"The most important, and indeed the truly unique, contribution of management in the 20th Century was the fifty-fold increase in the productivity of the manual worker in manufacturing. The most important contribution management needs to make in the 21st Century is similarly to increase the productivity of knowledge work and the knowledge worker." Drucker (1999, p135)
Who is a Knowledge Worker?
“This is the nature of genius, to be able to grasp the knowable even when no one else recognizes that it is present.” - Deepak Chopra
Knowledge workers are the people with specialized area of interest. They stand different from others in their knowledge, competence, skills and abilities. They define the problems unconventionally, think creatively and innovatively and follow uncharted path for finding solutions to problems. They involve in lot of research and consultancy. These people add value to the existing knowledge with modified and updated content pertaining to their specific domain. It was Peter Drucker who coined the term Knowledge Worker way back in 1959 in his book ‘The landmarks of Tomorrow’.
Characteristics of a Knowledge Worker:
"We know now that the source of wealth is something specifically human: knowledge. If we apply knowledge to tasks we already know how to do, we call it 'productivity'. If we apply knowledge to tasks that are new and different we call it 'innovation'. Only knowledge allows us to achieve these two goals." (Drucker 1992 p23)
Knowledge workers are basically passionate people whose primary aim is to achieve something big and unique. For them, money is the secondary motivational factor. They are cut above the rest and follow the road less traveled. They love challenges and changes and they love to live on edge. They have huge appetite for knowledge and always crave for creating something new. They have passion for learning and growing. In a nut shell, it is connected to their brain rather than brawn.
Knowledge workers take pride in what they do. They are passionate learners. They aim and dream big. They are different but not indifferent. They care less about others. They are highly task oriented and always strive for hitting the bulls’ eye. They have global mindset. They are more loyal to their peers than to their employers. Those who hail from the background of teaching, training, consultancy, business and research can become successful knowledge workers. Their output cannot be measured easily like any other manual work. They focus on quality of work not quantity. These people demand lot of freedom and autonomy. These people have to be handled with soft skills so as to extract their hard skills.
Why Evolution of Knowledge Workers?
"Making knowledge workers productive requires changes in attitude, not only on the part of the individual knowledge worker, but on the part of the whole organization." (Drucker, 1999, p156)
The industrial revolution led to the birth of middle class people. The growing services sectors in the 20th century led to the birth of knowledge workers. With the growing rapid technology, the aspirations and expectations of the people are raising rapidly. The companies are also looking at the ways and means to beat competition. Innovation and creativity is the key to stay ahead of competition. Therefore, they are focusing on specialized services and products for the benefit of customers. To do all these things, they bank on the support of knowledge workers.
Companies prefer to recruit knowledge workers as it saves their precious time, money and energy in providing training. It is like having plug and play recruits. Getting the ready made people is a boon for corporates. They don’t hesitate to pay more for the specialized skills set. The costs are far lesser than what they spend on fresh recruits.
What does it take to be a Knowledge Worker?
"Knowledge workers use their intellect to convert their ideas into products, services or processes" - Miller WC, Fostering Intellectual Capital.HR Focus, 1998
The world is going to be dominated by the services sectors where the role of knowledge workers plays a key role. However, it is not easy to manage them. They want more freedom and autonomy.
They could be stubborn and adamant. They should not be treated like any other employees. They are different and unique. They thrive on challenges and love to experiment on their new ideas and insights. They want more freedom that helps them to be more creative and innovative. It is very difficult to measure their performance.
Conclusion:
"The most valuable assets of a 20th-century company were its production equipment. The most valuable asset of a 21st-century institution, whether business or non-business, will be its knowledge workers and their productivity." (Drucker 1999, P135)
Knowledge workers are an asset for every organization. In fact, they are the leaders in this 21st century. They can share and spread their knowledge across the world for the benefit of mankind. There is also a huge potential lying untapped in this domain. Encouraging and providing conducive environment for their research and consultancy is needed.
The future belongs to knowledge workers. The world is going to be ruled by specialists who have specific and exclusive competencies and key skills and abilities. If you want to get noticed and spotted and remembered, evolving as a knowledge worker is the right solution.
The End
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Recession and Depression - Prof.M.S.Rao
Currently recession has becomes one of the reasons for depression. People developed fear psychosis about their possible lay-offs. Those who have been retrenched have the probability of getting into depression. Those who are at the verge of getting fired have their own apprehensions. Apart from the loss of loved ones and lack of fulfillment of sexual desires, the financial problems may also lead to depression.
People should treat recession as an opportunity rather than as a threat. Those who have potential don’t have to worry for their employment as they can be absorbed anywhere and elsewhere. Recession is not a threat for workaholics. People can start their own enterprises. Many enterprises have come up during the economic downtown. People should not lose their confidence. They can go for freelancing. They can start their home based businesses. They can pursue their passionate areas which hitherto have been neglected due to regular employment. In addition, they can convert their passion into a profitable business opportunity. People should be optimistic rather than being pessimistic in their approach. They should not get into the trap of depression. Those who have been laid off can convert their threats into opportunities.
People should treat recession as an opportunity rather than as a threat. Those who have potential don’t have to worry for their employment as they can be absorbed anywhere and elsewhere. Recession is not a threat for workaholics. People can start their own enterprises. Many enterprises have come up during the economic downtown. People should not lose their confidence. They can go for freelancing. They can start their home based businesses. They can pursue their passionate areas which hitherto have been neglected due to regular employment. In addition, they can convert their passion into a profitable business opportunity. People should be optimistic rather than being pessimistic in their approach. They should not get into the trap of depression. Those who have been laid off can convert their threats into opportunities.
How to Overcome Depression?
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future.” - Sivananda
Although technology has brought out several advantages to the mankind it has also brought out several disadvantages. One of the major demerits is depression. Depression was prevailing even in the ancient days. But it has become rampant now due to the growing complexities and uncertainty in the world.
What is depression?
Depression is a state of mind where an individual is anxious due to several reasons. It is a state where an individual constantly broods about a problem which may be imaginary or real. It is a kind of sinking feeling and void. Depression is not mere sadness. It is beyond sadness. When people are let down by their loved ones they get depressed. When people don’t reach their cherished goals and objectives, they get depressed.
In the olden days, people used to approach religious leaders or gurus whenever they had the symptoms of depression. They used to ask several questions and diagnose the problem by boosting the confidence of the afflicted person.
Causes:
There are several causes for getting into depression. Repeatedly thinking about the negative happenings of the past may lead to depression. We all make mistakes. There is nothing to recall repeatedly about the mistakes. Mistakes help us to grow as refined individuals provided we learn lessons. Both genetic and biological factors are also responsible for depression. It may affect more among the weak willed persons.
Successive failures may result into depression thinking that there is something wrong with the approach. The problem lies in rectifying the approach rather than being unduly worried about the approach. At times, workplace conflicts may lead to depression. When are not understood well by others they tend to get depressed. In such situations, talking to the people directly is the only solution. Lack of love and affection from near ones, feeling loneliness, early childhood abuse, financial problems, substance abuse, and alcoholism give rise to depressed state of mind.
When people do something guilty and when something is done against their wishes they may get into depression. The bad memories will haunt them forever. Usually neurotransmitters that occur in brain and hormonal imbalances are responsible to depression. When they are in deep water they will feel it. When they are in financial debt the depression starts.
When divorced people don’t find right partners to share their feelings and sex, they may develop depression. When the sexual desires are not fulfilled due to lack of body chemistry between wife and husband, it may result into depression.
The challenge in the present world is that everybody wants to be a leader and nobody likes to a follower. People want success in overnight and in some cases they want success at any cost. When people set unrealistic goals they will not be able to achieve resulting into desperation. Likewise there are number of causes responsible for depression.
Effects:
There is lot of negative fallout arising out of depression. When people are in depression entire world looks to be bad, the people around themselves appear to be bad and in fact they feel bad about themselves. The afflicted people may not get sound sleep which is known as insomnia (sleeplessness) or may sleep for longer time which is known as hypersomnia (oversleeping). People develop anxiety and unfounded fears and phobias and it may also lead to dysentery. It may also lead to lack of concentration and appetite, irritability and in few cases it may lead to suicidal tendencies.
How to Overcome?
“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” - Grenville Kleiser
Depression is like any other ailment and it can be cured. It is essential to find the underlying causes of depression. Once those are found, it is easy to address the problem through right medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in overcoming the depression. Psychotherapy is the process of treating the afflicted by involving in conversation. It helps in digging out what is bugging the afflicted and finding the appropriate solutions to the problem. Below are a few tips to overcome from depression.
• Everyone feels depression at some point of time. Don’t succumb to depression. Fight back. Don’t become hopeless and helpless.
• Seek professional help. Consult psychotherapists and experts who can counsel you.
• Always surround with positive and motivated individuals.
• Go for meditation or yoga.
• Never brood over issues but think over ideas.
• Listen to soft music or the music that touches and energies you.
• Break your thought process by switching to other creative and constructive areas and activities.
• Write down what is bugging you. It vents out our inner feelings.
• Always engage your mind in progressive and developmental activities.
• Never think that it is the end of life. Think that it is only towards betterment.
• Keep your mind in your control. Don’t let depression control your mind.
• Share your feelings and emotions with others as it unburdens you. It will also give rise to new ideas to overcome depression.
• Go to a serene place and coolly analyze what bugs you. It will provide solutions.
• Hit gym regularly and do workout as it helps you raise your energy and enthusiasm.
• Be in the company of people who have sense of humor and enjoy their company.
• Focus more on your passionate areas and hobbies. These would kick start your mind with positive vibrations.
• Self-hypnotism helps in overcoming depression.
• Regular open discussions by parents with their children will help free flow of ideas about the problems and prospects within the family members.
• Build bridges not barriers. Develop supporting relations at the workplace so that you can share your problems if any. It provides ventilation to your hidden emotions and feelings resulting into relaxation of your mind.
Conclusion:
“Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.” – Socrates
No one has the right to depress you. You alone are responsible if you are depressed as you allowed your mind to get depressed. Depression is a common illness. It exists among all individuals at some point of time in their lives. The intensity varies. When it goes at peak level then it is the time to take a relook at it and take immediate corrective action. It is problematic when it goes extreme and unmanageable.
The world has become highly complex. The children should be inculcated with confidence so that they don’t get into depression. They should be taught to handle the challenges of life right from childhood itself so that they will be confident to take on the challenges in their lives. They become independent as well.
Look at things positively; possess positive attitude, right attitude and strong attitude to avoid depression coming closer to you. Learn to empathize with others rather than feeling sorry for the events or blaming others. Look at the problems on a clean slate. Depression is a state of mind and everybody can overcome easily provided they accept and realize that they have depression and take remedial measures immediately. People, in general, assume that their problems are bigger than that of others. But in reality, people don’t realize that others also have the problems probably bigger than them.
To sum up, past cannot be changed and future cannot be predicted. Therefore, learn to live in the present to avoid depression.
The End
Although technology has brought out several advantages to the mankind it has also brought out several disadvantages. One of the major demerits is depression. Depression was prevailing even in the ancient days. But it has become rampant now due to the growing complexities and uncertainty in the world.
What is depression?
Depression is a state of mind where an individual is anxious due to several reasons. It is a state where an individual constantly broods about a problem which may be imaginary or real. It is a kind of sinking feeling and void. Depression is not mere sadness. It is beyond sadness. When people are let down by their loved ones they get depressed. When people don’t reach their cherished goals and objectives, they get depressed.
In the olden days, people used to approach religious leaders or gurus whenever they had the symptoms of depression. They used to ask several questions and diagnose the problem by boosting the confidence of the afflicted person.
Causes:
There are several causes for getting into depression. Repeatedly thinking about the negative happenings of the past may lead to depression. We all make mistakes. There is nothing to recall repeatedly about the mistakes. Mistakes help us to grow as refined individuals provided we learn lessons. Both genetic and biological factors are also responsible for depression. It may affect more among the weak willed persons.
Successive failures may result into depression thinking that there is something wrong with the approach. The problem lies in rectifying the approach rather than being unduly worried about the approach. At times, workplace conflicts may lead to depression. When are not understood well by others they tend to get depressed. In such situations, talking to the people directly is the only solution. Lack of love and affection from near ones, feeling loneliness, early childhood abuse, financial problems, substance abuse, and alcoholism give rise to depressed state of mind.
When people do something guilty and when something is done against their wishes they may get into depression. The bad memories will haunt them forever. Usually neurotransmitters that occur in brain and hormonal imbalances are responsible to depression. When they are in deep water they will feel it. When they are in financial debt the depression starts.
When divorced people don’t find right partners to share their feelings and sex, they may develop depression. When the sexual desires are not fulfilled due to lack of body chemistry between wife and husband, it may result into depression.
The challenge in the present world is that everybody wants to be a leader and nobody likes to a follower. People want success in overnight and in some cases they want success at any cost. When people set unrealistic goals they will not be able to achieve resulting into desperation. Likewise there are number of causes responsible for depression.
Effects:
There is lot of negative fallout arising out of depression. When people are in depression entire world looks to be bad, the people around themselves appear to be bad and in fact they feel bad about themselves. The afflicted people may not get sound sleep which is known as insomnia (sleeplessness) or may sleep for longer time which is known as hypersomnia (oversleeping). People develop anxiety and unfounded fears and phobias and it may also lead to dysentery. It may also lead to lack of concentration and appetite, irritability and in few cases it may lead to suicidal tendencies.
How to Overcome?
“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” - Grenville Kleiser
Depression is like any other ailment and it can be cured. It is essential to find the underlying causes of depression. Once those are found, it is easy to address the problem through right medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in overcoming the depression. Psychotherapy is the process of treating the afflicted by involving in conversation. It helps in digging out what is bugging the afflicted and finding the appropriate solutions to the problem. Below are a few tips to overcome from depression.
• Everyone feels depression at some point of time. Don’t succumb to depression. Fight back. Don’t become hopeless and helpless.
• Seek professional help. Consult psychotherapists and experts who can counsel you.
• Always surround with positive and motivated individuals.
• Go for meditation or yoga.
• Never brood over issues but think over ideas.
• Listen to soft music or the music that touches and energies you.
• Break your thought process by switching to other creative and constructive areas and activities.
• Write down what is bugging you. It vents out our inner feelings.
• Always engage your mind in progressive and developmental activities.
• Never think that it is the end of life. Think that it is only towards betterment.
• Keep your mind in your control. Don’t let depression control your mind.
• Share your feelings and emotions with others as it unburdens you. It will also give rise to new ideas to overcome depression.
• Go to a serene place and coolly analyze what bugs you. It will provide solutions.
• Hit gym regularly and do workout as it helps you raise your energy and enthusiasm.
• Be in the company of people who have sense of humor and enjoy their company.
• Focus more on your passionate areas and hobbies. These would kick start your mind with positive vibrations.
• Self-hypnotism helps in overcoming depression.
• Regular open discussions by parents with their children will help free flow of ideas about the problems and prospects within the family members.
• Build bridges not barriers. Develop supporting relations at the workplace so that you can share your problems if any. It provides ventilation to your hidden emotions and feelings resulting into relaxation of your mind.
Conclusion:
“Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.” – Socrates
No one has the right to depress you. You alone are responsible if you are depressed as you allowed your mind to get depressed. Depression is a common illness. It exists among all individuals at some point of time in their lives. The intensity varies. When it goes at peak level then it is the time to take a relook at it and take immediate corrective action. It is problematic when it goes extreme and unmanageable.
The world has become highly complex. The children should be inculcated with confidence so that they don’t get into depression. They should be taught to handle the challenges of life right from childhood itself so that they will be confident to take on the challenges in their lives. They become independent as well.
Look at things positively; possess positive attitude, right attitude and strong attitude to avoid depression coming closer to you. Learn to empathize with others rather than feeling sorry for the events or blaming others. Look at the problems on a clean slate. Depression is a state of mind and everybody can overcome easily provided they accept and realize that they have depression and take remedial measures immediately. People, in general, assume that their problems are bigger than that of others. But in reality, people don’t realize that others also have the problems probably bigger than them.
To sum up, past cannot be changed and future cannot be predicted. Therefore, learn to live in the present to avoid depression.
The End
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