I have been hosting the annual management improvement carnival (organized by John Hunter) for last 3 years and I am glad to be continuing that streak. This year, I am reviewing three blogs and featuring their best 3 posts that I enjoyed reading. This is also my opportunity to thank them for all the lessons […]
In that leadership workshop, the trainer and the participants were discussing about the importance of humility in life and leadership. Some people defined humility as ‘modesty’ while others said it was about ‘seeing the self as a means to an end and not an end in itself.’ After listening carefully, the trainer said, “Humility is […]
The cricket coach had some wise words for his team. This team was reeling under pressure to perform and was marred by penalties imposed on key players due to their overly aggressive behavior on the field. Coach knew that some course correction was required. “Aggression” he said, “is a double edged sword. If used correctly, […]
It was the first day of his job as a consultant with this large consulting house. The consultant entered the office and walked across the corridor confidently, armed with his knowledge about methodologies, tools and best practices. In next few weeks of his induction, the challenge was to apply his knowledge on several simulated situations […]
Before language evolved, we used symbols and expressions. They evolved to form words and hence sentences. Language allowed us to create stories and human beings learned through stories shared in a social context. Learning was social in nature. Then, literature evolved and allowed many people to learn from the same sources. In this world, the […]
When it comes to playing table tennis (ping pong), I like hitting hard smacks. But in this particular game, the opponents were playing defensively. The first few times I tried smacking the ball, I lost the points. Just then, my doubles partner whispered something in my ears, “Reciprocate your game. Don’t just play your style, […]
Alfred Nobel once read his own obituary that described him as a “Merchant of Death”. When Nobel’s brother died, a newspaper reported Nobel’s death by mistake. Because Nobel had invented dynamite, the obituary described him as someone who found ways to kill more people faster. “Is this how I really want to be remembered?” he […]
Mahatma Gandhi, as we know, was a simple man who had no position, no wealth, no power and no authority. Yet, he altered the course of history by leading India to Independence through power of people. How could a man with no formal authority take on an empire and influence the hearts and minds of […]
My one year old son seems to be in a perennial state of happiness. His playful presence and vibrant energy makes everyone around him happy. He knows how to make the most of simplest of things. “What’s his secret?” I was thinking to myself when heard I this wonderful story from a friend. A man […]