"Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." - Bentley, Timothy
What is Attitude?
Attitude is all about how you think and present yourself to others. If you think positive, you get positive results and if you think negative, you get negative results. Whatever you want you will get, provided you have the right attitude. It is a mindset that takes you to tool set and skill set to be successful in your endeavors. Attitude is like your antenna. You can receive right signals only when your antenna is correctly placed.
Positive, Right & Strong Attitude:
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” - Winston Churchill
To be successful, you need to have not only positive attitude but also right attitude and strong attitude. For instance, mere thinking to become an engineer may not fulfill your desire to become an engineer. You need to put in your efforts and energies in a right way which calls for right attitude. If the students copy during examinations they may either be caught red handed or may come out with success. But such success will not last long. If the attitude is right it leads to putting in the efforts in a right way thereby getting the right results. Finally, mere positive and right attitude may not give the desired results. What is needed is the strong attitude to pursue whatever you want till the end. Hence, it is desirable to have positive attitude, right attitude and strong attitude to be successful in your own area of interest.
Diana as a Marketing Executive:
“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” - William James
Diana was an introvert and socially inept woman by nature. She did MBA in the domain of marketing. But marketing requires a separate skill set such as being extrovert, social, talkative and emotionally intelligent. She joined as a marketing executive in a multinational company where she had to constantly interact with her colleagues and also with her customers. She had to be social, talkative and extrovert. Initially she had lot of difficulties as her nature was not compatible with her professional duties. Gradually she changed herself to be successful so as to stay in the job and evolved as a successful marketing executive. How could she evolve as a successful marketing executive? It is basically because she changed her attitude as per her job profile and became successful. We need to change ourselves to be successful in the world with the changing times and it is possible only by changing our attitude.
Advantages of Attitude:
"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force." - Blandi Tom
It is the attitude that can bring hundred percent results in our lives. Attitude helps in enhancing our aptitude. Positive attitude helps in facing several challenges in our day to day life. It makes us competent and confident. It changes our perceptions about adversities. It minimizes conflicts and maximizes peace and tranquility. Attitude converts an ordinary person as an extraordinary person. It increases the productivity and performance at the workplace.
How to Build Your Attitude?
“Where the loser saw barriers, the winner saw hurdles.” - Robert Brault
Positive, right and strong attitude can be built by deleting unwanted files from our minds. Our minds are cluttered with lot of unwanted information and data. We need to gradually remove the unwanted items and replace it with the areas of our interest.
Stay with positive and healthy people who will feed you with positive thoughts, ideas and information. It helps in filling our minds with positive attitude. Start the day with a positive note so that the entire day goes positively. When things are not favorable try to accept the realities, be flexible and mould yourself as per the situation with a right attitude.
Positive Vs Negative Attitude:
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” - Helen Keller
We can show our importance by helping not by harming people. It all depends on our attitude. For instance, if a doctor thinks of showing importance by saving the life of a patient then doctor has positive attitude. On the contrary, if the doctor thinks of showing importance by causing the death of a patient, it indicates negative attitude. If an engineer thinks of showing importance by building a great structure or dam, the engineer has a positive attitude. In contrast, if the engineer thinks of showing significance by collapsing then it is a negative attitude. Similarly, if a teacher shows importance by teaching and grooming a student then the teacher can win the hearts of the student through positive attitude. On the other hand, if the teacher shows importance by browbeating or bullying the student it demonstrates a negative attitude. To put in succinctly a person with positive attitude always thinks of helping and winning. In contrast, a person with negative attitude always thinks of harming and defeating others.
Conclusion:
"Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it." - Berlin, Irving
The common thread running across all successful people in the world is positive, right and strong attitude. It makes them rise above the rest. It makes the world to sit up and take notice. It differentiates between leaders and followers. Therefore, have a positive, right and strong attitude to grow personally, professionally and socially as a successful person as well as to bring difference in the lives of the people.
The End
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
How to Develop Networking Skills? - Prof.M.S.Rao
"If you build a network, you will have a bridge to wherever you want to go."- Harvey Mackay
Do you want a career of your choice? Do you want to get your contract executed successfully? Do you want to get noticed as a leader in your domain? Do you want to help others? Do you want to rise above from the rest? Networking is the only mantra for all these questions.
What are Networking Skills?
“It's all about people. It's about networking and being nice to people and not burning any bridges.” Mike Davidson
In this complex and competitive world, to be successful in life, you require both hard work and network. Networking skills are all about being good with others and being helpful for others without expecting anything in return from others. Networking is about sharing knowledge, information, ideas and insights that builds everlasting relationship. Aristotle said very long ago that man is a social animal. He cannot live alone. He needs people to socialize and move forward. Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs highlighted about the importance of social needs once both physiological and security needs are met. All these things prove beyond doubt about the human beings craving for socialization and affiliation. Networking is subset of socialization wherein all the involved parties can leverage mileage for their mutual progress and prosperity. It is like clapping with both hands for achieving all round success.
Qualities of a Networker:
The networkers have to go an extra mile. They need to possess several characteristics such as being open, receptive, flexible and winsome. They should be good at attentive and active listening skills. They must be able to memorize the names of the people to become close to them and may have to go out of the way to help others. It is an added advantage if they have magnetic personality to attract and network with others. Succinctly, they should think of how much they can give rather than how much they can take from others. Above all, they should have the attitude of gratitude.
Merits of Networking Skills:
"The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." Bob Burg
Some people have magnetic personality and they attract people and network easily through their charisma. And some people hone these skills. These skills are essential everywhere be it in business, career for achieving all round success. It helps in unwinding ourselves. It also helps in getting to know and appreciate others’ areas of interest.
It helps in survival and success. If you have sound networking you can get the things done by telephonic conversation alone. It helps in getting employment as it is reported that 85% of the jobs are available through networking alone. The concept is known as referral recruitment where the presently working employees of a specific organization refer the people known to them to their employers. It minimizes the costs involved in conducting an interview for employers as well as getting the best talent in a shortest possible time.
How to Develop Networking Skills?
Prepare a list of like minded people irrespective of your industry. Meet them personally and regularly, if possible. If it is not possible, call them over phone and enquire about their well being.
Join in Clubs or associations or forums where you will have better influence and can get noticed. Of course, it is also essential to network with people outside your domain as well. Spend your quality time with people with whom you gel well. Retain the network you already have. It is two way traffic. As you need two hands to clap you also need to reciprocate with response from others without any expectation and anticipation. Below are few tips for effective networking skills.
• Always be winsome.
• Give a firm handshake when you meet people.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Listen attentively.
• Encourage people to talk.
• Find similarities not differences.
• Maintain a separate diary of contact numbers and addresses for future and further follow-up.
• Display natural enthusiasm and energy while interacting with new people.
• Send mails to them on occasions of their birthday or something special that touches them.
• Learn to remember the names and important events about the individuals.
• Strengthen what you have and gradually expand for new links. Don’t lose diamonds when you are in search of stones.
• Be genuine and don’t be phony.
• Build bridges not barriers.
Conclusion:
“Networking is an essential part of building wealth.” Armstrong Williams
In this uncertain and complex world we need to secure ourselves which is possible only through right networking skills. It is a kind of insurance to protect our future by helping and seeking help from others. What goes around will come back to us. Maintain contacts regularly without expecting anything in return. Don’t hesitate to help as well as to seek help so as to grow successfully in your personal, professional and social life.
The End
Do you want a career of your choice? Do you want to get your contract executed successfully? Do you want to get noticed as a leader in your domain? Do you want to help others? Do you want to rise above from the rest? Networking is the only mantra for all these questions.
What are Networking Skills?
“It's all about people. It's about networking and being nice to people and not burning any bridges.” Mike Davidson
In this complex and competitive world, to be successful in life, you require both hard work and network. Networking skills are all about being good with others and being helpful for others without expecting anything in return from others. Networking is about sharing knowledge, information, ideas and insights that builds everlasting relationship. Aristotle said very long ago that man is a social animal. He cannot live alone. He needs people to socialize and move forward. Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs highlighted about the importance of social needs once both physiological and security needs are met. All these things prove beyond doubt about the human beings craving for socialization and affiliation. Networking is subset of socialization wherein all the involved parties can leverage mileage for their mutual progress and prosperity. It is like clapping with both hands for achieving all round success.
Qualities of a Networker:
The networkers have to go an extra mile. They need to possess several characteristics such as being open, receptive, flexible and winsome. They should be good at attentive and active listening skills. They must be able to memorize the names of the people to become close to them and may have to go out of the way to help others. It is an added advantage if they have magnetic personality to attract and network with others. Succinctly, they should think of how much they can give rather than how much they can take from others. Above all, they should have the attitude of gratitude.
Merits of Networking Skills:
"The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own." Bob Burg
Some people have magnetic personality and they attract people and network easily through their charisma. And some people hone these skills. These skills are essential everywhere be it in business, career for achieving all round success. It helps in unwinding ourselves. It also helps in getting to know and appreciate others’ areas of interest.
It helps in survival and success. If you have sound networking you can get the things done by telephonic conversation alone. It helps in getting employment as it is reported that 85% of the jobs are available through networking alone. The concept is known as referral recruitment where the presently working employees of a specific organization refer the people known to them to their employers. It minimizes the costs involved in conducting an interview for employers as well as getting the best talent in a shortest possible time.
How to Develop Networking Skills?
Prepare a list of like minded people irrespective of your industry. Meet them personally and regularly, if possible. If it is not possible, call them over phone and enquire about their well being.
Join in Clubs or associations or forums where you will have better influence and can get noticed. Of course, it is also essential to network with people outside your domain as well. Spend your quality time with people with whom you gel well. Retain the network you already have. It is two way traffic. As you need two hands to clap you also need to reciprocate with response from others without any expectation and anticipation. Below are few tips for effective networking skills.
• Always be winsome.
• Give a firm handshake when you meet people.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Listen attentively.
• Encourage people to talk.
• Find similarities not differences.
• Maintain a separate diary of contact numbers and addresses for future and further follow-up.
• Display natural enthusiasm and energy while interacting with new people.
• Send mails to them on occasions of their birthday or something special that touches them.
• Learn to remember the names and important events about the individuals.
• Strengthen what you have and gradually expand for new links. Don’t lose diamonds when you are in search of stones.
• Be genuine and don’t be phony.
• Build bridges not barriers.
Conclusion:
“Networking is an essential part of building wealth.” Armstrong Williams
In this uncertain and complex world we need to secure ourselves which is possible only through right networking skills. It is a kind of insurance to protect our future by helping and seeking help from others. What goes around will come back to us. Maintain contacts regularly without expecting anything in return. Don’t hesitate to help as well as to seek help so as to grow successfully in your personal, professional and social life.
The End
“Humility is the Hallmark of Harika” – Short Story From Prof.M.S.Rao
“To the world, you may just be somebody. But to somebody, you may just might be the world”
Socrates and Harika:
Once a person approached Socrates and said that he wanted to share some information which he heard from somebody. Socrates asked the person whether the information was genuine. The person responded that he was not sure about the authenticity of the information and further added that he had heard from somebody. Socrates further asked the person whether the information was positive. The person responded that the information was not positive but negative. Finally, the Socrates posed the third question whether it was useful to him. The person replied by saying that the information was not useful in anyway.
Finally, Socrates understood the situation and questioned the person, “Why should I listen to you when the information was neither genuine, nor positive nor useful?” It is known as Socrates’ Three Filter Test. In real life also, we find people carrying forward the information which is neither genuine, nor positive nor useful.
Rahul’s Encounter with Harika:
“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore
First time in his life, Rahul saw Socrates in a woman, by name, Harika who is pure at heart with positive mindset. She is a wonderful woman with simplicity and humility. She is cool, composed and charismatic. She is a smart worker, and very intelligent. Although she has wealth of knowledge, she does not boast of herself which shows her humility.
She has magical smile and is filled with energy, enthusiasm and expertise. She has fire in her belly. She is flexible and adaptable and follows the road less traveled. She is tender at heart. She works in a college as a faculty member and pursues higher qualification as well. She earns and learns. She loves to be independent. She has very good sense of humor. She moves students with her charismatic, magnetic and mesmerizing voice. She is assertive in handling students. She mentors and grooms them to be industry ready.
Harika is a very bold and beautiful woman who has passion for teaching and training. She hails from a middle class family background with a blend of both modernity and orthodox. She has a pure heart with noble thoughts to serve the students. After completion of her degree, she took up teaching as a career as she wants to play a crucial role in shaping the future of students.
She won the accolades from all people in the college within a short span with her dedication and commitment. She took up several activities voluntarily in the college such as counseling the students on various projects. In addition, she began mentoring students about career to take up after completion of their academic qualification. She trained and groomed students on several activities and projects which are noteworthy. To put it succinctly, she is the queen of the college.
Grass and Tree:
“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” - Confucius
When there is a storm the strongest and biggest tree gets uprooted but a simple grass survives by changing its direction in tune with the storm and comes back to normal position after the storm goes away. The tree is very strong with its roots and is not in a position to change its direction. As a result, it gets uprooted. But a simple grass changes its direction through its flexibility and survives from storm. In fact, the simple grass stands taller than the tree in such a critical juncture. It demonstrates its humility and survives successfully from storm. The people those who are successful in the world have one of the greatest virtues i.e. humility. Rahul saw humility in Harika who remains like a grass in facing the storm.
Individuals, Issues and Ideas:
It is rightly said that below average people talk about individuals, average people talk about issues and above average people talk about ideas. Harika is an exception who falls in the bracket of above average individuals. She does not talk ill of others. That makes her different from others. She does not talk of irrelevant issues which are usually raised by average people. On the other hand, she always associates with great people and discusses great ideas and insights. Good books are her friends and great people are very close to her heart.
She has all ingredients to become a global celebrity. Great people are not born elsewhere but they are born among us. But people often fail to spot, accept and admit the same. Rahul admires her, salutes her and wishes her wholeheartedly from the core of his heart.
What Does Harika Stand For?
“To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” - Marleen
Charles de Montesquieu
Harika means Humility. She thinks neither high nor low of herself. She never blows her trumpet. Harika means Agility. She is always lively, cheerful energetic and enthusiastic and being warm and friendly with others. Harika means Responsibility. She takes initiative and accepts responsibilities wholeheartedly without any pressure but with pleasure. Harika means Integrity. She is honest to the core and stands for values and principles. She doesn’t let down anybody. She sticks to her commitments through thick and thin. Harika means Knowledge. She has huge knowledge base which is her strength. She commands huge fan following and respect from students because of her vast knowledge base. She takes feedback from students informally and updates her teaching methodologies constantly. She also updates and upgrades her teaching content regularly. Harika means Assertion. She is neither aggressive nor submissive in behaviour. She protects her rights as well as respects others’ rights without any encroachment.
The sweetest word in Rahul’s mind is not humility but Harika. By the way, do you know the expansion for HARIKA? It is Humility Agility, Responsibility, Integrity, Knowledge, and Assertion. To sum up, Rahul loves HARIKA from the core of his heart because of these hallmarks.
The End
Note: It is only a fiction. Any resemblance to any person is mere a coincidence.
Socrates and Harika:
Once a person approached Socrates and said that he wanted to share some information which he heard from somebody. Socrates asked the person whether the information was genuine. The person responded that he was not sure about the authenticity of the information and further added that he had heard from somebody. Socrates further asked the person whether the information was positive. The person responded that the information was not positive but negative. Finally, the Socrates posed the third question whether it was useful to him. The person replied by saying that the information was not useful in anyway.
Finally, Socrates understood the situation and questioned the person, “Why should I listen to you when the information was neither genuine, nor positive nor useful?” It is known as Socrates’ Three Filter Test. In real life also, we find people carrying forward the information which is neither genuine, nor positive nor useful.
Rahul’s Encounter with Harika:
“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” - Rabindranath Tagore
First time in his life, Rahul saw Socrates in a woman, by name, Harika who is pure at heart with positive mindset. She is a wonderful woman with simplicity and humility. She is cool, composed and charismatic. She is a smart worker, and very intelligent. Although she has wealth of knowledge, she does not boast of herself which shows her humility.
She has magical smile and is filled with energy, enthusiasm and expertise. She has fire in her belly. She is flexible and adaptable and follows the road less traveled. She is tender at heart. She works in a college as a faculty member and pursues higher qualification as well. She earns and learns. She loves to be independent. She has very good sense of humor. She moves students with her charismatic, magnetic and mesmerizing voice. She is assertive in handling students. She mentors and grooms them to be industry ready.
Harika is a very bold and beautiful woman who has passion for teaching and training. She hails from a middle class family background with a blend of both modernity and orthodox. She has a pure heart with noble thoughts to serve the students. After completion of her degree, she took up teaching as a career as she wants to play a crucial role in shaping the future of students.
She won the accolades from all people in the college within a short span with her dedication and commitment. She took up several activities voluntarily in the college such as counseling the students on various projects. In addition, she began mentoring students about career to take up after completion of their academic qualification. She trained and groomed students on several activities and projects which are noteworthy. To put it succinctly, she is the queen of the college.
Grass and Tree:
“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” - Confucius
When there is a storm the strongest and biggest tree gets uprooted but a simple grass survives by changing its direction in tune with the storm and comes back to normal position after the storm goes away. The tree is very strong with its roots and is not in a position to change its direction. As a result, it gets uprooted. But a simple grass changes its direction through its flexibility and survives from storm. In fact, the simple grass stands taller than the tree in such a critical juncture. It demonstrates its humility and survives successfully from storm. The people those who are successful in the world have one of the greatest virtues i.e. humility. Rahul saw humility in Harika who remains like a grass in facing the storm.
Individuals, Issues and Ideas:
It is rightly said that below average people talk about individuals, average people talk about issues and above average people talk about ideas. Harika is an exception who falls in the bracket of above average individuals. She does not talk ill of others. That makes her different from others. She does not talk of irrelevant issues which are usually raised by average people. On the other hand, she always associates with great people and discusses great ideas and insights. Good books are her friends and great people are very close to her heart.
She has all ingredients to become a global celebrity. Great people are not born elsewhere but they are born among us. But people often fail to spot, accept and admit the same. Rahul admires her, salutes her and wishes her wholeheartedly from the core of his heart.
What Does Harika Stand For?
“To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” - Marleen
Charles de Montesquieu
Harika means Humility. She thinks neither high nor low of herself. She never blows her trumpet. Harika means Agility. She is always lively, cheerful energetic and enthusiastic and being warm and friendly with others. Harika means Responsibility. She takes initiative and accepts responsibilities wholeheartedly without any pressure but with pleasure. Harika means Integrity. She is honest to the core and stands for values and principles. She doesn’t let down anybody. She sticks to her commitments through thick and thin. Harika means Knowledge. She has huge knowledge base which is her strength. She commands huge fan following and respect from students because of her vast knowledge base. She takes feedback from students informally and updates her teaching methodologies constantly. She also updates and upgrades her teaching content regularly. Harika means Assertion. She is neither aggressive nor submissive in behaviour. She protects her rights as well as respects others’ rights without any encroachment.
The sweetest word in Rahul’s mind is not humility but Harika. By the way, do you know the expansion for HARIKA? It is Humility Agility, Responsibility, Integrity, Knowledge, and Assertion. To sum up, Rahul loves HARIKA from the core of his heart because of these hallmarks.
The End
Note: It is only a fiction. Any resemblance to any person is mere a coincidence.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
How to Build Successful Teams?
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford
With the rapid changing technology, there is growing need to work in teams to leverage the benefits at the workplace. The companies insist people with flair for working in teams. Those who are social and amicable with fair degree of flexibility and adaptability can become successful team members. Team building is a challenging task and it is always easier said than done. Although everyone knows the importance of working in teams individuals often tend to work independently as they have fear of losing their importance and getting their hard work unrecognized. Rather individuals often have apprehensions of somebody hijacking the fruits of their energies and efforts.
What is a Team?
“T.E.A.M = Together everyone achieves more.” – Author unknown.
Team building is process of planning, organizing, influencing, staffing, directing and motivating the members with a common objective of reaching organizational goals and objectives. Organizations are looking at the individuals who can work in teams as the projects cannot be handled by a single individual. The present day corporate environment calls for working in teams to reach the set objectives. It is an active process where people of divergent tastes and temperaments come together to work under a common objective. The two letter word ‘we’ rather than the one letter world ‘I’ is the hallmark of teams. Managing teams is indeed a Herculean task.
Importance of Teams:
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” - Ken Blanchard
There are several advantages in team building such as:
• Teamwork makes ordinary people as extraordinary people.
• It promotes relations among the members by minimizing any misunderstandings and by maximizing productivity and performance through cooperation, coordination and open communication.
• It unlocks the hidden potential of the participating members.
• Team members can bring their varied experiences and expertise to the team building process and the same can be integrated effectively and efficiently for achieving organizational goals and objectives. It will help in having better takeaways. When they go elsewhere for building teams, the same takeaways can be utilized thereby enhancing both the individual and institutional growth.
• Team members learn a lot through team participation as they learn to respect others’ ideas and insights thus widening their knowledge base.
• Above all, there is fun and joy by working in teams.
Process of Team Building:
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.” - H.E. Luccock
Select a team leader who has flair for leadership and team building. Once the right team leader is selected, give free hand to select the team members as per the vision of the company. Build trust among the members by setting personal example. Communicate openly and lay a mission through which the vision can be executed. Allocate the roles and responsibilities based on their strengths and weaknesses. Provide full support to the team members. Whenever they have doubts, clarify and motivate them. In case of non-cooperation among the people find out what bugs them. Emphasize on commonalities rather than differences. Educate about the importance of working in teams and motivate them. Whenever the problems arise always focus on solutions rather than brooding over problems. Encourage risk taking among the team members. Respect failures while execution of the tasks and implore them to learn lessons out of their mistakes and keep moving ahead. Throughout the entire process of team building, ensure that the activities of the team members are aligned with the vision of the company. Offer constructive feedback for their improvement and betterment. Encourage creativity and innovation whenever they are faced with problems. Above all, set personal example by participating actively into the team building process.
There are professional team building consultants and facilitators who can be hired for building effective teams in organizations. They play a pivotal role in assessing the needs of the teams and offers suggestions. It is always advisable to hire these professionals outside the organizations who find out the flaws existing within the teams for providing remedial action. Asking the team building consultants and facilitators within the organization may lead to organizational prejudices which defeat the very purpose of team building.
Tips for Team Building:
“The ratio of We's to I's is the best indicator of the development of a team.” - Lewis B. Ergen
Given below are the few tips for team building.
1. Team builder or leader should know that everyone is unique in nature, abilities and capabilities and adds value in their own way. Realizing this makes the process of team building easier.
2. Clarity of mind of the team builder plays a crucial role in building effective teams.
3. Build trust. Create a conducive environment.
4. Develop emotional intelligence and promote soft skills among members.
5. There has to be an open communication, coordination and collaboration among the team members. At times, little bit of competition should be encouraged among the team members to stir up their minds and to add dynamism and energy.
6. Minimize micromanagement. Micromanagement is a process where the superior involves in close observation and supervision of subordinates. Give adequate freedom to team members to work on their own way and at the same time supervise them.
7. Break the barriers and build bridges.
8. Look for commonalities not differences.
9. Make connections from person to person from mind to mind to heart to heart.
10. The team builder or leader should not have any personal prejudices towards any of the team members.
11. Encourage by giving incentives to the individuals volunteering for team activities.
12. Thank the people who always support the team activities.
Conclusion:
"No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it." - Andrew Carnegie
If communication is the sister of leadership then team building is the brother of leadership. Team building is always easier said than done as it is challenging to manage human egos, emotions and feelings. Stephen R. Covey emphasized the significance of teams in his book ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’. One of the habits of successful people in the world is working in teams. Therefore, people need to develop the mindset to work in teams to reap benefits for themselves as well as for their organizations.
The End
With the rapid changing technology, there is growing need to work in teams to leverage the benefits at the workplace. The companies insist people with flair for working in teams. Those who are social and amicable with fair degree of flexibility and adaptability can become successful team members. Team building is a challenging task and it is always easier said than done. Although everyone knows the importance of working in teams individuals often tend to work independently as they have fear of losing their importance and getting their hard work unrecognized. Rather individuals often have apprehensions of somebody hijacking the fruits of their energies and efforts.
What is a Team?
“T.E.A.M = Together everyone achieves more.” – Author unknown.
Team building is process of planning, organizing, influencing, staffing, directing and motivating the members with a common objective of reaching organizational goals and objectives. Organizations are looking at the individuals who can work in teams as the projects cannot be handled by a single individual. The present day corporate environment calls for working in teams to reach the set objectives. It is an active process where people of divergent tastes and temperaments come together to work under a common objective. The two letter word ‘we’ rather than the one letter world ‘I’ is the hallmark of teams. Managing teams is indeed a Herculean task.
Importance of Teams:
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” - Ken Blanchard
There are several advantages in team building such as:
• Teamwork makes ordinary people as extraordinary people.
• It promotes relations among the members by minimizing any misunderstandings and by maximizing productivity and performance through cooperation, coordination and open communication.
• It unlocks the hidden potential of the participating members.
• Team members can bring their varied experiences and expertise to the team building process and the same can be integrated effectively and efficiently for achieving organizational goals and objectives. It will help in having better takeaways. When they go elsewhere for building teams, the same takeaways can be utilized thereby enhancing both the individual and institutional growth.
• Team members learn a lot through team participation as they learn to respect others’ ideas and insights thus widening their knowledge base.
• Above all, there is fun and joy by working in teams.
Process of Team Building:
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.” - H.E. Luccock
Select a team leader who has flair for leadership and team building. Once the right team leader is selected, give free hand to select the team members as per the vision of the company. Build trust among the members by setting personal example. Communicate openly and lay a mission through which the vision can be executed. Allocate the roles and responsibilities based on their strengths and weaknesses. Provide full support to the team members. Whenever they have doubts, clarify and motivate them. In case of non-cooperation among the people find out what bugs them. Emphasize on commonalities rather than differences. Educate about the importance of working in teams and motivate them. Whenever the problems arise always focus on solutions rather than brooding over problems. Encourage risk taking among the team members. Respect failures while execution of the tasks and implore them to learn lessons out of their mistakes and keep moving ahead. Throughout the entire process of team building, ensure that the activities of the team members are aligned with the vision of the company. Offer constructive feedback for their improvement and betterment. Encourage creativity and innovation whenever they are faced with problems. Above all, set personal example by participating actively into the team building process.
There are professional team building consultants and facilitators who can be hired for building effective teams in organizations. They play a pivotal role in assessing the needs of the teams and offers suggestions. It is always advisable to hire these professionals outside the organizations who find out the flaws existing within the teams for providing remedial action. Asking the team building consultants and facilitators within the organization may lead to organizational prejudices which defeat the very purpose of team building.
Tips for Team Building:
“The ratio of We's to I's is the best indicator of the development of a team.” - Lewis B. Ergen
Given below are the few tips for team building.
1. Team builder or leader should know that everyone is unique in nature, abilities and capabilities and adds value in their own way. Realizing this makes the process of team building easier.
2. Clarity of mind of the team builder plays a crucial role in building effective teams.
3. Build trust. Create a conducive environment.
4. Develop emotional intelligence and promote soft skills among members.
5. There has to be an open communication, coordination and collaboration among the team members. At times, little bit of competition should be encouraged among the team members to stir up their minds and to add dynamism and energy.
6. Minimize micromanagement. Micromanagement is a process where the superior involves in close observation and supervision of subordinates. Give adequate freedom to team members to work on their own way and at the same time supervise them.
7. Break the barriers and build bridges.
8. Look for commonalities not differences.
9. Make connections from person to person from mind to mind to heart to heart.
10. The team builder or leader should not have any personal prejudices towards any of the team members.
11. Encourage by giving incentives to the individuals volunteering for team activities.
12. Thank the people who always support the team activities.
Conclusion:
"No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it." - Andrew Carnegie
If communication is the sister of leadership then team building is the brother of leadership. Team building is always easier said than done as it is challenging to manage human egos, emotions and feelings. Stephen R. Covey emphasized the significance of teams in his book ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’. One of the habits of successful people in the world is working in teams. Therefore, people need to develop the mindset to work in teams to reap benefits for themselves as well as for their organizations.
The End
Friday, August 14, 2009
Importance of Foreign Languages for Indian Students
“English is the language on which the sun does not set, whose users never sleep.” - Randolph Quirk
According to Evaluserve, an internal research company, “There will be a potential demand for over 1, 60,000 foreign language professionals in Indian off-shoring (IT, BPO) industry by 2010.”
The way Indian students learn certain courses apart from their academic qualifications, they should learn an extra foreign language as well as it is always an added advantage. The students those who have the intention of pursuing their higher studies abroad learning extra language pays. It minimizes the cultural gaps arising due to miscommunication and promotes effective cross cultural communication and relations. One of the reasons why Indian students facing problems in Australia is due to lack of proper cultural awareness, understanding and assimilation.
Currently there is dearth of foreign language professionals in India which provides excellent opportunities for Indians. We can expect huge potential with immense job opportunities both in academic institutions and the industry for foreign languages.
Significance to Students:
Language is a window to an outside world. Knowing an extra langue is like opening another window to the outside world. It opens more channels, paths, avenues and provides more opportunities and makes Indian students well equipped and makes them to be culturally more fit and competitive.
Knowledge in more foreign languages enhances employability skills. It adds value and becomes another feather in their caps. Students learn several courses along with their academic activities to stay ahead of competition. Knowing an extra language tips the scales in favor of students at the time of interview. Now-a-days, people with multilingual skills are given preference by companies. For instance, if the employer has an office in Germany and the prospective employee knows German language then the employer may consider offering placement to the candidate. It is beneficial for both the employees and employers. It is beneficial for the employees as they get the job just because of knowing German language and it is beneficial for the employers as well as they do not have to train the employees about German language.
Every year, there is huge number of graduates (both professional and non-professional courses) pass out from educational institutions in India. They do lot of courses related to their domain. Besides, if they learn a new language it becomes a value addition. It makes them rise from the rest whenever and wherever they go across the globe.
Importance to Language Experts:
As per a survey, Indian translation industry is expected to cross $ 500 million in 2010 with a projected growth rate of 30% - 60%.
There are lots of opportunities for foreign language professionals and translation industry experts as the economy has been opened up and the companies are looking for expansion and growth. In this process, the language as a barrier can be broken only by language experts and translators who have huge potential to transform content from one language to another language.
There is huge potential lying untapped in foreign languages domain. There is huge demand for language professionals especially in services sectors like hospitality, tourism, and pharmaceutical sectors to name a few. Language experts, instructors and professionals have great opportunities ahead in the area of foreign languages.
It is reported that IBM gets 60 per cent of its business from English speaking countries. That means there is still 40 per cent of potential lying untapped. It is possible only when it focuses on foreign language experts and instructors for training their employees to promote their business.
Soft Skills and Foreign Languages:
“Soft skills are more important than software skills”, says Amarnath Reddy Atmakuri, Chief Executive Officer of IEG (Institute of Electronic Governance), Jawahar Knowledge Center. He opines that when people are good at soft skills they can easily be taught about software skills.
Soft skills have close association with foreign languages. People often mistake soft skills for English speaking skills in India. Soft skills are not associated with any specific language. It focuses on how an individual speaks rather than what an individual speaks. Being good at soft skills plays a crucial role in learning any foreign language. In addition, having cross cultural awareness, cross cultural competency along with the foreign language makes things easier for the learners. It also helps to build a good rapport with others. The globe is becoming smaller with the growing rapid technology and it is equally important to focus on cultural issues along with language skills to reap rewards.
Conclusion:
As Indians focus on English language they should focus on other languages as well right from the childhood. Indians have the cultural adaptability and almost all Indians have knowledge of their mother tongue, a bit of English and another Indian language. Having one more foreign language adds as a feather in their caps. Learning an extra language can be treated as a hobby as people can derive pleasure out of learning. It also activates their grey cells. It is time Indian students and academicians focused on learning new foreign languages to have competitive advantage and also to ensure success at the workplace.
The End
According to Evaluserve, an internal research company, “There will be a potential demand for over 1, 60,000 foreign language professionals in Indian off-shoring (IT, BPO) industry by 2010.”
The way Indian students learn certain courses apart from their academic qualifications, they should learn an extra foreign language as well as it is always an added advantage. The students those who have the intention of pursuing their higher studies abroad learning extra language pays. It minimizes the cultural gaps arising due to miscommunication and promotes effective cross cultural communication and relations. One of the reasons why Indian students facing problems in Australia is due to lack of proper cultural awareness, understanding and assimilation.
Currently there is dearth of foreign language professionals in India which provides excellent opportunities for Indians. We can expect huge potential with immense job opportunities both in academic institutions and the industry for foreign languages.
Significance to Students:
Language is a window to an outside world. Knowing an extra langue is like opening another window to the outside world. It opens more channels, paths, avenues and provides more opportunities and makes Indian students well equipped and makes them to be culturally more fit and competitive.
Knowledge in more foreign languages enhances employability skills. It adds value and becomes another feather in their caps. Students learn several courses along with their academic activities to stay ahead of competition. Knowing an extra language tips the scales in favor of students at the time of interview. Now-a-days, people with multilingual skills are given preference by companies. For instance, if the employer has an office in Germany and the prospective employee knows German language then the employer may consider offering placement to the candidate. It is beneficial for both the employees and employers. It is beneficial for the employees as they get the job just because of knowing German language and it is beneficial for the employers as well as they do not have to train the employees about German language.
Every year, there is huge number of graduates (both professional and non-professional courses) pass out from educational institutions in India. They do lot of courses related to their domain. Besides, if they learn a new language it becomes a value addition. It makes them rise from the rest whenever and wherever they go across the globe.
Importance to Language Experts:
As per a survey, Indian translation industry is expected to cross $ 500 million in 2010 with a projected growth rate of 30% - 60%.
There are lots of opportunities for foreign language professionals and translation industry experts as the economy has been opened up and the companies are looking for expansion and growth. In this process, the language as a barrier can be broken only by language experts and translators who have huge potential to transform content from one language to another language.
There is huge potential lying untapped in foreign languages domain. There is huge demand for language professionals especially in services sectors like hospitality, tourism, and pharmaceutical sectors to name a few. Language experts, instructors and professionals have great opportunities ahead in the area of foreign languages.
It is reported that IBM gets 60 per cent of its business from English speaking countries. That means there is still 40 per cent of potential lying untapped. It is possible only when it focuses on foreign language experts and instructors for training their employees to promote their business.
Soft Skills and Foreign Languages:
“Soft skills are more important than software skills”, says Amarnath Reddy Atmakuri, Chief Executive Officer of IEG (Institute of Electronic Governance), Jawahar Knowledge Center. He opines that when people are good at soft skills they can easily be taught about software skills.
Soft skills have close association with foreign languages. People often mistake soft skills for English speaking skills in India. Soft skills are not associated with any specific language. It focuses on how an individual speaks rather than what an individual speaks. Being good at soft skills plays a crucial role in learning any foreign language. In addition, having cross cultural awareness, cross cultural competency along with the foreign language makes things easier for the learners. It also helps to build a good rapport with others. The globe is becoming smaller with the growing rapid technology and it is equally important to focus on cultural issues along with language skills to reap rewards.
Conclusion:
As Indians focus on English language they should focus on other languages as well right from the childhood. Indians have the cultural adaptability and almost all Indians have knowledge of their mother tongue, a bit of English and another Indian language. Having one more foreign language adds as a feather in their caps. Learning an extra language can be treated as a hobby as people can derive pleasure out of learning. It also activates their grey cells. It is time Indian students and academicians focused on learning new foreign languages to have competitive advantage and also to ensure success at the workplace.
The End
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Study Skills for Students - From Prof.M.S.Rao
“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.” - Francis Bacon
Students spend most of their time in preparing for classes, examinations and acquiring knowledge on various subjects. Many of them don’t know how to put smart work. In contrast, they put in their hard work and struggle a lot to understand and grasp their academic content. They put in quantitative rather than qualitative efforts resulting into wastage of time as well as getting concerned over the results. Right study skills will help them to emerge and evolve as successful students.
What are study skills?
The methodology of planning and preparing for studying either in academic or non-academic activities for assimilation of the content for better analysis, application and practice can be called study skills. It is obvious that no two people study in a similar manner. Everyone has a unique way of preparation and methodology towards study skills. It is also an admitted fact that what works for one may not work for another.
Study skills are different from academic skills. While study skills are forever the academic skills are for short term. In addition, academic skills end the day academic life ends where as the study skills end the day the life ends.
SQ3R Technique:
SQ3R is the acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. It is a tool that helps in enhancing your study skills. According to this method, the reader has to survey the overall broad picture about the content to be studied. The reader has to question about the takeaways out of the study from the available content as it helps in better focusing. While reading it is essential to look for the key concepts and key words from which the meaning of the entire content in a given context can be learnt. Reciting what was read will help in retaining the content for longer time. Finally, the reader has to review what was read. It is like looking and checking for takeaways. The SQ3R is an excellent method that helps in effective study skills.
Importance:
The study skills help in optimum utilization of time for assimilating and absorbing the content. Every individual has unique learning style. Being strong at study skills will help in better understanding, grasping and retaining the content. It develops and promotes mental faculties. Being good at study skills promotes smart work. It promotes competitive advantages over others.
How to hone your study skills?
Some people are auditory learners as they learn well by listening. Some people are visual learners as they learn well by seeing. However, we also find people learning through interactive learning. You may find out which category of learner you are as it enables you to effective study skills. Below are the tips for honing study skills.
1. Always study in a serene place where you don’t find distractions. Selection of the study place is equally important. Avoid being surrounded by people who talk negative things like gossips, rumors, criticism, and always talking ill of others. It not only diverts your mind from study but also fills with negative information.
2. Study when you have the mood to study. i.e. Check your biological clock. If you are a morning man, study during morning time for better grasping.
3. Take breaks during study as it gives your brain rest. It helps in better concentration, rejuvenation, understanding and grasping of the content.
4. Don’t cram. Learn to understand first rather than mugging up the content. When the content is well understood it can be presented in your own language as you know the content thoroughly since you did not cram.
5. Admit the fact is that short pencil is better than a long memory. Take notes wherever and whenever necessary.
6. Preparing the subject which is ahead of lecture will help in asking the right questions to the teacher. It also helps you to prepare yourself mentally to attend the class attentively. It enhances your listening and attentive skills in the classroom. It sends right signals to the lecturer for conducting an effective class.
7. Don’t dribble away your precious time during your study. Learn to manage your time effectively and efficiently.
8. If the content is big, break it into small chunks and allot time slot for each chunk. If you find that specific chunk is difficult to understand then select your style of reading and mood at which you can learn well and allot more time to understand and assimilate. Always allocate your priority of time for the difficult portions so that you can decode the complicated content.
Conclusion:
Study skills are essential for everyone including students, teachers and professionals. Parents and teachers have a crucial role to play in enhancing study skills among children. Right planning, preparation and methodology will help in understanding and retaining the content. To conclude, effective study skills not only widen and promote your intellectual faculties but also develop your personality for achieving all round success.
The End
Students spend most of their time in preparing for classes, examinations and acquiring knowledge on various subjects. Many of them don’t know how to put smart work. In contrast, they put in their hard work and struggle a lot to understand and grasp their academic content. They put in quantitative rather than qualitative efforts resulting into wastage of time as well as getting concerned over the results. Right study skills will help them to emerge and evolve as successful students.
What are study skills?
The methodology of planning and preparing for studying either in academic or non-academic activities for assimilation of the content for better analysis, application and practice can be called study skills. It is obvious that no two people study in a similar manner. Everyone has a unique way of preparation and methodology towards study skills. It is also an admitted fact that what works for one may not work for another.
Study skills are different from academic skills. While study skills are forever the academic skills are for short term. In addition, academic skills end the day academic life ends where as the study skills end the day the life ends.
SQ3R Technique:
SQ3R is the acronym for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. It is a tool that helps in enhancing your study skills. According to this method, the reader has to survey the overall broad picture about the content to be studied. The reader has to question about the takeaways out of the study from the available content as it helps in better focusing. While reading it is essential to look for the key concepts and key words from which the meaning of the entire content in a given context can be learnt. Reciting what was read will help in retaining the content for longer time. Finally, the reader has to review what was read. It is like looking and checking for takeaways. The SQ3R is an excellent method that helps in effective study skills.
Importance:
The study skills help in optimum utilization of time for assimilating and absorbing the content. Every individual has unique learning style. Being strong at study skills will help in better understanding, grasping and retaining the content. It develops and promotes mental faculties. Being good at study skills promotes smart work. It promotes competitive advantages over others.
How to hone your study skills?
Some people are auditory learners as they learn well by listening. Some people are visual learners as they learn well by seeing. However, we also find people learning through interactive learning. You may find out which category of learner you are as it enables you to effective study skills. Below are the tips for honing study skills.
1. Always study in a serene place where you don’t find distractions. Selection of the study place is equally important. Avoid being surrounded by people who talk negative things like gossips, rumors, criticism, and always talking ill of others. It not only diverts your mind from study but also fills with negative information.
2. Study when you have the mood to study. i.e. Check your biological clock. If you are a morning man, study during morning time for better grasping.
3. Take breaks during study as it gives your brain rest. It helps in better concentration, rejuvenation, understanding and grasping of the content.
4. Don’t cram. Learn to understand first rather than mugging up the content. When the content is well understood it can be presented in your own language as you know the content thoroughly since you did not cram.
5. Admit the fact is that short pencil is better than a long memory. Take notes wherever and whenever necessary.
6. Preparing the subject which is ahead of lecture will help in asking the right questions to the teacher. It also helps you to prepare yourself mentally to attend the class attentively. It enhances your listening and attentive skills in the classroom. It sends right signals to the lecturer for conducting an effective class.
7. Don’t dribble away your precious time during your study. Learn to manage your time effectively and efficiently.
8. If the content is big, break it into small chunks and allot time slot for each chunk. If you find that specific chunk is difficult to understand then select your style of reading and mood at which you can learn well and allot more time to understand and assimilate. Always allocate your priority of time for the difficult portions so that you can decode the complicated content.
Conclusion:
Study skills are essential for everyone including students, teachers and professionals. Parents and teachers have a crucial role to play in enhancing study skills among children. Right planning, preparation and methodology will help in understanding and retaining the content. To conclude, effective study skills not only widen and promote your intellectual faculties but also develop your personality for achieving all round success.
The End
Saturday, August 8, 2009
How Do Students Learn From Their Failures?
“If you got it, ask yourself why and try to repeat the action. If you failed, ask yourself why and try to learn from the experience.” - Dale Carnegie
Can you have omelette without breaking the eggs? Can you have success without facing failures? Of course, not. People treat failure as a stigma which is unfortunate. In fact, man learns many things from several failures and ultimately evolves as a successful person. It is basically because; man treats every failure as a learning opportunity for his progress and prosperity.
Students usually live in their reel life as long as they are in educational institutions. They will understand the real life only when they enter into employment. There are certain things students should learn while in educational institution itself as it helps them to face the challenges at the workplace squarely.
They should learn to prepare a resume about their failures. They should first list out number of failures they encountered in their lives and should write down how they overcame from failures. Did they fail in different areas? Did they fail due to their own mistakes or due to the forces arising out of external environment? The process helps in analyzing the reasons for failures and taking corrective steps. It enhances their thinking, analytical and problem solving skills. In addition, it helps them in learning certain lessons in their lives. They can fail differently but not at the same thing several times. It makes them to think in a more realistic and practical manner. The takeaways out of their failures will help them in facing the real challenges in the corporate world with more confidence and courage.
Remember the fact that everyone has their own share of failures. If there are no failures in life, it indicates that people did not risk anything in their lives. Not to have taken a risk is also a risk. Students should learn to risk and try whatever possible as they are young and energetic. They can rise even if they fail as they are filled with energy and enthusiasm.
Always remember one thing in life there are no problems but only opportunities. Every problem offers some prospects in disguise. Students should be able to spot and tap for their advantage.
Life is not a cakewalk. It is a circus with highs and lows. Students should not get elated with success and should not get dejected when faced with failures. They must be in a position to take the challenges in their stride.
To sum up, as exercise is to your body, problems are to your mind and failures are to your success.
The End
Can you have omelette without breaking the eggs? Can you have success without facing failures? Of course, not. People treat failure as a stigma which is unfortunate. In fact, man learns many things from several failures and ultimately evolves as a successful person. It is basically because; man treats every failure as a learning opportunity for his progress and prosperity.
Students usually live in their reel life as long as they are in educational institutions. They will understand the real life only when they enter into employment. There are certain things students should learn while in educational institution itself as it helps them to face the challenges at the workplace squarely.
They should learn to prepare a resume about their failures. They should first list out number of failures they encountered in their lives and should write down how they overcame from failures. Did they fail in different areas? Did they fail due to their own mistakes or due to the forces arising out of external environment? The process helps in analyzing the reasons for failures and taking corrective steps. It enhances their thinking, analytical and problem solving skills. In addition, it helps them in learning certain lessons in their lives. They can fail differently but not at the same thing several times. It makes them to think in a more realistic and practical manner. The takeaways out of their failures will help them in facing the real challenges in the corporate world with more confidence and courage.
Remember the fact that everyone has their own share of failures. If there are no failures in life, it indicates that people did not risk anything in their lives. Not to have taken a risk is also a risk. Students should learn to risk and try whatever possible as they are young and energetic. They can rise even if they fail as they are filled with energy and enthusiasm.
Always remember one thing in life there are no problems but only opportunities. Every problem offers some prospects in disguise. Students should be able to spot and tap for their advantage.
Life is not a cakewalk. It is a circus with highs and lows. Students should not get elated with success and should not get dejected when faced with failures. They must be in a position to take the challenges in their stride.
To sum up, as exercise is to your body, problems are to your mind and failures are to your success.
The End
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
