"WHERE KNOWLEDGE IS WEALTH"

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

How to Hypnotize Your Mind for Success?

The Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung said, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."

You can achieve anything and everything in your life if you know what you want. When you can program your mind towards achievement then everything is possible in this world. Hypnotism is one of the means by which you can program your mind for success. It breaks some of the bad habits, phobias and practices that become the stumbling block towards your success. Hypnotism is all about getting your subconscious mind accept and agree to the changes you would like to make.

The word hypnotism is not new to the world. It is being practiced since many years but in different forms. It was basically used to treat illness. Franz Anton Mesmer who was an Austrian physician is considered the father of hypnosis.

When people hear about hypnotism they are scared as there are several myths and misconceptions associated with this practice. But before we look into it, let us know what the hypnotism means.

The words 'hypnosis' and 'hypnotism' both derive from the term "neuro-hypnotism" (nervous sleep) coined by the Scottish physician and surgeon James Braid around 1841 to distinguish his theory and practice from those developed by Franz Anton Mesmer and his followers ("Mesmerism" or "animal magnetism") {Wikipedia}.

“The word hypnosis is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep.... hypnotism is a means of bringing on an artificial state of sleep to the participant ...more accurately described as a state of reduced consciousness while one is a awake { www.letusreason.org }.

Hypnosis is a mental state where in inputs are given to program mind. It is a mental state where the mind is receptive to instructions. At this stage, the mind is highly focused with concentration and yet relaxed. It is usually misunderstood as a sleeping state. It is done by an expert who is known as hypnotist on a subject.

Everyone undergoes for a state of hypnosis everyday but we do not know the same. For instance, we listen to music while going by car or when we go for a long drive, we engross into hypnosis. In fact, we all enjoy hypnosis state one way or the other.


Myths and Truths about Hypnotism:

There are several myths associated with hypnotism. People looking from the background of films and hearing from unconfirmed sources, come to a conclusion that there are several dangers involved in it. In fact, it is not so.

• The myth is that the subject reveals all secrecy during hypnosis. The truth is that nothing can be revealed without the will of the subject. Only thing is that the subject discovers himself/herself during the process.
• The myth is that the hypnotist can do anything against the subject during the exercise. The truth is that nothing can be done against the will and wishes of the subject.
• Hypnotism is no way related to magic. It is purely a collection of tools and techniques involved in the process of execution.


Merits and Demerits of Hypnotism:

• It helps in discovering the inner truths about you.
• It helps in improving your thought process.
• It taps your subconscious mind.
• It helps in releasing blocks, fears and phobias.
• If the right techniques are learnt you can become master of your mind by self-hypnotism.
• It helps in improving your memory which in turn helps in recalling the names and the remembering what is read. It is highly useful for all and especially for children who think that they have poor memory. Hypnotism boosts your confidence levels as well. It clearly proves that you can achieve anything and everything in your life.
• It enhances your academic and study skills.
• It develops right mindset towards life thereby leading to success.
• It heals depression and anxiety and cures asthma.
• It helps in achieving your goals.
• Finally, it helps in taking control to become who and what you want.


Story of an Elephant:

When a baby elephant was tied with a thick rope, it tried its best to break the rope. Subsequently, the thick rope was replaced by a thin rope and the baby elephant tried again to unshackle. It tried, but in vain, thinking that it was a thick rope and it could not break the rope. As the baby elephant grew big it was tied with the same thin rope. It could have easily broken it but failed to break it because of its previous failed experiments and experiences. Our minds are also programmed with several such failures and we think that it is not possible as we are conditioned like that. In is here, hypnotism helps to break such habits of failure thereby infusing fresh confidence and optimism towards life and success.

How to Hypnotize?

You must know fully about the subject thoroughly on whom it is to be practiced. Once it is known then it is easy to use the information and instructions properly to make the process effective. Ask the subject to lie down, allow him/her to relax. Ask him/her to close his/her eyes then encourage the subject to take a few deep breaths. The objective of this entire exercise is to clear the clutter from the mind of the subject for desired outcome. Later on, use the tools and techniques depending upon the requirements of the hypnotism. For instance, if you want to enhance the memory of the subject then use the relevant techniques for the same. Similarly, if the subject has certain phobias then use appropriate techniques accordingly. The procedure is same but the instructions depend on the type of problem to be addressed. The hypnotist must be an expert to avoid any negative fallout.

There should not be any disturbances during hypnotism as it can break concentration. Sounds arising out of phone, telephone, radio beeper or any other things should be avoided. The place of hypnotism should be totally serene for desired results.

Conclusion:

Hypnotism as a tool, if used; properly you can get desired results. It is a proven technique where you can make use of it for achieving success in your life. Once you learn the tricks of the trade then you can try on yourself as well as on others. Lot of practice is needed in this regard. Finally, you need to have right attitude towards hypnotism to leverage benefits for all-round progress, growth and success.

The End


References:

Author’s Blog: http://profmsr.blogspot.com
http://www.wendi.com/html/what_is_hypnosis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnosis
http://www.letusreason.org/Nam3.htm

Thursday, April 23, 2009

How to Unlearn, Learn and Relearn?

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” - Alvin Toffler

Learning is a continuous process from cradle to grave. It widens your mental horizons, changes the perceptions and expands your overall intellectual base. According to Stephen R Covey, one of the seven habits of highly effective people is learning, that too, continuous learning. Continuous learning is an exercise to your mind as physical exercise is to your body. To be successful in life, it is necessary to focus on physical, intellectual and spiritual learning.

Continuous learning keeps you updated with latest developments. It changes your mindset with the changing times. It sheds some of your old inhibitions, hesitations and habits. It helps you in reinventing yourself constantly.

Continuous Learning:

"View life as a continuous learning experience." — Denis Waitley

Let us appreciate the fact that everything starts small. It is human nature, where in, none becomes great in overnight. It requires lot of energies and efforts regularly. Everyone has to start small. Therefore, there is need for learning on a daily basis. The learning need not be by books alone as many think. Learning includes by way of observation, reading, experimentation, practice, training etc., Usually people go for reading books. There are many people with less literacy achieved success, learning by their observation and trial and error method. If learning is the end, the means are many. Whatever the constructive means individuals adopt, finally, it should lead to healthy learning.

Case study of Ron:

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.” - Marcel Proust

Ron worked in an industry for 25 years. He decided to share his knowledge, experience and expertise with student community. Therefore, he joined as a faculty in an engineering college. Having worked for 25 years in the industry, he found it very difficult to get along within the educational institution initially. But his passion to teach students compelled him to unlearn some of the habits which were not required for the educational institution. He was basically ruthless as a manager and leader in the industry. He was highly task oriented and aggressive in nature. But the educational institution needs lot of patience to handle students. Besides, lot of reading is necessary to teach. He struggled a lot to recall his olden days where he prepared for his academic examinations. He had to prepare more than what he prepared during his student life.

But the passion towards teaching made him to prepare long hours. He prepared notes by himself by referring number of books. Gradually he began developing his own content with several examples so that students would understand easily. It took around three months to unlearn some of his industry habits and learnt new tools and techniques towards teaching. Thorough reading and passion made Ron to unlearn, learn and relearn several things so as to become a successful faculty member. Ron also innovated his own way of teaching methodologies by blending both his industry experience with academic experience. Finally, he became a successful faculty member by unlearning, learning and relearning.

Age and Ego for Learning:

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” - Chinese Proverb

For learning, ego and age should not be a hurdle. We can learn from anybody whether they are older or younger to us. What is important is to recognize that the other person has certain competencies, skills and abilities where we lack. Knowledge can be acquired by respecting others’ potential. Some people hesitate to consult people younger to them as their ego prevents them. Such filters within mind should be eliminated. There was a person by name, John, who joined in a research company. He had 25 years of experience in the industry but was new to the research company. He had huge appetite for learning and growing. He did not hesitate to learn the ropes of the research from younger people. Finally he rose in the research department within a short time as he was not egoistic in consulting and learning from younger people. He combined his previous experience with the existing knowledge and ultimately outsmarted others in the research firm with in a short span. What is needed is to block the ego, which, in most of the times is a stumbling block for learning.

Tips to Unlearn, Learn and Relearn:

“The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.” - Mohammed

Have a firm and flexible mindset set that you are still learning and evolving. Don’t take your learning for granted. The learning that takes place during your life may subject to change. The globe was initially believed to be flat. But the subsequent learning confirmed that the globe is round. Therefore, have a flexible and open mindset towards learning.

Try to associate with intellectual friends. You can share your knowledge with them. As well as you can learn. Probably, you may have some of the ideas which are unconfirmed. Creating intellectual ambience can lead to confirmed learning. Besides, it creates more knowledge base. When you discuss with them, the hidden potential within you will surface and you may share the same with them. When others challenge your ideas, then also, you tend to think deeper resulting into creativity and innovation.

Mentoring will help you to communicate effectively. It also helps you to explore and examine your mentees. It is a two way communication where you can share your knowledge, expertise and experience. And also, you can be benefited from the practical experiences and learning of your mentees. Apart from guiding, grooming and gliding your mentees towards their career success, you can get cross checked about your knowledge from their experiences. If there are any variations, the same can be unlearnt and learnt.

Take continuous feedback from your well-wishers and experienced people. Constructive feedback helps in taking the right steps for remedial action for improvement. If there are any deviations in learning, the same can be unlearnt. In this process, care should be taken to consult the right experts who are the authority on the topic.

Finally, be passionate in the process of unlearning, learning and relearning. The passion has to come from the core of your heart.

Conclusion:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi

People need to have open mind towards learning. Many students think that once they complete their academic education, their learning is over. In fact, the real learning starts from the moment they enter into career life. The basic educational qualifications are only the launching pad for getting employment. The real survival and success at the organization front is possible only by unlearning, learning and relearning with the changing times.

The End

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

How to Dream Big?

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” - Jesse Owens

The starting point for success in life is dreaming big. Is it possible for everyone to dream big? Yes, it is possible. But only a few people dream big and achieve success. Fundamentally, it is the dreams that take all of us towards success. But, then, why do people fail to dream big? Let us look at the same.


Failures and Dreams:

“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.” - Dale Carnegie

When people fail frequently they tend to develop mental barriers and limitations concluding that they cannot achieve anything in future. In fact, it is wrong. Every failure teaches some lessons. The positive people learn lessons from their failures and move forward. Further momentum is possible only when we restart our life with dreams. Everything is there only in our mind. We can create and conceive the mind the way we want. When our mind is fed with dreams, hopes arise resulting into putting in efforts and striving for success. Therefore, it is necessary to break those mental barriers that limit from dreaming big.



Age and Ability to Dream:

Children dream bigger than middle aged or old people. They live in dreams and fantasies. It is basically because they have not seen the world. They live in imaginary life. But the people in the middle and old age have seen the practical problems of life. If they happen to face frequent problems in life, their confidence level decreases. Besides, age does not support them to sustain their dreams. And in the case of old people the ability to dream decreases further with several challenges having faced and still facing in life. There is an element of insecurity as they think that they reached fag end of their life. That is why it is rightly said, child thinks of future, middle aged person thinks of present and old aged person thinks of past. Therefore, it can be easily concluded the ability to dream decreases with the increase in age. However, people can dream big irrespective of age if they develop a positive mindset and they can achieve success at any age. In a nutshell, age is not an excuse for dreaming big.


Develop A Positive Mindset:

Walt Disney said, "If you can dream it you can do it."

It is necessary to develop a mindset that you can achieve big. When such mindset is created it is very easy to dream. Imagine that you are unique and different from others. You were born to achieve something big in your life. Have firm conviction that God has created you to achieve unique things in the world. When you are flooded with such information in your mind, you get inspired and excited continuously and constantly. It develops will power, perseverance and builds confidence. As a result, you put in efforts and energies regularly which ultimately takes you towards success.


How to Dream Big?

Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." It is the dream of Martin Luther King that led to equal rights for both whites and blacks in America. It is also rightly said that an idea with a dream can change your life.

Focus on your talents, where in, you are blessed with certain skills and abilities by birth. When you keep looking at your own strengths you tend to dream big. Few people have the habit of looking about themselves especially their weaknesses. Such tendency creates inferiority complex preventing from dreaming big. Learn to respect yourself. You must know the fact that you are unique and none can be like you. This kind of feeling generates positive vibes resulting into dreaming big.

Albert Einstein rightly said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Cultivate the habit of stretching your imaginations to unforeseen levels. Many ordinary people have become extraordinary people as they spread their wings of imagination. Imagination is essential to dreaming big. Higher the imagination, higher the dreams are. Therefore, raise your imagination levels.

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” - Christopher Reeve
Everything is possible in the world. What is needed is the will power to make it happen. Similarly, dreaming big is very much possible by giving right mental diet to your subconscious mind. Below is the process you need to follow towards dreaming big.

Half an hour before you go to bed, provide inputs to your mind that you were born to achieve something great in the world. Have conviction that you have all ingredients to achieve the same. Keep feeding your mind with such mental inputs regularly. When you think and feed your mind with the same daily just before you go to bed, your subconscious mind gets stuffed with the same. Over a period of time, your subconscious mind takes over your conscious mind and your behavior gets reflected accordingly. We do as per the instructions of our mind. When we can explore and exploit our subconscious mind in this way we tend to dream big.


Conclusion:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Imaginations lead to dreaming big. When we dream big, our mind starts thinking big. Finally, we get excited and inspired to accomplish the impossible activities resulting into greater success. Therefore, dream, dream and dream BIG.



The End

Friday, April 17, 2009

How to Think Big?

“I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.” - Donald Trump.

Thinking is a state of mind. One has to cultivate thinking big. It can happen only when you dream big. Battle is won twice, first in mind and then in reality. Unless you think big you cannot become big.

We lose nothing by thinking big. It stimulates out-of-the-box thinking, raising our aspirations and expectations. It generates positive vibes. It enhances our will power. It enhances new ways of approach. It breaks the conventional barriers and thinking.

Before you go to bed think of what you want to achieve in your life. It could be in your personal, professional or social growth. Just think big and go to bed. Do it daily. See the magic of your mind after a few days. Your subconscious mind gives you kick every time by reminding you about big things in life. You can become the way you want by thinking big. Often people do not realize the power of human mind and the magic of thinking big. Nothing is impossible in this world. Everything is possible. It is all in your mind and it is all in your thinking.

Whenever you are faced with bigger challenges in life, you start thinking bigger. Bigger problems require bigger solutions. And to get bigger solutions you need to think broadly and unconventionally. It not only enhances your mind power but also your creativity.

Tips for Thinking Big:

“You have to think big to be big” - Claude M. Bristol

In order to start thinking big, you need to have optimism towards life. It drives and takes you in a right direction. It constantly generates positive vibrations with in your mind to think big.

Secondly, you need to have confidence. Confidence comes from competence. And competence comes from experience. Therefore, when you have good experience it builds your skills and abilities and glides you towards life with confidence.

Thirdly, you need to surround with positive and successful people. On the contrary, when you surround with negative people, they keep feeding you wrong inputs. Over a period of time, you tend to think negatively resulting into thinking small. In this context, let us take a small story.

John was passing through a forest with a goat to sell in the nearby market. Knowing this in advance, three thieves plotted to grab the goat. When John was passing through the forest, first thief met John and asked him where he was carrying the dog. John smiled and said that he was not carrying a dog but a goat to sell it in the market. After sometime, another thief met John on the way and asked him where he was carrying the dog. John surprised and said that he was not carrying dog but goat to sell it in the nearby market. As the John passed through the forest and about to reach the nearby market the third thief came and enquired where he was carrying the dog. John now totally shocked and puzzled and said that he was not carrying a dog but a goat to sell it in the nearby market. The third thief said that he was carrying the dog but not the goat. By this time, John got vexed, fed up and began doubting and got confirmed that he was carrying the dog but not the goat. He left the goat there itself and went back to his village. Now their plan worked out and all the three thieves took the goat to market and sold it off.

From the above story, it becomes very clear about the having negative zone of people who would feed wrong inputs to change the realities. Therefore, always surround with positive and success people to think big in your life.

Fourthly, take someone who you know highly successful as a role model. Look at him how he achieved big and what led to his rise. Find out what is the smart work involved in reaching the tipping point. Taking such successful people as inspiration will help you think big frequently.

Fifthly, go to a serene place. Sit quietly for sometime where there is peace and tranquility. Start thinking where you want to reach. Look for all possibilities. What are the things needed to reach your goals. And start acquiring the same regularly.

Conclusion:

“What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve” – Napoleon Hill.

You can do anything you want. Think for it, ask it, choose it and be committed to it. You need to break your mental barriers and limitations. Once unchained from mental barriers, anything and everything is possible in this world. Sky is the limit.

Let us all know the fact that ‘to aim low’ is a crime. Let us start thinking big. It helps in the growth and prosperity of the entire mankind.

The End

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Never Give In

“Never give in and never give up.” - Hubert H. Humphrey


Character and career is something that you should not put into somebody’s hands. Character should be as per your convictions. And career is should be based on your passion.

A person who compromises on everything will never succeed in his life. He will not have any identity for himself. The person who sticks to his principles and convictions through thick and thin will forever be remembered in the history of mankind. And rest will remain like lay men.

Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his anti-slavery policies. Martin Luther King is remembered for his struggle for equality of blacks along with whites through his non-violence methods. Mahatma Gandhi is also remembered for fighting for independence through truth and non-violence. All these three leaders never gave in despite assassination threats and ultimately have been assassinated. Another leader, Nelson Mandela is remembered for fighting against apartheid in South Africa. He never compromised and gave in despite being jailed for many years. What made them stand apart from others is not giving in.

It is unfortunate that a few people lose so much for so little due to dearth of principles and values in their lives. Sometimes it is also due to dearth of tenacity and resilience. The initial enthusiasm of preserving principles fades away with the passage of time and the kind of experiences one undergoes during lifetime. When people are subjected to severe trials and tribulations they tend to shift their gears from principles thereby giving in. Ultimately the difference between an ordinary and extra-ordinary person is not giving in at any cost.

For instance, there is a woman by name, Susan who is packed with principles. She works in a multinational company as an HR manager. She never bows down from her principles and values. She discharges her roles and responsibilities properly without giving any chance for others to point out. She is prompt and punctual in her work. She is very firm, strong and bold. She is respected for her impeccable and intellectual integrity and honesty.

Road to Convictions:

“All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.” -James Freeman Clarke

The road to convictions is not bed of roses. In contrast, it is bed of thorns. If it were easy everybody would tread the path of convictions. What is required during the journey is faith not fear. Don’t have fear but have faith in your abilities and capabilities. Only when faith overtakes fear you can wholeheartedly stick to your convictions and principles. When you are pretty sure that the path you are going is good and great then this faith alone is sufficient for you to keep you on track. Lord Jesus was crucified on a cross as he did not compromise with his convictions.

Relationships:

“Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions.” - Dag Hammarskjold

Some people compromise a lot to sustain relationships. But it is not proper. Any relationship requires a kind of ‘give and take’ attitude, where there is need for flexibility to maintain relationships. People need to strike a right balance between relationships and principles. It requires extraordinary courage to balance and sustain relations with mutual dignity and self-respect.

Sometimes, for the sake of your principles, you may have to end your relations. For instance, there was a woman by name Susan who was a capable, educated and dignified. She married with a person who was equally qualified but never respected her individuality. The husband would disturb her frequently on her routine and regular work. He was against her taking up employment. He would dominate her on each and everything and never treated her on par with him. Susan bore the brunt for too long. She tried several times to persuade her husband to change his behavior. The husband came to the extent of insulting her in the presence of others and humiliated her number of occasions. Although she loved her husband she did not like the insults and humiliations. At the end, she divorced him as she did not give in from her convictions.

Core vs. Superficial Values:

Never compromise with your core values and beliefs. The core values are the basic pillars and the foundation of your personality. Core values can be compared with infrastructure while the superficial values can be compared with superstructure. There should not be any compromise on these fundamental principles. However, you may compromise in some values which are superficial. It all depends on the situation and occasion where to bend and blend your superficial values. As every man changes with the changing times, there is a need to change some of our values and principles superficially for the sake of survival.

Conclusion:

“He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.” - Louisa May Alcott

Don’t allow yourself to be browbeaten by others. Don’t yield to pressures. Hold on to your guns firmly. Be a die hard person. Face the fight and fight on to the finish. It does not matter who wins or loses at the end. But ultimately what matters are the principles and values in waging the battle.

Don’t allow others to override or dictate you. It is your life and you have to take decisions. Don’t become a puppet in the hands of puppeteers. The day you become a puppet you lose your independence, individuality and originality and remain like any other average individual. Giving in-charge of your life to others is like insulting yourself. Never, never and never compromise even if it involves risking ridicule and rejection. Ultimately it is not the destination but the journey towards life that matters at the end.

The End

Monday, April 13, 2009

Never Give Up

“Never, never, never, never give up”- Winston Churchill


History is replete with several examples where leaders became successful by not giving up. Perseverance, persistence and passion are the unique traits of successful people.

Let us look at few examples where people were successful by perseverance. Albert Einstein was considered to be dull academically initially. But he proved to be a great success in later part of life. Charles Darwin was an average boy initially who evolved the theory which is popularly known as Darwin’s theory. Walt Disney was turned down 302 times before he got financing for his dream project. Charlie Chaplin was initially rejected for his poor acting skills. Subsequently he proved to be a great actor. Henry Ford was bankrupt initially and later proved himself as a successful entrepreneur. Thomas Edison failed number of times to invent bulb. But he was successful at the end. Had all these people given up we would not have seen several inventions. And probably we would not have heard success stories about their perseverance.

The lessons that can be learnt from these great people were it is the perseverance and persistence that pays off at the end. It is rightly said, to win a war you need to lose a battle. At times, the temporary setbacks can not be taken as permanent ones. These should be treated as learning experiences and efforts should be made to move on.

Only the people who have seen successive failures possess the quality of not giving up at any cost. Failure is one way good as it enhances and strengthens mental faculties. It teaches several lessons. It explores new ways and means to find out solutions to problems. It encourages trying different methods of reaching goals and objectives.

Love and Success:

Once you take up a task be passionate to achieve it by any means. Don’t let fear to take over you or overtake you. Let your faith ride fear and force you towards your cherished goals. We have witnessed several technological revolutions which are the result of persistence and perseverance. When you love a woman can you give up? If you give up it means you don’t love her. Every woman likes and loves a man who perseveres. She may initially decline falling into love. But ultimately it is the perseverance that takes you to love. Similarly success does not come on platter as it requires lot of perseverance. You need to be strong in your convictions without any let up. Never losing hope, never giving in and never giving up is the key to acquire success.

There will be several stumbling blocks to possess love. So is the case with success too. When you love a woman there will be a few who would be the stumbling blocks. Few of the stumbling blocks you know and guess and few are unknown and hidden. You need to convince yourself before you love that your love is very strong and you need to possess it. There will be few people who may be jealous with your love and throw the spanner into the process. It can be seen and removed. However, there will be a few people who you do not know. It is difficult to anticipate and manage the same. Managing and handling the both known and unknown stumbling blocks lead you towards love.

Similarly when you intend to achieve success, there will be hiccups and hurdles that you need to overcome with tenacity. There will be external forces and factors that are beyond your imagination and control that damages the prospects for achieving success. Managing both internal and external factors and forces requires zeal, energy and enthusiasm. Few people just give up when the success is close to them. They do not realize the same. Let us know that fact that it is often the last key in the bunch of keys that may open the door for success. People fail to analyze and realize the same and just give up when the success is round the corner.

Conclusion:

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." Confucius

Keep reading the biographies of successful leaders. Read the motivational and inspirational quotes regularly. All these things inject a dose of motivation regularly and sustain you towards achieving success.

Many successful people have achieved after crossing several failures. They underwent trials and tribulations that made them very strong mentally. They learnt bitter lessons in their lives. They grew out of great difficulties and challenges. Every challenge forced them more focused and committed. It brought out the best and made them like diamonds.

To conclude in the words of Jacob A. Riis, “Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”

The End

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Soft Skills for Managers

Managers not only need hard skills but also soft skills. Mere having domain and disciplinary knowledge does not help managers. Beyond these, they also need the art of managing the people which is more or less called as soft skills. Management is all about managing emotions and egos of individuals. The managers should learn to listen their subordinates well. Most of the time in organizations is spent on listening rather than speaking with others. Only through active listening, the real problems of the employees can be understood. Active listening wins trust of employees and builds rapport with managers. Whether the managers address the issues or not but what is expected out of them is active listening with empathy.

Active listening makes the managers to understand the real intentions, emotions and issues of the people. It helps in solving the problems quickly. It also eliminates the possibility for conflicts with in the organization.

Emotional intelligence is another area where managers have to focus keenly at the work place. As people are different, their emotions are different. Some are quick tempered and some are soft tempered by nature. Some are introvert and some are extrovert by nature. It requires extraordinary ability to understand people well. The managers need to allocate the roles and responsibilities to employees based on their nature and on emotional intelligence. It helps in reaching the goals much faster and better.

Managers should learn the art of giving feedback constructively and positively without any prejudices. While criticizing, it is essential to focus on the behavior of the individuals rather than on the individuals. It helps in taking the criticism positively by the individuals. There will be transformation in the behavior and it helps the individuals as well as the organization. Besides, managers will also earn respect. The managers should correct the behavior of the individuals within the four walls not publicly. If the criticism takes place in public place, it leads to self-defense on the part of the individuals and finally it will boomerang.

While criticizing the behavior of the individuals, managers should emphasis on sandwich method of feedback. In this method of feedback, the conversation begins with a positive message followed by the message related to the areas where in the behavioral changes have to be brought out and closes with positive message. The sandwich feedback is an excellent tool and can be used for building better relations and bringing out behavioral changes among the individuals. It becomes one of the elements of soft skills.

Managers can also become successful mentors. Mentoring elevates the status and dignity of managers. In traditional management, managers are just treated as bosses. But when managers don the role of mentors, they command respect and recognition from their subordinates. Mentoring helps the managers to think deeply, analyze the contents effectively and condense the information and pass on the same to their protégées. It helps the managers to reinvent themselves. Through mentoring managers not only become knowledgeable but also accessible. In a nut shell, mentoring breaks the traditional barriers between managers and subordinates and builds the bridges.

Managers should demonstrate positive body language whenever they communicate with others. 55 percent of the communication goes towards body language, the remaining 7 per cent for oral and 38 per cent for voice modulation. The predominant factor in any communication is body language. There has to be consistency between oral, voice modulation and body language. For instance, when an authoritative manager says that hereafter he will involve all people in the decision making process by thumping his hands on the desk is a clear indication of the authoritative tendencies through body language and democratic tendencies through oral language. Right body postures like hand, head, leg movements and proper eye contact clearly communicates the message across resulting into smooth flow of work.

The managers should take a serious note of soft skills. Although hard skills take managers to their tipping point in career, it is the soft skills that hold them in the same tipping point for longer time. Therefore, it is necessary for managers to focus on both soft and hard skills for their career success. To conclude, soft skills are essential to deliver your hard skills as well as to reap hard benefits.

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