essential to conduct question and answer session at the end of each session by catering some time. It is like taking stock of the session and often it serves as an effective feedback. A teacher can also assess and gauge himself how effectively he taught. A teacher should always stay focussed on the subject and should never lose sight of. If warranted, it is necessary to repeat the things to students.
A good teacher must step into the shoes of the students and must empathize. Offer model answers as guide and it helps them to address the examinations effectively. Preparation of various model answers is a must to have a feel of the examination. Teacher should adopt multiple methodologies and strategies while teaching. It is like ‘end’ is one where as the ‘means’ are many.
WHY SHOULD ANYONE BECOME A TEACHER?
It is the noblest profession and there is a great degree of sanctity attached to it. Most of the people take up this profession by chance not by choice. The qualified people when they pass out from their institutions look for jobs immediately and a few utilize this profession as a stopgap one. If one likes this, then one can get attached and attracted to this profession forever or else, can make a switch over to other professions.
In fact, there is a sense of thrill while teaching to the students because shaping of students’ future only depends in the hands of the teacher. And a teacher can derive great sense of job satisfaction and sense of achievement when he learns that his students achieved miracles in their career. A great teacher takes pride in molding the future of their students.
This profession brings out both creativity and innovation to the fore both from the teacher side and from the students’ side. Consciously or unconsciously many hidden things unfold during the process of teaching. Rather one can tap one’s own natural and creative things spontaneously.
A teacher can feel like a commander till the completion of the class as the total students obey the teacher with discipline and dedication. And none can enter the class without his permission thereby having full command and control over the students.
A teacher can also feel like a priest/pastor as the schools are treated as temples of learning thereby attracting a great amount of dignity.
A teacher can learn his best from his students by posing various questions to the students thereby getting multiple shades of views, opinions, ideas and comments on each topic. This will help grow richer in knowledge and stature.
A teacher can work at best by experimenting various things in the class room and rather each class can be treated as a workshop. He can adopt trial and error method for each experiment and if he passes in the trial he can adopt the same strategies/tools in other classes. And if he fails, he can reject the same. In a nutshell, a teacher can compare his classroom like laboratory for conducting many experiments.
In this profession an individual can wear many masks, like that of a Hollywood stars who plays different roles in their film career.
In this profession, one enjoys maximum number of holidays and as a result wok-life balance can be maintained effectively. One can pursue writing books during holidays and leisure or can go for part time employment during long vacation. And if possible, one can involve in experimentation of what he learnt and taught in the classrooms in the outside world thereby generating his own case studies.
Even if a teacher does not have sense of humor, the same can be cultivated by moving friendly with their students. One can feel young both in mind and heart as they move with students freely and frankly. By being with young people a teacher thinks very young all the time and he can work with higher levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Every profession is getting highly complex and complicated due to the growing technologies and thus leading to higher levels of stress and burnout. In this profession, there is a least possibility of getting burnt out. Even if one gets stressed out he can regain and recoup very easily due to the availability of more leisure time.
As long as the teacher commands subject he will command respect from their students, from their superiors and it helps and ensures job security. So why not to choose this noble profession as a wonderful career option?
GREAT TEACHERS:
A teacher should have passion, persuasive skills, presentation skills, involvement, application of knowledge, role-playing and should base on trial and error methods of teaching.
An average teacher teaches the topic, a good teacher converts dull students into bright students and a great teacher creates great students who in turn excel in their area of chosen line. And such great teachers become teaching legends. Alexander the Great quoted, “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well”. The great teachers across the globe are Aristotle, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Pythogorous and so on to name a few. They are great because they contributed their best in their life times. In India, every year on 5th September, Teachers Day is celebrated and across the world the Teachers Day is celebrated on 5th October. It indicates the importance and significance attached to teachers and to the teaching profession. “Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions”, someone suitably said.
HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL TEACHER?
Think of teachers those who made an impact in your mind right from your childhood. And find out the reasons what made them so memorable in your minds. Recollect the tools, techniques, strategies, methodologies etc., which made prints in your mind. Analyze one by one slowly and list out. Then gradually apply them in your practical life whenever you get an opportunity. Teaching must ignite passion in the minds of the students. Inculcate and cultivate the out of the box thinking, unconventional thinking and travel the uncharted path and leave a mark behind. Always think, dream and sleep over the novel methods of teaching. With interest and by regular interactions with students, one can evolve one’s own methods of teaching. Read and reread the books of great teachers across the world and find out what made them stand distinct from the rest. Visit Webster related to teaching you will get bundle of knowledge and information.
Look at your strengths and weaknesses and always try to overcome your weaknesses by regular practice and training. Take active part in various seminars, workshops and training programs and learn. Especially in such wonderful workshops, the birds of the same feather flock together. And that is yet again a wonderful platform to interact and learn many things.
Regularly take feedback from your students and always find out the key areas that needs for improvement and betterment. Students are the source of strength for any teacher. The student’s mindsets’ are not controlled and conditioned. They are young, fresh and energetic with virgin minds. They are far away from preconceived notions and views. Their views and comments are authentic and genuine.
The feedback covers many areas such as body language, communication skills, relevance, examples, data, novelty and so on. Every area must be given to a point of scale and it can be measured accordingly periodically.
Similarly take feedback from your subordinates, peers, and superiors and discuss with them regularly the ways and means of bringing out the best out of you and also out of your students.
MEKA’S METHODS OF TEACHING:
Plutarch quoted, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited”. Usage of blackboard is essential as it provides effective visual effects and the human brain remembers more when presented in visual rather than audio effects. In listening there is a popular term ‘Time Lag’. It is the gap between what a teacher can speak and what a student can listen. Human brain is a vast powerful and wonderful device and it accepts 500 words per minute where as the speaker can deliver between 125 to 150 words per minute on an average. This gap between the speaker and the listener is termed as ‘Time Lag’.
Apart from visual and audio effects the teacher should question the students related to the topic in the middle of the teaching. As a result, the student’s mind does not wander during the time lag and student summarizes what the teacher has taught and keeps totally away from daydreaming in the class. By this process, the student is encouraged to involve effectively and also to keep his mind with in the class but certainly not out of the class.
The teacher must touch upon the topic systematically, chronologically by point wise by arousing curiosity from the beginning to the end of the session. By referring relevant case studies or personal examples or anecdotes a teacher can enhance the students’ mental presence in the class. The teacher should be flexible in his body language and move around the dais/podium with a friendly smile and encourage the students’ participation. The author interconnects and applies all the tools and techniques in order to make the teaching process a pleasant and memorable one.
MESSAGE:
According to Hindu philosophy, the Mother is the first supreme (Matrudevo Bhava), the Father is the second supreme ( Pitrudevo Bhava ) and theTeacher is the third supreme ( Acharyadevo Bhava ). The teacher is accorded one of the highest statuses and which is indeed unquestionable.
Teachers are not born, but with practice, they can be made. The great teachers are not born in the minds of their students but they are born in the hearts of their students. And the greatest teachers are born in the hearts of the great teachers.
All teachers can’t make impact in the minds of their students. But a very few teachers touch the hearts of their students thereby becoming legends. There is no specific formula or a secret mantra in this, except dedication, determination and discipline in the methods of their teaching. Good teachers work with passion and they are totally involved in their profession and they contribute their best without expecting any rewards or returns from their students except with burning desire to be great at their profession. Many people think that teaching is an inborn quality to become a great teacher and it proved beyond doubt there are teachers who were not blessed great but became great teachers by virtue of their sincere efforts, abilities through practice, concentration and training. William Arthur ward said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”. A teacher is like a player of a musical instrument. He can produce either a sad music or a joyful music by way of playing the instrument. A good subject can be taught in an ineffective manner and a poor subject can be taught in an effective manner. And everything depends totally on the presentation of the player (i.e.teacher).
Wikipedia defined teacher, “In education, teachers facilitate, student learning, often in a school or academy. The objective typically a course of study, lesson plan or a practical skill including learning and thinking skills". In China, teacher is called as SHIFU, or SIFU, in UK, it is called as MENTOR and teacher is also called as GURU in India and is also referred to as RABBI or TUTOR etc.,
TYPES OF TEACHERS:
Teachers can be classified in various types; such as good teacher versus bad teacher, friendly teacher versus hostile teacher, jovial teacher versus strict teacher, dominant teacher versus submissive teacher, serious teacher versus casual teacher and so on.
According to R.Verdi, “Good teachers are those who know how little they know, bad teachers are those who think they know more than they don't know”. The good teachers never boost nor boast of themselves too much. However knowledgeable they might be, they think and declare that whatever they know is only a drop of an ocean. On the other hand, the bad teachers are poor performers who are not knowledgeable and in order to cover up their weaknesses, they pretend to be strong at subject. These kinds of teachers always blame their students for not concentrating in the class. It is like a weak tradesman who always blames his tools and never admits his weak workmanship.
A friendly teacher is always amenable, adjustable and empathizes with their students and narrows down the gap between faculty and students thereby developing relations. Such a teacher is always accessible to the students for clarifying their doubts. On the other hand, a hostile teacher is inimical and his actions towards their students are reactive rather than proactive. They display unfriendly and irritating attitude when they hear from their students that other teachers are teaching better than him. Hostile teachers don’t take criticism constructively and positively in their stride.
The jovial teachers are replete with fun and humor. They entertain students with lot of humorous jokes and anecdotes and they believe in imparting education in an entertaining manner. They do not get provoked and take the comments from the students jovially. While teaching, this kind of teachers believes in the carrot but not stick policy. This kind of teachers behaves from ‘Child Ego State’. (According Dr.Berne, there are three types of ego states – ‘Patent Ego State’, ‘Adult Ego State’ and Child Ego State’ i.e. PAC Ego States). On the other hand, the strict teachers are, no doubt, good teachers but they believe in stick rather than carrot in the method of teaching. They expect the class to be total silent and they do not encourage their students to discuss on the topic among themselves. This kind of teachers is highly knowledgeable and uncompromising. Mostly they behave like Parent Ego State.
The dominant teachers are again a type of strict teachers but the degree of strictness is higher and hence can also be called as dictatorial or autocratic teachers. They hardly bother about the sentiments, views and opinions of their students. On the contrary, the submissive teachers are those who always succumb to the demands of their students and they do not know how to control their students. Both these types are unwarranted and uncalled for and what is expected is the average of these two traits which can be called as assertive teachers who strike a fine chord between dominant teachers and submissive teachers. An assertive teacher behaves from all the three ego states i.e. Parent, Adult and Child Ego States situational. “The best teachers teach from heart, not from the book”, anonymous. An assertive teacher is the best teacher and an ideal teacher who teaches from his heart.
The serious teachers are by nature serious in their approach and they teach without adding any touch of humor but they are very efficient and effective and believe in professional approach. The students learn the topics in a professional manner. For this kind of teachers work is worship. They always mean business. On the contrary, the casual teachers take everything lightly but not seriously and may not be stuffed with adequate knowledge and believe in completing the syllabus and passing their time. This kind of teachers’ work for the sake of working and they never win the hearts of their students.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD TEACHER:
Lola May quoted, “There are three things to remember when teaching; know your stuff, know whom you are stuffing; and then stuff them elegantly”. Any one can become a good teacher if equipped with certain qualities and characteristics.
A teacher wears many a hat such as, he should be an effective communicator, leader, disciplinarian, mentor, guide, parent, friend, philosopher, motivator, counselor, actor, a role model, well wisher, manager, fair and impartial etc.,
He should not take the things for granted.
Should concentrate on all students equally but rather more on the weak or dull students who needs little more care and attention.
Should carry the entire students along with them as a team leader.
A teacher should be thorough and well versed with the subjective knowledge and should add outside information along with the topics relevantly whenever warranted.
Should have higher levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Should remember the names of all the students in the class.
Should always work with sincerity and integrity.
Should know how to present the topic based on common sense. If students are found to be not tuned or going out of the track they should be criticized privately. On the other hand, if any students does anything miracle must be praised publicly in the class. Such acts serve as positive strokes and the rest of the students would like to catch up it with such positive trend.
A great teacher teaches but also inspires, motivates and changes the mindsets of their students and also the entire world. A great teacher always works with heart and head, as both are essential for effective teaching. A great teacher never demands but always commands respect from his students.
A great teacher is not only a teacher but also a great listener and learner. He teaches what he knows to his students and learns from what the students’ know. Egotism is not the quality of a great teacher. A good teacher concentrates more on weak students rather on bright students as Mara Collins said, “The good teacher makes the poor student good and good student superior”.
A great teacher always sees big picture. Whenever he finds that the topic is tough he breaks down the topic into several small pieces and explains the small pieces effectively and efficiently to the students and gradually assembles the pieces into a one single entity mentally and explains. He should be a voracious reader of various books, magazines, journals, browser of many educational web sites and should be a good observer.
A great teacher is like a Gardner who plants seeds, waters and feels satisfied when it starts blooming. He knows the psychology of his students, must be highly creative, dreamer and must rise expectations and aspirations of his students. He should never be reactive but should always be proactive. He lays stress not only on education but also on ethical values and character building. He involves in character building apart from subject building.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING:
“More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the spirit in which the teaching is given”, Bertrand Russell.
A good teacher is always a good storyteller. He should start the topic with a story and should gradually enter into the topic without the knowledge of the students and at the end of the session, only students should know that the teacher covered the relevant topics.
Students should feel that they entered into a theatre where they forget their real world problems the moment they enter the classroom. All that depends on the skills and abilities being displayed by the teacher.
A teacher may start the class with an interesting anecdote, or day to day happening report or a newspaper report or something sensational and emotional everyday so as to draw the attention of their students.
A teacher can also start delivering lecture by role playing, or by referring an interesting case studies or by his own personal experience and with his industrial insights so as to bring the student to the real life from the real life.
He can also throw the topic for open discussion and get their views or opinions or comments related to the topic. By this the teacher is able to unearth the hidden talents lying the in the subconscious minds of their students. It is like brainstorming or it encourages the students to think innovatively, imaginatively and it ignites their minds. It is apt to quote Chinese proverb in this context, “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand”.
A good teacher always explains the concepts and fundamentals in depth as it serves as a strong infrastructure (foundation) over which they can build their superstructure.
Body language of the teacher must always complement with his oral language as any inconsistency between body language and oral language can create doubts in the minds of the students. Body language contributes 93% of communication while the oral language contributes 7% of the communication. The combination of both is the complete communication. Although men can talk many things orally but his body language always speaks his sincerity and integrity. The teacher must best make use of his body language up to the hilt and, if required, he has to act in order to reach his students. Gail Godwin rightly said, "Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourth pure theatre”.
A good teacher is a great democrat and he always encourages students in participation of discussion on the subject to generally different dimensional thinking, apart from encouraging out-of-the box thinking and unconventional and uncharted path. A great teacher should be totally free from doubts. He should be highly confident and comfortable while teaching.
A good teacher is an effective and efficient communicator and makes the complex things simple with his easy and straight teaching tools. He tickles the students and enhances their creativity and innovation. If any student raises any doubts, then the teacher must ask any other person in the class to clarify the same and if it is not clarified he must accept the ball into his court and must clarify through simple methods. By this, the teacher provides an opportunity to other students to come out with their way of answering the questions.
A good teacher blows away, if any myths in the minds of their students and he should encourage and challenge them to touch their upper limits. If stars are their goals then sky is their limit. A good teacher must be like a doctor with a healthy and positive mindset. Because when a patient goes to a doctor for taking medicine by injection, the patient will have fear to get the same executed. Then the doctor says nothing would happen and engages the patient in a friendly chat and offers medicine by injection. Similarly if any topic is tough, the teacher must infuse confidence in his students by saying it as simple and then should explain the concepts clearly with clarity of thought.
Teaching is nothing but a novel method of presenting the subject. One should know clearly that all successful teachers may not be knowledgeable teachers and all knowledge teachers may not be successful teachers. It is aptly said, “The essence of education is not what is poured in a student’s mind but what is planted”.
A good teacher should be a great learner and he should be fully prepared on the topic by referring various books and then only he should enter the class as Joseph Joubert correctly said, “To teach is to learn twice”.
A good teacher should not only know ‘How to teach?’ but also should
know ‘How to learn?’ Because the way he learns and the same way he can teach with wider applications and implications. To put it in the words of John Carolus S.J, “We think too much about effective methods of teaching and not enough about effective methods of learning”.
If necessary a good teacher must carry audio, visual material, newspaper cuttings, to the class to experiment and experience the topic lively. The teacher should not be static on the dais like a statue; he must move his body from place to place to make the teaching natural and pleasant. In the middle of the teaching he should ask relevant questions about the topic to keep students agile, active, awake and alert in the class. Smile, as and when it is essential to put the students at ease.
He must link the topic from previous class to the present and to the future classes and there should be effective interconnectivity of the topic so those students can feel that the subject is being taught with a natural flow. He should also ask questions from the previously discussed classes so that the students will prepare seriously at home to avoid ambiguity and confusion in the class. If necessary, tests have to be conducted periodically to ensure that the students study seriously at home and also to overcome from examination fever.
When the author took up teaching profession about Management Science (M S) subject in an engineering college initially, the students did not understand when he introduced his name along with his defense background. A student got up and asked seriously, “Sir, I did not hear your name properly and would you mind repeating your name?” To that, the author further questioned the student to name the subject he was teaching. Then the student quickly replied as Management Science. Then the author asked the student to name the subject in abbreviated format. Then the student replied as M S. Then the author further asked the student to add RAO as suffix to M.S. and then the student felt greatly happy to remember the author’s name as Prof. M.S.RAO. This is also a way of teaching by questioning and involving in conversation and it is popularly called as Socratic method of teaching.
While teaching apart from the academic curriculum the students should be taught about the practical application of the concepts taught and whenever something is related their career, it must be focussed firmly and finely. It is advisable and desirable to reconfirm from the students during the course of teaching by using sentences like ‘Is that OK? Is it clear ?, Do you understand ?, Is it alright ? And so on. It is a fine technique to keep the students totally immersed in class.
Conducting regular quiz programs or topic related quiz activities encourage the students to involve actively and briskly even at home related to syllabus studies. It is far better by gifting the bright students based on score they get during such programs. Or else, providing ‘appreciation letters’ or ‘participation certificates’ for such activities will also motivate them to stay to the academic syllabus.
Teacher should respect their students and should hold them to high standards. Teacher should not snub students if they ask for any clarifications during the session. And it is essential to conduct question and answer session at the end of each session by catering some time. It is like taking stock of the session and often it serves as an effective feedback. A teacher can also assess and gauge himself how effectively he taught. A teacher should always stay focussed on the subject and should never lose sight of. If warranted, it is necessary to repeat the things to students.
A good teacher must step into the shoes of the students and must empathize. Offer model answers as guide and it helps them to address the examinations effectively. Preparation of various model answers is a must to have a feel of the examination. Teacher should adopt multiple methodologies and strategies while teaching. It is like ‘end’ is one where as the ‘means’ are many.
WHY SHOULD ANYONE BECOME A TEACHER?
It is the noblest profession and there is a great degree of sanctity attached to it. Most of the people take up this profession by chance not by choice. The qualified people when they pass out from their institutions look for jobs immediately and a few utilize this profession as a stopgap one. If one likes this, then one can get attached and attracted to this profession forever or else, can make a switch over to other professions.
In fact, there is a sense of thrill while teaching to the students because shaping of students’ future only depends in the hands of the teacher. And a teacher can derive great sense of job satisfaction and sense of achievement when he learns that his students achieved miracles in their career. A great teacher takes pride in molding the future of their students.
This profession brings out both creativity and innovation to the fore both from the teacher side and from the students’ side. Consciously or unconsciously many hidden things unfold during the process of teaching. Rather one can tap one’s own natural and creative things spontaneously.
A teacher can feel like a commander till the completion of the class as the total students obey the teacher with discipline and dedication. And none can enter the class without his permission thereby having full command and control over the students.
A teacher can also feel like a priest/pastor as the schools are treated as temples of learning thereby attracting a great amount of dignity.
A teacher can learn his best from his students by posing various questions to the students thereby getting multiple shades of views, opinions, ideas and comments on each topic. This will help grow richer in knowledge and stature.
A teacher can work at best by experimenting various things in the class room and rather each class can be treated as a workshop. He can adopt trial and error method for each experiment and if he passes in the trial he can adopt the same strategies/tools in other classes. And if he fails, he can reject the same. In a nutshell, a teacher can compare his classroom like laboratory for conducting many experiments.
In this profession an individual can wear many masks, like that of a Hollywood stars who plays different roles in their film career.
In this profession, one enjoys maximum number of holidays and as a result wok-life balance can be maintained effectively. One can pursue writing books during holidays and leisure or can go for part time employment during long vacation. And if possible, one can involve in experimentation of what he learnt and taught in the classrooms in the outside world thereby generating his own case studies.
Even if a teacher does not have sense of humor, the same can be cultivated by moving friendly with their students. One can feel young both in mind and heart as they move with students freely and frankly. By being with young people a teacher thinks very young all the time and he can work with higher levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Every profession is getting highly complex and complicated due to the growing technologies and thus leading to higher levels of stress and burnout. In this profession, there is a least possibility of getting burnt out. Even if one gets stressed out he can regain and recoup very easily due to the availability of more leisure time.
As long as the teacher commands subject he will command respect from their students, from their superiors and it helps and ensures job security. So why not to choose this noble profession as a wonderful career option?
GREAT TEACHERS:
A teacher should have passion, persuasive skills, presentation skills, involvement, application of knowledge, role-playing and should base on trial and error methods of teaching.
An average teacher teaches the topic, a good teacher converts dull students into bright students and a great teacher creates great students who in turn excel in their area of chosen line. And such great teachers become teaching legends. Alexander the Great quoted, “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well”. The great teachers across the globe are Aristotle, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Pythogorous and so on to name a few. They are great because they contributed their best in their life times. In India, every year on 5th September, Teachers Day is celebrated and across the world the Teachers Day is celebrated on 5th October. It indicates the importance and significance attached to teachers and to the teaching profession. “Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions”, someone suitably said.
HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL TEACHER?
Think of teachers those who made an impact in your mind right from your childhood. And find out the reasons what made them so memorable in your minds. Recollect the tools, techniques, strategies, methodologies etc., which made prints in your mind. Analyze one by one slowly and list out. Then gradually apply them in your practical life whenever you get an opportunity. Teaching must ignite passion in the minds of the students. Inculcate and cultivate the out of the box thinking, unconventional thinking and travel the uncharted path and leave a mark behind. Always think, dream and sleep over the novel methods of teaching. With interest and by regular interactions with students, one can evolve one’s own methods of teaching. Read and reread the books of great teachers across the world and find out what made them stand distinct from the rest. Visit Webster related to teaching you will get bundle of knowledge and information.
Look at your strengths and weaknesses and always try to overcome your weaknesses by regular practice and training. Take active part in various seminars, workshops and training programs and learn. Especially in such wonderful workshops, the birds of the same feather flock together. And that is yet again a wonderful platform to interact and learn many things.
Regularly take feedback from your students and always find out the key areas that needs for improvement and betterment. Students are the source of strength for any teacher. The student’s mindsets’ are not controlled and conditioned. They are young, fresh and energetic with virgin minds. They are far away from preconceived notions and views. Their views and comments are authentic and genuine.
The feedback covers many areas such as body language, communication skills, relevance, examples, data, novelty and so on. Every area must be given to a point of scale and it can be measured accordingly periodically.
Similarly take feedback from your subordinates, peers, and superiors and discuss with them regularly the ways and means of bringing out the best out of you and also out of your students.
MEKA’S METHODS OF TEACHING:
Plutarch quoted, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited”. Usage of blackboard is essential as it provides effective visual effects and the human brain remembers more when presented in visual rather than audio effects. In listening there is a popular term ‘Time Lag’. It is the gap between what a teacher can speak and what a student can listen. Human brain is a vast powerful and wonderful device and it accepts 500 words per minute where as the speaker can deliver between 125 to 150 words per minute on an average. This gap between the speaker and the listener is termed as ‘Time Lag’.
Apart from visual and audio effects the teacher should question the students related to the topic in the middle of the teaching. As a result, the student’s mind does not wander during the time lag and student summarizes what the teacher has taught and keeps totally away from daydreaming in the class. By this process, the student is encouraged to involve effectively and also to keep his mind with in the class but certainly not out of the class.
The teacher must touch upon the topic systematically, chronologically by point wise by arousing curiosity from the beginning to the end of the session. By referring relevant case studies or personal examples or anecdotes a teacher can enhance the students’ mental presence in the class. The teacher should be flexible in his body language and move around the dais/podium with a friendly smile and encourage the students’ participation. The author interconnects and applies all the tools and techniques in order to make the teaching process a pleasant and memorable one.
MESSAGE:
According to Hindu philosophy, the Mother is the first supreme (Matrudevo Bhava), the Father is the second supreme ( Pitrudevo Bhava ) and theTeacher is the third supreme ( Acharyadevo Bhava ). The teacher is accorded one of the highest statuses and which is indeed unquestionable.
Teachers are not born, but with practice, they can be made. The great teachers are not born in the minds of their students but they are born in the hearts of their students. And the greatest teachers are born in the hearts of the great teachers.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The ability or the skill to transfer one’s thoughts, ideas and information from the sender to the receiver with the latter being understood the same effectively and efficiently is known as communication skills. It is one of the greatest skills of the soft skills and its importance is growing rapidly due to the rising complexities as a result of technological inventions.
In corporate terminology, communication is the process of exchange of information from the sender to the receiver and vice versa. There are different types of communication such as downward communication, upward communication, horizontal communication, crosswise communication, verbal communication; written communication etc., In downward communication, the flow of information is from the people at the superior level to the people at the subordinate level. On the other hand, in upward communication, the flow of information is from the subordinate level to the superior level. In horizontal information, the flow of information is from the people of same level to that of their counterparts at the same level. In crosswise communication, the flow of information is from one level to any other level which is either diagonal or crosswise without any reporting relationship. In verbal communication, the flow of communication, which is transferred orally to any level, and it is the most effective one as one can communicate effectively with one’s body language so as to have profound impact on the receiver. Whenever, there is a need to record the information in black and white, and then people go for written communication in which the communication is through mass mailing in written form.
Any communication has seven elements, apart from the noise, which is known as the barrier in communication and also can be treated as the eight element of communication. The first element being the thought or an idea, the second is encoding the same, third is the transmission of the message or the channel, fourth being the reception of the message and the decoding the same is the fifth element, understanding of the decoded idea or thought is the sixth element and the last and final element i.e. seventh element is the feedback of the receiver to the sender as a sign of confirmation of the communication. Any effective communication must possess the seven elements and the communication is complete with the combination of these seven elements. In case, if there is any gap between the sender and receiver or vice versa then there is communication gap or miscommunication or which is technically called as noise. The so called eighth element is the culprit of communication and all efforts must be made to eliminate it.
Every leader or manager must have great command over communication skills as communication takes major portion of time in any organization. It is aptly said, ‘Communication is the life blood of an organization’. It is through communication all the people are connected in the organization and all the activities are coordinated to achieve their goals and objectives.
The media of communication is divided into verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Both the oral and written communication falls in the fold of verbal communication. The non-verbal communication is divided into body language and sign language and the latter is further divided into visual signs and audio signs. As it is quite obvious, oral communication is the exchange of ideas, thoughts and information in oral form and if it is in written mode, it is known as written communication. A person must be strong at both oral and written forms. When an individual work in the capacity of a manager he will be required to give presentations frequently and he must be in a position to deliver the same effectively. Similarly, he may be asked to write reports on various projects or tasks and possession of written communication is sine quo non.
It is said that 93 per cent of our communication belongs to body language and the systematic study of body language is known as kinesics. It shows the impact of our body language. It is the combination of facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, posture, tone control and our over all physical features. The oral language is always supported by body language and there has to be consistency in both oral and body language, otherwise, it will give rise to credibility crisis. For instance, when an autocratic manager of an industry talks about the application of participative type of management hereafter by thumping his desk physically with force is an indication of inconsistency in his body language with that of his oral language. In a nutshell, our body language conveys our true intentions unconsciously although we may consciously speak orally different. Body movements and gestures contain 55 per cent, voice tone and inflection contains 38 per cent and the combination of the both is 93 per cent, which conveys our body language. While the rest 7 per cent belongs to verbal communication. The combination all the percentages becomes 100 per cent which becomes the media of communication.
Characteristics of an effective communicator:
He must be very clear in his mind what he wants to convey so as to reach the audience effectively.
The language must be simple, straight and should hit the bull’s eye. It is the quality not the quantity of the message that counts.
He must demonstrate his confidence by way of his body language and must radiate energy and enthusiasm so as to create positive impact in the minds of the receivers.
He must assess the maturity level of the audience and must communicate accordingly.
He must not use loaded language with phrases or complicated terminology or jargon to avoid confusion.
Must organize his mind properly with thorough preparation and enough home work to make it reachable and everlasting.
All out sincere efforts are to be made to prevent barriers in communication.
Must be total consistency in his verbal and body language
Should adjust his tone level as per the message of his speech, with pauses and emphasis whereever it is essential.
Must have ability to raise the curiosity level of the audience.
All efforts must be made to enhance the quality of communication from time to time with innovative methods and approaches. For instance, Swami Vivekananda referred the audience at the Chicago conference as the brothers and sisters of the world, which is still memorable even today. He was a great communicator and speaker.
When Stephen had beaten Abraham Lincoln. A. Douglas in the race for the US Senate, he admonished his followers," not to give up after one or one hundred defeats”. He was also a great communicator and motivator.
Communication skill is one of the top ten soft skills without which soft skills are irrelevant. Those who are qualified in their academics and try for placement, the interviewing officer lays more emphasis on this ability. A weak communicator creates problems for himself and for others. The interviewing officer can not afford to take a risk by accommodating a poor communicator. Good communication is a feature of effective personality development. Those who want to succeed in their careers; it is imperative to possess good communication skills.
T H E N D
In corporate terminology, communication is the process of exchange of information from the sender to the receiver and vice versa. There are different types of communication such as downward communication, upward communication, horizontal communication, crosswise communication, verbal communication; written communication etc., In downward communication, the flow of information is from the people at the superior level to the people at the subordinate level. On the other hand, in upward communication, the flow of information is from the subordinate level to the superior level. In horizontal information, the flow of information is from the people of same level to that of their counterparts at the same level. In crosswise communication, the flow of information is from one level to any other level which is either diagonal or crosswise without any reporting relationship. In verbal communication, the flow of communication, which is transferred orally to any level, and it is the most effective one as one can communicate effectively with one’s body language so as to have profound impact on the receiver. Whenever, there is a need to record the information in black and white, and then people go for written communication in which the communication is through mass mailing in written form.
Any communication has seven elements, apart from the noise, which is known as the barrier in communication and also can be treated as the eight element of communication. The first element being the thought or an idea, the second is encoding the same, third is the transmission of the message or the channel, fourth being the reception of the message and the decoding the same is the fifth element, understanding of the decoded idea or thought is the sixth element and the last and final element i.e. seventh element is the feedback of the receiver to the sender as a sign of confirmation of the communication. Any effective communication must possess the seven elements and the communication is complete with the combination of these seven elements. In case, if there is any gap between the sender and receiver or vice versa then there is communication gap or miscommunication or which is technically called as noise. The so called eighth element is the culprit of communication and all efforts must be made to eliminate it.
Every leader or manager must have great command over communication skills as communication takes major portion of time in any organization. It is aptly said, ‘Communication is the life blood of an organization’. It is through communication all the people are connected in the organization and all the activities are coordinated to achieve their goals and objectives.
The media of communication is divided into verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Both the oral and written communication falls in the fold of verbal communication. The non-verbal communication is divided into body language and sign language and the latter is further divided into visual signs and audio signs. As it is quite obvious, oral communication is the exchange of ideas, thoughts and information in oral form and if it is in written mode, it is known as written communication. A person must be strong at both oral and written forms. When an individual work in the capacity of a manager he will be required to give presentations frequently and he must be in a position to deliver the same effectively. Similarly, he may be asked to write reports on various projects or tasks and possession of written communication is sine quo non.
It is said that 93 per cent of our communication belongs to body language and the systematic study of body language is known as kinesics. It shows the impact of our body language. It is the combination of facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, posture, tone control and our over all physical features. The oral language is always supported by body language and there has to be consistency in both oral and body language, otherwise, it will give rise to credibility crisis. For instance, when an autocratic manager of an industry talks about the application of participative type of management hereafter by thumping his desk physically with force is an indication of inconsistency in his body language with that of his oral language. In a nutshell, our body language conveys our true intentions unconsciously although we may consciously speak orally different. Body movements and gestures contain 55 per cent, voice tone and inflection contains 38 per cent and the combination of the both is 93 per cent, which conveys our body language. While the rest 7 per cent belongs to verbal communication. The combination all the percentages becomes 100 per cent which becomes the media of communication.
Characteristics of an effective communicator:
He must be very clear in his mind what he wants to convey so as to reach the audience effectively.
The language must be simple, straight and should hit the bull’s eye. It is the quality not the quantity of the message that counts.
He must demonstrate his confidence by way of his body language and must radiate energy and enthusiasm so as to create positive impact in the minds of the receivers.
He must assess the maturity level of the audience and must communicate accordingly.
He must not use loaded language with phrases or complicated terminology or jargon to avoid confusion.
Must organize his mind properly with thorough preparation and enough home work to make it reachable and everlasting.
All out sincere efforts are to be made to prevent barriers in communication.
Must be total consistency in his verbal and body language
Should adjust his tone level as per the message of his speech, with pauses and emphasis whereever it is essential.
Must have ability to raise the curiosity level of the audience.
All efforts must be made to enhance the quality of communication from time to time with innovative methods and approaches. For instance, Swami Vivekananda referred the audience at the Chicago conference as the brothers and sisters of the world, which is still memorable even today. He was a great communicator and speaker.
When Stephen had beaten Abraham Lincoln. A. Douglas in the race for the US Senate, he admonished his followers," not to give up after one or one hundred defeats”. He was also a great communicator and motivator.
Communication skill is one of the top ten soft skills without which soft skills are irrelevant. Those who are qualified in their academics and try for placement, the interviewing officer lays more emphasis on this ability. A weak communicator creates problems for himself and for others. The interviewing officer can not afford to take a risk by accommodating a poor communicator. Good communication is a feature of effective personality development. Those who want to succeed in their careers; it is imperative to possess good communication skills.
T H E N D
DESIGNING QUESTIONNAIRE
HOW TO DESIGN QUESTIONNAIRE?
BY PROF.M.S.RAO, ACADEMIC GUIDE, ICFAI UNIVERSITY, INDIA
When my Research Guide Dr.D.M.Khandare asked me to prepare a questionnaire for my PhD work I got bit nervous and confused for some time. I read number of questionnaires in my life but designing the same related to my PhD topic created jitters in my mind. I further requested him to teach me the methodology in designing the questionnaire. He was kind enough to guide me and he also advised me to refer number of sample questionnaires so as to form a firm format. I sincerely obeyed like a disciplined soldier and referred various formats from books and from various websites.
Questionnaire is the heart of any research topic. It helps in fulfilling the objectives of the concerned study or topic. If it is designed in haste entire research activity goes awry. As long as the questionnaire is framed properly, the desired goals and objectives can be achieved successfully. There are several tools and techniques involved in designing the questionnaire. They are briefly explained below:
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES IN DESIGNING:
• At the beginning address the participants or state the reasons for conducting study.
• Assess the maturity level of the respondents and format it accordingly.
• The language must be simple and straight and free from jargon.
• It should be in tune with the ideals and ideas of the study.
• Personalize the questionnaire.
• Your questionnaire should not only be easier and it should appear to be easier.
• Imaginative and innovative thinking is essential. It should be a running draft in active voice.
• There should be close ended questions to start with. Ice breaking questions will smoothly navigate the respondent to the topic.
• The questions should not be threatening and too much personal in nature.
• Leave adequate space for offering comments.
• There should be smooth transition from question to question and logical connectivity.
• Create curiosity and generate enthusiasm for the respondent.
• It should stand out from the pack of cards.
• Be creative and novel in design. And make it convenient in designing the questionnaire. Highlight keywords in the questionnaire in bold, italics or underline so that the respondent can catch it faster and save his time.
• Contents of the questionnaire are more important than the length. It becomes stressful for the respondents to answer lengthy questions.
• Offer options like ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or ‘True’ or ’False’ or ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’ or ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ and so on.
• Offering multiple choices for each question will encourage the respondent.
• Glide the respondent gradually into open ended questions to elicit the hidden data of communication. Encourage the respondents to open up in depth to get effective results.
• Design the questions creatively and constructively so that maximum information can be obtained. The questions can be questioned by posing from both positive and negative side of the topic so that at the end of the session. You can cross check whether the responses are consistent or if there is any contradiction. In case if contradiction is noticed then the responses can not be taken as correct. Such methodology will make the research work free from errors and foolproof.
• Create a wonderful title to motivate for active participation.
• Do not design too many questions as it decreases the interest levels.
• Enclose a self addressed and stamped envelope if the questionnaire is to be mailed.
• Highlight 5 dimensional approach 5W’s – why, what, where, when and who.
• Create questions by ranking in the scale of 1 to 5 from either the least to the most required or vice versa.
• Create a conservational tone.
• Use ‘you’ not third person. By this, you can personalize the questionnaire.
• Use emotions like we all want to feel greater, better, bigger etc. All these things will connect your questionnaire to the respondents and then slowly get the responses for the study.
• Remove repetitions.
• The flow of the questionnaire should be smooth and natural.
• Read, reread and change the design and ultimately you will have the best questionnaire. Lot of spade work, rework and redrafting is essential.
• At the end, ask for any suggestions or improvements related to the topic.
• Thank the respondents at the end of the questionnaire.
ROLE OF RESEARCHER:
Make the respondent comfortable and convince him to attempt. Be personally with them to clarify if any doubts or queries. Encourage them to fill the questionnaire instantly so as to get spontaneous responses. Tell respondents that there is fun in responding the questionnaire.
POST QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE:
Thank all respondents for their valuable contribution to your research work. Provide them non financial incentives like gifting either key rings, or stationery items of daily utility, chocolates etc., it will not only motivate them but also create everlasting memorable impact in their minds.
MESSAGE:
Designing questionnaire initially looks tiresome for fresher and when once tuned to designing then you will find it interesting and entertaining. It is a great mental and creative activity and it teaches many lessons in life.
T H E E N D
BY PROF.M.S.RAO, ACADEMIC GUIDE, ICFAI UNIVERSITY, INDIA
When my Research Guide Dr.D.M.Khandare asked me to prepare a questionnaire for my PhD work I got bit nervous and confused for some time. I read number of questionnaires in my life but designing the same related to my PhD topic created jitters in my mind. I further requested him to teach me the methodology in designing the questionnaire. He was kind enough to guide me and he also advised me to refer number of sample questionnaires so as to form a firm format. I sincerely obeyed like a disciplined soldier and referred various formats from books and from various websites.
Questionnaire is the heart of any research topic. It helps in fulfilling the objectives of the concerned study or topic. If it is designed in haste entire research activity goes awry. As long as the questionnaire is framed properly, the desired goals and objectives can be achieved successfully. There are several tools and techniques involved in designing the questionnaire. They are briefly explained below:
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES IN DESIGNING:
• At the beginning address the participants or state the reasons for conducting study.
• Assess the maturity level of the respondents and format it accordingly.
• The language must be simple and straight and free from jargon.
• It should be in tune with the ideals and ideas of the study.
• Personalize the questionnaire.
• Your questionnaire should not only be easier and it should appear to be easier.
• Imaginative and innovative thinking is essential. It should be a running draft in active voice.
• There should be close ended questions to start with. Ice breaking questions will smoothly navigate the respondent to the topic.
• The questions should not be threatening and too much personal in nature.
• Leave adequate space for offering comments.
• There should be smooth transition from question to question and logical connectivity.
• Create curiosity and generate enthusiasm for the respondent.
• It should stand out from the pack of cards.
• Be creative and novel in design. And make it convenient in designing the questionnaire. Highlight keywords in the questionnaire in bold, italics or underline so that the respondent can catch it faster and save his time.
• Contents of the questionnaire are more important than the length. It becomes stressful for the respondents to answer lengthy questions.
• Offer options like ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or ‘True’ or ’False’ or ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’ or ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ and so on.
• Offering multiple choices for each question will encourage the respondent.
• Glide the respondent gradually into open ended questions to elicit the hidden data of communication. Encourage the respondents to open up in depth to get effective results.
• Design the questions creatively and constructively so that maximum information can be obtained. The questions can be questioned by posing from both positive and negative side of the topic so that at the end of the session. You can cross check whether the responses are consistent or if there is any contradiction. In case if contradiction is noticed then the responses can not be taken as correct. Such methodology will make the research work free from errors and foolproof.
• Create a wonderful title to motivate for active participation.
• Do not design too many questions as it decreases the interest levels.
• Enclose a self addressed and stamped envelope if the questionnaire is to be mailed.
• Highlight 5 dimensional approach 5W’s – why, what, where, when and who.
• Create questions by ranking in the scale of 1 to 5 from either the least to the most required or vice versa.
• Create a conservational tone.
• Use ‘you’ not third person. By this, you can personalize the questionnaire.
• Use emotions like we all want to feel greater, better, bigger etc. All these things will connect your questionnaire to the respondents and then slowly get the responses for the study.
• Remove repetitions.
• The flow of the questionnaire should be smooth and natural.
• Read, reread and change the design and ultimately you will have the best questionnaire. Lot of spade work, rework and redrafting is essential.
• At the end, ask for any suggestions or improvements related to the topic.
• Thank the respondents at the end of the questionnaire.
ROLE OF RESEARCHER:
Make the respondent comfortable and convince him to attempt. Be personally with them to clarify if any doubts or queries. Encourage them to fill the questionnaire instantly so as to get spontaneous responses. Tell respondents that there is fun in responding the questionnaire.
POST QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE:
Thank all respondents for their valuable contribution to your research work. Provide them non financial incentives like gifting either key rings, or stationery items of daily utility, chocolates etc., it will not only motivate them but also create everlasting memorable impact in their minds.
MESSAGE:
Designing questionnaire initially looks tiresome for fresher and when once tuned to designing then you will find it interesting and entertaining. It is a great mental and creative activity and it teaches many lessons in life.
T H E E N D
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Now-a-days, there is a growing significance attached to Human Resources(HR) manager due to the opening up of economy, due to the growing liberalization, uncontrolled economy and also due to the fast changing global business environment. In the past, he was mostly treated as an executive involved in conducting picnics and parties in the organization, apart from the traditional role of dealing with all aspects of employees from recruitment to retirement. From the last two decades, there was gradually more emphasis of HR manager involving in the institution building. He is considered as an integral part of the institution and he participates in the formulation of the organization strategy and policy on par with any other line manager. He plays a pivotal role in meeting the organizational goals and objectives.
One of the challenging areas for an HR manager is to maintain a motivational climate within the organization so as to ensure better productivity and performance. He needs to ensure a healthy, positive, vibrant, constructive, creative climate so that the employees get motivated and in turn deliver best possible results. Earlier, organizations laid stress on technology only and neglected the most precious capital i.e. human resources. It is a well admitted fact that there is always a man behind the machine. Whatever the inventions made by man leading to technological revolution, brought drastic changes in the day to day quality of work, life styles etc., It proves beyond doubt that it is the man who calls the shots everywhere despite marvelous growth in technology as the technology is again in the hands of the man.
Several ways and means are adopted to keep the employees moving in the right direction so as to meet organizational goals and objectives. Different people get motivated by different ways depending upon their needs. The HR manager must be able to find out the basic needs and wants of the employees so that right ambience can be ensured for effective output. Apart from the regular pay and perks, the employees expect incentives which are both monetary and non-monetary from time to time from the organization.
The financial incentives basically offered in the industry are, compensation based on performance, compensation based on competence, stock options, rewards, group bonus etc., When an employee delivers better results within a stipulated time frame by exceeding the given standards it can be termed as compensation based on performance. For instance, when an employee is expected to produce 90 units, with in the allotted working hours and if he produces 100 units, then the employee is compensated with the amount for 10 units by way of monetary benefit. Similarly, when an employee delivers better, he can also be compensated by way of additional bonus. In the case of a small scale industry, when an employee contributes his best with his hard work, determination and dedication and enhances the profits of the company, then the management takes notice of his sincere efforts and motivates him by giving either a stake in the company or give away a percentage of their annual profits.
When the employee at the higher level management demonstrates his extraordinary leadership qualities by resolving the conflicts either amongst the employees or between the management and employee, he can be offered monetary incentives and this concept is known as compensation based on competency. The word competency itself indicates extraordinary qualities like leadership or trouble shooting, problem solving, conflict management etc.
The software companies, now-a-days, are offering Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) to its employees who stick to the organization loyally and who contributes their best. The employees think that they are an integral part of the company and are motivated to work harder. They try to be more loyal and do not intend to quit to other institutions for better pastures as they are already getting best from the present company. The stocks that are offered will have a lock-in period to prevent the employees from selling and going out of the company. It minimizes attrition rate too. These days, the non IT companies like Reliance are also resorting to ESOPs to their employees in order to retain the experienced staff.
The process of providing individual incentives by way of commissions, time saving bonus, merit pay etc., is known as rewards. It is also a strong motivational monetary incentive. When the nature of work demands its employees to work in teams in co-operation especially when the tasks are interdependent, the company offers group bonus as a financial incentive.
‘Man can not live by bread alone’, goes the saying. Man has many needs to accomplish and money is the major source of motivation. When people are motivated by non-monetary factors, it can be termed as non-financial incentive. The process of consulting, team work, quality circles, job security, job enrichment, job rotation, flexi time etc., fall in the fold of non-financial incentives.
When the management encourages the employees to take part in major strategic plans and encourages them to actively involve in formulating strategies and policies for the organization, the employee draws a great pleasure and feels a sense of great achievement and contributes his best. Rather he unconsciously delivers his best and he is closely associated with the goals and objectives of the organization. This is known as consultation. And we can say that consultation is the key to motivation.
The process of forming various teams from the staff with similar backgrounds of trade will encourage them to work harder as no team wants to loose. All human beings have competitive spirit and all teams put their best efforts and energies in order to ensure their team to win from the rest. This concept is popularly known as team work which is again a non-monetary one.
When the group of employees led by a higher official takes the lead in order to improve the quality of the products and services it is known as quality circles. Forming small groups under the leadership of an individual not only ensures accountability but also motivates the body of employees and also the official to give out his best. In a nut shell, quality circle as a concept ensures quality of products and services and also pins responsibility and motivates employees to contribute their best.
When a temporary employee is converted as a permanent one, it is known as providing job security. The Govt. institutions provide job security while is not so in the private enterprises. Employee feels more safe and secure when his job is made permanent. Or else, he will be always under the constant pressure and fear of getting fired.
With increased responsibilities and duties at the higher level, can boost the morale of the employees as they get enriched with their jobs and it known as job enrichment. For instance, when the vice-principal of an educational institution is offered the role of principal, he feels more important with the pride and status attached to the designation and delivers his best.
In the present days, there is growing importance to the results not the presence of the employees. The organizations are providing the opportunity to work in flexible timings and laying more stress on results. The BPO and call centers are also fast adopting this concept of flexi time as the timings are different in different places in the world. Flexi time will also encourage the employees to choose their convenient times to work so that the rest of the day can be allocated for other constructive activities creatively and judiciously.
When an employee works in a particular job for a long time, he gets boredom and monotony. Everyone wants change whether in his life or work. Continuously doing the same task for long time kills the creativity of an individual. For instance, if we take the same type of food every day we lose interest to eat, yet we eat as we have to survive. But, it will not please our taste buds. That is why it is said aptly ‘Variety is the spice of life’. When an employee is changed from one task to another different task of his same field continuously it is known as job rotation. It is like rotating the job continuously to generate new energy and enthusiasm amongst the employees. It also helps the employees to know all aspects related to his profession and when he is promoted to higher level he will be in a position to execute his tasks at ease and comfort.
To sum up, the HR manager played a pivotal role in the past, is presently playing complex roles and will continue to play more challenging, constructive and creative role in future especially in ensuring a positive motivational climate with in the organization.
T H E E N D
One of the challenging areas for an HR manager is to maintain a motivational climate within the organization so as to ensure better productivity and performance. He needs to ensure a healthy, positive, vibrant, constructive, creative climate so that the employees get motivated and in turn deliver best possible results. Earlier, organizations laid stress on technology only and neglected the most precious capital i.e. human resources. It is a well admitted fact that there is always a man behind the machine. Whatever the inventions made by man leading to technological revolution, brought drastic changes in the day to day quality of work, life styles etc., It proves beyond doubt that it is the man who calls the shots everywhere despite marvelous growth in technology as the technology is again in the hands of the man.
Several ways and means are adopted to keep the employees moving in the right direction so as to meet organizational goals and objectives. Different people get motivated by different ways depending upon their needs. The HR manager must be able to find out the basic needs and wants of the employees so that right ambience can be ensured for effective output. Apart from the regular pay and perks, the employees expect incentives which are both monetary and non-monetary from time to time from the organization.
The financial incentives basically offered in the industry are, compensation based on performance, compensation based on competence, stock options, rewards, group bonus etc., When an employee delivers better results within a stipulated time frame by exceeding the given standards it can be termed as compensation based on performance. For instance, when an employee is expected to produce 90 units, with in the allotted working hours and if he produces 100 units, then the employee is compensated with the amount for 10 units by way of monetary benefit. Similarly, when an employee delivers better, he can also be compensated by way of additional bonus. In the case of a small scale industry, when an employee contributes his best with his hard work, determination and dedication and enhances the profits of the company, then the management takes notice of his sincere efforts and motivates him by giving either a stake in the company or give away a percentage of their annual profits.
When the employee at the higher level management demonstrates his extraordinary leadership qualities by resolving the conflicts either amongst the employees or between the management and employee, he can be offered monetary incentives and this concept is known as compensation based on competency. The word competency itself indicates extraordinary qualities like leadership or trouble shooting, problem solving, conflict management etc.
The software companies, now-a-days, are offering Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) to its employees who stick to the organization loyally and who contributes their best. The employees think that they are an integral part of the company and are motivated to work harder. They try to be more loyal and do not intend to quit to other institutions for better pastures as they are already getting best from the present company. The stocks that are offered will have a lock-in period to prevent the employees from selling and going out of the company. It minimizes attrition rate too. These days, the non IT companies like Reliance are also resorting to ESOPs to their employees in order to retain the experienced staff.
The process of providing individual incentives by way of commissions, time saving bonus, merit pay etc., is known as rewards. It is also a strong motivational monetary incentive. When the nature of work demands its employees to work in teams in co-operation especially when the tasks are interdependent, the company offers group bonus as a financial incentive.
‘Man can not live by bread alone’, goes the saying. Man has many needs to accomplish and money is the major source of motivation. When people are motivated by non-monetary factors, it can be termed as non-financial incentive. The process of consulting, team work, quality circles, job security, job enrichment, job rotation, flexi time etc., fall in the fold of non-financial incentives.
When the management encourages the employees to take part in major strategic plans and encourages them to actively involve in formulating strategies and policies for the organization, the employee draws a great pleasure and feels a sense of great achievement and contributes his best. Rather he unconsciously delivers his best and he is closely associated with the goals and objectives of the organization. This is known as consultation. And we can say that consultation is the key to motivation.
The process of forming various teams from the staff with similar backgrounds of trade will encourage them to work harder as no team wants to loose. All human beings have competitive spirit and all teams put their best efforts and energies in order to ensure their team to win from the rest. This concept is popularly known as team work which is again a non-monetary one.
When the group of employees led by a higher official takes the lead in order to improve the quality of the products and services it is known as quality circles. Forming small groups under the leadership of an individual not only ensures accountability but also motivates the body of employees and also the official to give out his best. In a nut shell, quality circle as a concept ensures quality of products and services and also pins responsibility and motivates employees to contribute their best.
When a temporary employee is converted as a permanent one, it is known as providing job security. The Govt. institutions provide job security while is not so in the private enterprises. Employee feels more safe and secure when his job is made permanent. Or else, he will be always under the constant pressure and fear of getting fired.
With increased responsibilities and duties at the higher level, can boost the morale of the employees as they get enriched with their jobs and it known as job enrichment. For instance, when the vice-principal of an educational institution is offered the role of principal, he feels more important with the pride and status attached to the designation and delivers his best.
In the present days, there is growing importance to the results not the presence of the employees. The organizations are providing the opportunity to work in flexible timings and laying more stress on results. The BPO and call centers are also fast adopting this concept of flexi time as the timings are different in different places in the world. Flexi time will also encourage the employees to choose their convenient times to work so that the rest of the day can be allocated for other constructive activities creatively and judiciously.
When an employee works in a particular job for a long time, he gets boredom and monotony. Everyone wants change whether in his life or work. Continuously doing the same task for long time kills the creativity of an individual. For instance, if we take the same type of food every day we lose interest to eat, yet we eat as we have to survive. But, it will not please our taste buds. That is why it is said aptly ‘Variety is the spice of life’. When an employee is changed from one task to another different task of his same field continuously it is known as job rotation. It is like rotating the job continuously to generate new energy and enthusiasm amongst the employees. It also helps the employees to know all aspects related to his profession and when he is promoted to higher level he will be in a position to execute his tasks at ease and comfort.
To sum up, the HR manager played a pivotal role in the past, is presently playing complex roles and will continue to play more challenging, constructive and creative role in future especially in ensuring a positive motivational climate with in the organization.
T H E E N D
INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“ Nothing strengthens the judgement and quickens the conscience like individual responsibility”, Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
There is growing importance attached to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the companies looking up aggressively and making good profits. Every company is giving returns to its shareholders, paying salaries to its employees making payment to its raw material vendors, paying interest to its financial institutions. And all the people are involved in the company right from the stakeholders to the shareholders are benefited by different ways. But what is about the common man? He too expects something from the companies, which are generating a lot of wealth. William Pollard aptly said, “It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute”.
Prof. Amartya Sen bagged Noble prize for Economics in 1998 for his contribution to the cause of Welfare Economics. All the companies across the world are contributing something towards the people by way of CSR. Bill Gates donated funds for various social causes and back at home Reliance, Tatas, Brilas, Wipro, TCS, ICFAI University (by way of Alpha Foundation), Air Tel are contributing for the upliftment of society.
In developed countries, people are protected by way of social security measures. The unemployed will get some allowance to maintain himself if there is no job or loss of job. Old age homes are there to protect the old people. Pensions are provided to the old people so as to sustain themselves. Even if children do not take care of their parents, there are securities provided to the aged people by various means. People have the trend of spending and borrowing, as the people are not bothered about their old age. The risk taking capacity is higher in those developed countries because one finds himself protected by all means. Whereas in the case of India, unfortunately, we do not have such social security measures as we are still a developing economy.
In this context, it is the people in general should take up the responsibility individually to support the social groups and communities. The author would like to coin it as Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) because society is the collection of all individuals. As too many tiny drops become a great ocean. The collective contribution of all individuals can make our society both qualitative and quantitative. The combined contribution of ISR and CSR will make our country prosperous and progressive rapidly.
Each individual must come forward to donate either physically or monetarily towards the society, as charity begins at home. Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Individuals can donate his/her eyes after death to eye banks so that the eyes can bring light to the blind people. Individuals can donate whatever the possible amount for the marriage of the daughters of poor families. Similarly everyone must do something on the eve of their birthday or marriage or any auspicious day to the orphan homes. Those who are not blessed with children can adopt children from orphan homes. Where there is a will there is a way. If there is an attitude of charity then everyone can contribute to the society in many ways.
Each literate must make a firm commitment and take a pledge to create one more literate. India still lives in villages and the majority of illiterates are there in the villages who still grope in darkness. It is time we wake them up and raised their expectations and aspirations towards contributing for a better society. To put it in the words of Jonas Salk, “Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors”. One should always be proud of being a good ancestor rather than a good inheritor.
A few people do not have time but they have a big heart and they contribute a lot towards the society after adjusting their hectic schedules. Tollywood megastar Chiranjivi began blood banks and is involved in various social causes, that is an indication of positive and healthy sign. To put him in the lines of Anthony Robbins, “Life is a gift and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back, by becoming more”.
Teaching professionals can teach the poor and needy daily for an hour and can contribute for the society. They must train the less privileged lot so that they can earn their own living. Those who get good salaries can part away a month of their annual salary for sponsoring a poor student or they can monthly earmark an amount for the education of poor children.
Child labor is a matter of grave concern in India. Many parents, due to lack of economic resources, send their children to work although they know that it is illegal to exploit their children. Every individual must look at the problem at the root level and find out and check it. Paul Tillich said, “The first duty of love is to listen”. Every individual must be proactive and should listen to the conscience of the needy to meet their needs.
Women at home are still the untapped potential in India. Teaching skills like knitting, making jute bags, tailoring, beauty parlor services, cloth printing, mat making, repairing TV and radio, making cotton and nylon bags will help them learn and make extra income. The extra income so generated will improve their life standards. And also teaching about yoga and meditation can help them establish their own establishments. Now a days people work harder and they are developing high stress levels. Opening meditation or yoga centers relieves their stress levels and enhances their productivity levels also.
There is a limitation to the charity work and the best thing is to help them stand on their own feet. There is a Chinese proverb, which says, ‘Give a fishnet and teach a man how to fish so that he can have plenty of fish regularly’. Instead of giving fish daily, teach a man how to catch fish so that he can become confident and independent. All individuals must look forward to teach the things or concepts in such a way that they stand on their own legs and live independent and dignified life.
Children can also participate in various constructive activities such a bringing awareness about ecology by planting one at their homes and watering regularly. They can once in a while go in groups to bring awareness about rain water harvesting, controlling the traffic, helping the blind people to cross over the busy roads etc.,
When some one extends an help and in return he should not demand for a simple ‘thanks’, he must take a firm commitment from the person to extend such help to two more people and ensure that the network grows exponentially. Over a period of time we would find a society filled with great charitable people resulting in the concept of ‘Sarwa Jano Sukhino Bavanthu (let all people live with peace and happiness).
In our country a lot of dry land is lying unutilized/untapped. Individuals must come forwards to make it fertile and cultivable so as to increase the revenue.
AIDS is a major threat to mankind. Individuals must take precautions individually to check it and also should make all out efforts to bring awareness about this dreaded disease. Abraham Lincoln aptly said, “You can’t escape the responsibility to tomorrow by evading it today”. What could become a major problem tomorrow must be addressed right now.
The idea of ISR (Individual Social Responsibility) has come and it is here to stay because ‘No one can stop the idea whose time has come’.
There is growing importance attached to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the companies looking up aggressively and making good profits. Every company is giving returns to its shareholders, paying salaries to its employees making payment to its raw material vendors, paying interest to its financial institutions. And all the people are involved in the company right from the stakeholders to the shareholders are benefited by different ways. But what is about the common man? He too expects something from the companies, which are generating a lot of wealth. William Pollard aptly said, “It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute”.
Prof. Amartya Sen bagged Noble prize for Economics in 1998 for his contribution to the cause of Welfare Economics. All the companies across the world are contributing something towards the people by way of CSR. Bill Gates donated funds for various social causes and back at home Reliance, Tatas, Brilas, Wipro, TCS, ICFAI University (by way of Alpha Foundation), Air Tel are contributing for the upliftment of society.
In developed countries, people are protected by way of social security measures. The unemployed will get some allowance to maintain himself if there is no job or loss of job. Old age homes are there to protect the old people. Pensions are provided to the old people so as to sustain themselves. Even if children do not take care of their parents, there are securities provided to the aged people by various means. People have the trend of spending and borrowing, as the people are not bothered about their old age. The risk taking capacity is higher in those developed countries because one finds himself protected by all means. Whereas in the case of India, unfortunately, we do not have such social security measures as we are still a developing economy.
In this context, it is the people in general should take up the responsibility individually to support the social groups and communities. The author would like to coin it as Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) because society is the collection of all individuals. As too many tiny drops become a great ocean. The collective contribution of all individuals can make our society both qualitative and quantitative. The combined contribution of ISR and CSR will make our country prosperous and progressive rapidly.
Each individual must come forward to donate either physically or monetarily towards the society, as charity begins at home. Mahatma Gandhi aptly said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Individuals can donate his/her eyes after death to eye banks so that the eyes can bring light to the blind people. Individuals can donate whatever the possible amount for the marriage of the daughters of poor families. Similarly everyone must do something on the eve of their birthday or marriage or any auspicious day to the orphan homes. Those who are not blessed with children can adopt children from orphan homes. Where there is a will there is a way. If there is an attitude of charity then everyone can contribute to the society in many ways.
Each literate must make a firm commitment and take a pledge to create one more literate. India still lives in villages and the majority of illiterates are there in the villages who still grope in darkness. It is time we wake them up and raised their expectations and aspirations towards contributing for a better society. To put it in the words of Jonas Salk, “Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors”. One should always be proud of being a good ancestor rather than a good inheritor.
A few people do not have time but they have a big heart and they contribute a lot towards the society after adjusting their hectic schedules. Tollywood megastar Chiranjivi began blood banks and is involved in various social causes, that is an indication of positive and healthy sign. To put him in the lines of Anthony Robbins, “Life is a gift and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back, by becoming more”.
Teaching professionals can teach the poor and needy daily for an hour and can contribute for the society. They must train the less privileged lot so that they can earn their own living. Those who get good salaries can part away a month of their annual salary for sponsoring a poor student or they can monthly earmark an amount for the education of poor children.
Child labor is a matter of grave concern in India. Many parents, due to lack of economic resources, send their children to work although they know that it is illegal to exploit their children. Every individual must look at the problem at the root level and find out and check it. Paul Tillich said, “The first duty of love is to listen”. Every individual must be proactive and should listen to the conscience of the needy to meet their needs.
Women at home are still the untapped potential in India. Teaching skills like knitting, making jute bags, tailoring, beauty parlor services, cloth printing, mat making, repairing TV and radio, making cotton and nylon bags will help them learn and make extra income. The extra income so generated will improve their life standards. And also teaching about yoga and meditation can help them establish their own establishments. Now a days people work harder and they are developing high stress levels. Opening meditation or yoga centers relieves their stress levels and enhances their productivity levels also.
There is a limitation to the charity work and the best thing is to help them stand on their own feet. There is a Chinese proverb, which says, ‘Give a fishnet and teach a man how to fish so that he can have plenty of fish regularly’. Instead of giving fish daily, teach a man how to catch fish so that he can become confident and independent. All individuals must look forward to teach the things or concepts in such a way that they stand on their own legs and live independent and dignified life.
Children can also participate in various constructive activities such a bringing awareness about ecology by planting one at their homes and watering regularly. They can once in a while go in groups to bring awareness about rain water harvesting, controlling the traffic, helping the blind people to cross over the busy roads etc.,
When some one extends an help and in return he should not demand for a simple ‘thanks’, he must take a firm commitment from the person to extend such help to two more people and ensure that the network grows exponentially. Over a period of time we would find a society filled with great charitable people resulting in the concept of ‘Sarwa Jano Sukhino Bavanthu (let all people live with peace and happiness).
In our country a lot of dry land is lying unutilized/untapped. Individuals must come forwards to make it fertile and cultivable so as to increase the revenue.
AIDS is a major threat to mankind. Individuals must take precautions individually to check it and also should make all out efforts to bring awareness about this dreaded disease. Abraham Lincoln aptly said, “You can’t escape the responsibility to tomorrow by evading it today”. What could become a major problem tomorrow must be addressed right now.
The idea of ISR (Individual Social Responsibility) has come and it is here to stay because ‘No one can stop the idea whose time has come’.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
According to WIKIPEDA, “Interpersonal skills refer to mental and communicative algorithms applied during social communications and interactions in order to reach certain effects or results”.
Interpersonal skills which are also called as social skills or human skills refer to the ability of a person to get along well with other members in a group. It can also be defined as the skills involved in understanding the relations between the people. It is treated as the first and foremost skill of the soft skills. All animals and human beings always move in groups and it is the human beings who are blessed with the ability to talk, reason and memorizes many things. Since man can not live alone as he needs security, he has strong inherent motive to talk with fellow human beings. And it is through IS he builds relationships with other human beings and finds himself safe, secure and more comfortable. To put it in a nut shell, the objective of IS are to communicate effectively so as to build relationships amongst the people.
IS are essential and has paramount importance in the creation of any environment. It is imperative for all levels in the organization. According to Robert K. Kalz, three skills are essential for managers; they are technical skills which are required at their lower level of management, conceptual skills which are a must at the top level management as because of these skills the managers are able to see big picture and thirdly the human skills which are required in all levels of management i.e. lower level, middle level and top level. And subsequently, the design skills have been added due to the fast growing techno logical revolution. The managers never discount, nor overlook nor underestimate the significance of human skills at work place.
Mintzberg cited studies which indicated that managers spend 45 per cent of their contact time with peers, about 45 per cent with people outside their units and only about 10 per cent with their superiors. This study obviously indicates the importance of IS in every organization. It also highlights that communications and IS are two sides of the same coin and one without the other has no meaning. The noted business schools in India teach everything about the technical skills and conceptual skills and not about IS which one has to lay a lot of emphasis. The people who are good at these skills become highly successful in their careers and lives.
It is fundamentally the process of hearing and listening which play a pivotal role in IS. Hearing is involuntary and it means picking up of sound vibrations. Whereas listening is voluntary and must be attentive and it is the process of generating sense out of sound vibrations so received by way of hearing. For instance, when a pedestrian walks on the road he picks many sounds and that is hearing and when he finds the sound of horn suddenly then it is listening. The listening is classified into active listening and passive listening. In active listening the listener is highly attentive and alert and there is a sense of responsibility, involvement and concentration. In passive listening the listener just listens like a tape recorder for the sake of listening.
What Is Time Lag?
Scientific research reveals that most of the people can listen around 300 words per minute. On the other hand, they can speak 150 to 200 words per minute. The gap between the same is around 100 to 150 words per minute thus resulting into time lag. This give rise to monotony and boredom on the part of the listener as he is capable of listening more words but the speaker delivers 150 to 200 words. It leads to poor listening comprehension. Of course, God gave two ears but one tongue, may be for the same reason. The listener should fine tune this gap by various techniques. The listener may resort to paraphrasing during this time i.e. he must restate in his own words whatever the speaker has said. And also, the listener must go for note taking if he is in a position to do so.
What Is Relationship?
Franklin D.Roosevelt put it, “If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships . . . . The ability of all people, of all kinds, to live together in the same world at peace”.
Man is a social animal and he can not live alone and he always depends on something for somewhere. He needs to survive and thrive only by building good relations with near and dear ones. It is a combination of biological, social and materialistic needs. Relationships; make the world go around. Relationships are built brick by brick and it needs lot of faith and trust with many years of continuous sustained efforts. But it takes a few seconds to break it. Etiquette extends relations such as using the terms like ‘thank you’ when some one extends help, then again saying ‘sorry’ when some one is hurt. Such things promote healthy relations. Memorizing the names of the people and addressing them by adding either as prefix or suffix to the sentence, with respect, can develop relations faster. Remembering the important events and dates of our colleagues or friends and offering gifts on important occasions can further relations. Calling a very close friend by his short or nick name strengthens the relations. Defence people are very good at building relations as they are always far away from their relatives. Only alternative opportunity for them is to mix up with diversified people with diversified cultures and get adjusted socially. Empathy is the best tool to promote relationships as it requires flexibility and broadness to step into the shoes of another and feel the pulse.
Tools for Excellent Conversation:
One who is good at conversation can develop IS automatically because the communication process involved in it. The speaker should have confidence in himself. He must be bold and free from all types of inhibitions or hesitations. Any superiority or inferiority complex will automatically vanish as one understands the niceties and pitfalls of the other persons. It is always advisable to address the other person by greeting such as ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ depending upon the particular time. By greeting in the morning regularly at the work place initiates for healthy conversation and it provides positive vibes and the same vibes will continue till the end of the day. Active listening is the key to any conversation. According to Carl R. Rogers and Richard E.Farson, “There are four essential requirements for effective active listening – intensity, empathy, acceptance and a willingness to take responsibility for completeness”. Positive presentation of the body language leads to healthy understanding on the part of the receiver. Continuously nodding head by the listener to the speaker arouses interest. Smiling at an appropriate occasions encourages the speaker to continue conversation further. By posing open ended questions rather than close ended questions can stimulate the conversation as the close ended questions provide a simple answer either yes or no; where as the open ended questions stimulate the speaker to think and speak with many details and the conversation also continues for long time. Asking questions relevantly to the speaker creates a feeling that the other person is listening with care and attention. Ultimately both the speaker and the listener should make a smart exit with right etiquette. It is always important to note that it is not the quantity but the quality of conversation that counts.
How To Build IS?
Never condemn, never criticize and never complain. Always radiate energy and enthusiasm to talk and converse with people by way of your body gestures, facial expressions, tone control and smile. Empathy is a great quality and it teaches us to be open, flexible and helps us to see others’ point of view also. Meet the people especially when they are in sorrow as it provides a great source of strength and in turn strengthening long term relations.
Never back bait and never resort to poking or blabbing out as truth is very strong and powerful and it will come out one day and puts the individual in a negative light. Provide proper care and attention. Always appreciate the good and great things in the other man. Try to see at the bright side of the character and highlight the same. When one does good things then good things will bounce back. Smile as and when required as per the situation and occasion. Good communication paves the way for good IS. Resolving the conflicts rather than promoting will help ease the situation thus leading to better results and performance. Active listening helps and builds skills. Right and good sense of humor will prove to be handy.
In organizations, conducting regular get together is a welcome sign. Consistency in what one speaks with that of his body language conveys right signals. Setting personal examples rather than theoretical teachings would help. Sympathizing when somebody is ill or at the death of their relatives will quickly builds relations. As the saying goes, ‘Helping hands are better than the praying lips’. Always using the words like ‘we’ rather ‘I’ will not only promote togetherness but also demonstrates strong leadership qualities.
Results:
Right IS lead to good rapport and better human relations which give rise to conducive work climate in any organizations. The performance in the company will rise resulting into better productivity and profitability. Mutual trust and openness increases with in the organization. Whether it is a manager, or leader or an entrepreneur, possession of IS are an imperative for achieving the organizational goals and objectives.
Key Component in Soft Skills:
Soft skills are a cluster of various traits and abilities such as communication skills, team spirit, interpersonal skills, social grace, time management, motivation, goal setting, organizing skills, leadership qualities, decision making, conflict management, corporate etiquette, negotiation skills and many more. Many students after passing out of their educational institutions possess strong technical or qualification related skills. But hey find a great difficult in adjusting to the organization due lack of soft skills. Even B school passed out candidates also faces the same problem.
During Interviews:
A great emphasis is laid on IS during the interview. The employer looks for soft skills and especially communication and IS because recruiting a social inept person will prove to be very costly for the organization. The interviewer poses several questions of open ended ones so as to find out at depth the communication and IS. At the time of group discussions and again at the time of series of interviews the psychologist analyzes the candidates from all dimensions to see the suitability.
The inclusion of IS and soft skills in the academic curriculum from XI standard onwards will prove useful and the students gets tuned to it automatically and they feel comfortable when they pass out of academic institutions.
To sum up, having excellent command over IS and maintaining sound relationships either in our personal or professional life is essential. We all interact with many people in our day to day life from dawn to dusk and possession of IS will prove to be highly productive and fruitful.
T H E E N D
Interpersonal skills which are also called as social skills or human skills refer to the ability of a person to get along well with other members in a group. It can also be defined as the skills involved in understanding the relations between the people. It is treated as the first and foremost skill of the soft skills. All animals and human beings always move in groups and it is the human beings who are blessed with the ability to talk, reason and memorizes many things. Since man can not live alone as he needs security, he has strong inherent motive to talk with fellow human beings. And it is through IS he builds relationships with other human beings and finds himself safe, secure and more comfortable. To put it in a nut shell, the objective of IS are to communicate effectively so as to build relationships amongst the people.
IS are essential and has paramount importance in the creation of any environment. It is imperative for all levels in the organization. According to Robert K. Kalz, three skills are essential for managers; they are technical skills which are required at their lower level of management, conceptual skills which are a must at the top level management as because of these skills the managers are able to see big picture and thirdly the human skills which are required in all levels of management i.e. lower level, middle level and top level. And subsequently, the design skills have been added due to the fast growing techno logical revolution. The managers never discount, nor overlook nor underestimate the significance of human skills at work place.
Mintzberg cited studies which indicated that managers spend 45 per cent of their contact time with peers, about 45 per cent with people outside their units and only about 10 per cent with their superiors. This study obviously indicates the importance of IS in every organization. It also highlights that communications and IS are two sides of the same coin and one without the other has no meaning. The noted business schools in India teach everything about the technical skills and conceptual skills and not about IS which one has to lay a lot of emphasis. The people who are good at these skills become highly successful in their careers and lives.
It is fundamentally the process of hearing and listening which play a pivotal role in IS. Hearing is involuntary and it means picking up of sound vibrations. Whereas listening is voluntary and must be attentive and it is the process of generating sense out of sound vibrations so received by way of hearing. For instance, when a pedestrian walks on the road he picks many sounds and that is hearing and when he finds the sound of horn suddenly then it is listening. The listening is classified into active listening and passive listening. In active listening the listener is highly attentive and alert and there is a sense of responsibility, involvement and concentration. In passive listening the listener just listens like a tape recorder for the sake of listening.
What Is Time Lag?
Scientific research reveals that most of the people can listen around 300 words per minute. On the other hand, they can speak 150 to 200 words per minute. The gap between the same is around 100 to 150 words per minute thus resulting into time lag. This give rise to monotony and boredom on the part of the listener as he is capable of listening more words but the speaker delivers 150 to 200 words. It leads to poor listening comprehension. Of course, God gave two ears but one tongue, may be for the same reason. The listener should fine tune this gap by various techniques. The listener may resort to paraphrasing during this time i.e. he must restate in his own words whatever the speaker has said. And also, the listener must go for note taking if he is in a position to do so.
What Is Relationship?
Franklin D.Roosevelt put it, “If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships . . . . The ability of all people, of all kinds, to live together in the same world at peace”.
Man is a social animal and he can not live alone and he always depends on something for somewhere. He needs to survive and thrive only by building good relations with near and dear ones. It is a combination of biological, social and materialistic needs. Relationships; make the world go around. Relationships are built brick by brick and it needs lot of faith and trust with many years of continuous sustained efforts. But it takes a few seconds to break it. Etiquette extends relations such as using the terms like ‘thank you’ when some one extends help, then again saying ‘sorry’ when some one is hurt. Such things promote healthy relations. Memorizing the names of the people and addressing them by adding either as prefix or suffix to the sentence, with respect, can develop relations faster. Remembering the important events and dates of our colleagues or friends and offering gifts on important occasions can further relations. Calling a very close friend by his short or nick name strengthens the relations. Defence people are very good at building relations as they are always far away from their relatives. Only alternative opportunity for them is to mix up with diversified people with diversified cultures and get adjusted socially. Empathy is the best tool to promote relationships as it requires flexibility and broadness to step into the shoes of another and feel the pulse.
Tools for Excellent Conversation:
One who is good at conversation can develop IS automatically because the communication process involved in it. The speaker should have confidence in himself. He must be bold and free from all types of inhibitions or hesitations. Any superiority or inferiority complex will automatically vanish as one understands the niceties and pitfalls of the other persons. It is always advisable to address the other person by greeting such as ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ depending upon the particular time. By greeting in the morning regularly at the work place initiates for healthy conversation and it provides positive vibes and the same vibes will continue till the end of the day. Active listening is the key to any conversation. According to Carl R. Rogers and Richard E.Farson, “There are four essential requirements for effective active listening – intensity, empathy, acceptance and a willingness to take responsibility for completeness”. Positive presentation of the body language leads to healthy understanding on the part of the receiver. Continuously nodding head by the listener to the speaker arouses interest. Smiling at an appropriate occasions encourages the speaker to continue conversation further. By posing open ended questions rather than close ended questions can stimulate the conversation as the close ended questions provide a simple answer either yes or no; where as the open ended questions stimulate the speaker to think and speak with many details and the conversation also continues for long time. Asking questions relevantly to the speaker creates a feeling that the other person is listening with care and attention. Ultimately both the speaker and the listener should make a smart exit with right etiquette. It is always important to note that it is not the quantity but the quality of conversation that counts.
How To Build IS?
Never condemn, never criticize and never complain. Always radiate energy and enthusiasm to talk and converse with people by way of your body gestures, facial expressions, tone control and smile. Empathy is a great quality and it teaches us to be open, flexible and helps us to see others’ point of view also. Meet the people especially when they are in sorrow as it provides a great source of strength and in turn strengthening long term relations.
Never back bait and never resort to poking or blabbing out as truth is very strong and powerful and it will come out one day and puts the individual in a negative light. Provide proper care and attention. Always appreciate the good and great things in the other man. Try to see at the bright side of the character and highlight the same. When one does good things then good things will bounce back. Smile as and when required as per the situation and occasion. Good communication paves the way for good IS. Resolving the conflicts rather than promoting will help ease the situation thus leading to better results and performance. Active listening helps and builds skills. Right and good sense of humor will prove to be handy.
In organizations, conducting regular get together is a welcome sign. Consistency in what one speaks with that of his body language conveys right signals. Setting personal examples rather than theoretical teachings would help. Sympathizing when somebody is ill or at the death of their relatives will quickly builds relations. As the saying goes, ‘Helping hands are better than the praying lips’. Always using the words like ‘we’ rather ‘I’ will not only promote togetherness but also demonstrates strong leadership qualities.
Results:
Right IS lead to good rapport and better human relations which give rise to conducive work climate in any organizations. The performance in the company will rise resulting into better productivity and profitability. Mutual trust and openness increases with in the organization. Whether it is a manager, or leader or an entrepreneur, possession of IS are an imperative for achieving the organizational goals and objectives.
Key Component in Soft Skills:
Soft skills are a cluster of various traits and abilities such as communication skills, team spirit, interpersonal skills, social grace, time management, motivation, goal setting, organizing skills, leadership qualities, decision making, conflict management, corporate etiquette, negotiation skills and many more. Many students after passing out of their educational institutions possess strong technical or qualification related skills. But hey find a great difficult in adjusting to the organization due lack of soft skills. Even B school passed out candidates also faces the same problem.
During Interviews:
A great emphasis is laid on IS during the interview. The employer looks for soft skills and especially communication and IS because recruiting a social inept person will prove to be very costly for the organization. The interviewer poses several questions of open ended ones so as to find out at depth the communication and IS. At the time of group discussions and again at the time of series of interviews the psychologist analyzes the candidates from all dimensions to see the suitability.
The inclusion of IS and soft skills in the academic curriculum from XI standard onwards will prove useful and the students gets tuned to it automatically and they feel comfortable when they pass out of academic institutions.
To sum up, having excellent command over IS and maintaining sound relationships either in our personal or professional life is essential. We all interact with many people in our day to day life from dawn to dusk and possession of IS will prove to be highly productive and fruitful.
T H E E N D
INFOSYS
"Be the change you want to see in the world", Mahatma Gandhi.
The Infosys Technologies Ltd. (Infosys) selected the author along with other faculties from various professional colleges across Andhra Pradesh for 5-day workshop from 23 to 27 Oct 2007. It is named as Special Training Program (STP) and conducted in Hyderabad . It is a Campus Connect Initiative. It is a type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) many companies are doing towards society for all-round growth and development. Infosys has come out with such a wonderful program that connects the students to the industry thus minimizing the gap between the campus and the industry. It conducted along with Institute for Electronic Governance (IEG), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and Rajiv Udyogasri. The aim of the program is to train the teaching faculty across Andhra Pradesh so that each faculty will form a core team of 5 members for imparting soft skills to their students in their respective colleges. When a stone is thrown into water the ripple effect will be felt slowly. Similarly we can expect the impact of this program slowly in the years to come. Let us take brief profile of Infosys.
INFOSYS:
7 members under the leadership of Mr. N.R.Narayana Murthy started Infosys in 1981 with 250 dollars and it emerged as IT giant in India. Its strength rose from 7 to 80000 approx. and 80 percent of the Infocians are from non-IT background. What drove them up to here are their core values like credibility, commitment, values and excellence in their services. It has very low attrition rate as it treats every boy and girl as the king and queen. Everyone feels like a family member of Infosys. When the author visited the Infosys camp in Hyderabad he was deeply moved and motivated by their dedication and discipline. During the course of the Campus Connect, the author found Narayana Murthy in the eyes of K.Sudheer Reddy and Devendra Choudhary who conducted the sessions professionally. They have the passion to do their best and towards the organizations. The author found fairness, sincerity and integrity in the eyes of the Infocians. They do not believe in red tapism and they are practical and pragmatic and free from organizational politics because they can not think of such politics as they have passion to do best and to bring out the best from others.
SOFT SKILLS:
The skills and abilities that are required for passed out student so as to get adjusted at the industrial front that are more specially related to communication skills are known as soft skills. It is known as social skills, people skills and also as emotional intelligence. A few call it as life skills. It is all about everything other than the domain knowledge. Besides, it is all about interpersonal relations, attitude to develop as an individual and as an institution and above all about the personal grooming to face challenges in the day-to-day life in the corporate world. Soft skills lay stress on 'how you say?' not 'what you say?’
Soft skills are a collection and reflection of many skills and abilities. A few basic skills are - Team spirit, Interpersonal skills, Social grace, Business etiquette, Time management, Motivation, Leadership, Negotiation skills, Stress management, Change management, Conflict management, Goal setting, Problem solving, Listening skills etc., All these are essential in order to survive and succeed in one's professional career. Emotional quotient is one of the major factors in soft skills.
IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE:
There is an adage in business; "People rise because of their hard skills and fall because of (the lack of) soft skills". Soft skills believe in nurture rather than nature. It manages the interactions between subtle and fickle human beings. It enhances efficiency at the work place and minimizes the attrition rate. It always makes an individual stay ahead of time.
Soft skills enhance employability of the candidates and provide a solid ground to get adjusted and get along in the organizations more effectively and efficiently. These enhance the core competence and confidence of an individual. The growing widening gap between the talent supply and technical demand can be narrowed down. In a nutshell, proper training in Soft Skills creates more opportunities for the fresh candidates.
PROBLEMS AMONGST THE STUDENTS:
The candidates those who pass out from colleges are basically good at their core subjects and concepts but they find it very difficult even to face the interview boards. A few students are found to be socially inept. A few do not know even the basic communication skills. For instance, candidates say 'he is no more' instead of 'he has left' and say 'he passed away' instead of 'he went' and so on. Such silly mistakes spoil the very basic impression of getting selected in interviews. In interviews when questions asked like 'Tell me something about yourself' or 'What makes you different from others?' or 'Why should I choose you only?’ the candidates crumble because they are taken aback.
At the corporate level, the technical graduates find themselves in a difficult place to articulate and communicate with their clients. It is more difficult in the case of candidates who hail from socially challenged background.
INDUSTRY'S EXPECTATIONS:
Because of the cutthroat competition, the industry always looks for plug and play recruits. They expect everything on a platter. The day the employee joins in duty the employer wants them to be on their toes. But unfortunately the fresh candidates are not ready and they are not equipped with the requisite skills and abilities. During the interview itself they look for the candidates for flexibility, adaptability and mouldability towards their institution. And they may take 5 to 10 per cent of the candidates who can get onto the tasks without providing spoon-feeding. They look for passion and the ability to learn and absorb with in its fold. Whether the candidates can add any value to its institution is also a parameter they look at. Goal setting as a tool is really interesting to note. According to research, 15 percent of the selected people have goal setting. Questions like 'what position do you expect after 3 years or 5 years within the institution?' indicates the ability on the part of the candidates towards their goals.
CONCLUSION:
The free soft skills training provided by Infosys with IEG, JNTU and Rajiv Udyogasri is a step in a right direction. Each faculty should make sincere efforts to touch the lives of students. Some of the students climb the ladder and after climbing they realize that the ladder is on the wrong wall. Onus lies with the faculty to direct the ladder on the right wall. Every individual has responsibility towards society and the society as a whole develops when all individuals put their best footing forward. To put it in the words of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, "Nothing strengthens the judgement and quickens the conscience like individual responsibility".
MESSAGE:
Anthony Robbins, "Life is a gift and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more". Let all of us try to make the difference by contributing our best towards society. If there is Narayana Murthy not only in the eyes of Infocians but also in every individual in India, our country will prosper from all spheres and will become a developed country much before the vision 2020. JAI HIND
THE END
The Infosys Technologies Ltd. (Infosys) selected the author along with other faculties from various professional colleges across Andhra Pradesh for 5-day workshop from 23 to 27 Oct 2007. It is named as Special Training Program (STP) and conducted in Hyderabad . It is a Campus Connect Initiative. It is a type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) many companies are doing towards society for all-round growth and development. Infosys has come out with such a wonderful program that connects the students to the industry thus minimizing the gap between the campus and the industry. It conducted along with Institute for Electronic Governance (IEG), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and Rajiv Udyogasri. The aim of the program is to train the teaching faculty across Andhra Pradesh so that each faculty will form a core team of 5 members for imparting soft skills to their students in their respective colleges. When a stone is thrown into water the ripple effect will be felt slowly. Similarly we can expect the impact of this program slowly in the years to come. Let us take brief profile of Infosys.
INFOSYS:
7 members under the leadership of Mr. N.R.Narayana Murthy started Infosys in 1981 with 250 dollars and it emerged as IT giant in India. Its strength rose from 7 to 80000 approx. and 80 percent of the Infocians are from non-IT background. What drove them up to here are their core values like credibility, commitment, values and excellence in their services. It has very low attrition rate as it treats every boy and girl as the king and queen. Everyone feels like a family member of Infosys. When the author visited the Infosys camp in Hyderabad he was deeply moved and motivated by their dedication and discipline. During the course of the Campus Connect, the author found Narayana Murthy in the eyes of K.Sudheer Reddy and Devendra Choudhary who conducted the sessions professionally. They have the passion to do their best and towards the organizations. The author found fairness, sincerity and integrity in the eyes of the Infocians. They do not believe in red tapism and they are practical and pragmatic and free from organizational politics because they can not think of such politics as they have passion to do best and to bring out the best from others.
SOFT SKILLS:
The skills and abilities that are required for passed out student so as to get adjusted at the industrial front that are more specially related to communication skills are known as soft skills. It is known as social skills, people skills and also as emotional intelligence. A few call it as life skills. It is all about everything other than the domain knowledge. Besides, it is all about interpersonal relations, attitude to develop as an individual and as an institution and above all about the personal grooming to face challenges in the day-to-day life in the corporate world. Soft skills lay stress on 'how you say?' not 'what you say?’
Soft skills are a collection and reflection of many skills and abilities. A few basic skills are - Team spirit, Interpersonal skills, Social grace, Business etiquette, Time management, Motivation, Leadership, Negotiation skills, Stress management, Change management, Conflict management, Goal setting, Problem solving, Listening skills etc., All these are essential in order to survive and succeed in one's professional career. Emotional quotient is one of the major factors in soft skills.
IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE:
There is an adage in business; "People rise because of their hard skills and fall because of (the lack of) soft skills". Soft skills believe in nurture rather than nature. It manages the interactions between subtle and fickle human beings. It enhances efficiency at the work place and minimizes the attrition rate. It always makes an individual stay ahead of time.
Soft skills enhance employability of the candidates and provide a solid ground to get adjusted and get along in the organizations more effectively and efficiently. These enhance the core competence and confidence of an individual. The growing widening gap between the talent supply and technical demand can be narrowed down. In a nutshell, proper training in Soft Skills creates more opportunities for the fresh candidates.
PROBLEMS AMONGST THE STUDENTS:
The candidates those who pass out from colleges are basically good at their core subjects and concepts but they find it very difficult even to face the interview boards. A few students are found to be socially inept. A few do not know even the basic communication skills. For instance, candidates say 'he is no more' instead of 'he has left' and say 'he passed away' instead of 'he went' and so on. Such silly mistakes spoil the very basic impression of getting selected in interviews. In interviews when questions asked like 'Tell me something about yourself' or 'What makes you different from others?' or 'Why should I choose you only?’ the candidates crumble because they are taken aback.
At the corporate level, the technical graduates find themselves in a difficult place to articulate and communicate with their clients. It is more difficult in the case of candidates who hail from socially challenged background.
INDUSTRY'S EXPECTATIONS:
Because of the cutthroat competition, the industry always looks for plug and play recruits. They expect everything on a platter. The day the employee joins in duty the employer wants them to be on their toes. But unfortunately the fresh candidates are not ready and they are not equipped with the requisite skills and abilities. During the interview itself they look for the candidates for flexibility, adaptability and mouldability towards their institution. And they may take 5 to 10 per cent of the candidates who can get onto the tasks without providing spoon-feeding. They look for passion and the ability to learn and absorb with in its fold. Whether the candidates can add any value to its institution is also a parameter they look at. Goal setting as a tool is really interesting to note. According to research, 15 percent of the selected people have goal setting. Questions like 'what position do you expect after 3 years or 5 years within the institution?' indicates the ability on the part of the candidates towards their goals.
CONCLUSION:
The free soft skills training provided by Infosys with IEG, JNTU and Rajiv Udyogasri is a step in a right direction. Each faculty should make sincere efforts to touch the lives of students. Some of the students climb the ladder and after climbing they realize that the ladder is on the wrong wall. Onus lies with the faculty to direct the ladder on the right wall. Every individual has responsibility towards society and the society as a whole develops when all individuals put their best footing forward. To put it in the words of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, "Nothing strengthens the judgement and quickens the conscience like individual responsibility".
MESSAGE:
Anthony Robbins, "Life is a gift and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more". Let all of us try to make the difference by contributing our best towards society. If there is Narayana Murthy not only in the eyes of Infocians but also in every individual in India, our country will prosper from all spheres and will become a developed country much before the vision 2020. JAI HIND
THE END
MASTERS OF CHANGE
“ A magazine or a newspaper is a shop. Each is an experiment and represents a new focus, a new ratio between commerce and intellect”, John Jay Chapman.
Business Standard is one of the best business newspapers in India and its language is simple, straight with commerce, business, academic, investment and industry insights. It communicates effectively and efficiently in a layman’s language. It provides the information, data, views, comments and opinions from all the areas and it clearly knows the pulse of its readers. It navigates slowly, coolly and directly into the contents and contexts more specifically.
The amount of information provided is immense and that is highly skimmable. It knows the knack of saving the readers’ precious time and energy and clearly details and pinpoints the information. It knows how to hit the bulls’ eye of its readers and it never lets down its readers. Richard Cobden aptly said, “ A newspaper should be the maximum of information, and the minimum of comment” and it is perfectly relevant and pertinent for this great institution (BS).
It encourages its readers to think out of the box, creatively, imaginatively and innovatively apart from providing regular statistical and informational diet. Its unbiased and dispassionate presentation makes all the readers loyal and comfortable.
Before I began reading this esteemed newspaper I was not able to form firm opinions and views on many things especially related to business and commerce. But once I glued to it I never had any second thoughts to change to any other business newspapers.
I work as an Academic Guide in ICFAI University and take classes for management graduates (MBA) and also I take classes for engineering graduates (B.Tech). It provided lot of mental inputs and diet related to my beloved teaching field. The articles like ‘What they don’t teach in B schools?’ impressed and helped me a lot to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I began explaining the subject in more practical and realistic manner. Previously I used to focus more on case studies and on theoretical aspects and concepts but now I began to focus more with industry insights. Rather my teaching has become more effective and efficient and, as a result, I am able to win the confidence, command and respect from my students as well as from my superiors.
The information, which I got from business education, which is published once in a week in this esteemed newspaper, provided me with valuable mental and statistical inputs, which I have taught to my students. I have collected a lot of information related to practical aspects of business problems from this and used them as my case studies in my teaching.
BS have changed my life from good to great by giving me knowledge. It made me think big, dream big and achieve big. It made me richer mentally, socially and economically. It directly contributed its best by making me to be more refined in my style of thinking and presentation during my teaching. It indirectly enhanced and sharpened my skills like professional writing. The knowledge that I gained from various sections of this newspaper helped me in publishing number of my articles in various global websites and Indian journals and magazines that gives me a great sense of fulfillment and achievement in my life.
Whatever the little money I had, I have been able to put it in an intelligent manner because of the technical and fundamental analysis provided by The Smart Investor supplementary provided once in a week. The success rate of investment into share investment is rather higher because of sound analysis and presentation of the sectors and segments with facts and figures. With the support of BS, I am now able to manage my funds properly and judiciously. Over all, I have become a mature and careful investor.
Before I plugged in to this newspaper, I was very conventional and now I am looking at things in an unconventional manner. I was casual reader of all newspapers but now I am a serious reader of this newspaper. Reading newspaper was obligatory in the past but now it has become mandatory to read daily for some time and it is one of my daily menus. I transformed from a passive learner into an active learner because of the curiosity so created, cultivated and inculcated. I was laying more stress on information but now I focus more on imagination, innovation and experimentation. BS touched and challenged my inner mental faculties and now I am intellectually attached and intoxicated.
I cultivated the habit of cutting important articles, news, views and comments from the newspaper and maintained it in a separate file. As and when, if any need arises in order to teach to my students that paper cutting help me have firm foothold on the concepts and topics of the management subjects.
Everyone wants to change for better. We want to have variety of clothes, food, lifestyles and we want to come out with flying colors from our chosen field of interest. People change from their present jobs for better prospects elsewhere. But the same people resist if there is change in policies, procedures, rules and regulations in their daily work. Why is it so? Why don’t people think that change is constant? Every change must be taken towards a better prospectus and opportunities.
When someone reads a newspaper for a long period, it becomes a routine daily activity and one can not get out of it. The values and principles of that institutionalized newspaper gradually go into the personality of such individuals. As a result, he thinks acts and does in tune with its ideals and ideas. So is the case with Business Standard. Today I have become a successful professor and writer; it is all because of these values, principles and trends. Therefore, I can say with confidence that BS contributed its best towards my success to a great extent.
Everyday I eagerly wait for this wonderful and prestigious newspaper and I begin the day only with Business Standard. My breakfast is incomplete without Business Standard. It has been my good friend, guide, philosopher, adviser, informer, messenger, motivator and my MENTOR. Not to have read Business Standard a day means it is like not to have spent my day wisely and intelligently.
Business Standard is one of the best business newspapers in India and its language is simple, straight with commerce, business, academic, investment and industry insights. It communicates effectively and efficiently in a layman’s language. It provides the information, data, views, comments and opinions from all the areas and it clearly knows the pulse of its readers. It navigates slowly, coolly and directly into the contents and contexts more specifically.
The amount of information provided is immense and that is highly skimmable. It knows the knack of saving the readers’ precious time and energy and clearly details and pinpoints the information. It knows how to hit the bulls’ eye of its readers and it never lets down its readers. Richard Cobden aptly said, “ A newspaper should be the maximum of information, and the minimum of comment” and it is perfectly relevant and pertinent for this great institution (BS).
It encourages its readers to think out of the box, creatively, imaginatively and innovatively apart from providing regular statistical and informational diet. Its unbiased and dispassionate presentation makes all the readers loyal and comfortable.
Before I began reading this esteemed newspaper I was not able to form firm opinions and views on many things especially related to business and commerce. But once I glued to it I never had any second thoughts to change to any other business newspapers.
I work as an Academic Guide in ICFAI University and take classes for management graduates (MBA) and also I take classes for engineering graduates (B.Tech). It provided lot of mental inputs and diet related to my beloved teaching field. The articles like ‘What they don’t teach in B schools?’ impressed and helped me a lot to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I began explaining the subject in more practical and realistic manner. Previously I used to focus more on case studies and on theoretical aspects and concepts but now I began to focus more with industry insights. Rather my teaching has become more effective and efficient and, as a result, I am able to win the confidence, command and respect from my students as well as from my superiors.
The information, which I got from business education, which is published once in a week in this esteemed newspaper, provided me with valuable mental and statistical inputs, which I have taught to my students. I have collected a lot of information related to practical aspects of business problems from this and used them as my case studies in my teaching.
BS have changed my life from good to great by giving me knowledge. It made me think big, dream big and achieve big. It made me richer mentally, socially and economically. It directly contributed its best by making me to be more refined in my style of thinking and presentation during my teaching. It indirectly enhanced and sharpened my skills like professional writing. The knowledge that I gained from various sections of this newspaper helped me in publishing number of my articles in various global websites and Indian journals and magazines that gives me a great sense of fulfillment and achievement in my life.
Whatever the little money I had, I have been able to put it in an intelligent manner because of the technical and fundamental analysis provided by The Smart Investor supplementary provided once in a week. The success rate of investment into share investment is rather higher because of sound analysis and presentation of the sectors and segments with facts and figures. With the support of BS, I am now able to manage my funds properly and judiciously. Over all, I have become a mature and careful investor.
Before I plugged in to this newspaper, I was very conventional and now I am looking at things in an unconventional manner. I was casual reader of all newspapers but now I am a serious reader of this newspaper. Reading newspaper was obligatory in the past but now it has become mandatory to read daily for some time and it is one of my daily menus. I transformed from a passive learner into an active learner because of the curiosity so created, cultivated and inculcated. I was laying more stress on information but now I focus more on imagination, innovation and experimentation. BS touched and challenged my inner mental faculties and now I am intellectually attached and intoxicated.
I cultivated the habit of cutting important articles, news, views and comments from the newspaper and maintained it in a separate file. As and when, if any need arises in order to teach to my students that paper cutting help me have firm foothold on the concepts and topics of the management subjects.
Everyone wants to change for better. We want to have variety of clothes, food, lifestyles and we want to come out with flying colors from our chosen field of interest. People change from their present jobs for better prospects elsewhere. But the same people resist if there is change in policies, procedures, rules and regulations in their daily work. Why is it so? Why don’t people think that change is constant? Every change must be taken towards a better prospectus and opportunities.
When someone reads a newspaper for a long period, it becomes a routine daily activity and one can not get out of it. The values and principles of that institutionalized newspaper gradually go into the personality of such individuals. As a result, he thinks acts and does in tune with its ideals and ideas. So is the case with Business Standard. Today I have become a successful professor and writer; it is all because of these values, principles and trends. Therefore, I can say with confidence that BS contributed its best towards my success to a great extent.
Everyday I eagerly wait for this wonderful and prestigious newspaper and I begin the day only with Business Standard. My breakfast is incomplete without Business Standard. It has been my good friend, guide, philosopher, adviser, informer, messenger, motivator and my MENTOR. Not to have read Business Standard a day means it is like not to have spent my day wisely and intelligently.
MEKA'S PRINCIPLE
Every institution or organization has individuals who belong to a positive school of thought (Aprrox 90%) and a negative school of thought (Aprox 10%) and there is a constant rivalry between the both the groups. The author, Prof. M.Srinivasa Rao has created the concept and coined it as 90:10 Principle or MSR’s Principle or Meka’s Principle.
The 90% of the employees in the institution belong to hardworking, efficient, dynamic, disciplined, dedicated and determined to achieve their organizational goals and objectives. They are unmindful of the rest and meagre 10% whether this segment contributes for the institution. These people are highly focussed and believe in their individual growth and to the growth of their institutions in which they are working. At times, they don’t look for rewards or returns. They acquire a great degree of job satisfaction and sense of achievement. They take pride in their work and strongly believe that they should do their best as they are paid for it.
On the other hand, the rest (10%) of the employees always look for their survival, as they are not confident and competent in their work. These employees believe in sycophancy, litigation, mud-slinging, jealous, organizational politics. They always throw mud at the hard working (90%) and always look at the negative side so as to create problems just for their survival. This segment spends most of their time and energies in gossips rumor mongering and indulges in sensationalism and negative approach.
The minority (10%) negative people always put their efforts to take over the majority (90%) in the organization and they fail miserably as the majority totally contributes their positive energies for the development of organization, they always overtake the minority. A single matchstick is sufficient to burn the entire forest. The road to negative zone is easy but the road to positive zone is very difficult.
The author has worked in various organizations and is still working and the above views and comments are based on lot of observations and experience.
The 90% of the employees in the institution belong to hardworking, efficient, dynamic, disciplined, dedicated and determined to achieve their organizational goals and objectives. They are unmindful of the rest and meagre 10% whether this segment contributes for the institution. These people are highly focussed and believe in their individual growth and to the growth of their institutions in which they are working. At times, they don’t look for rewards or returns. They acquire a great degree of job satisfaction and sense of achievement. They take pride in their work and strongly believe that they should do their best as they are paid for it.
On the other hand, the rest (10%) of the employees always look for their survival, as they are not confident and competent in their work. These employees believe in sycophancy, litigation, mud-slinging, jealous, organizational politics. They always throw mud at the hard working (90%) and always look at the negative side so as to create problems just for their survival. This segment spends most of their time and energies in gossips rumor mongering and indulges in sensationalism and negative approach.
The minority (10%) negative people always put their efforts to take over the majority (90%) in the organization and they fail miserably as the majority totally contributes their positive energies for the development of organization, they always overtake the minority. A single matchstick is sufficient to burn the entire forest. The road to negative zone is easy but the road to positive zone is very difficult.
The author has worked in various organizations and is still working and the above views and comments are based on lot of observations and experience.
MOTIVATION SKILLS
"Man's greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time he falls", Oliver Goldsmith.
He failed in business at 21 years. He was defeated in elections at 22 years. Again he failed in business at 24 years. He lost his wife at 26 years and had nervous breakdown at 27 years. He lost senatorial elections at 45 years, lost elections as Vice-President at 47 and again at 49 years. Ultimately he became the President of USA at 52 years. By this time, it is obvious to every reader that he was none other than Abraham Lincoln. What do we call his spirit? Can we call it as motivation? Certainly, Yes. Success is product of successive setbacks. The ability to move from one failure to another without losing energy and enthusiasm is known as motivation. If someone achieves success after a success without any setbacks, can we call it as motivation? Of course, Not.
TYPES OF MOTIVATION:
Basically there are three types of motivation such as internal motivation, external motivation and incentive motivation. In internal motivation, the individual gets motivated of his own by various ways and means without expecting any external support. In this scenario the individual has extraordinary will power and he constantly and continuously motivates himself whenever he is faced with failures and then gradually rises like Phoenix. It can also be called as self-motivation. It is the hallmark of great leaders. In the case of external motivation, the individual is motivated by means of external influences by way of inspirational songs, slogans, pictures and persons. When the individual is motivated due to monetary reasons which usually happens in the corporate world it is known as incentive or monetary motivation. Both internal and external motivation does not involve monetary aspects and hence belong to non-financial motivation. In this context, let us know what is the basic need every human being wants and craves.
HIERARCHY OF NEEDS:
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow every human being has certain needs to fulfil. The first and foremost need is the physiological need without which man can not survive and these are the basic needs for all. After fulfilling this need man craves for security needs. That is, he wants to protect and secure himself from any threats towards his life. After meeting the second level of needs, he is eager to have affiliation needs. He needs to belong to his own group of people and feels like to get associated. Aristotle aptly said, 'Man is a social animal. He can not live alone and he always wants to move with his group'. He would not only like to be affiliated but also like to be accepted with in the group. And he would try to flex and adapt to fulfil this need. The fourth one is self-esteem needs. And the fifth one is the self-actualization needs where by after having all the basic needs he wants to prove himself of a superior and like to excel in life. Every man after reaching one need gradually graduates to the next higher level of the need in the hierarchy and that is why Abraham Maslow called it as 'hierarchy of needs'. This is why it is suitably said that man can't live by bread alone. Having known what one needs and what is motivation it is relevant to briefly explain the tools and techniques to motivate.
TIPS FOR MOTIVATION:
• Always surround with healthy and positive people. The positive vibes will have tremendous effect. As every person has positive and negative thoughts, when one is faced with negative emotions, feelings, which arise out of successive setbacks, it is the healthy ambience that will bring up the person from falling into abyss.
• Listen to music, which is encouraging and soothing.
• If required, relax your mind by giving a break.
• Reward yourself whenever you achieved something by holidaying or partying or celebrating with your kith and kin.
• At times, positive self-talk can trigger motivation.
• Keep slogans, which are inspirational in your home and office. These days we find slogans in corporate offices, which will constantly rise the spirits. The author has the poster of Swami Vivekananda with a slogan of 'Arise, Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached' in his bedroom. He reads after waking up and before going to bed. Slogans make a magic and which one reads regularly twice it will go to the subconscious mind it will constantly keep the person on toes. Even if the person goes out of track due to failures or setbacks the subconscious mind alerts and puts him o the right track and on the fast track.
• Goal setting is a wonderful tool, which encourages the individual to stay focussed. Goals will keep the individual to move ahead despite odds. Dividing the goals into short term and long term is essential. Even if there is failure in short-term goals, the long-term goals will overtake the setbacks in short term goals.
• Take a role model that is ideal and symbol of values, principles and success and start dreaming about him.
• Visualizing success as though you had reached your goals will boost your energy levels.
• Meditation will motivate and bring fresh levels of enthusiasm. You can draw more mental powers by way of meditation.
• Recall your past achievements and ruminate for sometime.
• Read the biographies and autobiographies of great leaders in the world.
• Maintain a separate diary for collecting motivational quotations and read it whenever you are upset it will energize you instantly.
• Faith is the force of your life. Have strong faith in your abilities and capabilities.
• Believe in yourself and know that every dog has its own day.
• Lend your hand to the unsuccessful persons and it will bounce back automatically because good begets good.
• Try to find out what motivates you. Whether it is love, money, success, comforts, power, prestige and then pursue it.
• Never stick to one place as it may lead to regimented thoughts and ideas. Try to change, as every change will lead to better opportunities. And of course, opportunities stimulate and motivate.
• Always put your imagination at work.
• Thing big and break your mental barriers.
• Do know that failure is only a comma but not a full stop.
MESSAGE:
Motivation is built on the bricks of optimism and confidence. These two fundamental factors are the driving forces towards higher motivational levels. Problems are part of life and each problem will teach many lessons and makes an individual tough. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. It is an well-admitted fact that a smooth sea never makes a skillful mariner. And success touches to the toes of skillful mariners only.
T H E E N D
He failed in business at 21 years. He was defeated in elections at 22 years. Again he failed in business at 24 years. He lost his wife at 26 years and had nervous breakdown at 27 years. He lost senatorial elections at 45 years, lost elections as Vice-President at 47 and again at 49 years. Ultimately he became the President of USA at 52 years. By this time, it is obvious to every reader that he was none other than Abraham Lincoln. What do we call his spirit? Can we call it as motivation? Certainly, Yes. Success is product of successive setbacks. The ability to move from one failure to another without losing energy and enthusiasm is known as motivation. If someone achieves success after a success without any setbacks, can we call it as motivation? Of course, Not.
TYPES OF MOTIVATION:
Basically there are three types of motivation such as internal motivation, external motivation and incentive motivation. In internal motivation, the individual gets motivated of his own by various ways and means without expecting any external support. In this scenario the individual has extraordinary will power and he constantly and continuously motivates himself whenever he is faced with failures and then gradually rises like Phoenix. It can also be called as self-motivation. It is the hallmark of great leaders. In the case of external motivation, the individual is motivated by means of external influences by way of inspirational songs, slogans, pictures and persons. When the individual is motivated due to monetary reasons which usually happens in the corporate world it is known as incentive or monetary motivation. Both internal and external motivation does not involve monetary aspects and hence belong to non-financial motivation. In this context, let us know what is the basic need every human being wants and craves.
HIERARCHY OF NEEDS:
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow every human being has certain needs to fulfil. The first and foremost need is the physiological need without which man can not survive and these are the basic needs for all. After fulfilling this need man craves for security needs. That is, he wants to protect and secure himself from any threats towards his life. After meeting the second level of needs, he is eager to have affiliation needs. He needs to belong to his own group of people and feels like to get associated. Aristotle aptly said, 'Man is a social animal. He can not live alone and he always wants to move with his group'. He would not only like to be affiliated but also like to be accepted with in the group. And he would try to flex and adapt to fulfil this need. The fourth one is self-esteem needs. And the fifth one is the self-actualization needs where by after having all the basic needs he wants to prove himself of a superior and like to excel in life. Every man after reaching one need gradually graduates to the next higher level of the need in the hierarchy and that is why Abraham Maslow called it as 'hierarchy of needs'. This is why it is suitably said that man can't live by bread alone. Having known what one needs and what is motivation it is relevant to briefly explain the tools and techniques to motivate.
TIPS FOR MOTIVATION:
• Always surround with healthy and positive people. The positive vibes will have tremendous effect. As every person has positive and negative thoughts, when one is faced with negative emotions, feelings, which arise out of successive setbacks, it is the healthy ambience that will bring up the person from falling into abyss.
• Listen to music, which is encouraging and soothing.
• If required, relax your mind by giving a break.
• Reward yourself whenever you achieved something by holidaying or partying or celebrating with your kith and kin.
• At times, positive self-talk can trigger motivation.
• Keep slogans, which are inspirational in your home and office. These days we find slogans in corporate offices, which will constantly rise the spirits. The author has the poster of Swami Vivekananda with a slogan of 'Arise, Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached' in his bedroom. He reads after waking up and before going to bed. Slogans make a magic and which one reads regularly twice it will go to the subconscious mind it will constantly keep the person on toes. Even if the person goes out of track due to failures or setbacks the subconscious mind alerts and puts him o the right track and on the fast track.
• Goal setting is a wonderful tool, which encourages the individual to stay focussed. Goals will keep the individual to move ahead despite odds. Dividing the goals into short term and long term is essential. Even if there is failure in short-term goals, the long-term goals will overtake the setbacks in short term goals.
• Take a role model that is ideal and symbol of values, principles and success and start dreaming about him.
• Visualizing success as though you had reached your goals will boost your energy levels.
• Meditation will motivate and bring fresh levels of enthusiasm. You can draw more mental powers by way of meditation.
• Recall your past achievements and ruminate for sometime.
• Read the biographies and autobiographies of great leaders in the world.
• Maintain a separate diary for collecting motivational quotations and read it whenever you are upset it will energize you instantly.
• Faith is the force of your life. Have strong faith in your abilities and capabilities.
• Believe in yourself and know that every dog has its own day.
• Lend your hand to the unsuccessful persons and it will bounce back automatically because good begets good.
• Try to find out what motivates you. Whether it is love, money, success, comforts, power, prestige and then pursue it.
• Never stick to one place as it may lead to regimented thoughts and ideas. Try to change, as every change will lead to better opportunities. And of course, opportunities stimulate and motivate.
• Always put your imagination at work.
• Thing big and break your mental barriers.
• Do know that failure is only a comma but not a full stop.
MESSAGE:
Motivation is built on the bricks of optimism and confidence. These two fundamental factors are the driving forces towards higher motivational levels. Problems are part of life and each problem will teach many lessons and makes an individual tough. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. It is an well-admitted fact that a smooth sea never makes a skillful mariner. And success touches to the toes of skillful mariners only.
T H E E N D
CHAK DE! INDIA/REEL VS REAL HERO
CHAK DE! INDIA/REEL HERO VS REAL HERO/MOTIVATOR VS MANAGER
BY PROF.M.S.RAO, ACADEMIC GUIDE, ICFAI UNIVERSITY, INDIA
American author, Dale Carnegie, said that fear of failure was one of
the stumbling blocks for every human being to endeavor and achieve in
his life. He fundamentally highlighted about six types of failures one
has to overcome such as fear of failure, fear of criticism, fear of old
age, fear of poverty, fear of ill health and fear of death. When an
individual overcomes from all these six fears he can conquer the world
and come out with flying colors.
In the film, 'Chak De! India' the hero Shah Rukh Khan, SRK (in the
movie, Kabhir Khan) fails to win the game at the final movement of hockey
game and his positive intention i.e. sportsmanship to congratulate his
rival and the winner a Pakistani team resulted in getting branded as a
sell out and as traitor of the country and that hurt and humiliated him.
After 7 years, he takes his ambition to make India as a number one in
hockey in the world.
There are many lessons to be learnt from this film whether it is in our
personal life or professional life. The hero proves himself as an
effective and efficient motivator and manager to train and groom by
picking up the budding talents. Keeping reel life apart, in real life the
managers are faced with many problems from the beginning to the end of
the working day. He plans many things and starts the day with fresh
energy and enthusiasm. But he gets distracted by many external problems and
he constantly fights mentally to do his routine activities and also to
tackle the sudden outside problems. It is a constant battle to keep
himself on the right track and on the fast track.
In the reel life, the hero smartly assesses the strengths and weakness
of the each player and engages them up to the hilt to bring out the
best. In the day to day business world, the manager also looks at the
strengths of the each employee and tries his best to capitalize and encash
thereby making the skills of his employees complementary.
In the reel life, the hero shrewdly manages the cultural differences
among the various players across the country and brings them into one
common platform i.e. India. He finds it very hard to get them tuned and
aligned themselves as Indians. In real life the manager also works at
great length to manage the cultural diversities who comes from nook and
corners of the world. The mission of the manager is to lead from the
front to achieve the desired objectives and goals.
In the reel life, the hero spends the most of his energies to motivate
his players constantly who are faced by frequent failures. Each and
every moment, he makes clarion call, not to get depressed, frustrated but
to put faith in themselves and to put more efforts so as to win the
game. In real life, the manager finds himself saddled with many problems
and he motivates himself and also he must be in a position to motivate
his subordinates who might be facing several personal and professional
setbacks. In fact, motivation is the ability to move from one setback
to another without losing energy and enthusiasm. It requires a lot of
mental energy to get charged frequently whenever one is faced with
frequent failures.
In the reel life, the hero plays a commendable role to play down the
politics involved in winning the process of game. Such as there was a
player who raised a banner of revolt against the hero by branding him as
a traitor who sold out himself for the sake of money to Pakistan. In
real life, the manager needs to play down many organizational politics
and he always battles with a very few members who are negative minded or
egoistic minded subordinates. The manager also involves in fire
fighting and troubleshooting.
The hero has tremendous passion and involvement towards his beloved
sport and he toughens the players by toughening them both physically and
mentally. It is parrallel with the kind of initial training one gets in
armed forces. The traits of discipline, dedication and determination
are inculcated among the players which is similar to that of defence
training.
In India, there is paramount importance attached to cricket and it is a
well known fact that Indians' love 2 Cs i.e. Cricket and Cinema. At
the same time there is a step motherly treatment to other sports. In
developed countries, there is total concentration on most of the games.
Unfortunately, there is no such trend in India. Even sponsors do not
come forward to promote other games as they find it very risky. There
is a strong need to possess killer instinct amongst the Indian
portspersons. The politics in sports take another toll.
The selection of sportpersons should be based purely on merit and
talent. There should be scientific approach to find out the aptitude of the
person, physical conditions and other related aspects at the childhood
itself. After tapping their inner talents, then they should be
trained and groomed scientifically and professionally. There should not be
any shift from one sport to another sport. And they should concentrate
on one sport right from their childhood to the last in order to have
higher success rate. In a nutshell, they should have passion, zeal,
killer instinct and should stay focussed in one sport.
In reel life the hero is SRK but in real life there are many such
heroes. There is a strong need to learn many lessons from this film either
from personality development perspective or for all-round prosperity and
success of individuals from professional perspective. Such films
provide a source of inspiration and motivation to many managers in the
corporate world.
'Chak De! India' can be taken as a case study in management/business
education to highlight motivation, team spirit, leadership, cultural
unity and India's identity. It sends a strong message that you can turn
your scars into stars. Every dog has its own day. Nobody is blessed with
good time or cursed with bad time forever in his or her life. Never
ever get dejected with short-term setbacks and try to rise like Phoenix.
THE END
BY PROF.M.S.RAO, ACADEMIC GUIDE, ICFAI UNIVERSITY, INDIA
American author, Dale Carnegie, said that fear of failure was one of
the stumbling blocks for every human being to endeavor and achieve in
his life. He fundamentally highlighted about six types of failures one
has to overcome such as fear of failure, fear of criticism, fear of old
age, fear of poverty, fear of ill health and fear of death. When an
individual overcomes from all these six fears he can conquer the world
and come out with flying colors.
In the film, 'Chak De! India' the hero Shah Rukh Khan, SRK (in the
movie, Kabhir Khan) fails to win the game at the final movement of hockey
game and his positive intention i.e. sportsmanship to congratulate his
rival and the winner a Pakistani team resulted in getting branded as a
sell out and as traitor of the country and that hurt and humiliated him.
After 7 years, he takes his ambition to make India as a number one in
hockey in the world.
There are many lessons to be learnt from this film whether it is in our
personal life or professional life. The hero proves himself as an
effective and efficient motivator and manager to train and groom by
picking up the budding talents. Keeping reel life apart, in real life the
managers are faced with many problems from the beginning to the end of
the working day. He plans many things and starts the day with fresh
energy and enthusiasm. But he gets distracted by many external problems and
he constantly fights mentally to do his routine activities and also to
tackle the sudden outside problems. It is a constant battle to keep
himself on the right track and on the fast track.
In the reel life, the hero smartly assesses the strengths and weakness
of the each player and engages them up to the hilt to bring out the
best. In the day to day business world, the manager also looks at the
strengths of the each employee and tries his best to capitalize and encash
thereby making the skills of his employees complementary.
In the reel life, the hero shrewdly manages the cultural differences
among the various players across the country and brings them into one
common platform i.e. India. He finds it very hard to get them tuned and
aligned themselves as Indians. In real life the manager also works at
great length to manage the cultural diversities who comes from nook and
corners of the world. The mission of the manager is to lead from the
front to achieve the desired objectives and goals.
In the reel life, the hero spends the most of his energies to motivate
his players constantly who are faced by frequent failures. Each and
every moment, he makes clarion call, not to get depressed, frustrated but
to put faith in themselves and to put more efforts so as to win the
game. In real life, the manager finds himself saddled with many problems
and he motivates himself and also he must be in a position to motivate
his subordinates who might be facing several personal and professional
setbacks. In fact, motivation is the ability to move from one setback
to another without losing energy and enthusiasm. It requires a lot of
mental energy to get charged frequently whenever one is faced with
frequent failures.
In the reel life, the hero plays a commendable role to play down the
politics involved in winning the process of game. Such as there was a
player who raised a banner of revolt against the hero by branding him as
a traitor who sold out himself for the sake of money to Pakistan. In
real life, the manager needs to play down many organizational politics
and he always battles with a very few members who are negative minded or
egoistic minded subordinates. The manager also involves in fire
fighting and troubleshooting.
The hero has tremendous passion and involvement towards his beloved
sport and he toughens the players by toughening them both physically and
mentally. It is parrallel with the kind of initial training one gets in
armed forces. The traits of discipline, dedication and determination
are inculcated among the players which is similar to that of defence
training.
In India, there is paramount importance attached to cricket and it is a
well known fact that Indians' love 2 Cs i.e. Cricket and Cinema. At
the same time there is a step motherly treatment to other sports. In
developed countries, there is total concentration on most of the games.
Unfortunately, there is no such trend in India. Even sponsors do not
come forward to promote other games as they find it very risky. There
is a strong need to possess killer instinct amongst the Indian
portspersons. The politics in sports take another toll.
The selection of sportpersons should be based purely on merit and
talent. There should be scientific approach to find out the aptitude of the
person, physical conditions and other related aspects at the childhood
itself. After tapping their inner talents, then they should be
trained and groomed scientifically and professionally. There should not be
any shift from one sport to another sport. And they should concentrate
on one sport right from their childhood to the last in order to have
higher success rate. In a nutshell, they should have passion, zeal,
killer instinct and should stay focussed in one sport.
In reel life the hero is SRK but in real life there are many such
heroes. There is a strong need to learn many lessons from this film either
from personality development perspective or for all-round prosperity and
success of individuals from professional perspective. Such films
provide a source of inspiration and motivation to many managers in the
corporate world.
'Chak De! India' can be taken as a case study in management/business
education to highlight motivation, team spirit, leadership, cultural
unity and India's identity. It sends a strong message that you can turn
your scars into stars. Every dog has its own day. Nobody is blessed with
good time or cursed with bad time forever in his or her life. Never
ever get dejected with short-term setbacks and try to rise like Phoenix.
THE END
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Negotiation can be defined as the process of involving the different groups with different interests across the negotiating table through dialogue and discussion in order to resolve conflicts amicably. Great nations resolve their long standing issues by way of effective negotiations. Many an industrial dispute is resolved amicably through these means so as to achieve their goals and objectives which would have been hampered otherwise. It is the process which takes place in our day to day life in the families, at the work places, at all places either consciously or unconsciously.
Negotiations are of three types such as integrative process, distribution process or lose –win process. Integrative process is the one where both the parties sit together and negotiate amicably by finding out many new solutions to a particular problem and agreeing to it. It is also known as win-win situation because both the parties are getting benefit by resolving their conflicts amicably. The world’s fifth richest man, Mr.Lakshmi Niwas Mittal is a great negotiator as he acquired Arcelator another steel giant across the globe by this integration process. Initially he failed to integrate horizontally but due to his patience, perseverance and persistence, he succeeded in integrating and made Arcelator Mittal a global steel giant. On the other hand, distributive process is the one where one party wants to win at the cost of the other party by inflicting maximum losses which is also popularly known as win-lose situation or zero sum situation. It is like the proverb, ‘One man’s food is another man’s poison’. The third one is the lose-win situation where one party loses and the other wins.
Negotiator is a person who takes active part in the negotiation process and it is a great trait to be a successful negotiator. Any one who is good at negotiation skills can succeed in any field of life. There are many characteristics a successful negotiator must possess:
He should be a good learner and observer.
Should know the body language of the people at the negotiation process.
Should be open and flexible and yet firm.
Exercise great patience, coolness and maturity.
Should possess leadership qualities.
Should radiate energy and enthusiasm and must be in a position to empathize with his opponents.
Should build trust and confidence.
Should be confident and optimist.
Should have clear cut goals and objectives.
If necessary, he should provide a face saving formula for his counter party.
Should be able to grasp the situation from many dimensions.
Should know human psychology and face reading.
Should control emotions and not show his weaknesses.
Should bargain from the position of strength.
Should know and anticipate the pros and cons of his each move and its repercussions.
Should be a patient listener.
Should know how to create the momentum for the negotiations and must know when to exit and where to exit by closing the talks successfully.
Should not be a doubting Thomas.
Should plan and prepare thoroughly with relevant data and information to avoid blank mind in the process.
A skilled negotiator is born through continuous preparation and series of strenuous efforts which may culminate either in success or failure of talks. It is aptly said, “ A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner”. If required, a skilled negotiator may apply all types of tact ness and diplomacy so as to make the negotiation process a successful one.
Negotiation process is involved in all walks of life everyday. When a principal of a college engages extra coaching classes to teaching staff on holidays, the teaching staff requesting him to consider for a compensatory casual leave is a type of negotiation. Right at home, children ask their parents certain things and parents in turn ask them to perform academically well so that their wishes could be fulfilled are also a type of negotiation. When unemployed youth goes for an interview he negotiates his salary for which he fixes a lower and upper cut off amount in his mind. He puts his best to bargain from the position of strength, provided, he possesses requisite eligibility conditions and skills and abilities. If he reaches top of his own cut off amount framed in his mind then he becomes a successful negotiator. In case if he gets the salary between the upper and the lower cut off amount then it is quite reasonable and he can conclude that he managed to gain somehow. In case, if he gets the salary below the lower cut off amount then he failed to negotiate effectively. One can judge oneself at the end of the negations process whether one has come out successful or not.
As a skill, negotiation in the industrial level plays a pivotal role at the purchase level. If the purchase manager negotiates effectively and purchases the raw material then the cost of the production can be brought down. When the input cost is reduced then the cost of the production comes down resulting in higher profits for the company. One who goes for a placement as a purchase manager, this ability is tested vigorously or else the purchase manager may prove to be counter productive.
Many industrial disputes are settled by effective negotiations as any lax in their approach proves to be very costly for the company. Either the conflicts between the management and the employees or amongst the employees is to be nipped in the bud for sound and healthy industrial relations.
United Nations played a major role, as a negotiator, in averting many conflicts by effective intervention and negotiation in order to ensure global peace and harmony. As we all know how costly the wars are! Although the UN failed to negotiate in resolving some conflicts but overall it played a successful role in averting conflicts at the global level.
Failure of Sino-Indian talks resulted into 1962 war with Chinese aggression. Failure to follow it up effectively proved costly for India. Pundit Nehru failed miserably in averting 1962 war. Again the failure of Indo-Pak talks resulted in three wars in 1948, 1965 and in1971 which highlights the importance of negotiating skills at the diplomatic levels. At times, it requires a lot of patience to resolve long pending boarder issues.
In Mahabharata epic, Kurukshetra battle broke out as a result of failure of negotiations between Pandavas and Kauravas. All this signifies tremendous importance attached to negotiation skills.
The job seekers need to possess soft skills so as to work smoothly at their work place. Negotiation skill is one of the greatest soft skills treated to be the most powerful and is a sine quo non. The interviewing officer lays emphasis on this trait along with communication skills indicates its growing significance.
Everyone must get equipped with the negotiation skills and it is not inborn but can be cultivated over a period of time by way of training and continuous practice. It is imperative to possess the skill to succeed in this cut-throat competitive world.
T H E E N D
Negotiations are of three types such as integrative process, distribution process or lose –win process. Integrative process is the one where both the parties sit together and negotiate amicably by finding out many new solutions to a particular problem and agreeing to it. It is also known as win-win situation because both the parties are getting benefit by resolving their conflicts amicably. The world’s fifth richest man, Mr.Lakshmi Niwas Mittal is a great negotiator as he acquired Arcelator another steel giant across the globe by this integration process. Initially he failed to integrate horizontally but due to his patience, perseverance and persistence, he succeeded in integrating and made Arcelator Mittal a global steel giant. On the other hand, distributive process is the one where one party wants to win at the cost of the other party by inflicting maximum losses which is also popularly known as win-lose situation or zero sum situation. It is like the proverb, ‘One man’s food is another man’s poison’. The third one is the lose-win situation where one party loses and the other wins.
Negotiator is a person who takes active part in the negotiation process and it is a great trait to be a successful negotiator. Any one who is good at negotiation skills can succeed in any field of life. There are many characteristics a successful negotiator must possess:
He should be a good learner and observer.
Should know the body language of the people at the negotiation process.
Should be open and flexible and yet firm.
Exercise great patience, coolness and maturity.
Should possess leadership qualities.
Should radiate energy and enthusiasm and must be in a position to empathize with his opponents.
Should build trust and confidence.
Should be confident and optimist.
Should have clear cut goals and objectives.
If necessary, he should provide a face saving formula for his counter party.
Should be able to grasp the situation from many dimensions.
Should know human psychology and face reading.
Should control emotions and not show his weaknesses.
Should bargain from the position of strength.
Should know and anticipate the pros and cons of his each move and its repercussions.
Should be a patient listener.
Should know how to create the momentum for the negotiations and must know when to exit and where to exit by closing the talks successfully.
Should not be a doubting Thomas.
Should plan and prepare thoroughly with relevant data and information to avoid blank mind in the process.
A skilled negotiator is born through continuous preparation and series of strenuous efforts which may culminate either in success or failure of talks. It is aptly said, “ A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner”. If required, a skilled negotiator may apply all types of tact ness and diplomacy so as to make the negotiation process a successful one.
Negotiation process is involved in all walks of life everyday. When a principal of a college engages extra coaching classes to teaching staff on holidays, the teaching staff requesting him to consider for a compensatory casual leave is a type of negotiation. Right at home, children ask their parents certain things and parents in turn ask them to perform academically well so that their wishes could be fulfilled are also a type of negotiation. When unemployed youth goes for an interview he negotiates his salary for which he fixes a lower and upper cut off amount in his mind. He puts his best to bargain from the position of strength, provided, he possesses requisite eligibility conditions and skills and abilities. If he reaches top of his own cut off amount framed in his mind then he becomes a successful negotiator. In case if he gets the salary between the upper and the lower cut off amount then it is quite reasonable and he can conclude that he managed to gain somehow. In case, if he gets the salary below the lower cut off amount then he failed to negotiate effectively. One can judge oneself at the end of the negations process whether one has come out successful or not.
As a skill, negotiation in the industrial level plays a pivotal role at the purchase level. If the purchase manager negotiates effectively and purchases the raw material then the cost of the production can be brought down. When the input cost is reduced then the cost of the production comes down resulting in higher profits for the company. One who goes for a placement as a purchase manager, this ability is tested vigorously or else the purchase manager may prove to be counter productive.
Many industrial disputes are settled by effective negotiations as any lax in their approach proves to be very costly for the company. Either the conflicts between the management and the employees or amongst the employees is to be nipped in the bud for sound and healthy industrial relations.
United Nations played a major role, as a negotiator, in averting many conflicts by effective intervention and negotiation in order to ensure global peace and harmony. As we all know how costly the wars are! Although the UN failed to negotiate in resolving some conflicts but overall it played a successful role in averting conflicts at the global level.
Failure of Sino-Indian talks resulted into 1962 war with Chinese aggression. Failure to follow it up effectively proved costly for India. Pundit Nehru failed miserably in averting 1962 war. Again the failure of Indo-Pak talks resulted in three wars in 1948, 1965 and in1971 which highlights the importance of negotiating skills at the diplomatic levels. At times, it requires a lot of patience to resolve long pending boarder issues.
In Mahabharata epic, Kurukshetra battle broke out as a result of failure of negotiations between Pandavas and Kauravas. All this signifies tremendous importance attached to negotiation skills.
The job seekers need to possess soft skills so as to work smoothly at their work place. Negotiation skill is one of the greatest soft skills treated to be the most powerful and is a sine quo non. The interviewing officer lays emphasis on this trait along with communication skills indicates its growing significance.
Everyone must get equipped with the negotiation skills and it is not inborn but can be cultivated over a period of time by way of training and continuous practice. It is imperative to possess the skill to succeed in this cut-throat competitive world.
T H E E N D
ONE DAY AS AN INVIGILATOR
As I have come from a non-academic work experience I found working as an invigilator a day quite interesting and also embarrassing. Embarrassing in the sense, I do not know the procedure to be adopted for working as an invigilator for B.Tech students of JNTU, Hyderabad. Now I am working as a |Asst. Professor in Srinivas Reddy Institute of Technology, in Armoor, in Nizamabad district in Andhra Pradesh. And suddenly I found a lot of confusion. Fortunately I have been provided with an assistant staff Mr.Viswa Prakash Babu to get tuned with the invigilation procedure.
I found the identity of each student by checking personally and then allowed them inside the exam. hall. All students are to be seated by 9.45 am and the question papers would be handed by 9.55 and the exam. should start by on dot 10.00 am.
There are four sets of different questions of the same subject to minimize copying. I supplied the sets serially from first person to the last i.e.24persons (24 persons are allowed in each room. And if more than 24 persons are there then an additional invigilator would be deployed in the room).
Then I individually checked the hall ticket numbers of all the students along with the answer sheet of the each students along with the answer sheet of the each students and verified thoroughly, whether it is properly written or not and signed on the main answer booklet.
If we find that the one student is absent, we have to refund the same answer sheet along with the question paper set number. Students who arrive late to the exam. will not be allowed inside the exam hall.
We have to crosscheck whether the main booklet number, question paper set number and hall ticket number match or not. And also we have to check the faculty; regular or supplementary is also to be checked. We have to check the signature of the student and the invigilator should also sign on each answer booklet.
After 30 minutes the attendant comes to each room and takes away the answer sheets of absent students along with question paper and seating plan. If any want takes additional
Sheet it is to be written in the answer booklet along with a signature on the statement of account of additional sheet paper.
No student is allowed to go out of the exam. hall during the exam. In case of any emergency an escort has to be provided so as to ensure that no malpractice takes place.
During the exam. time invigilator should move around the hall in all corners and check if anyone copies from other students. Those students who are good at subject, they keep writing by focusing on the answer sheet. But those who are not confident, they look here and there for support to copy. No coping is allowed and no chitchatting is permitted during the process. No murmuring is allowed as it disturbs the genuine and bright students.
Before entering the hall, we thoroughly check the students physically for any chits, mobiles are not allowed, shoes are to be removed and thoroughly checked. Even on the calculator covers, students may write something on them. So we ordered them to keep all covers of calculator to be kept at the podium.
It is a great experience, memorable in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed doing the duty. In the middle of the duty, the reliever comes to take in charge for sometime to provide a break for us.
It is here we have to highlight the role of the observer. Md.Kaza Mohiddin was the observer who was upright and above board and well versed with rules and regulations. He kept checking all the rooms frequently and checked the students whenever he finds any suspicion of malpractice. The observer belongs to some other institution and he comes here to oversee the things whether the things were okay.
Extra time should not be allotted and they will be intimated just before the completion of the exam. As they can plan and prepare well by fastening the additional sheets along with the main answer booklet.
After collecting all the answer booklets, we have to check the set number, along with answer sheet number along with additional sheets, if any. We have to see whether additional sheets are proper tied with the main booklets.
Ultimately we have to arrange all the answer sheets as per the set wise and in ascending order and then to be submitted to the exam dept.
Becoming an invigilator for B Tech students of JNTU is a great privilege and it is a matter of great pride because we have vast powers to exercise and if any student involves in malpractice, the observer can recommend to JNTU for debarring the student.
Working as an invigilator gave me a great exposure, experience and provides the ability to read the psychology of the students taking tests and I went home with great happiness and satisfaction, Of course, I might have made a few mistakes as it was the first time but my friend and co-invigilator guided me properly.
I found the identity of each student by checking personally and then allowed them inside the exam. hall. All students are to be seated by 9.45 am and the question papers would be handed by 9.55 and the exam. should start by on dot 10.00 am.
There are four sets of different questions of the same subject to minimize copying. I supplied the sets serially from first person to the last i.e.24persons (24 persons are allowed in each room. And if more than 24 persons are there then an additional invigilator would be deployed in the room).
Then I individually checked the hall ticket numbers of all the students along with the answer sheet of the each students along with the answer sheet of the each students and verified thoroughly, whether it is properly written or not and signed on the main answer booklet.
If we find that the one student is absent, we have to refund the same answer sheet along with the question paper set number. Students who arrive late to the exam. will not be allowed inside the exam hall.
We have to crosscheck whether the main booklet number, question paper set number and hall ticket number match or not. And also we have to check the faculty; regular or supplementary is also to be checked. We have to check the signature of the student and the invigilator should also sign on each answer booklet.
After 30 minutes the attendant comes to each room and takes away the answer sheets of absent students along with question paper and seating plan. If any want takes additional
Sheet it is to be written in the answer booklet along with a signature on the statement of account of additional sheet paper.
No student is allowed to go out of the exam. hall during the exam. In case of any emergency an escort has to be provided so as to ensure that no malpractice takes place.
During the exam. time invigilator should move around the hall in all corners and check if anyone copies from other students. Those students who are good at subject, they keep writing by focusing on the answer sheet. But those who are not confident, they look here and there for support to copy. No coping is allowed and no chitchatting is permitted during the process. No murmuring is allowed as it disturbs the genuine and bright students.
Before entering the hall, we thoroughly check the students physically for any chits, mobiles are not allowed, shoes are to be removed and thoroughly checked. Even on the calculator covers, students may write something on them. So we ordered them to keep all covers of calculator to be kept at the podium.
It is a great experience, memorable in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed doing the duty. In the middle of the duty, the reliever comes to take in charge for sometime to provide a break for us.
It is here we have to highlight the role of the observer. Md.Kaza Mohiddin was the observer who was upright and above board and well versed with rules and regulations. He kept checking all the rooms frequently and checked the students whenever he finds any suspicion of malpractice. The observer belongs to some other institution and he comes here to oversee the things whether the things were okay.
Extra time should not be allotted and they will be intimated just before the completion of the exam. As they can plan and prepare well by fastening the additional sheets along with the main answer booklet.
After collecting all the answer booklets, we have to check the set number, along with answer sheet number along with additional sheets, if any. We have to see whether additional sheets are proper tied with the main booklets.
Ultimately we have to arrange all the answer sheets as per the set wise and in ascending order and then to be submitted to the exam dept.
Becoming an invigilator for B Tech students of JNTU is a great privilege and it is a matter of great pride because we have vast powers to exercise and if any student involves in malpractice, the observer can recommend to JNTU for debarring the student.
Working as an invigilator gave me a great exposure, experience and provides the ability to read the psychology of the students taking tests and I went home with great happiness and satisfaction, Of course, I might have made a few mistakes as it was the first time but my friend and co-invigilator guided me properly.
PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
"Problems are to mind what exercise is to the muscles they toughen and make strong", Norman Vincent Peale.
Richard Branson the boss of Virgin group of UK spends 33 per cent of his time in existing business, 33 per cent in new ventures and 33 per cent in problem solving and 1 per cent in parting as he is a party animal. It is obvious that he expects problems in his business and he is mentally prepared to face and battle the problems.
Every one wants to have a smooth ride in his life but every one encounters problems from birth to death. WHO declared problem solving as the 8th life skill. It indicates that every person must be equipped with tools and techniques to overcome problems in daily life. Problem is nothing but an unexpected, unforeseen and unfavorable issue that may crop up either because of internal forces or external forces or combination of both internal and external forces. In the case of internal forces, it could be due to negligence or lack of knowledge of the individual that the problem is going to come up. In such a scenario it can be manageable and can be tackled with care and caution. Whereas in the case of external problems which are beyond the reach of the individual to manage. It is in this context, individuals get stuck and upset and if the problems are recurrent and they get dejected and demotivated. After having known what is problem, it is relevant to find out the root causes of the problems.
CAUSES:
When there is inconsistency in perception and thinking amongst people the problem crops up. If the expectations and aspirations are not met there will be dissatisfaction resulting into frustration and problems. When people fail to understand one another the end result is the problem. Ego clashes amongst the people may give rise to conflicts. Misunderstandings will lead to communication gap and resulting into conflicts. All these can be ascribed to internal forces and factors responsible for problems.
The author bought a plot, which was later found to be in litigation and was already registered on some other person. It became a tough task to handle the problem because it involved the middlemen and the seller who was also misled by his immediate seller. It involved the legal litigation and complications. It took around four months to settle the problem out of court amicably. To tackle this problem the author applied the tool of SWOT analysis. The SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. The strength was that the author was legally if right as it was registered on his name. The weakness was that if the legal issue gets prolonged for a longer time there will be drain in his precious energies and time. The opportunity was that the plot was strategically and geographically located near main constructions and if any further constructions take place there will be spectacular jump in the land price. The threat was that the author was new to that place and had to encounter threats from local miscreants. This was how the SWOT analysis was used and ultimately he succeeded in getting out the problem through sustained efforts and perseverance. At times the problems do surface due to none of our mistakes. In fact, facing problems is essential for developing character and internal growth. Problems either make a person bigger or smaller.
EFFECTS:
There is wastage of time in tackling the problems. This time can be utilized for other constructive and productive activities. Problems deviate and sidetrack the main activities. It will have overall ill impact at the social level, personal level and professional level. At times, recurrent problems create self-doubt thereby losing confidence in oneself resulting into frustrations. By constantly worrying about the problems, people make mistakes due to lack of concentration. If this negative fall out is one side of the coin, the other side of the coin is the ability to take up problems as challenges and fighting it out. In this context, John Johnson aptly said, "There is advantage in every disadvantage and a gift in every problem". The inner talents and traits would surface when an individual is forced to a corner. It is like when a piece of log subjected to severe pressure becomes charcoal. And if it is subjected to extreme pressure results in a diamond. Great personalities are made from men like that.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO TAME:
• Look at the root of the problem and find out what led to the eruption of the problem as it paves the way for right remedy.
• Apply back end method i.e. glance at the problem and then go backwards step by step in order to find out the links. When you know the right links then it is easy to break the links to get disentangled.
• If the problem looks big enough then break it into tiny pieces and then solve it step by step. It is known as ‘cluster problem’ which is cluster of many tiny problems.
• Mentally map it with in your mind looking at all aspects both tangible and intangible factors and forces.
• Always try to see the big picture.
• Apply SWOT analysis tool in letter and spirit and weigh pros and cons and then decide the right solution.
• Take expert advice if required.
• Take inspiration from people who underwent through such problems and overcame successfully.
• Consult various well wishers about the problem and then take the solution that suits the best.
• Always look at both extremities such as what are the best and the worst options and then play safe.
• Check your biological clock and work on the problem wholeheartedly with fresh mind.
• Apply tools like brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, morphological method, hill climbing strategy, analogy, six thinking hats, synectics, mind mapping etc.,
• Critical thinking, conceptual thinking and analytical ability is essential to solve the problems.
• Address the problem earnestly and promptly or else it would become a conflict and finally a crisis.
• Application of creative techniques is essential, as there is no permanent solution for every problem. Solution depends on the intensity and magnitude of the problem.
• Out of the box thinking and innovative techniques are essential.
• If required, sleep over the problem. And also stay with the problem for more time as Albert Einstein said, "It's not that I am smart it’s just that I stay with problems longer".
• Mind is fresh early in the morning without any preoccupied thoughts. And also this time provides an opportunity to look at the problem on a clean slate.
• Apply trial and error method. If succeeded it is good or else failure teaches many lessons in life.
• Do not flight but fight to the finish.
Above all, do possess tenacity and perseverance to tackle the problems. Brian Tracy quoted, "Leaders think and talk about solutions. Followers think about the problems". Now the ball is in your court whether to become a leader or a follower.
CONCLUSION:
"Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them", quoted Albert Einstein. You decide yourself whether you want to be a genius or an intellectual. As far as possible, checkmate the problem before it rears up as major one. Nip it in the bud. Never get perturbed with problems. If problem is the end then the solutions are the means. Means are many where as the end is only one. Hence it is very easy to tackle the problem with the support of multiple solutions. Never brood over the problems. Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you . . . but to help you realize your hidden potential. . . . Let difficulties know that your are difficult.
MESSAGE:
Face the problems squarely with courage and confidence. Learn to live with problems in life. As long as head is there, there will be headache. And similarly as long as people are there, there will be problems. Every problem will open up an opportunity. Many inventions resulted from problems and necessities. This is the silver lining on the dark cloud of problems.
"Winning horse does not know why it runs in race . . .It runs because of beats and pains . . . The larger you get pain the stronger you become. Life is race, God is your rider."
THE END
Richard Branson the boss of Virgin group of UK spends 33 per cent of his time in existing business, 33 per cent in new ventures and 33 per cent in problem solving and 1 per cent in parting as he is a party animal. It is obvious that he expects problems in his business and he is mentally prepared to face and battle the problems.
Every one wants to have a smooth ride in his life but every one encounters problems from birth to death. WHO declared problem solving as the 8th life skill. It indicates that every person must be equipped with tools and techniques to overcome problems in daily life. Problem is nothing but an unexpected, unforeseen and unfavorable issue that may crop up either because of internal forces or external forces or combination of both internal and external forces. In the case of internal forces, it could be due to negligence or lack of knowledge of the individual that the problem is going to come up. In such a scenario it can be manageable and can be tackled with care and caution. Whereas in the case of external problems which are beyond the reach of the individual to manage. It is in this context, individuals get stuck and upset and if the problems are recurrent and they get dejected and demotivated. After having known what is problem, it is relevant to find out the root causes of the problems.
CAUSES:
When there is inconsistency in perception and thinking amongst people the problem crops up. If the expectations and aspirations are not met there will be dissatisfaction resulting into frustration and problems. When people fail to understand one another the end result is the problem. Ego clashes amongst the people may give rise to conflicts. Misunderstandings will lead to communication gap and resulting into conflicts. All these can be ascribed to internal forces and factors responsible for problems.
The author bought a plot, which was later found to be in litigation and was already registered on some other person. It became a tough task to handle the problem because it involved the middlemen and the seller who was also misled by his immediate seller. It involved the legal litigation and complications. It took around four months to settle the problem out of court amicably. To tackle this problem the author applied the tool of SWOT analysis. The SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. The strength was that the author was legally if right as it was registered on his name. The weakness was that if the legal issue gets prolonged for a longer time there will be drain in his precious energies and time. The opportunity was that the plot was strategically and geographically located near main constructions and if any further constructions take place there will be spectacular jump in the land price. The threat was that the author was new to that place and had to encounter threats from local miscreants. This was how the SWOT analysis was used and ultimately he succeeded in getting out the problem through sustained efforts and perseverance. At times the problems do surface due to none of our mistakes. In fact, facing problems is essential for developing character and internal growth. Problems either make a person bigger or smaller.
EFFECTS:
There is wastage of time in tackling the problems. This time can be utilized for other constructive and productive activities. Problems deviate and sidetrack the main activities. It will have overall ill impact at the social level, personal level and professional level. At times, recurrent problems create self-doubt thereby losing confidence in oneself resulting into frustrations. By constantly worrying about the problems, people make mistakes due to lack of concentration. If this negative fall out is one side of the coin, the other side of the coin is the ability to take up problems as challenges and fighting it out. In this context, John Johnson aptly said, "There is advantage in every disadvantage and a gift in every problem". The inner talents and traits would surface when an individual is forced to a corner. It is like when a piece of log subjected to severe pressure becomes charcoal. And if it is subjected to extreme pressure results in a diamond. Great personalities are made from men like that.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES TO TAME:
• Look at the root of the problem and find out what led to the eruption of the problem as it paves the way for right remedy.
• Apply back end method i.e. glance at the problem and then go backwards step by step in order to find out the links. When you know the right links then it is easy to break the links to get disentangled.
• If the problem looks big enough then break it into tiny pieces and then solve it step by step. It is known as ‘cluster problem’ which is cluster of many tiny problems.
• Mentally map it with in your mind looking at all aspects both tangible and intangible factors and forces.
• Always try to see the big picture.
• Apply SWOT analysis tool in letter and spirit and weigh pros and cons and then decide the right solution.
• Take expert advice if required.
• Take inspiration from people who underwent through such problems and overcame successfully.
• Consult various well wishers about the problem and then take the solution that suits the best.
• Always look at both extremities such as what are the best and the worst options and then play safe.
• Check your biological clock and work on the problem wholeheartedly with fresh mind.
• Apply tools like brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, morphological method, hill climbing strategy, analogy, six thinking hats, synectics, mind mapping etc.,
• Critical thinking, conceptual thinking and analytical ability is essential to solve the problems.
• Address the problem earnestly and promptly or else it would become a conflict and finally a crisis.
• Application of creative techniques is essential, as there is no permanent solution for every problem. Solution depends on the intensity and magnitude of the problem.
• Out of the box thinking and innovative techniques are essential.
• If required, sleep over the problem. And also stay with the problem for more time as Albert Einstein said, "It's not that I am smart it’s just that I stay with problems longer".
• Mind is fresh early in the morning without any preoccupied thoughts. And also this time provides an opportunity to look at the problem on a clean slate.
• Apply trial and error method. If succeeded it is good or else failure teaches many lessons in life.
• Do not flight but fight to the finish.
Above all, do possess tenacity and perseverance to tackle the problems. Brian Tracy quoted, "Leaders think and talk about solutions. Followers think about the problems". Now the ball is in your court whether to become a leader or a follower.
CONCLUSION:
"Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them", quoted Albert Einstein. You decide yourself whether you want to be a genius or an intellectual. As far as possible, checkmate the problem before it rears up as major one. Nip it in the bud. Never get perturbed with problems. If problem is the end then the solutions are the means. Means are many where as the end is only one. Hence it is very easy to tackle the problem with the support of multiple solutions. Never brood over the problems. Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you . . . but to help you realize your hidden potential. . . . Let difficulties know that your are difficult.
MESSAGE:
Face the problems squarely with courage and confidence. Learn to live with problems in life. As long as head is there, there will be headache. And similarly as long as people are there, there will be problems. Every problem will open up an opportunity. Many inventions resulted from problems and necessities. This is the silver lining on the dark cloud of problems.
"Winning horse does not know why it runs in race . . .It runs because of beats and pains . . . The larger you get pain the stronger you become. Life is race, God is your rider."
THE END
RIGHT MINDSET
When students pass out from their educational institutions they find it very difficult to get along in a new environment as they might have studied in their local regions. They should know that they have to get adjusted to totally new situations for which they need to demonstrate their flexibility and adaptability.
Love your mother but do not hate others’ mother. You can love your caste but should not hate others’ caste. Likewise, you may love your language, region and religion but should not hate others’ language, region, and religion. As one can’t digest if an outsider hates his mother, how can the other person can digest when his mother is hated? Cultivation of right, healthy and broad mindset is essential.
The globe has become smaller with fast changing communication and technological inventions. Respecting the fellow human being with dignity is the key to survival and success. Besides the students need to possess communication skills to survive at the work place. Although the students possess the hard skills they found to be inadequate at soft skills. These days communication skills began to play a key and prominent role.
A right, healthy, broad and constructive mindset is the main thing needed for all the prospective employees. Sans right mindset, the survival and success of the students would be at stake.
Love your mother but do not hate others’ mother. You can love your caste but should not hate others’ caste. Likewise, you may love your language, region and religion but should not hate others’ language, region, and religion. As one can’t digest if an outsider hates his mother, how can the other person can digest when his mother is hated? Cultivation of right, healthy and broad mindset is essential.
The globe has become smaller with fast changing communication and technological inventions. Respecting the fellow human being with dignity is the key to survival and success. Besides the students need to possess communication skills to survive at the work place. Although the students possess the hard skills they found to be inadequate at soft skills. These days communication skills began to play a key and prominent role.
A right, healthy, broad and constructive mindset is the main thing needed for all the prospective employees. Sans right mindset, the survival and success of the students would be at stake.
SOFT SKILLS FOR PLACEMENT
These days there is growing importance attached to soft skills in academic fields and at the organizational level too. A lot of stress is being laid on soft skills in many organizations as acquiring mere technical or hard skills and abilities is not adequate. The passed out students from professional courses find it very difficult to get socially adjusted to new working environments despite possessing strong academic background. It is mainly due to the lack of expertise in soft skills.
The soft skills can be defined as the ability to get along well within a new organization, especially, with the employees of divergent cultural, educational, social, and temperamental backgrounds. It also highlights about the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in both written and oral language.
Soft skills which is also known as Emotional Intelligence is the cluster of many skills and abilities and of which the major ones are – interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management skills, team spirit, social grace, motivation, positive attitude, organizing skills, leadership skills, corporate etiquette or business etiquette, conflict management skills, negotiating skills, problem solving, decision-making, staying focused etc.,
The ability to interact with the fellow employees in an institution can be termed as interpersonal skills. The communication skills can be divided into two broad categories such as verbal or oral language and non verbal language. The non verbal language is divided into sign language and body language and the sign language is further divided into visual signs and audio signs. The body language is also known as kinesics. 93 per cent of our communication depends on our body language i.e. communicating by way of eye contact, facial expressions, tone modulation, body gestures etc., Body language becomes effective only when there is consistency in the body postures with that of oral language. The verbal language is again divided into oral and written language. One must possess good command over both oral and written skills because every organization demands its executives to deliver presentations and also to write reports effectively.
The process of doing multiples tasks within a stipulated time frame and the judicious and optimum utilization of time can be termed as time management. Improper time management leads to stress due to the hectic activities generated when the tasks are postponed at the end for execution. Pareto Principle (the principle named after Pareto) highlights that 80 per cent of the unfocussed time gives 20 per cent of the results and the 20 per cent of the efforts gives 80 per cent of the results. Although the figures of 80: 20 can not be taken as the exact but can be taken as an approximate numbers. As a result, it is also known as 80: 20 principles. People must know how to manage their time effectively as the proverb goes “Time and tide waits for none “. One must know that time is irreplaceable and it is a finite resource and one must realize that if he wastes a day, he must think that one day of his precious life is wasted. Better time management leads to stress-free life, better productivity and better performance.
A few people are competent to work as an individual and find it difficult to work in a team thus leading to lack of team spirit. For achieving organizational objectives and goals, it is imperative to build teams and foster team spirit. It is also proved beyond doubt that, if worked in teams, the institutions can deliver better results. Getting aside false egos and keeping the goals of the team paramount can prove beneficial for the companies.
The ability to work gracefully and the ability to work willingly with smile in the work place is a positive sign thus building good human relations and strong network. This is beneficial for the individual and for the institution too.
Success people have the ability to rise even after they have been knocked down, due to strong motivation. The motivation can be divided briefly as self-motivation or internal motivation, external motivation and incentive motivation. The ability to rise spontaneously despite repeated failures of his own can be termed as self-motivation or internal motivation. The way people get motivated by way of the inspirational speeches of great leaders, or by way of slogans, songs, and pictures can be termed as external motivation. When people get encouraged by way of monetary or non monetary incentives, it is known as incentive motivation.
Abraham Lincoln was born to a poor farmer in 1809. He failed in business at the age of 21 years, was defeated in elections at 22, failed in business at 24, lost his wife at 26, had a nervous breakdown at 27, lost senatorial elections at 45, lost elections as Vice-President at 47 and again at 49 but was ultimately the 16th President of USA at 52. He was a great example of self motivation and he proved beyond doubt that the success is the product of successive failures.
The ability to look at things in a positive and bright side even in a critical and complex situation is known as positive attitude. Optimism moves the people ahead while the pessimism kills zeal and enthusiasm. The method of conversion from negative aspects into positive ones by looking at the positive elements of a given situation is known as cognitive restructuring. The positive attitude overcomes the regimented biases built in already in the minds of the people.
Organizing ability is again an important trait as it involves quick mental grasping of the situation and by planning the things and by executing it smoothly. Again it is a great trait both at the personal level and also at the professional level. Proper planning and organizing are two sides of the same coin.
The executives at the higher level have to demonstrate their extraordinary leadership skills both during normal and abnormal conditions by pulling the divergent people into one platform and by motivating them to pursue organizational goals and objectives.
The manners to be adopted within the organization by way of proper dressing, by decent and polite communication, through their telephonic talks, by their handshakes and body language is known as corporate etiquette or business etiquette. The table manners such as holding spoons and forks at the time of lunch breaks will also fall under this segment.
Conflict management is the process of handling conflicts among the employees or between two different groups with different interests. It requires a lot of maturity and skill on the part of the manager who tackles it. All efforts must be made to ensure peace in the work place and if any conflicts arise must be nipped in the bud.
Negotiation is an art and requires proper judgment and anticipation of the other party. It is a process of bringing different groups with different interests into a table so as to ensure smooth agreement amongst all by considering all aspects. All efforts must be made to ensure that everyone wins and gains unlike the saying “One man’s food is another man’s poison “. There are three types of negotiation processes: one is win-win negotiation, second is win-lose negotiation and the third is lose-win negotiation.
When people are faced with problems they usually get an instant idea and adopt. On the other hand, multiple options have to be generated so that the best of the options can be chosen to implement for effective and efficient results. Brainstorming as a concept is used to generate quantity of ideas to solve a specific problem or an issue.
Our destiny depends on our decision making. Right decision-making results in achieving right goals smoothly. The decision making depends on many things such as goals, life styles, desires, values, principles etc., Decision-making is a process of identifying and choosing the right alternatives.
Staying focused results in effective results as one does not get deviated from the main objective. In these days of specializations, it is worthwhile to concentrate on a particular area of interest and work on it thoroughly so as to ensure quick success. Rather one has to be a master of a particular trade or field.
To conclude, there is a significant growing importance attached to soft skills and all the sectors started realizing and began workshops periodically to get their employees fine-tuned. The students who pass out from their academic institutions and on the look out for placements need to equip with these skills and abilities. The great philosopher, Plato aptly said ‘Learning is a continues process from cradle to grave’. There is no end for education, as education is like a perennial river flowing without any let-up. Completion of a degree can be treated as a comma only not as a full stop. As one grows in an organization, it is desirable to add up qualifications, courses, experience in their kitty so as to ensure their success individually and also to ensure the success of their organizations.
T H E E N D
The soft skills can be defined as the ability to get along well within a new organization, especially, with the employees of divergent cultural, educational, social, and temperamental backgrounds. It also highlights about the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in both written and oral language.
Soft skills which is also known as Emotional Intelligence is the cluster of many skills and abilities and of which the major ones are – interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management skills, team spirit, social grace, motivation, positive attitude, organizing skills, leadership skills, corporate etiquette or business etiquette, conflict management skills, negotiating skills, problem solving, decision-making, staying focused etc.,
The ability to interact with the fellow employees in an institution can be termed as interpersonal skills. The communication skills can be divided into two broad categories such as verbal or oral language and non verbal language. The non verbal language is divided into sign language and body language and the sign language is further divided into visual signs and audio signs. The body language is also known as kinesics. 93 per cent of our communication depends on our body language i.e. communicating by way of eye contact, facial expressions, tone modulation, body gestures etc., Body language becomes effective only when there is consistency in the body postures with that of oral language. The verbal language is again divided into oral and written language. One must possess good command over both oral and written skills because every organization demands its executives to deliver presentations and also to write reports effectively.
The process of doing multiples tasks within a stipulated time frame and the judicious and optimum utilization of time can be termed as time management. Improper time management leads to stress due to the hectic activities generated when the tasks are postponed at the end for execution. Pareto Principle (the principle named after Pareto) highlights that 80 per cent of the unfocussed time gives 20 per cent of the results and the 20 per cent of the efforts gives 80 per cent of the results. Although the figures of 80: 20 can not be taken as the exact but can be taken as an approximate numbers. As a result, it is also known as 80: 20 principles. People must know how to manage their time effectively as the proverb goes “Time and tide waits for none “. One must know that time is irreplaceable and it is a finite resource and one must realize that if he wastes a day, he must think that one day of his precious life is wasted. Better time management leads to stress-free life, better productivity and better performance.
A few people are competent to work as an individual and find it difficult to work in a team thus leading to lack of team spirit. For achieving organizational objectives and goals, it is imperative to build teams and foster team spirit. It is also proved beyond doubt that, if worked in teams, the institutions can deliver better results. Getting aside false egos and keeping the goals of the team paramount can prove beneficial for the companies.
The ability to work gracefully and the ability to work willingly with smile in the work place is a positive sign thus building good human relations and strong network. This is beneficial for the individual and for the institution too.
Success people have the ability to rise even after they have been knocked down, due to strong motivation. The motivation can be divided briefly as self-motivation or internal motivation, external motivation and incentive motivation. The ability to rise spontaneously despite repeated failures of his own can be termed as self-motivation or internal motivation. The way people get motivated by way of the inspirational speeches of great leaders, or by way of slogans, songs, and pictures can be termed as external motivation. When people get encouraged by way of monetary or non monetary incentives, it is known as incentive motivation.
Abraham Lincoln was born to a poor farmer in 1809. He failed in business at the age of 21 years, was defeated in elections at 22, failed in business at 24, lost his wife at 26, had a nervous breakdown at 27, lost senatorial elections at 45, lost elections as Vice-President at 47 and again at 49 but was ultimately the 16th President of USA at 52. He was a great example of self motivation and he proved beyond doubt that the success is the product of successive failures.
The ability to look at things in a positive and bright side even in a critical and complex situation is known as positive attitude. Optimism moves the people ahead while the pessimism kills zeal and enthusiasm. The method of conversion from negative aspects into positive ones by looking at the positive elements of a given situation is known as cognitive restructuring. The positive attitude overcomes the regimented biases built in already in the minds of the people.
Organizing ability is again an important trait as it involves quick mental grasping of the situation and by planning the things and by executing it smoothly. Again it is a great trait both at the personal level and also at the professional level. Proper planning and organizing are two sides of the same coin.
The executives at the higher level have to demonstrate their extraordinary leadership skills both during normal and abnormal conditions by pulling the divergent people into one platform and by motivating them to pursue organizational goals and objectives.
The manners to be adopted within the organization by way of proper dressing, by decent and polite communication, through their telephonic talks, by their handshakes and body language is known as corporate etiquette or business etiquette. The table manners such as holding spoons and forks at the time of lunch breaks will also fall under this segment.
Conflict management is the process of handling conflicts among the employees or between two different groups with different interests. It requires a lot of maturity and skill on the part of the manager who tackles it. All efforts must be made to ensure peace in the work place and if any conflicts arise must be nipped in the bud.
Negotiation is an art and requires proper judgment and anticipation of the other party. It is a process of bringing different groups with different interests into a table so as to ensure smooth agreement amongst all by considering all aspects. All efforts must be made to ensure that everyone wins and gains unlike the saying “One man’s food is another man’s poison “. There are three types of negotiation processes: one is win-win negotiation, second is win-lose negotiation and the third is lose-win negotiation.
When people are faced with problems they usually get an instant idea and adopt. On the other hand, multiple options have to be generated so that the best of the options can be chosen to implement for effective and efficient results. Brainstorming as a concept is used to generate quantity of ideas to solve a specific problem or an issue.
Our destiny depends on our decision making. Right decision-making results in achieving right goals smoothly. The decision making depends on many things such as goals, life styles, desires, values, principles etc., Decision-making is a process of identifying and choosing the right alternatives.
Staying focused results in effective results as one does not get deviated from the main objective. In these days of specializations, it is worthwhile to concentrate on a particular area of interest and work on it thoroughly so as to ensure quick success. Rather one has to be a master of a particular trade or field.
To conclude, there is a significant growing importance attached to soft skills and all the sectors started realizing and began workshops periodically to get their employees fine-tuned. The students who pass out from their academic institutions and on the look out for placements need to equip with these skills and abilities. The great philosopher, Plato aptly said ‘Learning is a continues process from cradle to grave’. There is no end for education, as education is like a perennial river flowing without any let-up. Completion of a degree can be treated as a comma only not as a full stop. As one grows in an organization, it is desirable to add up qualifications, courses, experience in their kitty so as to ensure their success individually and also to ensure the success of their organizations.
T H E E N D
SWOT ANALYSIS FOR STUDENTS
In corporate language, SWOT analysis is defined as the rational and overall evaluation of a company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which are likely to affect the strategic choices significantly. Albert S Humphrey was the father of SWOT analysis.
Every organization, or an individual or a country can go for this analysis periodically so as to meet its objectives and goals. Corporate planner or a strategist is involved in organization to conduct this analysis more effectively and efficiently. The person must be highly competent, motivated with a positive bent of mind without any prejudices or biases. He must be in a position to work harder under stress and strain and in a mature and cool manner so as to bring out the best results from this analysis.
As the term implies, strength means the positive side of a picture, weakness means inability to possess specific trait or quality. A threat is a challenge posed due to unfavorable trend or development till a defensive mechanism is created. An opportunity means the availability of various positive options for growth. Both strengths and weaknesses fall in internal environment and opportunities and threats fall in external environment. It is relatively easy to predict the internal environment while it is difficult to anticipate external environment. Visionaries always identify opportunities from threats as the saying goes ‘An optimist looks for opportunity in the difficulties while a pessimist sees difficulty in the opportunities’. For instance, late Dhirubhai H Ambani was a great visionary as he converted weaknesses into strengths and intelligently identified opportunities from threats in the era of controlled economy and built the Reliance Empire within a span of three decades.
SWOT Analysis of a Small Scale Industry:
Let us take the case of Baba Indian Water Industries, a low profile company run by CEO, Mr.Sura Hara Prasad which is located at Nemli in the district of Nizamabad of Andhra Pradesh dealing with the manufacturing and marketing of cleaning liquids.
The strength of this company is its strong presence in many districts of Telangana region in AP with strong marketing network created by way of good relations, strong financial background and highly motivated and dedicated workforce.
The weakness is that, it is not able to expand further to other regions of AP due to technical problems.
The opportunities are that, this particular segment has wider scope as consumers are conscious of health and hygiene factors due to growing literacy and affordability due to raising disposable income levels. The company can gradually look at exports as an alternative option as its products are highly qualitative.
The threats are that, being an SSI it is finding a great difficulty in standing up against stiff competition from big brands in this segment. And being a fast growing company, the unknown companies can go for duplicacy of these products and bring disrepute.
SWOT Analysis of an Engg. Student:
Let us look at the SWOT analysis of a fresh Engg. Graduate. The qualification itself becomes a great strength. Achievement in the academic career from primary level can be listed chronologically and also any extra curricular actives like NCC, NSS, and sports. If any prizes won in any college events either at the regional level or at the national level can be stated. Knowledge of any foreign language can be considered as a plus point because if the prospective employer has an office in that specific country, the candidate can be posted there for better communication and for better results. Publication of national conference paper on a specific subject can come in handy. If the candidate worked on part time and gained experience while being simultaneously involved in academic level will prove to be highly beneficial and the organizations expect experience in many cases. And if any part time courses or training, if the person had undergone along with his regular degree, can also become a great asset.
When listing out the weaknesses, the candidate has to be tactful and also to be honest as incorrect evaluation will prove to be counter productive. Since the graduate has passed out freshly, lack of experience is a major weakness. Now-a-days, majority of the candidates do not posses soft skills despite being strong at hard skills. A few people may not like to go on posting to specific places and it can become a major weakness. The candidate must list out honestly if any weaknesses in his academic career. Or else, the organizations are intelligent enough to find out the weaknesses thus resulting in termination of employment.
Now-a-days, the opportunities are plenty due to fast growing Indian economy. Many multinational companies are setting up offices and manufacturing units in India thus generating employment opportunities. Besides India is very strong at Information Technology and leading in many other sectors. An average graduate can get employment very easily if he slogs hard. Companies are offering many facilities apart from regular pay and perks. The candidates even after getting placement can go for higher qualifications, courses and find ample opportunities all around and can improve financially, mentally and intellectually. Job fairs are conducted frequently in various locations in India with walk-in-interviews with their resumes and get placements instantly. The candidates who are replete with stuff and stamina need not to fear for placement and, on the other hand, get many options to pursue career of his taste and temperament. They must note that getting placement is only a comma not a full stop because they must acquire many more qualifications, skills, abilities and experience till their end and that must become their full stop.
At times, it so happens, the candidates may not get right placement and it is worthwhile to pursue a less profile career so as to gain experience which may serve as a launching pad for better prospects elsewhere in their next move.
This is the age of perform or perishes. One who does not perform well or does not get adjusted well, will be served with pink slips and that becomes a major threat. If the candidate joined in the organization as proper openings were not available and if that company is not doing well, then sticking on to it can become a threat. It may also happen that the company may not find the right person for the right slot and if it subsequently finds a better and more suitable person, and then also there is a possibility of the existing staff being fired.
Likewise candidates must resort to honest evaluation of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats vis-à-vis their career and must proceed with confidence and optimism. Lot of home work needs to be done before applying for post; otherwise, it will be like a round peg in a square hole or like a square peg in a round hole.
To conclude, one must reinforce ones strengths, overcome ones weaknesses, manage ones threats effectively and must explore the available opportunities upto the hilt assuming that once the opportunity is lost, it is lost forever.
T H E E N D
Every organization, or an individual or a country can go for this analysis periodically so as to meet its objectives and goals. Corporate planner or a strategist is involved in organization to conduct this analysis more effectively and efficiently. The person must be highly competent, motivated with a positive bent of mind without any prejudices or biases. He must be in a position to work harder under stress and strain and in a mature and cool manner so as to bring out the best results from this analysis.
As the term implies, strength means the positive side of a picture, weakness means inability to possess specific trait or quality. A threat is a challenge posed due to unfavorable trend or development till a defensive mechanism is created. An opportunity means the availability of various positive options for growth. Both strengths and weaknesses fall in internal environment and opportunities and threats fall in external environment. It is relatively easy to predict the internal environment while it is difficult to anticipate external environment. Visionaries always identify opportunities from threats as the saying goes ‘An optimist looks for opportunity in the difficulties while a pessimist sees difficulty in the opportunities’. For instance, late Dhirubhai H Ambani was a great visionary as he converted weaknesses into strengths and intelligently identified opportunities from threats in the era of controlled economy and built the Reliance Empire within a span of three decades.
SWOT Analysis of a Small Scale Industry:
Let us take the case of Baba Indian Water Industries, a low profile company run by CEO, Mr.Sura Hara Prasad which is located at Nemli in the district of Nizamabad of Andhra Pradesh dealing with the manufacturing and marketing of cleaning liquids.
The strength of this company is its strong presence in many districts of Telangana region in AP with strong marketing network created by way of good relations, strong financial background and highly motivated and dedicated workforce.
The weakness is that, it is not able to expand further to other regions of AP due to technical problems.
The opportunities are that, this particular segment has wider scope as consumers are conscious of health and hygiene factors due to growing literacy and affordability due to raising disposable income levels. The company can gradually look at exports as an alternative option as its products are highly qualitative.
The threats are that, being an SSI it is finding a great difficulty in standing up against stiff competition from big brands in this segment. And being a fast growing company, the unknown companies can go for duplicacy of these products and bring disrepute.
SWOT Analysis of an Engg. Student:
Let us look at the SWOT analysis of a fresh Engg. Graduate. The qualification itself becomes a great strength. Achievement in the academic career from primary level can be listed chronologically and also any extra curricular actives like NCC, NSS, and sports. If any prizes won in any college events either at the regional level or at the national level can be stated. Knowledge of any foreign language can be considered as a plus point because if the prospective employer has an office in that specific country, the candidate can be posted there for better communication and for better results. Publication of national conference paper on a specific subject can come in handy. If the candidate worked on part time and gained experience while being simultaneously involved in academic level will prove to be highly beneficial and the organizations expect experience in many cases. And if any part time courses or training, if the person had undergone along with his regular degree, can also become a great asset.
When listing out the weaknesses, the candidate has to be tactful and also to be honest as incorrect evaluation will prove to be counter productive. Since the graduate has passed out freshly, lack of experience is a major weakness. Now-a-days, majority of the candidates do not posses soft skills despite being strong at hard skills. A few people may not like to go on posting to specific places and it can become a major weakness. The candidate must list out honestly if any weaknesses in his academic career. Or else, the organizations are intelligent enough to find out the weaknesses thus resulting in termination of employment.
Now-a-days, the opportunities are plenty due to fast growing Indian economy. Many multinational companies are setting up offices and manufacturing units in India thus generating employment opportunities. Besides India is very strong at Information Technology and leading in many other sectors. An average graduate can get employment very easily if he slogs hard. Companies are offering many facilities apart from regular pay and perks. The candidates even after getting placement can go for higher qualifications, courses and find ample opportunities all around and can improve financially, mentally and intellectually. Job fairs are conducted frequently in various locations in India with walk-in-interviews with their resumes and get placements instantly. The candidates who are replete with stuff and stamina need not to fear for placement and, on the other hand, get many options to pursue career of his taste and temperament. They must note that getting placement is only a comma not a full stop because they must acquire many more qualifications, skills, abilities and experience till their end and that must become their full stop.
At times, it so happens, the candidates may not get right placement and it is worthwhile to pursue a less profile career so as to gain experience which may serve as a launching pad for better prospects elsewhere in their next move.
This is the age of perform or perishes. One who does not perform well or does not get adjusted well, will be served with pink slips and that becomes a major threat. If the candidate joined in the organization as proper openings were not available and if that company is not doing well, then sticking on to it can become a threat. It may also happen that the company may not find the right person for the right slot and if it subsequently finds a better and more suitable person, and then also there is a possibility of the existing staff being fired.
Likewise candidates must resort to honest evaluation of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats vis-à-vis their career and must proceed with confidence and optimism. Lot of home work needs to be done before applying for post; otherwise, it will be like a round peg in a square hole or like a square peg in a round hole.
To conclude, one must reinforce ones strengths, overcome ones weaknesses, manage ones threats effectively and must explore the available opportunities upto the hilt assuming that once the opportunity is lost, it is lost forever.
T H E E N D
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
“Time is like a river. You can not touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never come again. Enjoy every moment in your life”. Anonymous.
Time management as a skill is fast catching up due to the growing complexities in the society. Every one finds it very difficult to manage the available time and demands more time as though it was in their hands. Especially when one gets more opportunities for growth, one often blames the destiny for not giving more time. It is a well admitted fact that time is irreplaceable, infinite and treated as money. In fact, time is to be treated more than money because when one loses money one can get back but not the time as the popular saying goes, ‘Time and tide waits for none’.
Time management is the process of doing multiples tasks with in the stipulated time frame judiciously. For example, when one goes to a vegetable market, one can also do many tasks on the way although it may consume little more time but it avoids recurrent visits to the market. Such as one can meet ones friend for an official work or for an important or to shopping center also to fetch groceries etc., it is totally different from multi-tasking.
At home, if one organizes properly one can save one’s time. For example, when an individual is properly organized he does not have to waste his precious time for searching the things because he regularly keeps things in their proper places and takes the same mechanically and routinely thus saving time and also avoiding stress. Effective time management makes the people to be punctual and when the people are punctual they execute their tasks as per their plans resulting in better performance. When one looks at the successful people it becomes quite obvious that they are punctual and time conscious.
Pareto principle highlights about the time management skills in numerical form which can not be taken as the most accurate but is considered to be an approximate method. According to this principle, most of the people spend 80 per cent of their time on activities that gives out 20 per cent results and the 20 per cent of their efforts give rise to 80 per cent of the results. It is also known as 80: 20 principles. As it is obvious, people focus their energies on unproductive, irrelevalent, unwanted and superfluous things resulting in wastage of their precious time.
Procrastination is an evil where people delay or postpone their tasks as they are not able to plan and organize the things properly since they lack time management skills. When the things are delayed or postponed, they pile up and one finds a great difficulty to finish the pending tasks thus resulting into stress and strain. It also gives rise to tensions and irritations in their minds. In a nut shell, procrastination is the thief of time.
In order to overcome these difficulties everyone must research his or her past 24 hours keenly and evaluate impartially to find out the areas where they wasted their precious time. It gives a clear picture how one spends ones time for sleep, again for executing their routine daily essential tasks at home and again at work place. This work place needs to be focused keenly step by step like post mortem with the further break of each task finding out how much time it consumed.
Following are the tools and techniques for effective time management. Wherever it is possible, try to delegate the task if the person feels strongly that it does not need his attention. By delegating, the person can concentrate on another task which is more important and it requires his attention only.
Unwanted engagements are to be cut down as such things result in unwanted stress. The activities which are not required to be performed by a particular individual and if it can be done at a lower level even by an ordinary or unskilled person, must be passed on. It is desirable not to go for false prestige and invite problems by accepting the work load which is uncalled and unwarranted. Earmark specific time for each task and try to execute within the same time frame so that one can smoothly go on to the next task with ease. Try to find out your mood swings. If one knows ones mood swings well, one can take best mileage out of it and prosper. Usually people have high energy levels in the morning as their minds are fresh and replete with energy and enthusiasm. Especially at this time, they can concentrate on problem solving or typical or complex tasks as they are able to handle at ease and also it provides a good momentum for the rest of the day.
Every organization provides a diary to all staff so that they can write down their tasks or appointments properly so that they can pursue the same systematically. Maintenance of diary not only enhances memory but also paves the way for effective time management. Apart from the routine general information the diary must contain the information of the to-do-list on daily basis, weekly basis, and monthly basis and on annual basis. Apart from effective time management, the diary encourages people to stay focused.
Prioritizing the tasks draw a clear line between what is important and what is urgent. It depends on the situation and occasion to decide on what is to be focused whether it the urgent task or the important task. It is usually the urgent task that has to be addressed first followed by the important task. The same may be left at the discretion of the individual to act upon. At times, by focusing on urgent tasks, the important tasks are delayed resulting in stress.
Executives at the higher levels cost their time. That is, they take into the account of the amount they get either on monthly or on annual basis, then they work out per day, per hour and per minute in terms of monetary form and decide whether a particular task requires their attention. For instance, when a particular task needs the attention for one hour, then they work out vis-à-vis cost and then they act accordingly as per the situation.
Proper planning, organizing, directing and controlling the tasks through effective coordination also save precious time enormously. One should set ones goals properly as each goal consumes specific period of time. The goals are divided into short term and long term goals. Normally if the duration is less than a year, then, it is known as short term goal, and, on the other hand, if it takes more than a year, it is known as long term goal. The short term goals are to be set in such as a way that it must directly or indirectly help in achieving long term goals. For instance, if a person’s long term goal is to become a soft skills trainer, he or she should set short term goals related to the faculty and especially related to training or teaching skills, reading many books related to this field. Conducting such classes at a lower level, maintaining a file related to the same by way of collecting relevant articles, compiling CDs of great trainers across the world, utilizing internet, by attending the seminars of great leaders in order to draw inspiration and motivation etc., It is also imperative to conduct SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) on regular basis in order to convert his weaknesses into strengths etc.,
Proper goal setting leads the people in the right direction, helps in time management and achieving their objectives thus resulting in success. As we are all aware that success does not come in overnight. It requires prolonged and sustained and systematic efforts in order to reach the tipping point.
Time management skills are one of the greatest skills of soft skills, apart from interpersonal skills, team spirit, social grace, corporate etiquette, negotiation skills. This highlights the growing significance attached to it. God has blessed with fixed time frame to all depending upon their destiny. Every one must effectively make use of this precious resource up to the hilt because past can not be altered, future can not be predicted and what we have is only present. And live up to your present by investing your time cautiously and judiciously.
T H E E N D
Time management as a skill is fast catching up due to the growing complexities in the society. Every one finds it very difficult to manage the available time and demands more time as though it was in their hands. Especially when one gets more opportunities for growth, one often blames the destiny for not giving more time. It is a well admitted fact that time is irreplaceable, infinite and treated as money. In fact, time is to be treated more than money because when one loses money one can get back but not the time as the popular saying goes, ‘Time and tide waits for none’.
Time management is the process of doing multiples tasks with in the stipulated time frame judiciously. For example, when one goes to a vegetable market, one can also do many tasks on the way although it may consume little more time but it avoids recurrent visits to the market. Such as one can meet ones friend for an official work or for an important or to shopping center also to fetch groceries etc., it is totally different from multi-tasking.
At home, if one organizes properly one can save one’s time. For example, when an individual is properly organized he does not have to waste his precious time for searching the things because he regularly keeps things in their proper places and takes the same mechanically and routinely thus saving time and also avoiding stress. Effective time management makes the people to be punctual and when the people are punctual they execute their tasks as per their plans resulting in better performance. When one looks at the successful people it becomes quite obvious that they are punctual and time conscious.
Pareto principle highlights about the time management skills in numerical form which can not be taken as the most accurate but is considered to be an approximate method. According to this principle, most of the people spend 80 per cent of their time on activities that gives out 20 per cent results and the 20 per cent of their efforts give rise to 80 per cent of the results. It is also known as 80: 20 principles. As it is obvious, people focus their energies on unproductive, irrelevalent, unwanted and superfluous things resulting in wastage of their precious time.
Procrastination is an evil where people delay or postpone their tasks as they are not able to plan and organize the things properly since they lack time management skills. When the things are delayed or postponed, they pile up and one finds a great difficulty to finish the pending tasks thus resulting into stress and strain. It also gives rise to tensions and irritations in their minds. In a nut shell, procrastination is the thief of time.
In order to overcome these difficulties everyone must research his or her past 24 hours keenly and evaluate impartially to find out the areas where they wasted their precious time. It gives a clear picture how one spends ones time for sleep, again for executing their routine daily essential tasks at home and again at work place. This work place needs to be focused keenly step by step like post mortem with the further break of each task finding out how much time it consumed.
Following are the tools and techniques for effective time management. Wherever it is possible, try to delegate the task if the person feels strongly that it does not need his attention. By delegating, the person can concentrate on another task which is more important and it requires his attention only.
Unwanted engagements are to be cut down as such things result in unwanted stress. The activities which are not required to be performed by a particular individual and if it can be done at a lower level even by an ordinary or unskilled person, must be passed on. It is desirable not to go for false prestige and invite problems by accepting the work load which is uncalled and unwarranted. Earmark specific time for each task and try to execute within the same time frame so that one can smoothly go on to the next task with ease. Try to find out your mood swings. If one knows ones mood swings well, one can take best mileage out of it and prosper. Usually people have high energy levels in the morning as their minds are fresh and replete with energy and enthusiasm. Especially at this time, they can concentrate on problem solving or typical or complex tasks as they are able to handle at ease and also it provides a good momentum for the rest of the day.
Every organization provides a diary to all staff so that they can write down their tasks or appointments properly so that they can pursue the same systematically. Maintenance of diary not only enhances memory but also paves the way for effective time management. Apart from the routine general information the diary must contain the information of the to-do-list on daily basis, weekly basis, and monthly basis and on annual basis. Apart from effective time management, the diary encourages people to stay focused.
Prioritizing the tasks draw a clear line between what is important and what is urgent. It depends on the situation and occasion to decide on what is to be focused whether it the urgent task or the important task. It is usually the urgent task that has to be addressed first followed by the important task. The same may be left at the discretion of the individual to act upon. At times, by focusing on urgent tasks, the important tasks are delayed resulting in stress.
Executives at the higher levels cost their time. That is, they take into the account of the amount they get either on monthly or on annual basis, then they work out per day, per hour and per minute in terms of monetary form and decide whether a particular task requires their attention. For instance, when a particular task needs the attention for one hour, then they work out vis-à-vis cost and then they act accordingly as per the situation.
Proper planning, organizing, directing and controlling the tasks through effective coordination also save precious time enormously. One should set ones goals properly as each goal consumes specific period of time. The goals are divided into short term and long term goals. Normally if the duration is less than a year, then, it is known as short term goal, and, on the other hand, if it takes more than a year, it is known as long term goal. The short term goals are to be set in such as a way that it must directly or indirectly help in achieving long term goals. For instance, if a person’s long term goal is to become a soft skills trainer, he or she should set short term goals related to the faculty and especially related to training or teaching skills, reading many books related to this field. Conducting such classes at a lower level, maintaining a file related to the same by way of collecting relevant articles, compiling CDs of great trainers across the world, utilizing internet, by attending the seminars of great leaders in order to draw inspiration and motivation etc., It is also imperative to conduct SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) on regular basis in order to convert his weaknesses into strengths etc.,
Proper goal setting leads the people in the right direction, helps in time management and achieving their objectives thus resulting in success. As we are all aware that success does not come in overnight. It requires prolonged and sustained and systematic efforts in order to reach the tipping point.
Time management skills are one of the greatest skills of soft skills, apart from interpersonal skills, team spirit, social grace, corporate etiquette, negotiation skills. This highlights the growing significance attached to it. God has blessed with fixed time frame to all depending upon their destiny. Every one must effectively make use of this precious resource up to the hilt because past can not be altered, future can not be predicted and what we have is only present. And live up to your present by investing your time cautiously and judiciously.
T H E E N D
WRITING SKILLS
ABSTRACT
People are good at speaking but feel cornered when they are asked to write. The article speaks in volumes about the formatting of writing. It addresses the problems involved in writing and how to overcome the same. It has come out with creative tools and techniques of writing. The secrets and strategies of effective writing are unfolded. This article motivates even non writers to start writing by explaining the simple methodology of writing. Besides it provides food for thought even for average writers to become professional writers. Overall this article encourages and inspires all readers to know the nuances of writing skill. At the end, it sends a strong message that writing is a skill that any one can develop provided there is passion, patience, perseverance and practice.
INTRODUCTION:
When people are encouraged to speak, they feel comfortable. When they are asked to write something they find it difficult to write Is it because man, by nature, is more interested to speak rather than to write? Or is there any discomfort in writing? Or is it because of these both factors and forces besides not having adequate practice?
In fact, writing is an easy skill and any one can cultivate. Why because for both speaking and writing the thoughts have to flow from human mind. When we speak we go to mind and get the information and when we write also we go to mind to retrieve the data. That means the basic source of inputs for both writing and speaking comes from human mind. In fact, writing is as easy as speaking when one knows the tools and techniques and secrets and strategies. For writing on any topic or subject the script can be divided into three sections such as pre-writing stage, during writing stage and post-writing stage.
PRE-WRITING STAGE:
Select the topic that interests you the most. Once the topic is clear, then collect relevant information from various sources like magazines, books publications, and journals. Surfing various websites lot of stuff can be generated. And also it provides wider dimension and different shades of opinions and angle of approach towards the topic. If you plan to complete the script with in a week, be prepared mentally to stay with in the purview of the topic. By doing so all of your energies will be focused solely on the topic and as a result you can expect miracle outcome/output/results. Write down the related points that flow naturally from your mind. Get relevant quotations and statistical information. Talk to various friends about the topic. If pre-work is done then the half of the battle is won. Lot of research is essential in this regard. There are 6W’s you have to take care in collection of material i.e. whom, what, when, where, which and why. What is to be presented, whom to present and from when to start and from where to break and why to present. All 6Ws play a crucial and critical role to play in gathering the contents of the topic.
DURING WRITING STAGE:
• Having known 6Ws during pre writing stage it is equally essential to know 1H. That is how to present the contents creatively and constructively to the readers.
• If pre-writing stage provides the skeleton then this stage provides the flesh and blood and becomes the body for the skeleton.
• Divide the script into introduction, body and conclusion. In the introduction briefly sate what you are going to write. In the body part write what you intended to write. In the conclusion write what you want to restate.
• Expand and elaborate each idea in each paragraph in a simple, precise and concise manner by taking from the already prepared skeleton stuff. Wherever possible, provide examples to each concept and idea.
The following tools and techniques would be of great use while writing.
WRITING TIPS:
• Maintain conversational tone. The reader should feel that he is not reading but he is talking to you.
• Write it in simple and straight language. The intention of writing is to communicate but not to confuse with heavily loaded vocabulary.
• Convey each idea in each paragraph. If required give examples to support and substantiate your ideas. Also if required use suitable and relevant quotations to prove your point. But do not overdose with too many quotations.
• There has to be natural connectivity from one paragraph to another and the transition must be smooth.
• Don’t lose links and ensure that the enthusiasm of the reader is maintained through out the script. Simultaneously develop curiosity so that the reader reads with a curious and open mind.
• Use active voice most of the times and use passive voice only when it is unavoidable.
• Motivate and inspire the reader with your writing skills to have long term impact and effect on the contents.
• Keep both the contents and contexts specific and objective.
• When you are giving tips, tools and techniques or points present it in a bulleted format.
• Maintain personalized style of approach and use second person like ‘you’. And avoid using first person ‘I’.
• Avoid using platitudes.
• Step into the shoes of the readers and find out their expectations so as to do justification to writing as the readers are spending their precious time, money energy and resources.
• Knowing the basic psychology of human beings prove highly beneficial.
• While writing, the presentation must be polite and never be harsh. For instance, instead saying harshly as ‘Don’t smoke’, say politely ‘Thanks for not smoking’.
• Never keep unrelated ideas in one sentence.
• Make the script convenient to read and easy to understand.
• Avoid repetition of ideas.
• Create emotional bonding with the reader by using like “All of us feel like greater, bigger, better . . . “
• Strictly stick to the word count. If the script becomes bigger then chop it and if it becomes smaller incorporate more productive, efficient and effective stuff. Your script will go to trash if you make either bigger or smaller than the word count.
• Leave margin aside so as to add any new ideas, points or information.
• Don’t plagiarize. Give due credit to the authors by acknowledging the source.
POST-WRITING STAGE:
Having created skeleton stuff and provided with flesh and body now it is the time to provide life to it in this stage. After writing the script, do not read it immediately as you tend to have same flow. Give time gap and read the draft for syntax, grammar and for spelling mistakes. Check if there are any errors and inaccuracies in information. Add new information and ideas. Then again leave the script for another day. On the next day with fresh mind, read the script so that you will have provision to incorporate new ideas and also you may find a few mistakes here and there. Redraft the script and again leave it for another day for revision. Continue the same process two or three times and by this time you will have modified and remodeled script ready for publication.
HOW TO CULTIVATE WRITNG SKILLS?
Anybody can inculcate this writing skill if there is passion and aptitude to write. Learning to write is like learning how to swim or drive. If you want to learn swimming or driving you have to involve yourself. Similarly if you want to possess this skill, you need to write daily based on your observation or something that interest you. For instance, you watched a film and then back at home write down in a nutshell about the film. Or else you observed something outside, write down the same.
We think and then talk. Similarly put down your thoughts on paper. Initially you will find hiccups but gradually it becomes a habit to write. Your thoughts will become actions, then habits, then again your attitude and at last it becomes your aptitude. Therefore, your thinking to write gradually develops and navigates you as a writer.
Writing daily for sometime should become a regular practice. Initially there would be lot of mistakes and errors. But over a period of time you tend to develop organized and structured thinking. Ultimately you can evolve and reinvent yourself as a professional writer.
Read several books, newspapers, magazines and journals. Surf various websites related to writing. By doing so you will get right inputs, formats and styles of various writers. Select the style and format that suits your tastes and temperaments and start writing. As a result of continued practice, your natural abilities surface based on your creative urge and you can create your own format and style of writing.
In the early morning, the mind is fresh; you will get fresh ideas and thoughts as you are not loaded with preoccupied thoughts and pre-conceived notions. Start writing whatever comes out of your mind daily for 15 minutes. With this approach, you not only develop writing skills but also you unlock your creative mind.
Maintain a separate notebook or diary to note down the information related to writing skills by clearly specifying the references of books, publications, websites, authors etc., Such practice will not only enable to become a professional write faster but also provides inputs for other activities.
Join in the circle of writers by becoming a member. If not, create zone of friends who are interested in acquiring the skill. By interacting with them regularly you mostly talk about this skill. And man is known by the way he maintains his company.
MESSAGE:
Writing is a skill. Talents are inborn where as skills can be developed by training. By tapping inner talents the writing skill can be acquired by passion, practice, patience and perseverance. You will appreciate that great writers are not born but made.
T H E E N D
People are good at speaking but feel cornered when they are asked to write. The article speaks in volumes about the formatting of writing. It addresses the problems involved in writing and how to overcome the same. It has come out with creative tools and techniques of writing. The secrets and strategies of effective writing are unfolded. This article motivates even non writers to start writing by explaining the simple methodology of writing. Besides it provides food for thought even for average writers to become professional writers. Overall this article encourages and inspires all readers to know the nuances of writing skill. At the end, it sends a strong message that writing is a skill that any one can develop provided there is passion, patience, perseverance and practice.
INTRODUCTION:
When people are encouraged to speak, they feel comfortable. When they are asked to write something they find it difficult to write Is it because man, by nature, is more interested to speak rather than to write? Or is there any discomfort in writing? Or is it because of these both factors and forces besides not having adequate practice?
In fact, writing is an easy skill and any one can cultivate. Why because for both speaking and writing the thoughts have to flow from human mind. When we speak we go to mind and get the information and when we write also we go to mind to retrieve the data. That means the basic source of inputs for both writing and speaking comes from human mind. In fact, writing is as easy as speaking when one knows the tools and techniques and secrets and strategies. For writing on any topic or subject the script can be divided into three sections such as pre-writing stage, during writing stage and post-writing stage.
PRE-WRITING STAGE:
Select the topic that interests you the most. Once the topic is clear, then collect relevant information from various sources like magazines, books publications, and journals. Surfing various websites lot of stuff can be generated. And also it provides wider dimension and different shades of opinions and angle of approach towards the topic. If you plan to complete the script with in a week, be prepared mentally to stay with in the purview of the topic. By doing so all of your energies will be focused solely on the topic and as a result you can expect miracle outcome/output/results. Write down the related points that flow naturally from your mind. Get relevant quotations and statistical information. Talk to various friends about the topic. If pre-work is done then the half of the battle is won. Lot of research is essential in this regard. There are 6W’s you have to take care in collection of material i.e. whom, what, when, where, which and why. What is to be presented, whom to present and from when to start and from where to break and why to present. All 6Ws play a crucial and critical role to play in gathering the contents of the topic.
DURING WRITING STAGE:
• Having known 6Ws during pre writing stage it is equally essential to know 1H. That is how to present the contents creatively and constructively to the readers.
• If pre-writing stage provides the skeleton then this stage provides the flesh and blood and becomes the body for the skeleton.
• Divide the script into introduction, body and conclusion. In the introduction briefly sate what you are going to write. In the body part write what you intended to write. In the conclusion write what you want to restate.
• Expand and elaborate each idea in each paragraph in a simple, precise and concise manner by taking from the already prepared skeleton stuff. Wherever possible, provide examples to each concept and idea.
The following tools and techniques would be of great use while writing.
WRITING TIPS:
• Maintain conversational tone. The reader should feel that he is not reading but he is talking to you.
• Write it in simple and straight language. The intention of writing is to communicate but not to confuse with heavily loaded vocabulary.
• Convey each idea in each paragraph. If required give examples to support and substantiate your ideas. Also if required use suitable and relevant quotations to prove your point. But do not overdose with too many quotations.
• There has to be natural connectivity from one paragraph to another and the transition must be smooth.
• Don’t lose links and ensure that the enthusiasm of the reader is maintained through out the script. Simultaneously develop curiosity so that the reader reads with a curious and open mind.
• Use active voice most of the times and use passive voice only when it is unavoidable.
• Motivate and inspire the reader with your writing skills to have long term impact and effect on the contents.
• Keep both the contents and contexts specific and objective.
• When you are giving tips, tools and techniques or points present it in a bulleted format.
• Maintain personalized style of approach and use second person like ‘you’. And avoid using first person ‘I’.
• Avoid using platitudes.
• Step into the shoes of the readers and find out their expectations so as to do justification to writing as the readers are spending their precious time, money energy and resources.
• Knowing the basic psychology of human beings prove highly beneficial.
• While writing, the presentation must be polite and never be harsh. For instance, instead saying harshly as ‘Don’t smoke’, say politely ‘Thanks for not smoking’.
• Never keep unrelated ideas in one sentence.
• Make the script convenient to read and easy to understand.
• Avoid repetition of ideas.
• Create emotional bonding with the reader by using like “All of us feel like greater, bigger, better . . . “
• Strictly stick to the word count. If the script becomes bigger then chop it and if it becomes smaller incorporate more productive, efficient and effective stuff. Your script will go to trash if you make either bigger or smaller than the word count.
• Leave margin aside so as to add any new ideas, points or information.
• Don’t plagiarize. Give due credit to the authors by acknowledging the source.
POST-WRITING STAGE:
Having created skeleton stuff and provided with flesh and body now it is the time to provide life to it in this stage. After writing the script, do not read it immediately as you tend to have same flow. Give time gap and read the draft for syntax, grammar and for spelling mistakes. Check if there are any errors and inaccuracies in information. Add new information and ideas. Then again leave the script for another day. On the next day with fresh mind, read the script so that you will have provision to incorporate new ideas and also you may find a few mistakes here and there. Redraft the script and again leave it for another day for revision. Continue the same process two or three times and by this time you will have modified and remodeled script ready for publication.
HOW TO CULTIVATE WRITNG SKILLS?
Anybody can inculcate this writing skill if there is passion and aptitude to write. Learning to write is like learning how to swim or drive. If you want to learn swimming or driving you have to involve yourself. Similarly if you want to possess this skill, you need to write daily based on your observation or something that interest you. For instance, you watched a film and then back at home write down in a nutshell about the film. Or else you observed something outside, write down the same.
We think and then talk. Similarly put down your thoughts on paper. Initially you will find hiccups but gradually it becomes a habit to write. Your thoughts will become actions, then habits, then again your attitude and at last it becomes your aptitude. Therefore, your thinking to write gradually develops and navigates you as a writer.
Writing daily for sometime should become a regular practice. Initially there would be lot of mistakes and errors. But over a period of time you tend to develop organized and structured thinking. Ultimately you can evolve and reinvent yourself as a professional writer.
Read several books, newspapers, magazines and journals. Surf various websites related to writing. By doing so you will get right inputs, formats and styles of various writers. Select the style and format that suits your tastes and temperaments and start writing. As a result of continued practice, your natural abilities surface based on your creative urge and you can create your own format and style of writing.
In the early morning, the mind is fresh; you will get fresh ideas and thoughts as you are not loaded with preoccupied thoughts and pre-conceived notions. Start writing whatever comes out of your mind daily for 15 minutes. With this approach, you not only develop writing skills but also you unlock your creative mind.
Maintain a separate notebook or diary to note down the information related to writing skills by clearly specifying the references of books, publications, websites, authors etc., Such practice will not only enable to become a professional write faster but also provides inputs for other activities.
Join in the circle of writers by becoming a member. If not, create zone of friends who are interested in acquiring the skill. By interacting with them regularly you mostly talk about this skill. And man is known by the way he maintains his company.
MESSAGE:
Writing is a skill. Talents are inborn where as skills can be developed by training. By tapping inner talents the writing skill can be acquired by passion, practice, patience and perseverance. You will appreciate that great writers are not born but made.
T H E E N D
Friday, January 11, 2008
READING SKILLS
“The writer creates half the text, the reader creates the other half”, Author unknown.
Man learns by various sources and means such as by observation, conversation, experience and reading. Right from the stage of Stone Age to space age the man has evolved himself by reading the scripts which he himself has created and passed on the baton to his next generation. No one knows how one reads with in himself because he feels himself and understands with in himself. Everyone has unique way of reading and yet a few styles which are common among all human beings. Let us look at the different dimensions of reading skills.
According to the National Reading Panel (NRP), “The ability to read requires proficiency in a number of domains such as ‘phonemic awareness’, ‘phonics’, ‘fluency’, ‘vocabulary’ and ‘comprehension or reading comprehension’”. It indicates connectivity of many things during reading and also all the concepts mentioned will help for effective reading.
Another author Chall has come out with different stages of reading which is popularly known as ‘Chall’s stages of Reading Development’. And according to her, “Each stage of reading builds on skills mastered in earlier stages; lack of mastery at any level can halt the progress beyond that level”.
She divided the reading process into various stages. The first stage being the Zero stage which symbolizes pre-reading that is usually up to the age of 6 years of the child. It is also known as reading readiness. The subsequent stage is the Stage One, where the child is in the age of 6 to 7 years and it is also known as initial reading stage or decoding stage. In the next stage i.e. Stage Two where the age of the child is approximately 8 years during which child confirms himself and it is also called as confirmation stage. Further in the Stage Three the child who is in the age of 9 years, he reads to learn. In the Stage Four, the child turns into teen age and develops multiple shades of opinions and viewpoints and ultimately in the final Stage Five the man constructs his views and opinions independently and forms his own perceptions and judgments on various things.
TECHNIQUES OF READING:
Although there are number of tools and techniques in reading there are three tools by which you can improve reading skills. In brief, they are scanning, skimming and concept mapping techniques. All these can be deployed depending upon the context and also on the purpose of reading. Initially it is better to have cursory look on the contents by scanning, and then switch over to skim the contents by skimming strategy and at last read by applying the techniques of concept mapping. Concept mapping is nothing but drawing a two dimensional picture of a concept either mentally or physically. It is very important technique for noting information and connecting ideas. Since concept maps are pictures they can be easily retained in the memory. To substantiate these three strategies let us recall what Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few are to be chewed and digested”.
SQRRR is another popular technique which is the acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recall and Review. According to this, while reading one has to examine and then question himself for the contents that are read. Whatever has been read is to be recalled with in the mind and ultimately the contents are to be reviewed.
The layered method of reading is yet another approach towards reading which is accepted and adopted by the majority of readers. As per this, you have to overview the entire material very fast and form an opinion on it. Subsequently focus little more on the important portions which deserve to be addressed such as introduction, headings and summary. It is a prelude to read the book and hence it is called as preview. It provides proper judgment and direction whether to go ahead with reading or not. After passing through this phase if the book or the material is worth to be read, you can go ahead with reading. It is in fact the semi final. And the final phase is the review. Whatever has been read has to be reviewed for better comprehension and for effective memory retention. Below are the tools and techniques for developing effective reading skills
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE READING:
• Find out what you want to know and for that you need to cut through the clutter. At the same time assess what is to be skipped from reading.
• Question yourself whether you are reading for any specific purpose or for pleasure because at times intention is more important than action.
• Always lay emphasis on contents and contexts but not on the style or flow or delivery of the material.
• It is always important to stress on qualitative not quantitative reading.
• Cultivate positive attitude towards reading. The more you read and the more love you develop towards reading. Nancy Collin aptly said, “The only way to improve reading skills is to read”.
• Before you read, find out 2Ws i.e. why you are reading and what you are reading.
• Check your biological clock and read so that the degree of absorbability and assimilation of the material is higher.
• Keep the dictionary beside when you go for reading. If the meaning of a word is not known it will help you to know instantly.
• In every sentence there are key words to be focused. When the meaning of the key words is known then it becomes easier to understand and memorize the material.
• If you get boredom, give a break and restart reading so that you can grasp better.
• Surround yourself with various kinds of books.
• Learn to underline the key parts/words/concepts for further references.
• Develop the habit of paraphrasing the contents.
• Transfer the material from text book to note book so that the best part of the material is with you. By this, you can separate chaff from the grain. And when you write then the degree of retentivity is higher.
• Create your own short hand stuff from the material.
• While reading, new ideas and concepts will flash in the mind and the same may be added on the margin side of book. Failure to do will lead to missing the beautiful ideas.
• Don’t focus on filler words in the sentences. The words like is’s and the’s can be avoided while reading as these take longer time and not of much significance for understanding the contents.
• Try to recall the contents repeatedly which are in your mind and summarize the same and write down either on the margin of the text book or in the note book. If you are able to generate a few examples from the text book in a given context it will help you to enhance retentivity. And also link the contents of the material with real life events, examples and accidents.
• By using different colored pencils the importance level of the contents will be realized for further readings. You can keep your style based the degree of significance and the priority levels. Rather you can create your own mythology, style and coding as per the convenience.
• If you find it boring to read, keep the book upside down and read you will be able to apply more pressure to read with this.
• There is no fixed formula for reading and the methodology changes when you read text books, newspapers, magazines, journals and more so when you surf online content.
• Average readers read about 200 to 250 words per minute. And the speed can be enhanced without affecting the quality with faster eye ball movement and with longer breaks and pauses.
• You can make sense of sentence by omitting articles, conjunctions, prepositions etc., By this you can focus more on the contents and also you can save time.
• Try to convert the written information into pictorial format while reading for effective comprehension of contents.
• If the meaning of a key word is not clear then try to look at it from different dimensions of the origin of the word to get the closer or accurate meanings. Also if possible look at the prefix or the suffix of the key word for earlier and faster understanding.
• Daily fix some amount of time exclusively for reading and over a period of time it will become a practice.
• Train your eyes to take in words in larger gulps.
• Avoid confusing material and don’t get stuck. Such contents can be referred later on. Learn to skip unwanted and unproductive stuff. In this context, William James aptly quoted, “The art of becoming wise is the art of knowing what to overlook”.
CONCLUSION:
There are four skills that are essential for all viz speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and reading skills. If speaking skills and writing skills become one side of the coin, then listening skills and reading skills become the other side of the coin. And the coin possesses value when it has two sides. To sum it up all four skills are like the four pillars for the development of successful all-round personality.
Man learns by various sources and means such as by observation, conversation, experience and reading. Right from the stage of Stone Age to space age the man has evolved himself by reading the scripts which he himself has created and passed on the baton to his next generation. No one knows how one reads with in himself because he feels himself and understands with in himself. Everyone has unique way of reading and yet a few styles which are common among all human beings. Let us look at the different dimensions of reading skills.
According to the National Reading Panel (NRP), “The ability to read requires proficiency in a number of domains such as ‘phonemic awareness’, ‘phonics’, ‘fluency’, ‘vocabulary’ and ‘comprehension or reading comprehension’”. It indicates connectivity of many things during reading and also all the concepts mentioned will help for effective reading.
Another author Chall has come out with different stages of reading which is popularly known as ‘Chall’s stages of Reading Development’. And according to her, “Each stage of reading builds on skills mastered in earlier stages; lack of mastery at any level can halt the progress beyond that level”.
She divided the reading process into various stages. The first stage being the Zero stage which symbolizes pre-reading that is usually up to the age of 6 years of the child. It is also known as reading readiness. The subsequent stage is the Stage One, where the child is in the age of 6 to 7 years and it is also known as initial reading stage or decoding stage. In the next stage i.e. Stage Two where the age of the child is approximately 8 years during which child confirms himself and it is also called as confirmation stage. Further in the Stage Three the child who is in the age of 9 years, he reads to learn. In the Stage Four, the child turns into teen age and develops multiple shades of opinions and viewpoints and ultimately in the final Stage Five the man constructs his views and opinions independently and forms his own perceptions and judgments on various things.
TECHNIQUES OF READING:
Although there are number of tools and techniques in reading there are three tools by which you can improve reading skills. In brief, they are scanning, skimming and concept mapping techniques. All these can be deployed depending upon the context and also on the purpose of reading. Initially it is better to have cursory look on the contents by scanning, and then switch over to skim the contents by skimming strategy and at last read by applying the techniques of concept mapping. Concept mapping is nothing but drawing a two dimensional picture of a concept either mentally or physically. It is very important technique for noting information and connecting ideas. Since concept maps are pictures they can be easily retained in the memory. To substantiate these three strategies let us recall what Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few are to be chewed and digested”.
SQRRR is another popular technique which is the acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recall and Review. According to this, while reading one has to examine and then question himself for the contents that are read. Whatever has been read is to be recalled with in the mind and ultimately the contents are to be reviewed.
The layered method of reading is yet another approach towards reading which is accepted and adopted by the majority of readers. As per this, you have to overview the entire material very fast and form an opinion on it. Subsequently focus little more on the important portions which deserve to be addressed such as introduction, headings and summary. It is a prelude to read the book and hence it is called as preview. It provides proper judgment and direction whether to go ahead with reading or not. After passing through this phase if the book or the material is worth to be read, you can go ahead with reading. It is in fact the semi final. And the final phase is the review. Whatever has been read has to be reviewed for better comprehension and for effective memory retention. Below are the tools and techniques for developing effective reading skills
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE READING:
• Find out what you want to know and for that you need to cut through the clutter. At the same time assess what is to be skipped from reading.
• Question yourself whether you are reading for any specific purpose or for pleasure because at times intention is more important than action.
• Always lay emphasis on contents and contexts but not on the style or flow or delivery of the material.
• It is always important to stress on qualitative not quantitative reading.
• Cultivate positive attitude towards reading. The more you read and the more love you develop towards reading. Nancy Collin aptly said, “The only way to improve reading skills is to read”.
• Before you read, find out 2Ws i.e. why you are reading and what you are reading.
• Check your biological clock and read so that the degree of absorbability and assimilation of the material is higher.
• Keep the dictionary beside when you go for reading. If the meaning of a word is not known it will help you to know instantly.
• In every sentence there are key words to be focused. When the meaning of the key words is known then it becomes easier to understand and memorize the material.
• If you get boredom, give a break and restart reading so that you can grasp better.
• Surround yourself with various kinds of books.
• Learn to underline the key parts/words/concepts for further references.
• Develop the habit of paraphrasing the contents.
• Transfer the material from text book to note book so that the best part of the material is with you. By this, you can separate chaff from the grain. And when you write then the degree of retentivity is higher.
• Create your own short hand stuff from the material.
• While reading, new ideas and concepts will flash in the mind and the same may be added on the margin side of book. Failure to do will lead to missing the beautiful ideas.
• Don’t focus on filler words in the sentences. The words like is’s and the’s can be avoided while reading as these take longer time and not of much significance for understanding the contents.
• Try to recall the contents repeatedly which are in your mind and summarize the same and write down either on the margin of the text book or in the note book. If you are able to generate a few examples from the text book in a given context it will help you to enhance retentivity. And also link the contents of the material with real life events, examples and accidents.
• By using different colored pencils the importance level of the contents will be realized for further readings. You can keep your style based the degree of significance and the priority levels. Rather you can create your own mythology, style and coding as per the convenience.
• If you find it boring to read, keep the book upside down and read you will be able to apply more pressure to read with this.
• There is no fixed formula for reading and the methodology changes when you read text books, newspapers, magazines, journals and more so when you surf online content.
• Average readers read about 200 to 250 words per minute. And the speed can be enhanced without affecting the quality with faster eye ball movement and with longer breaks and pauses.
• You can make sense of sentence by omitting articles, conjunctions, prepositions etc., By this you can focus more on the contents and also you can save time.
• Try to convert the written information into pictorial format while reading for effective comprehension of contents.
• If the meaning of a key word is not clear then try to look at it from different dimensions of the origin of the word to get the closer or accurate meanings. Also if possible look at the prefix or the suffix of the key word for earlier and faster understanding.
• Daily fix some amount of time exclusively for reading and over a period of time it will become a practice.
• Train your eyes to take in words in larger gulps.
• Avoid confusing material and don’t get stuck. Such contents can be referred later on. Learn to skip unwanted and unproductive stuff. In this context, William James aptly quoted, “The art of becoming wise is the art of knowing what to overlook”.
CONCLUSION:
There are four skills that are essential for all viz speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and reading skills. If speaking skills and writing skills become one side of the coin, then listening skills and reading skills become the other side of the coin. And the coin possesses value when it has two sides. To sum it up all four skills are like the four pillars for the development of successful all-round personality.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
PRESENTATION SKILLS
"Half of the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t; the other half have nothing to say and keep saying it”. That is the kind of problem for the half of the people and again that is the kind of prospects for the other half of the people who know the art and power of presentation skills.
We all present our ideas, views and opinions when we talk with people in general. And when it is to be presented for a longer time it requires lot of energy, effort and enthusiasm. Besides, it requires lot of information, ideas, and material to format and organize the same mentally. Here the majority of the people fail and a few succeed. And those who succeed are those who are good at presentation skills.
In every day professional life, every one has to deliver presentations. In many educational institutions paper presentation is encouraged so that students gradually develop the attitude and the art of presentation skills. Because of the growing significance and importance attached to internet search engines the students are able to generate a lot of important information at the click of a mouse. It is indeed a healthy, positive and progressive sign for students to gradually cultivate the habit of presentation skills. When they join the corporate world they would be in a comfortable position to present regularly.
For freshers, for giving any kind of presentation it is ideal to divide the process into pre-session, during session and post session. By breaking into three parts they can get into the process of presentation very easily.
PRE-SESSION:
It is ideal to consider 4W’s in this context. That is who the audience is, what the subject to be delivered is, where to deliver it and why the objective behind giving the presentation is. Knowing the profile of the audience will make presentation easier. Profile is nothing but finding out the age pattern, sex, geographical and cultural background of the audience. All the information will provide insights about the maturity level of the audience so that the material can be gathered and delivered accordingly.
Secondly, analyzing what kind of topic is to be presented because it is the main thing and the entire presentation revolves around what kind of topic is to be presented. Thirdly, find out the place where it is to be delivered. Knowing this, will help us to physically verify the place and space of the room where it is to be provided. It is essential at least just before the day of the presentation to go physically and check for compatibility, suitability and accessibility of the video or audio equipment to prevent last minute disasters. Many celebrities resort to this exercise to ensure effectiveness of the presentation. It also provides a sense of comfort and confidence. And fourthly and lastly, why the presentation is to be delivered. What are the goals and objectives behind delivering presentation? If all the 4 W’s are kept in view then the real presentation can be executed at ease.
PREPARATION:
“He who fails to plan is planning for failure”.
Do lot of research related to the topic, discuss with friends and family members and also the like minded people related to the topic, if possible. Refer and read number of books, publications, magazines and journals and collect the relevant material. Surf number of search engines in the website and gather lot of information. After reading the entire material, create your own views and opinions and jot down the same. Select the important information by narrowing down and by keeping the duration of the presentation in view. Get the best of the best ideas and concepts based on the priority level of importance. This is indeed an Herculean task and once it is prepared and created half of the battle is won.
Prepare the entire script on index cards in key words. Prepare it chronologically, coherently and logically with an impressive introduction. You can start with a shocking statement or a wonderful quotation or with an astonishing statistical information which must provoke the audience to think and concentrate. Keep the body part which must be in bulleted format in short hand format so that you can explain each idea by elaborating with your own examples. The conclusion should leave a mark in the minds of the audience. Over all, the entire script should be like a skeleton stuff.
PRACTICE:
After the completion of the skeleton stuff, the next stage is to practice speaking aloud. You will be able to hear your voice and then you learn to organize thoroughly in logical order. And also practice in front of friends and family members and take feedback. The feedback must be from the people who are honest and unbiased as it will help overcoming from weaknesses and strengthening the strengths. You can also practice in front of mirror at home so that you can analyze yourself as you are true to your conscience. You can also tape record your speech and rewind and replay number of times so that you can objectively and specifically correct your weaknesses. And the process should never be continuously at the same time. Once you listened to your tape and took the feedback, leave some gap or in the next day replay the tape again then you may find more areas where improvement is needed. The process must continue number of times till you find that you acquired perfection and confidence.
Look for your visual distractions for corrections by the below procedure:
You may videotape your practice of presentation and take feedback in three different methods. Firstly replay the videotape and list out your strengths and weaknesses by observing both your oral and body language. If there is any inconsistency between the both that may be written for rectification and improvement. This is the usual procedure everybody does. Secondly, keep the videotape in muted mode and observe only your body language. There are many mistakes we make without our knowledge and those areas can be jotted down for improvement. Some people make some unusual gestures unconsciously which may distract the attention of audience or at times it creates inconvenience and discomfort for audience. Out of the total communication the body language alone accounts for maximum per cent of the communication. Hence more sincere efforts should be made to fine-tune body language by this methodology. Thirdly play your videotape and do not look at it all but hear your voice for modulation, accent, pronunciations, pace and pause etc., With this, you will be able to know if any drawbacks in your oral language. The repetition of all these three stages independently number of times provides the correct feedback for rectification... Usually the ideal duration of the preparation should be 12 times to that of the real presentation.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The presentation skills will help you tremendously at the corporate world. In case if some stuff is created then it needs to be presented effectively and efficiently. Then only the stuff will get noticed. If a new project is prepared then it is essential to present the same to prospective clients or customers. It helps in displaying your skills and abilities. It also helps in triggering your passion. It is a well admitted fact that all great leaders are great presenters.
DRESS CODE:
For male presenters the dress code should be formal and official with a compulsory tie with elegant and neat appearance. The presenter must feel comfortable so that he feels confident to take part in presentation. Total official and formal appearance is vital as it makes a lot of different. For female presenters the same is applicable and it is advisable not to wear accessories and jewellery and rings. The main intention is not to distract the visual attention of the audience but to make sure that the audience stay glued to the presenter with a professional attitude.
PRESENTATION PHOBIA:
Sometimes butterflies may run in your stomach just before the final presentation. You can beat the so called stress in different ways and means. Drink water as it cools your inner system and it brings comfort to your vocal chords. It also warms your voice and decreases the stress gradually. You can start counting the numbers from 1 to 10 and vice versa as you do not think of the presentation. Do light exercises as it provides you with fresh energy and enthusiasm. You can also do breathing exercise like inhaling and exhaling as fresh oxygen goes to your brain and you get distressed gradually. And also, start discussing something other than the presentation as it removes your anxiety levels.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Usually keep 15 per cent of the stipulated time towards introduction 70 per cent towards body and 15 per cent towards summary. The timings mentioned are approximate and there can be flexibility. It teaches to plan well and present well.
DURING SESSION:
“First you tell ‘em what you are going to tell ‘em, then you tell ‘em, then you tell ‘em what you told ‘em”, quoted Sergeant Major.
The above quotation complements the presentation in three different modes and that become the 1H i.e. how to present yourself. Having known 4W’s in the pre-session and when it is clubbed with 1H in the during session besides supplementing with the Q&A (Question and Answer) session the presentation process becomes complete.
Define clearly the introduction part in short and precise manner. Ensure that the audience is brought to the topic immediately. You may do so by posing a question or by narrating an anecdote or a small story which is easily understandable to all. Having drawn their attention then highlight the features, significance and importance of the audience. Try to explain the benefits the audience are going to get out of the presentation and having done that go to the body part which you might have written in short hand format and try to explain each concept, idea and point with simple examples and with facts and figures.
In fact, you will find three segments of listeners in every audience. First segment are those who don’t know the topic at all. Second segment are those who knows the topic superficially and the third segment are the experts in the topic. Try to focus your introduction and summary part to the first and second segment of people and focus the body part of your presentation to the experts in the field. For experienced presenters it becomes very easy to segment these three kinds of audience just after some time of the presentation by their body language and learn to focus all the three segments equally. Knowing the psychology of the audience will also help deliver the presentation effectively and efficiently.
Another way of making the presentation effective is by knowing how to centre the topic on three aspects like the first one being the self (speaker), second one being the topic and the third one being the audience. Some presenters think too much about themselves and neglect the topic and also the audience. Some presenters are too much conscious about the topic and pay least attention to themselves and also on the audience. And some presenters worry too much audience and fail to focus on themselves and also on the topic. The effective and efficient way of any presentation is to bring synergy and synchronization and coordination amongst self, topic and the audience. This is a difficult task but can be achieved by regular preparation and practice.
Globally well known concept in any kind of presentation be it in written or oral is the concept of KISS. This is the acronym for ‘Keep It Simple Sweetheart’ or ‘Keep It short and Simple’. Don’t confuse the audience with loaded vocabulary or with slang or professional jargon. The objective of any presentation is to ensure that the message reaches the audience accurately. And the best way to reach them is to keep the process of presentation as simple, compact, concise and crisp as possible.
During presentation it is essential to lay stress on three kinds of animation – body animation, facial animation and vocal animation. Any communication constitutes 93 per cent non verbal language and only 7 per cent verbal language. Again the non verbal language is divided into 55 per cent body language which is also known as kinesics and 38 per cent modulation. Unless there is right marriage between oral and body language the communication becomes incomplete and ineffective.
There has to be all round healthy movement of body with positive gestures by ways of hand, leg and body motion. The body animation can be utilized fully so as to convey your ideas. At the same time avoid any excessive body movement as it will distract the attention of the audience. Coupled with this, there is a need to maintain facial animation. Learn to smile wholeheartedly from the core of your heart and change your facial feelings as per the situation. Don’t be too serious or smiley. You can effectively make use of eyes by maintaining right contact with audience. There is an adage, “The eyes are the mirror of the soul”. You can communicate a lot through your eyes wonderfully. It helps to build right rapport with audience. Coming to vocal animation avoid monotone speech. Vary your pitch to signify the importance depending on the importance of the contents. If there is effective combination and synchronization in body, facial and vocal animation the presentation can become more effective and efficient.
The body part of the presentation is the core of the entire speech and try to present the topic from different dimensions so that the audience can understand the topic properly.
After completion of the body part then slowly transfer to the final stage that is summary. And never declare that it is summary as people tend to lose interest at it. Restate the main points and ideas with greater emphasis leaving a wonderful satisfactory impact in the minds of the audience. And also you can make a clarion call to do something which is motivational and inspirational.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES DURING PRESENTATION:
• Find out the aspirations and expectations of the audience so as to tailor your talk as per their needs.
• Involve yourself totally on the topic.
• Be confident and radiate energy and enthusiasm.
• Smile at appropriate occasions as it warms up your voice.
• If required pose a few questions to the audience so that they will be challenged to think and will develop curiosity and interest towards the topic.
• There has to be smooth transition from one idea to another.
• If you are not good at humor, it is better to avoid because no jokes are better than bad jokes.
• The delivery of the flow should be natural.
• Avoid cluttering the contents and keep the contents relevant to the topic.
• Avoid over connectors such as ‘and’, ‘because’, ‘so on’ etc.,
• Never gaze at a particular individual for not more than 3 seconds as it creates discomfort.
• Do lay stress on qualitative presentation not quantitative.
• Even if there is disturbance in the audiovisual equipment, be prepared mentally to prolong the presentation by trusting on memory.
• Don’t stand dumbstruck. If you find it difficult to retrieve information keep a few filler words like Ok, right, actually, like and sentences like ‘It is like, . . .’, do you know?’, ‘you see’ . . . and so on. By keeping such ready made words and sentences in mind you can overcome from any delay in accessing information from your mind.
• Never comment or joke on any of the members of the audience.
• If necessary you can crack jokes on yourself. And if there is excessive humor on yourself then you will become a clown.
• Learn to maintain proper pace and pause. The flow of your delivery should neither be too slow nor too fast. The flow has to be natural and effective. There has to be pause as and when required. Learn to stress on key words, ideas and catchy phrases. Proper pause will help audience to focus on your key ideas and contents.
• Visualize that you are talking to each and every individual not to the audience. Maintain a personal and conversational tone. Maintaining proper and equal contact with the entire audience will make the presentation more effective and efficient. Learn to speak one sentence by looking at one person and then shift to the second person with second sentence and so on if there is small audience. It creates a feeling of intimacy with the entire audience and the audience will reciprocate your presentation with interest. If the audience happens to be big, you can also fix a few persons at each corner of the room and regularly look at those individuals of all directions and it creates strong feeling that you are talking to them.
• Create an emotional bonding with the audience by telling ‘we feel greater, bigger, better etc.’
• Never get freezed in larger audience.
• Be mentally prepared for interruptions.
• If you have made mistake while speaking correct it and proceed further and do not apologize.
• Never be oversensitive to the audience.
• Never overload the stuff.
• Learn to repeat the key ideas, concepts and points in different ways to drive home your point.
• Remove your mask and be natural.
• Get connected to the audience wholeheartedly.
• Avoid usage of technical or professional jargon.
• If you find that the audience is bored use humor.
• If you want to convey a joke, it is desirable to practice number of times to make it effective.
• If you want to deliver a punch line look at the individuals whose body language is favorable to you and then deliver for effectiveness and applause.
• Budget your time judiciously and deliver with in the stipulated time.
• Involve with the participants closely and actively. And learn to mix with them as it creates bonding.
• Don’t prolong any presentation for a longer time as it loses its impact.
• Usually the practice presentation takes 20 per cent faster than the real presentation. Knowing this research report will help you budget your time properly on the D-day.
• Trust in your gut feelings.
• Don’t lose your links. Learn to pick up thread immediately where you have left. Usually it happens when there is interruption from audience.
• Present only what you know not what you don’t know. Don’t try to be a perfectionist.
• If you are a professional presenter maintain a separate files for quotations, anecdotes, case studies, examples etc., You can make use of the same depending upon the topic.
• If you want to become a professional presenter read the books and surf the websites of international professional speakers like Lenny Laskowski, Brian Tracy etc.,
• Avoid visual distractions if any.
• Always smile when leaving a message.
POST-SESSION:
After the successful completion of the presentation, it is the time to proceed to question and answer (Q&A) session where you invite a few questions for clarification. It is a very delicate and sensitive session as you must be fully prepared for any kind of questions. You need to encourage individually each participant and then clearly after understanding the question, handle it carefully, tactfully and patiently. Tell them to keep the questions with in the purview of the topic and if anyone goes out of the topic tell them the same clearly. If the answer is not known to you, say clearly and frankly and proceed further smartly and sharply. Don’t exceed the given time frame as it will upset other activities. We are not expected to know everything under the sun in the earth. Q & A session is, in fact, a crucial one where you can leave a wonderful everlasting impression by handling it successfully.
CONCLUSION:
Select an interesting topic, collect relevant material from all sources, organize it logically and practice the same thoroughly. After analyzing your strengths and weaknesses, rectify your weaknesses and then proceed for the real presentation. At the forecast stage, state what you are going to state, at the body stage simply state and at the conclusion stage, state what you have stated with a thought provoking one so that the audience will think on it for a longer time. At the end attend the Q&A session carefully, tactfully and diplomatically.
MESSAGE:
Speaking skills, listening skills, writing skills and reading skills are the four pillars for any effective communication. The speaking skills are subset of presentation skills. It is vital to be strong at presentation skills in order to become a successful professional. Talent is inborn while skill can be acquired by continuous training, practice, knowledge and experience. Presentation skills should be laid stress from the initial stage of education itself so that one can become an all rounded personality in the later stage.
T H E E N D
We all present our ideas, views and opinions when we talk with people in general. And when it is to be presented for a longer time it requires lot of energy, effort and enthusiasm. Besides, it requires lot of information, ideas, and material to format and organize the same mentally. Here the majority of the people fail and a few succeed. And those who succeed are those who are good at presentation skills.
In every day professional life, every one has to deliver presentations. In many educational institutions paper presentation is encouraged so that students gradually develop the attitude and the art of presentation skills. Because of the growing significance and importance attached to internet search engines the students are able to generate a lot of important information at the click of a mouse. It is indeed a healthy, positive and progressive sign for students to gradually cultivate the habit of presentation skills. When they join the corporate world they would be in a comfortable position to present regularly.
For freshers, for giving any kind of presentation it is ideal to divide the process into pre-session, during session and post session. By breaking into three parts they can get into the process of presentation very easily.
PRE-SESSION:
It is ideal to consider 4W’s in this context. That is who the audience is, what the subject to be delivered is, where to deliver it and why the objective behind giving the presentation is. Knowing the profile of the audience will make presentation easier. Profile is nothing but finding out the age pattern, sex, geographical and cultural background of the audience. All the information will provide insights about the maturity level of the audience so that the material can be gathered and delivered accordingly.
Secondly, analyzing what kind of topic is to be presented because it is the main thing and the entire presentation revolves around what kind of topic is to be presented. Thirdly, find out the place where it is to be delivered. Knowing this, will help us to physically verify the place and space of the room where it is to be provided. It is essential at least just before the day of the presentation to go physically and check for compatibility, suitability and accessibility of the video or audio equipment to prevent last minute disasters. Many celebrities resort to this exercise to ensure effectiveness of the presentation. It also provides a sense of comfort and confidence. And fourthly and lastly, why the presentation is to be delivered. What are the goals and objectives behind delivering presentation? If all the 4 W’s are kept in view then the real presentation can be executed at ease.
PREPARATION:
“He who fails to plan is planning for failure”.
Do lot of research related to the topic, discuss with friends and family members and also the like minded people related to the topic, if possible. Refer and read number of books, publications, magazines and journals and collect the relevant material. Surf number of search engines in the website and gather lot of information. After reading the entire material, create your own views and opinions and jot down the same. Select the important information by narrowing down and by keeping the duration of the presentation in view. Get the best of the best ideas and concepts based on the priority level of importance. This is indeed an Herculean task and once it is prepared and created half of the battle is won.
Prepare the entire script on index cards in key words. Prepare it chronologically, coherently and logically with an impressive introduction. You can start with a shocking statement or a wonderful quotation or with an astonishing statistical information which must provoke the audience to think and concentrate. Keep the body part which must be in bulleted format in short hand format so that you can explain each idea by elaborating with your own examples. The conclusion should leave a mark in the minds of the audience. Over all, the entire script should be like a skeleton stuff.
PRACTICE:
After the completion of the skeleton stuff, the next stage is to practice speaking aloud. You will be able to hear your voice and then you learn to organize thoroughly in logical order. And also practice in front of friends and family members and take feedback. The feedback must be from the people who are honest and unbiased as it will help overcoming from weaknesses and strengthening the strengths. You can also practice in front of mirror at home so that you can analyze yourself as you are true to your conscience. You can also tape record your speech and rewind and replay number of times so that you can objectively and specifically correct your weaknesses. And the process should never be continuously at the same time. Once you listened to your tape and took the feedback, leave some gap or in the next day replay the tape again then you may find more areas where improvement is needed. The process must continue number of times till you find that you acquired perfection and confidence.
Look for your visual distractions for corrections by the below procedure:
You may videotape your practice of presentation and take feedback in three different methods. Firstly replay the videotape and list out your strengths and weaknesses by observing both your oral and body language. If there is any inconsistency between the both that may be written for rectification and improvement. This is the usual procedure everybody does. Secondly, keep the videotape in muted mode and observe only your body language. There are many mistakes we make without our knowledge and those areas can be jotted down for improvement. Some people make some unusual gestures unconsciously which may distract the attention of audience or at times it creates inconvenience and discomfort for audience. Out of the total communication the body language alone accounts for maximum per cent of the communication. Hence more sincere efforts should be made to fine-tune body language by this methodology. Thirdly play your videotape and do not look at it all but hear your voice for modulation, accent, pronunciations, pace and pause etc., With this, you will be able to know if any drawbacks in your oral language. The repetition of all these three stages independently number of times provides the correct feedback for rectification... Usually the ideal duration of the preparation should be 12 times to that of the real presentation.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The presentation skills will help you tremendously at the corporate world. In case if some stuff is created then it needs to be presented effectively and efficiently. Then only the stuff will get noticed. If a new project is prepared then it is essential to present the same to prospective clients or customers. It helps in displaying your skills and abilities. It also helps in triggering your passion. It is a well admitted fact that all great leaders are great presenters.
DRESS CODE:
For male presenters the dress code should be formal and official with a compulsory tie with elegant and neat appearance. The presenter must feel comfortable so that he feels confident to take part in presentation. Total official and formal appearance is vital as it makes a lot of different. For female presenters the same is applicable and it is advisable not to wear accessories and jewellery and rings. The main intention is not to distract the visual attention of the audience but to make sure that the audience stay glued to the presenter with a professional attitude.
PRESENTATION PHOBIA:
Sometimes butterflies may run in your stomach just before the final presentation. You can beat the so called stress in different ways and means. Drink water as it cools your inner system and it brings comfort to your vocal chords. It also warms your voice and decreases the stress gradually. You can start counting the numbers from 1 to 10 and vice versa as you do not think of the presentation. Do light exercises as it provides you with fresh energy and enthusiasm. You can also do breathing exercise like inhaling and exhaling as fresh oxygen goes to your brain and you get distressed gradually. And also, start discussing something other than the presentation as it removes your anxiety levels.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Usually keep 15 per cent of the stipulated time towards introduction 70 per cent towards body and 15 per cent towards summary. The timings mentioned are approximate and there can be flexibility. It teaches to plan well and present well.
DURING SESSION:
“First you tell ‘em what you are going to tell ‘em, then you tell ‘em, then you tell ‘em what you told ‘em”, quoted Sergeant Major.
The above quotation complements the presentation in three different modes and that become the 1H i.e. how to present yourself. Having known 4W’s in the pre-session and when it is clubbed with 1H in the during session besides supplementing with the Q&A (Question and Answer) session the presentation process becomes complete.
Define clearly the introduction part in short and precise manner. Ensure that the audience is brought to the topic immediately. You may do so by posing a question or by narrating an anecdote or a small story which is easily understandable to all. Having drawn their attention then highlight the features, significance and importance of the audience. Try to explain the benefits the audience are going to get out of the presentation and having done that go to the body part which you might have written in short hand format and try to explain each concept, idea and point with simple examples and with facts and figures.
In fact, you will find three segments of listeners in every audience. First segment are those who don’t know the topic at all. Second segment are those who knows the topic superficially and the third segment are the experts in the topic. Try to focus your introduction and summary part to the first and second segment of people and focus the body part of your presentation to the experts in the field. For experienced presenters it becomes very easy to segment these three kinds of audience just after some time of the presentation by their body language and learn to focus all the three segments equally. Knowing the psychology of the audience will also help deliver the presentation effectively and efficiently.
Another way of making the presentation effective is by knowing how to centre the topic on three aspects like the first one being the self (speaker), second one being the topic and the third one being the audience. Some presenters think too much about themselves and neglect the topic and also the audience. Some presenters are too much conscious about the topic and pay least attention to themselves and also on the audience. And some presenters worry too much audience and fail to focus on themselves and also on the topic. The effective and efficient way of any presentation is to bring synergy and synchronization and coordination amongst self, topic and the audience. This is a difficult task but can be achieved by regular preparation and practice.
Globally well known concept in any kind of presentation be it in written or oral is the concept of KISS. This is the acronym for ‘Keep It Simple Sweetheart’ or ‘Keep It short and Simple’. Don’t confuse the audience with loaded vocabulary or with slang or professional jargon. The objective of any presentation is to ensure that the message reaches the audience accurately. And the best way to reach them is to keep the process of presentation as simple, compact, concise and crisp as possible.
During presentation it is essential to lay stress on three kinds of animation – body animation, facial animation and vocal animation. Any communication constitutes 93 per cent non verbal language and only 7 per cent verbal language. Again the non verbal language is divided into 55 per cent body language which is also known as kinesics and 38 per cent modulation. Unless there is right marriage between oral and body language the communication becomes incomplete and ineffective.
There has to be all round healthy movement of body with positive gestures by ways of hand, leg and body motion. The body animation can be utilized fully so as to convey your ideas. At the same time avoid any excessive body movement as it will distract the attention of the audience. Coupled with this, there is a need to maintain facial animation. Learn to smile wholeheartedly from the core of your heart and change your facial feelings as per the situation. Don’t be too serious or smiley. You can effectively make use of eyes by maintaining right contact with audience. There is an adage, “The eyes are the mirror of the soul”. You can communicate a lot through your eyes wonderfully. It helps to build right rapport with audience. Coming to vocal animation avoid monotone speech. Vary your pitch to signify the importance depending on the importance of the contents. If there is effective combination and synchronization in body, facial and vocal animation the presentation can become more effective and efficient.
The body part of the presentation is the core of the entire speech and try to present the topic from different dimensions so that the audience can understand the topic properly.
After completion of the body part then slowly transfer to the final stage that is summary. And never declare that it is summary as people tend to lose interest at it. Restate the main points and ideas with greater emphasis leaving a wonderful satisfactory impact in the minds of the audience. And also you can make a clarion call to do something which is motivational and inspirational.
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES DURING PRESENTATION:
• Find out the aspirations and expectations of the audience so as to tailor your talk as per their needs.
• Involve yourself totally on the topic.
• Be confident and radiate energy and enthusiasm.
• Smile at appropriate occasions as it warms up your voice.
• If required pose a few questions to the audience so that they will be challenged to think and will develop curiosity and interest towards the topic.
• There has to be smooth transition from one idea to another.
• If you are not good at humor, it is better to avoid because no jokes are better than bad jokes.
• The delivery of the flow should be natural.
• Avoid cluttering the contents and keep the contents relevant to the topic.
• Avoid over connectors such as ‘and’, ‘because’, ‘so on’ etc.,
• Never gaze at a particular individual for not more than 3 seconds as it creates discomfort.
• Do lay stress on qualitative presentation not quantitative.
• Even if there is disturbance in the audiovisual equipment, be prepared mentally to prolong the presentation by trusting on memory.
• Don’t stand dumbstruck. If you find it difficult to retrieve information keep a few filler words like Ok, right, actually, like and sentences like ‘It is like, . . .’, do you know?’, ‘you see’ . . . and so on. By keeping such ready made words and sentences in mind you can overcome from any delay in accessing information from your mind.
• Never comment or joke on any of the members of the audience.
• If necessary you can crack jokes on yourself. And if there is excessive humor on yourself then you will become a clown.
• Learn to maintain proper pace and pause. The flow of your delivery should neither be too slow nor too fast. The flow has to be natural and effective. There has to be pause as and when required. Learn to stress on key words, ideas and catchy phrases. Proper pause will help audience to focus on your key ideas and contents.
• Visualize that you are talking to each and every individual not to the audience. Maintain a personal and conversational tone. Maintaining proper and equal contact with the entire audience will make the presentation more effective and efficient. Learn to speak one sentence by looking at one person and then shift to the second person with second sentence and so on if there is small audience. It creates a feeling of intimacy with the entire audience and the audience will reciprocate your presentation with interest. If the audience happens to be big, you can also fix a few persons at each corner of the room and regularly look at those individuals of all directions and it creates strong feeling that you are talking to them.
• Create an emotional bonding with the audience by telling ‘we feel greater, bigger, better etc.’
• Never get freezed in larger audience.
• Be mentally prepared for interruptions.
• If you have made mistake while speaking correct it and proceed further and do not apologize.
• Never be oversensitive to the audience.
• Never overload the stuff.
• Learn to repeat the key ideas, concepts and points in different ways to drive home your point.
• Remove your mask and be natural.
• Get connected to the audience wholeheartedly.
• Avoid usage of technical or professional jargon.
• If you find that the audience is bored use humor.
• If you want to convey a joke, it is desirable to practice number of times to make it effective.
• If you want to deliver a punch line look at the individuals whose body language is favorable to you and then deliver for effectiveness and applause.
• Budget your time judiciously and deliver with in the stipulated time.
• Involve with the participants closely and actively. And learn to mix with them as it creates bonding.
• Don’t prolong any presentation for a longer time as it loses its impact.
• Usually the practice presentation takes 20 per cent faster than the real presentation. Knowing this research report will help you budget your time properly on the D-day.
• Trust in your gut feelings.
• Don’t lose your links. Learn to pick up thread immediately where you have left. Usually it happens when there is interruption from audience.
• Present only what you know not what you don’t know. Don’t try to be a perfectionist.
• If you are a professional presenter maintain a separate files for quotations, anecdotes, case studies, examples etc., You can make use of the same depending upon the topic.
• If you want to become a professional presenter read the books and surf the websites of international professional speakers like Lenny Laskowski, Brian Tracy etc.,
• Avoid visual distractions if any.
• Always smile when leaving a message.
POST-SESSION:
After the successful completion of the presentation, it is the time to proceed to question and answer (Q&A) session where you invite a few questions for clarification. It is a very delicate and sensitive session as you must be fully prepared for any kind of questions. You need to encourage individually each participant and then clearly after understanding the question, handle it carefully, tactfully and patiently. Tell them to keep the questions with in the purview of the topic and if anyone goes out of the topic tell them the same clearly. If the answer is not known to you, say clearly and frankly and proceed further smartly and sharply. Don’t exceed the given time frame as it will upset other activities. We are not expected to know everything under the sun in the earth. Q & A session is, in fact, a crucial one where you can leave a wonderful everlasting impression by handling it successfully.
CONCLUSION:
Select an interesting topic, collect relevant material from all sources, organize it logically and practice the same thoroughly. After analyzing your strengths and weaknesses, rectify your weaknesses and then proceed for the real presentation. At the forecast stage, state what you are going to state, at the body stage simply state and at the conclusion stage, state what you have stated with a thought provoking one so that the audience will think on it for a longer time. At the end attend the Q&A session carefully, tactfully and diplomatically.
MESSAGE:
Speaking skills, listening skills, writing skills and reading skills are the four pillars for any effective communication. The speaking skills are subset of presentation skills. It is vital to be strong at presentation skills in order to become a successful professional. Talent is inborn while skill can be acquired by continuous training, practice, knowledge and experience. Presentation skills should be laid stress from the initial stage of education itself so that one can become an all rounded personality in the later stage.
T H E E N D
Sunday, January 6, 2008
INTERVIEW SKILLS
ABSTRACT
Why do the applicants get rejected at the interview? What is the difference between employability and unemployability? All these questions have been addressed effectively and efficiently in this article. The basic definition, types and do’s and don’ts of interview are explained. The entire interview process is divided into three phases such as pre-interview session, during interview and post interview session. The probable questions, which are likely to be asked, and the tips during the interview are adequately addressed. This article is beneficial to the prospective employees and also for the existing employees who want to change their jobs.
”Job Interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm.” According to Wikipedia
WHAT IS INTERVIEW?
Interview is a negotiation. It is a process where employee interacts with the prospective employer and exhibits his hidden strengths and weaknesses, which will pave the way either for selection or rejection of the employee, based on certain requisite qualities and parameters. The employer has expectations of certain skills, abilities, competencies and qualifications and when the employee fills the bill by matching with his expectations then the selection of the employee takes place. No one wants a round peg in a square hole or a square peg in a round hole. If the round peg gets into round hole or a square peg gets into the slot of a square hole then the matching becomes effective and efficient. And interview is just a matching of the same. It can also be called as an interaction or a question and answer session from the employers to the employees so as to check suitability and compatibility of the employee for the post. Big organisations will have formal and structured interviews where as small organisations will have informal and unstructured interviews. For executive cadre or higher positions there will be two or more officers representing the employer will conduct the interview session.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS:
Fundamentally the below mentioned are the types of interviews conducted by various organizations depending their requirement and convenience. And to some extent it also depends on the type of the post/slot the applicant opts for.
1. Structured Interview: It is also known as Patterned Interview. It this method, the questions are arranged in s structured manner in order to elicit information related to the suitability of the applicant. It filters the applicants from maximum to minimum in strength. It is mostly suitable for on-campus interviews.
2. Unstructured Interview: It is also known as Non-Directive Interview. The questions mostly belong to open ended so as to extract maximum to assess the suitability of the applicant. It is suitable for off-campus interviews.
3. Group or Panel Interview: Here a panel of interviewing officers takes part. For instance, there will a specialist from the specific subject so as to find out their stuff in their subjective point of view. A person may be there to check the General Knowledge and current affairs to know if the applicant has knowledge about what is going on in the world. A personal may be a psychologist who will assess the candidate from his perspective. The number of the panel again depends on the type of the post one opts for.
4. Behavioral Interview: Questions related to conflicts that usually arise in work place will be posed and asking the applicant to reply by posing hypothetical questions. The applicant steps into the shoes and replies accordingly. From this, the interviewer will judge the behavior of the applicant.
5. Stress Interview: Intentionally disturbing questions will be posed to the applicant in order to find out the mental and emotional stability. These are not aimed personally against the applicant but provide correct picture for the interviewer how one reacts in critical and complicated conditions. Usually everyone faces unpleasant situations sometimes in life.
PRE INTERVIEW SESSION:
The first and foremost thing is to refer the resume and revise thoroughly what is written as the entire interview session revolves around the resume. Right from the family background to academic qualification, to work experience to extra curricular activities and to achievements the questions can be asked. Your resume is the foundation for your interview and it is, in fact, the initial index of your personality. If possible, it is desirable to execute mock interview session amongst friends to ease and avoid interview phobia. Mock exercises provide feel of the actual interview session. Always be punctual to the interview board and reach earlier to avoid any external problems or delays due to transportation. You can wear formal and decent clothes for the D-day. If you go early you can interact with your fellow interviewees and also you can overcome from running butterflies in your stomach. You can also drink plenty of water or do deep breathing exercises like inhaling and exhaling or counting numbers from 1 to 10 or from 10 to 1. Such things will ease and relax you before the interview.
DURING INTERVIEW SESSION:
Seek the permission by knocking the door and enter the interview hall by slowly leaving the door without making unnecessary or abnormal noise. Greet them with right etiquette and wait till you are asked to sit. Sit quietly by thanking the interviewing officers for the same without producing any unnecessary noise. Offer a firm handshake, which is assertive and positive and go ahead with the process, by radiating positive energy and enthusiasm.
There will be icebreaking questions which are mostly close ended questions like 'Are you comfortable now?’ or 'How are you?' and so on. Then the real session starts with open ended questions like 'Tell us something about your family background', or 'How did you come to know about this job?' etc., The Interviewing officers will gradually ease you and navigate you slowly into the session. They basically check for communication skills from the sample question like this. Then the ball will be set rolling towards the subjective knowledge. They just test the general awareness about the subjects studied.
Further they will go in depth by asking questions related to the subject by posing probing questions. If necessary they ask few open-ended questions so as to check your spontaneity and the confidence levels. They can also check your emotional and mental stability by posing questions related to stress. They look for soft skills and goal setting if there are any by posing questions like 'Where do you expect yourself after 5 or 10 or 15 years down the lane?' so on so that they will analyze whether you have clear cut professional career goals. Asking relevant questions either directly or indirectly will test passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability, learnability and absorbability. If the candidate happens to be a fresher and if he demonstrates passion and learnability he will be quickly absorbed as the organizations are preparing them to suit accordingly to their needs and wants.
Questions related to team spirit, leadership, organizing ability, conflict management etc. will be asked to ensure that the candidate possesses the same. Questions related to the nature of the job and the specialization of the trade will be asked so as to see if the candidate has the basic knowledge of specialization. When posed with positive questions like 'Tell us about your strengths' the candidate speak in volumes about it but when the negative question like 'Tell us something about your weakness or failures in life' candidates don't feel to come out. No man is free from failures and weaknesses. It is advisable to present the honest account of assets and liabilities during the interview session. Even if the candidate does not reveal, the psychologists and the interviewing officers are intelligent enough to find out the same.
When questions like 'Why should I give this job to you only?' the candidate must demonstrate his extraordinary skills and abilities to stand out from the pack with valid justifications. The questions related to general knowledge and current affairs may be asked to check the general awareness of the candidate. The hobbies and the extracurricular activities mentioned in the resume display all-round personality and there is a possibility to pose questions from this area too. At the end they may ask any suggestions for improvement and if there are any genuine, then candidate can express which will help them overcome the drawbacks or deficiencies. To sum it up, the candidate must be jack of all trades and master of his core line.
PROBABLE QUESTIONS DURING INTERVIEW:
Below are the probable questions, which may be asked to test the suitability of the applicant.
• Tell me about yourself
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your significant career achievements?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you work under pressure?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• What are your goals in your career?
• What other types of jobs are you considering?
• How much salary do you expect?
DO'S AND DON'TS IN INTERVIEW:
DO'S: Do switch off your cell phone or keep it in silent mode.
Do maintain proper dress code.
Do lot of research before the interview about the prospective company.
DON'TS: Do not raise the salary issue in the beginning itself.
Do not sell yourself cheap.
Do not sit at the edge of the chair.
Do not reflect your intention to work based on the geographical location.
TIPS DURING INTERVIEW:
• First impression is the best impression and in fact the last impression.
• Be confident and optimist and project right body language.
• Be honest and frank. Don't try to sound like a know-it-all. Don't beat around the bush when the answer is not known. Frankly say, 'I don't know, Sir'. If you are partly sure about the response, admit the same by saying, 'Right now I am not able to recall but it may be like this'.
• Don't interrupt the interviewing officer when he speaks. If warranted use sentence like 'I am sorry to interrupt and if you permit then . . . . ..’ When your views are different than that of the officer, politely say, 'I appreciate your views but to may knowledge it could be like this . . . . . Sir’.
• Always look for an opportunity to highlight your achievements related to personal, academic and professional. Such achievements are indeed an asset to the organization. That also reflects your higher enthusiasm and energy levels.
• If any woman officer is there, greet her first followed by the men officers.
• Tactfully play down what you don't know and play up what you know.
• Project your professional achievements in an interesting manner. Such as what the organization is benefited from your contributions and how did you add value to your personal and professional career. Every company looks for people who can provide value addition to their institution. What difference can you make for the benefit and betterment of the organization?
• Every job has its own skills set and projecting the same will make the selection process successful.
• By knowing the latest developments of the company from various sources like search engine, newspapers, TV channels, magazines and other sources will be helpful. For instance, when we talk of Tata Steel's taking over Corus will create a positive impression in the minds of the selection officers if you happen to join in Tata Steel.
• Finding out the vision and mission of the company will throw light about the expectations and aspirations of the company. If the candidate projects and meets the same then the probability of selection turns out to be higher.
• Never talk ill of the previous or present employer however the strained relations might be. That conveys a negative impression of you and the prospective employer may think that the candidate will talk ill of this employer also.
• If there are gaps in academic qualifications and work experience, there should be reasonable justification for the same. Be mentally prepared for the questions related to such gaps.
• Express your pride in associating with the prospective company either directly or indirectly.
• Demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability to get into the new work culture.
• Questions related to gender may be asked if happened to be fairer sex vis-a-vis the job requirements and one must be prepared to reply suitably.
• If the question is not clear, don't hesitate to request for repeating the question. It is better to get it repeated than giving a wrong reply.
• Keep smiling and radiate positive energy and enthusiasm throughout the interview session. Maintain proper eye contact, which shows your self-confidence.
• Get thorough with your resume as your interview revolves around your resume.
• A salary negotiation is a tricky issue and ensures that it is touched upon at the end. In professional and established organizations, salaries are fixed accordingly to the cadre, qualification and work experience. In a few private management and less profile companies ensure that you are paid as per the prevailing market salaries. And also ensure that there is always a win-win situation in salary negotiation.
• Listen attentively and carefully to the questions then process within your mind and the present it properly.
• Exhibit qualities by saying successfully worked in teams, organized events effectively which convey qualities like team spirit, leadership and organizing planning skills.
• When a question is posed, make sure that the answer of the question leads to a point or stage, which you know very well so that further question can be asked from that area. Doing like this will lead to further questions from the known area and the interviewing officer will develop an attitude that you know the subject thoroughly.
• Always exhibit that you can go extra mile with your initiative.
• Find out the names of the key persons with in the organization, as there can be questions related to the same.
• Create your own identity from the list of participants within the stipulated session and try to rise from the rest of the crowd.
• Last but not the least is that we are not expected to know everything under the sun in the earth. One must present what one knows correctly and precisely.
POST INTERVIEW SESSION:
Follow up process is critical and essential. Write down the key issues uncovered during the interview in a small diary. The applicant should send a letter to the employer thanking them for providing an opportunity to attend the interview with in 24 hours after the interview. It forms as a courtesy and also ask them if they need any further details. Never write anything personal, which may be misunderstood as recommendation for the job. After the completion of the official part, just look back and analyze the areas where you did right and wrong. What are all the areas you neglected and to be refocused for the next interview. Conducting intrapersonal feedback thoroughly will help you improve your abilities and skills, which will become building blocks for the next interview. Attending interviews frequently provides a very good experience and exposure for which there is no substitute.
CONCLUSION:
Interview is a type of interaction, communication and negotiation and it takes place in everybody’s life in one way or the other be it in personal, social or in professional level. Showcasing your abilities and interests in sync with the employer will make the interview fruitful and successful.
Why do the applicants get rejected at the interview? What is the difference between employability and unemployability? All these questions have been addressed effectively and efficiently in this article. The basic definition, types and do’s and don’ts of interview are explained. The entire interview process is divided into three phases such as pre-interview session, during interview and post interview session. The probable questions, which are likely to be asked, and the tips during the interview are adequately addressed. This article is beneficial to the prospective employees and also for the existing employees who want to change their jobs.
”Job Interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm.” According to Wikipedia
WHAT IS INTERVIEW?
Interview is a negotiation. It is a process where employee interacts with the prospective employer and exhibits his hidden strengths and weaknesses, which will pave the way either for selection or rejection of the employee, based on certain requisite qualities and parameters. The employer has expectations of certain skills, abilities, competencies and qualifications and when the employee fills the bill by matching with his expectations then the selection of the employee takes place. No one wants a round peg in a square hole or a square peg in a round hole. If the round peg gets into round hole or a square peg gets into the slot of a square hole then the matching becomes effective and efficient. And interview is just a matching of the same. It can also be called as an interaction or a question and answer session from the employers to the employees so as to check suitability and compatibility of the employee for the post. Big organisations will have formal and structured interviews where as small organisations will have informal and unstructured interviews. For executive cadre or higher positions there will be two or more officers representing the employer will conduct the interview session.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS:
Fundamentally the below mentioned are the types of interviews conducted by various organizations depending their requirement and convenience. And to some extent it also depends on the type of the post/slot the applicant opts for.
1. Structured Interview: It is also known as Patterned Interview. It this method, the questions are arranged in s structured manner in order to elicit information related to the suitability of the applicant. It filters the applicants from maximum to minimum in strength. It is mostly suitable for on-campus interviews.
2. Unstructured Interview: It is also known as Non-Directive Interview. The questions mostly belong to open ended so as to extract maximum to assess the suitability of the applicant. It is suitable for off-campus interviews.
3. Group or Panel Interview: Here a panel of interviewing officers takes part. For instance, there will a specialist from the specific subject so as to find out their stuff in their subjective point of view. A person may be there to check the General Knowledge and current affairs to know if the applicant has knowledge about what is going on in the world. A personal may be a psychologist who will assess the candidate from his perspective. The number of the panel again depends on the type of the post one opts for.
4. Behavioral Interview: Questions related to conflicts that usually arise in work place will be posed and asking the applicant to reply by posing hypothetical questions. The applicant steps into the shoes and replies accordingly. From this, the interviewer will judge the behavior of the applicant.
5. Stress Interview: Intentionally disturbing questions will be posed to the applicant in order to find out the mental and emotional stability. These are not aimed personally against the applicant but provide correct picture for the interviewer how one reacts in critical and complicated conditions. Usually everyone faces unpleasant situations sometimes in life.
PRE INTERVIEW SESSION:
The first and foremost thing is to refer the resume and revise thoroughly what is written as the entire interview session revolves around the resume. Right from the family background to academic qualification, to work experience to extra curricular activities and to achievements the questions can be asked. Your resume is the foundation for your interview and it is, in fact, the initial index of your personality. If possible, it is desirable to execute mock interview session amongst friends to ease and avoid interview phobia. Mock exercises provide feel of the actual interview session. Always be punctual to the interview board and reach earlier to avoid any external problems or delays due to transportation. You can wear formal and decent clothes for the D-day. If you go early you can interact with your fellow interviewees and also you can overcome from running butterflies in your stomach. You can also drink plenty of water or do deep breathing exercises like inhaling and exhaling or counting numbers from 1 to 10 or from 10 to 1. Such things will ease and relax you before the interview.
DURING INTERVIEW SESSION:
Seek the permission by knocking the door and enter the interview hall by slowly leaving the door without making unnecessary or abnormal noise. Greet them with right etiquette and wait till you are asked to sit. Sit quietly by thanking the interviewing officers for the same without producing any unnecessary noise. Offer a firm handshake, which is assertive and positive and go ahead with the process, by radiating positive energy and enthusiasm.
There will be icebreaking questions which are mostly close ended questions like 'Are you comfortable now?’ or 'How are you?' and so on. Then the real session starts with open ended questions like 'Tell us something about your family background', or 'How did you come to know about this job?' etc., The Interviewing officers will gradually ease you and navigate you slowly into the session. They basically check for communication skills from the sample question like this. Then the ball will be set rolling towards the subjective knowledge. They just test the general awareness about the subjects studied.
Further they will go in depth by asking questions related to the subject by posing probing questions. If necessary they ask few open-ended questions so as to check your spontaneity and the confidence levels. They can also check your emotional and mental stability by posing questions related to stress. They look for soft skills and goal setting if there are any by posing questions like 'Where do you expect yourself after 5 or 10 or 15 years down the lane?' so on so that they will analyze whether you have clear cut professional career goals. Asking relevant questions either directly or indirectly will test passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability, learnability and absorbability. If the candidate happens to be a fresher and if he demonstrates passion and learnability he will be quickly absorbed as the organizations are preparing them to suit accordingly to their needs and wants.
Questions related to team spirit, leadership, organizing ability, conflict management etc. will be asked to ensure that the candidate possesses the same. Questions related to the nature of the job and the specialization of the trade will be asked so as to see if the candidate has the basic knowledge of specialization. When posed with positive questions like 'Tell us about your strengths' the candidate speak in volumes about it but when the negative question like 'Tell us something about your weakness or failures in life' candidates don't feel to come out. No man is free from failures and weaknesses. It is advisable to present the honest account of assets and liabilities during the interview session. Even if the candidate does not reveal, the psychologists and the interviewing officers are intelligent enough to find out the same.
When questions like 'Why should I give this job to you only?' the candidate must demonstrate his extraordinary skills and abilities to stand out from the pack with valid justifications. The questions related to general knowledge and current affairs may be asked to check the general awareness of the candidate. The hobbies and the extracurricular activities mentioned in the resume display all-round personality and there is a possibility to pose questions from this area too. At the end they may ask any suggestions for improvement and if there are any genuine, then candidate can express which will help them overcome the drawbacks or deficiencies. To sum it up, the candidate must be jack of all trades and master of his core line.
PROBABLE QUESTIONS DURING INTERVIEW:
Below are the probable questions, which may be asked to test the suitability of the applicant.
• Tell me about yourself
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your significant career achievements?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you work under pressure?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• What are your goals in your career?
• What other types of jobs are you considering?
• How much salary do you expect?
DO'S AND DON'TS IN INTERVIEW:
DO'S: Do switch off your cell phone or keep it in silent mode.
Do maintain proper dress code.
Do lot of research before the interview about the prospective company.
DON'TS: Do not raise the salary issue in the beginning itself.
Do not sell yourself cheap.
Do not sit at the edge of the chair.
Do not reflect your intention to work based on the geographical location.
TIPS DURING INTERVIEW:
• First impression is the best impression and in fact the last impression.
• Be confident and optimist and project right body language.
• Be honest and frank. Don't try to sound like a know-it-all. Don't beat around the bush when the answer is not known. Frankly say, 'I don't know, Sir'. If you are partly sure about the response, admit the same by saying, 'Right now I am not able to recall but it may be like this'.
• Don't interrupt the interviewing officer when he speaks. If warranted use sentence like 'I am sorry to interrupt and if you permit then . . . . ..’ When your views are different than that of the officer, politely say, 'I appreciate your views but to may knowledge it could be like this . . . . . Sir’.
• Always look for an opportunity to highlight your achievements related to personal, academic and professional. Such achievements are indeed an asset to the organization. That also reflects your higher enthusiasm and energy levels.
• If any woman officer is there, greet her first followed by the men officers.
• Tactfully play down what you don't know and play up what you know.
• Project your professional achievements in an interesting manner. Such as what the organization is benefited from your contributions and how did you add value to your personal and professional career. Every company looks for people who can provide value addition to their institution. What difference can you make for the benefit and betterment of the organization?
• Every job has its own skills set and projecting the same will make the selection process successful.
• By knowing the latest developments of the company from various sources like search engine, newspapers, TV channels, magazines and other sources will be helpful. For instance, when we talk of Tata Steel's taking over Corus will create a positive impression in the minds of the selection officers if you happen to join in Tata Steel.
• Finding out the vision and mission of the company will throw light about the expectations and aspirations of the company. If the candidate projects and meets the same then the probability of selection turns out to be higher.
• Never talk ill of the previous or present employer however the strained relations might be. That conveys a negative impression of you and the prospective employer may think that the candidate will talk ill of this employer also.
• If there are gaps in academic qualifications and work experience, there should be reasonable justification for the same. Be mentally prepared for the questions related to such gaps.
• Express your pride in associating with the prospective company either directly or indirectly.
• Demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability to get into the new work culture.
• Questions related to gender may be asked if happened to be fairer sex vis-a-vis the job requirements and one must be prepared to reply suitably.
• If the question is not clear, don't hesitate to request for repeating the question. It is better to get it repeated than giving a wrong reply.
• Keep smiling and radiate positive energy and enthusiasm throughout the interview session. Maintain proper eye contact, which shows your self-confidence.
• Get thorough with your resume as your interview revolves around your resume.
• A salary negotiation is a tricky issue and ensures that it is touched upon at the end. In professional and established organizations, salaries are fixed accordingly to the cadre, qualification and work experience. In a few private management and less profile companies ensure that you are paid as per the prevailing market salaries. And also ensure that there is always a win-win situation in salary negotiation.
• Listen attentively and carefully to the questions then process within your mind and the present it properly.
• Exhibit qualities by saying successfully worked in teams, organized events effectively which convey qualities like team spirit, leadership and organizing planning skills.
• When a question is posed, make sure that the answer of the question leads to a point or stage, which you know very well so that further question can be asked from that area. Doing like this will lead to further questions from the known area and the interviewing officer will develop an attitude that you know the subject thoroughly.
• Always exhibit that you can go extra mile with your initiative.
• Find out the names of the key persons with in the organization, as there can be questions related to the same.
• Create your own identity from the list of participants within the stipulated session and try to rise from the rest of the crowd.
• Last but not the least is that we are not expected to know everything under the sun in the earth. One must present what one knows correctly and precisely.
POST INTERVIEW SESSION:
Follow up process is critical and essential. Write down the key issues uncovered during the interview in a small diary. The applicant should send a letter to the employer thanking them for providing an opportunity to attend the interview with in 24 hours after the interview. It forms as a courtesy and also ask them if they need any further details. Never write anything personal, which may be misunderstood as recommendation for the job. After the completion of the official part, just look back and analyze the areas where you did right and wrong. What are all the areas you neglected and to be refocused for the next interview. Conducting intrapersonal feedback thoroughly will help you improve your abilities and skills, which will become building blocks for the next interview. Attending interviews frequently provides a very good experience and exposure for which there is no substitute.
CONCLUSION:
Interview is a type of interaction, communication and negotiation and it takes place in everybody’s life in one way or the other be it in personal, social or in professional level. Showcasing your abilities and interests in sync with the employer will make the interview fruitful and successful.
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