tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18930799549452018792024-03-13T00:22:29.494-07:00ThoughtographA blog formed through flow of thoughts!Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-81288869899182225752019-02-04T06:01:00.001-08:002019-02-04T06:01:19.072-08:00THINK PET! Ensure Road Safety!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our daily life, we come across splashes on traffic snarls, road rage, accidents, and casualties in the media. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we happen to see such incidents.
Those are harsh experiences. Yes, we need to be aware of traffic rules and
follow them. We need to be responsible. Well, aren’t we? Yes, we are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In India, we are observing the 30<sup>th</sup> Road Safety
Week from 4<sup>th</sup> to 10<sup>th</sup> Feb 2019. Road Safety Week is an
event organized across all parts of our country to spread awareness about road
safety and hence to avoid road accidents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During events such as national Road Safety Week, we come
across posters with tips and guidelines on road safety. Those tips and
guidelines are easy to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask any
driver, you will hear a list of things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
is a sample list. <i>Wear your seat belt as soon as you close the door and then start
the engine. Wear helmet before you start the ride in a two wheeler. Adjust your
side-view and rear-view mirrors before getting on road. Be aware of and follow speed
limits. Slowdown and watch out for traffic in traffic signals or junctions.
Stop for pedestrians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No driving after
drinking. No cell phone, or other gadgets while driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No eating or putting make-up or adjusting your seat while driving. Stay
focused. Don’t get distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
drive when you are stressed or angry or deprived of sleep or sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t drive if you are below the minimum age
limit.</i> The list goes on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All drivers remember such tips and guidelines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, some of them accelerate when they
see a green turning into amber and increase the speed further when that amber turns into red. Some of them change lanes without using indicators, that too at an unsafe
distance. Some of them allow their below eighteens to drive. Some of them keep
honking after every two breaths. Some of them tend to speed up when a police
man signals at them to stop. This list goes on and on too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In spite of all these, we do our bit and hope for road safety.
Driving is a daily affair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now and then,
we get scratches and bumps. And, our life goes on!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think! How else can we ensure road safety?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two decades of my driving experience in Pune, I suggest
that we think and practice PET.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PET is
an acronym for <b>Patience</b>, <b>Empathy</b>, and <b>Tolerance</b>. PET plays an overarching role
on top of all tips, guidelines, rules and regulations. PET creates harmony and
relaxation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0itNs9D4QzWC6zqVkFRUacw4GNVnVbCcbLCbA7phoumO8RFbgf6pvDjBFaPGW17zP3JDhvoMp7jUFoGK8vKORGl6QCGekWU8I-lL5U91idftACfR9spQVIvZ7WmSgVabQ_Ln-WpNE53U/s1600/PET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0itNs9D4QzWC6zqVkFRUacw4GNVnVbCcbLCbA7phoumO8RFbgf6pvDjBFaPGW17zP3JDhvoMp7jUFoGK8vKORGl6QCGekWU8I-lL5U91idftACfR9spQVIvZ7WmSgVabQ_Ln-WpNE53U/s320/PET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Be Patient.</b> When you are, you don’t honk or succumb to undue
acceleration. You wait. You keep a good attitude while waiting. You smile and
not frown. You listen to music at low volume. You have a soft and humble voice.
You are kind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we
behave while we are waiting."</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> - </span>Joyce Meyer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Empathize.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
do, you do not give your car or bike to a novice or learner and let her drive. You understand and follow traffic rules
including speed limits. You don’t push or bully the diver of a slow moving
vehicle. You stop for pedestrians. You tend to slowdown when you are close to
hospitals or schools. You thank a driver who lets you pass. You look
level-headed and pleasant but not haughty or short-tempered. You don’t use your
cell phone or make-up kit while driving. Nor do you eat or drink while driving.
You drive and live with the full awareness that stress-free driving and safety
are equally important and valuable to everyone on the road. You don’t race your
car or bike at any time of the day for whatever reason. You remember and value
your family and friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of
empathy."</i> - Meryl Streep<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tolerate.</b> When you do, you endure those who violate. You
tolerate those who are not patient and do not empathize. You don’t become a
follower of the wrong doers. You don’t take short cuts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t try to teach them a lesson. You
don’t try to win them over a race and give it back. You continue to think the
right things and keep a positive attitude. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right
that you claim for yourself."</i> – Robert Green Ingersoll<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Makes sense? THINK PET! – How else can we ensure road safety?
What else do you think? Let me know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-50634296867033688142015-11-29T03:10:00.002-08:002015-11-29T19:33:34.447-08:00Learning and Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI15PDWf4N9Moq2HkFGTPYruo5-57yQw8MdwqP81410ndltnkFGeqCxeWDxsLqfULRyHgt4EnmhMtHRhYVzSAbTigxaYdX8to-s43KLPUHmIQms_u49OdMs7Z8OxvJImdi0dqKXVPDSn4/s1600/LC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI15PDWf4N9Moq2HkFGTPYruo5-57yQw8MdwqP81410ndltnkFGeqCxeWDxsLqfULRyHgt4EnmhMtHRhYVzSAbTigxaYdX8to-s43KLPUHmIQms_u49OdMs7Z8OxvJImdi0dqKXVPDSn4/s1600/LC.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
‘Learning’ and ‘Change’ are two critical aspects of our
lives. These two are interconnected. I attempted to write 20 quotes connecting ‘Learning’
and ‘Change’. Here are those 20 quotes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->In every change there is an opportunity to
learn!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who resist to learn find it difficult to
change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learning combined with unlearning is a lifelong
process that helps you manage change effectively!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When a change is inevitable, learn some valuable
lessons and move on!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who fail to learn fail to change!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who value change value learning as well!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Changing without learning can make the results
worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learning how to manage change can make our lives
pleasant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who are smart, learn to embrace change!
Others stagnate!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learning is quintessential if you want to manage
change effectively!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sometimes you have to change the way you learn
and learn the way you need to change!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It is easier to learn how to change yourself
than learning to change anyone else!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->He who expects others to change hasn’t learned
enough!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Every relationship evolves. Either it progresses
or regresses, it teaches you wonderful lessons as long as you are ready to
learn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The curiosity to learn from all possible sources
is what can bring in positive changes in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Machines are predictable and consistent. They
are deprived of the abilities we have - the abilities to think, learn and
change!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You are never old enough to renounce learning or
ignore change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sometimes, all we need is to learn to change the
way we think! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Those who don’t learn from their past don’t see
positive changes in their lives ever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Learning to change is a long interchange!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(“Learning to change” – anagram of “a long interchange”)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When you read these, you may like one or two among these twenty. Let me know what those are.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-54274390652390611912015-07-02T03:20:00.000-07:002015-07-02T03:28:03.954-07:00Life is Beautiful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb3wEwO5JEYxjOvCS46HlL9VW_O1EgLbQuLJTfrSstqMs7_-V5pADeN6QjjvTtFQhSKGQ9knWZ6NJIpNfN4_lS2X2BCf5wntA-b3UoZIMi1V4GVn3nd-KUzeFc7zlm4TOnvJTP6AGkC8/s1600/LIB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb3wEwO5JEYxjOvCS46HlL9VW_O1EgLbQuLJTfrSstqMs7_-V5pADeN6QjjvTtFQhSKGQ9knWZ6NJIpNfN4_lS2X2BCf5wntA-b3UoZIMi1V4GVn3nd-KUzeFc7zlm4TOnvJTP6AGkC8/s320/LIB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Life is beautiful when,<br />
You feel your sleep while you are asleep,<br />
You extend those beautiful dreams with an unseen smile,<br />
You sit alone and practice breathing early in the morning,<br />
You go for a long morning walk when most others are sleeping,<br />
You sit and watch the sun rise and later the sun set,<br />
You enjoy when it rains and get wet before opening your umbrella,<br />
You spot rainbow and wonder on your way,<br />
You pause your journey to help someone in need,<br />
You sit under a tree and feel the nature, and<br />
You read a book just enough and move on.<br />
<br />
Life is beautiful when,<br />
You smile at your expressions on the pictures of your surprise birthday,<br />
You choose the right friends and the right enemies,<br />
You learn and practice to say ‘No’,<br />
You stop thinking about those who hurt your feelings,<br />
You forgive and forget,<br />
You speak out all the truth to someone you trust and feel very light,<br />
You create something worth remembering,<br />
You love your near and dear, and stay detached, <br />
You are anticipatory enough but not paranoid,and<br />
You see God in others.<br />
<br />
Life is beautiful when,<br />
You close your eyes and feel like a dust,<br />
You rest yourself in nothingness,<br />
You pray for a while and go to bed, and<br />
You feel your sleep while you are asleep!<br />
<br /></div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-76427263507701888052015-02-06T00:02:00.000-08:002015-02-06T00:02:25.541-08:00Are You Enjoying The Ride?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqipJfvTVM3jugbL7Fii4a2uB8B7dqMpn5UUEuPrYjkIw4fdfXq1GKskFYhyTitI_mT8qSw6t8IfLrYw0EZbwoqiVplHka2-U2891aD4aYHlXS9jv7vQYoVDpep4xtR2wSl2Ky1AHqQh4/s1600/EnjoyingTheRide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqipJfvTVM3jugbL7Fii4a2uB8B7dqMpn5UUEuPrYjkIw4fdfXq1GKskFYhyTitI_mT8qSw6t8IfLrYw0EZbwoqiVplHka2-U2891aD4aYHlXS9jv7vQYoVDpep4xtR2wSl2Ky1AHqQh4/s1600/EnjoyingTheRide.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
We have seen this happening around us. Awful traffic
conditions! On all working days, we go through bumper-to-bumper traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the weather is inclement it gets
tougher. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hundreds of automobiles
queue-up! That is a tough situation. All drivers are not the same. Some are
aggressive. When we see aggressive or rouge drivers we respond in several ways.
And there are learners who become over cautious and nervous in tough driving
conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it? I am sure you have
seen drivers going crazy and honking, yelling, screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must have seen those ‘I-don’t-care’ types
minding their business, fiddling with their smart phones, not caring about
others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are those who are relaxed
- they listen to some music or news,
have a good conversation when they have someone with them, munch some goodies when needed and show empathy or consideration to people around them. They
are never aggressive or stressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
don’t get distracted because of their conversations with fellow passengers or
FM radio or CD player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At frequent
intervals they observe and understand what is going on around them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They enjoy their ride whether the traffic is standstill
or slow or fast. How do they do that? What can we learn from them?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
From now on, ‘<em>enjoying the ride</em>’ is a metaphor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what this blog post is about. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, are you enjoying the ride?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Let me be more specific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At work, are you enjoying the ride? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If yes, what are the two or three activities
that make you enjoy the ride?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aren’t
those activities the ones you love to do as frequently as possible if not daily?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are those two or three activities turnout to
be your energy boosters and enhance to your performance and reduce your stress
levels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do those activities radiate
positive energy in your team or among your colleagues? If you are aware enough to answer these
questions, I am sure you are enjoying the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Possibly you will include some additional activities as you move along
and radiate positivity among your colleagues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your colleagues will feel extremely happy to be in your team and work
along with you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
‘What? Two or three activities that make me enjoy the ride?
Can you share some examples?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
what you would ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure I am
guessing it right.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">"I’m enjoying the ride. Fighting in mixed
martial arts to me is about having fun. I come from…doing hard labor and this
for me is fun. I’m enjoying it."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">– Ross
Pearson, Mixed Martial Artist<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me share some examples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my friends enjoys organizing events, speaking at conferences and
networking with delegates – he is an entrepreneur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A colleague of mine who is a hard core techie
enjoys troubleshooting, problem solving, and coaching young engineers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My peer, a senior manager loves customer
management and working with his teams. A team of young engineers at my
workplace come up with new ideas in every occasion to celebrate festivals at
work and motivate their colleagues – they enjoy doing this in addition to many
things they love to do at work.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
With your family, are you enjoying the ride by doing two or
three of your favorite things? Are those things making a positive impact in
accomplishing your common goals? Are you able to do that in spite of all the
ups and downs you go through in life? Does this experience help you bounce back
from your setbacks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure you have
some examples to share.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">"Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Aldous Huxley, English Writer and Philosopher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
At work, ‘enjoying the ride’ is not about gossiping, manipulating
or playing politics. At home, ‘enjoying the ride’ is not about ‘being a couch
potato’, gaming on your mobile or resting and relaxing all the time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/12/what-are-your-hobbies.html" target="_blank"><em><strong>What are your hobbies?</strong></em></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do your hobbies
make you enjoy the ride at home? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wherever you are, ‘enjoying the ride’ is about
doing things that result in good or positive effects – however simple or
complex they may be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Some time ago, I wrote a blog post titled ‘<a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2014/12/are-you-mixing-right-flavors.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Are you mixing the right flavors?</em></strong></a>’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my observation, those who enjoy the ride,
mix the right flavors. And those who mix the right flavors can enjoy the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t read that post, don’t miss it.
Read the comments too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
So, are you enjoying the ride?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-63385544496498645552014-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:002014-12-31T00:01:08.603-08:00Are You Mixing The Right Flavors?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jimzjFfYuBf1WgNo3r5FijvjtugFFgEE9rsrMRBk8cEqhr-nipKmJdgJ8vosnmSWbLXs6OlhGcxzHs-pu45QsnQqz-qegkoWVlPNbV5m2undrcZL4A_3m7yWCcCgi8lF3aTypHnuX0g/s1600/MixingFlavors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jimzjFfYuBf1WgNo3r5FijvjtugFFgEE9rsrMRBk8cEqhr-nipKmJdgJ8vosnmSWbLXs6OlhGcxzHs-pu45QsnQqz-qegkoWVlPNbV5m2undrcZL4A_3m7yWCcCgi8lF3aTypHnuX0g/s1600/MixingFlavors.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Quite often we hear these familiar remarks from our
families, friends, colleagues, and the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am sure you heard one of these either this week or this month!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“Whenever my Dad talks to me, he starts giving me wisdom. It
is all about what to do and what not to do.”</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“My manager comes and talks to me whenever he has some task
on hand. I end up doing it. “</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“I have stopped talking to my husband because he reacts to
whatever I say. He goes on talking about his opinion. He criticizes but does
not try to understand what is going on. “</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“My brother comes to me whenever he needs something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t seen him helping me on anything or
sharing anything with me.”</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“He is a loudmouth. I wouldn’t invite him for this party.”</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em>“He does not support our team. He bosses around!”</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That evening, when
he said that to me, I felt like moving away and stop talking to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is such an idiot! He doesn’t care!”<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Will a cocktail party with the right mix of flavors help us
loose our inhibition and have a smooth talk? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will that be the right occasion to connect a
troubled boss or a coworker with the rest of the team?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you must have tried that and know
what happened the next morning or the next week. The story repeats and the
experience does not improve. So, what do we do?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are social and connected. We are connected with our
families, relatives, friends, colleagues and communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way we communicate builds our
relationships with people around us. The flavors of communication are
numerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From greeting and enquiring to
commanding and criticizing we end up one way or the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flavors we mix to communicate either foster
relationships or lead to withdrawals because of a potential communication
breakdown. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is because communication is one of the significant
factors that reflect our attitude and behavior in any social setting.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, are we mixing the right flavors or missing the essentials?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And are we avoiding the brutal ones?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkcrDJg5O1i6DJUS351KuFaYj32Qvw5i2Pe2WOXYUIchLv3CoGXwvml23AZGpfKPfVPYI1O_TCxS0AznlW7RBfQrUoAHc3QOfrRpJ-2MXuu1k11mZFVNGDdo2lQ25KGaagt_GDjez_RE/s1600/CommFlavors1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkcrDJg5O1i6DJUS351KuFaYj32Qvw5i2Pe2WOXYUIchLv3CoGXwvml23AZGpfKPfVPYI1O_TCxS0AznlW7RBfQrUoAHc3QOfrRpJ-2MXuu1k11mZFVNGDdo2lQ25KGaagt_GDjez_RE/s1600/CommFlavors1.png" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Look at this picture for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provides just a collection of different
flavors we end up reflecting in our communication. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several other flavors such as
encouraging, badgering, boosting, boasting, inflaming, and so on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure, you have more to add.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have some, please feel free to add
those in your comments and share your thoughts on this post.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Which of these flavors are the most likable? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which of those produce sweet memories?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list is not very long but it includes
responding, enquiring, supporting, aligning, believing, sharing, trusting, appreciating,
greeting, comforting, listening, caring, and the likes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the first set of flavors I wanted to
present. I am sure you like all of them. Obviously, everything in this set
creates a wonderful experience. These are the ones that are pleasant and
amicable in all situations. These are the ones that let us connect with people
and nurture relationships.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzYa2Fnu8hcStLVGAp3cBrcgjx9fN-vfaN9OApBJ-Xkmr0KI-X55ADfqonYuuFr1S0EqkKg1qbr42p9R0FICQrKusSCl32akq8lYfZg6-t4lsGvlL_0X0v4DtJT0BQOnFsMBmtEsfSJA/s1600/LoveRose.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzYa2Fnu8hcStLVGAp3cBrcgjx9fN-vfaN9OApBJ-Xkmr0KI-X55ADfqonYuuFr1S0EqkKg1qbr42p9R0FICQrKusSCl32akq8lYfZg6-t4lsGvlL_0X0v4DtJT0BQOnFsMBmtEsfSJA/s1600/LoveRose.png" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
These flavors make a pleasing impact when we are genuine
with no intent of manipulation. In some cases, people mask everything else and
mix these flavors well enough to construct a positive image of each other and
build their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what
happens next. Is repeating these flavors a practical way to live our lives
happily?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, that makes sense but we
need many other flavors too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Sometimes we need to communicate in different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to mix more flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That list includes flavors such as reacting,
advising, instructing, opining, directing, supervising, guiding, tasking,
probing, commanding, controlling, criticizing, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the second set of flavors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is tough to live without some of these flavors
in certain situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes. It is tough
to eliminate or avoid such <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flavors all
the time considering the variety of roles we play – Mother, Father, Son, Daughter,
Sister, Brother, Husband, Wife, In-Laws, Grand Parent, Student, Teacher, Coach,
Mentor, Supervisor, Team Member,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entrepreneur,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
When we repeat more and more of the flavors in this second
set, we shrink the wonderful experiences created by the first set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, when we forget about the first
set, we create a bitter experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lA7IFhZPuwlMlPjdjCOf9Jwa8n8iGKoMKMG9mKaEAtOWYyI8BwpKe9ufyzLItk4tU8pp6Vi2-NjgvSiXfdioH_WLOxVXSkCB7hP3Bwaw8AYh_RARJFwJ6zNOzdHVq5mICMyBqs0A6D0/s1600/LoveShrinks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4lA7IFhZPuwlMlPjdjCOf9Jwa8n8iGKoMKMG9mKaEAtOWYyI8BwpKe9ufyzLItk4tU8pp6Vi2-NjgvSiXfdioH_WLOxVXSkCB7hP3Bwaw8AYh_RARJFwJ6zNOzdHVq5mICMyBqs0A6D0/s1600/LoveShrinks.png" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
This is a tiny thought I wanted to express through this blog
post. When this stays in our mind, we understand the constant and consistent
focus we need to have in balancing these two sets in certain roles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CZY8VOb-ioLiFP08wxpIDW0qHtBS5i-Znxboy3NJWKy_cJvIUDtcae6iZnReAThgpIoC8Tq1CdLZuEBPMw2KSHAeoNGlIWuvGIxadPyA6xt-7RSvnusrnx92i47xlmh7VI7phLNDWzg/s1600/BalancingFlavors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CZY8VOb-ioLiFP08wxpIDW0qHtBS5i-Znxboy3NJWKy_cJvIUDtcae6iZnReAThgpIoC8Tq1CdLZuEBPMw2KSHAeoNGlIWuvGIxadPyA6xt-7RSvnusrnx92i47xlmh7VI7phLNDWzg/s1600/BalancingFlavors.png" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
How do you know if you are maintaining the balance or
not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One way is to do self-inquiry or
introspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another way is to listen
and understand how people around you respond to your interactions and consider signals that
come to you through feedbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A better
approach is to find opportunities to mix the flavors of the first set.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
There is yet another approach. Next time when you either make
or consume a cocktail or mocktail, remember this question. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are You Mixing The Right Flavors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure you will mix the right flavors!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
Wish You a Happy New Year 2015!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<strong>Related Readings:<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
1. <u><a href="http://www.wilsonlearning.com/wlw/articles/w/hidden-cost-comm" target="_blank">Social Styles Versatile Communication<o:p></o:p></a></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
2. <u><a href="http://www.trainingontarget.com/mainpages/building_relationship_versatility.asp" target="_blank">Building Relationship Versatility: Social Styles at Work</a></u><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-68234737652174870942014-04-12T06:09:00.001-07:002014-04-12T06:09:33.703-07:00Yearnings of Yesteryears<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><em>A short story written for the annual school magazine of The Orchid School</em></div>
<br />
I faintly remember the initial months of my school days when
I was in sixth grade. That is probably when we started identifying our
handwriting – with some feeling of guilt and commitment to improve, and
connected with the classmates of our likes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when we tried to scribe our
signatures. That is when we started becoming more and more aware our
surroundings, our history, movies, and songs and fine arts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my classmates liked dancing and a few
others were fond of mimicking movie characters and artists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Those were the days when we stepped into several things that
were we not allowed to do earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
wanted to participate in events with our teachers and other adults. We wanted
to burst firecrackers independently. We wanted to create new things, write
drama scripts, and come up with innovative names for movies. That is just a
sample list of what we wanted to do. I am writing this to share one more thing
I wanted to do that year.<br />
<br />
An incident that happened during those days has stayed in my
mind for long years. Certainly that is not a faint remembrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>Ganesh Chathurti</em> - the grand festival of God <em>Vignesh</em> (also known as <em>Ganesh</em>, the elephant God), was approaching and all of
us were looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>Ganesh
Chathurti</em> in our village was both a family and community festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elders in the family would do <em>puja </em>or rituals with prayers at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before that, early in the morning all
families would go over to the river bank and offer prayers at the <em>Ganesh</em>
temple.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puja</i> at our river
bank <em>Ganesh</em> temple was an elaborate ritual. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would start at seven in the morning and go
on for two or three hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early morning
at six, some of the elderly men would clean the temple, and keep it ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that time everyone would gather in the
temple. A large group of men would start <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">abhishekam</i>
by standing in two rows facing each other down the steps to the river
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were roughly about thirty
steps from the temple to the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
river used to be in full steam all he months except summer.<br />
<!--[endif]--><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6oC4dk3wODp_bjFail9LvywnaAXrRyo8g2WJaqNcWPhgRXj0punVIlWjRCV4ueRVbZfIBEj0gae2L9uhcovzmYMgnLebZ_yvNu31k9jBSgZhRTNsY1fxAmbiytKTAr5yBCXtfrPNN-c/s1600/Kudam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6oC4dk3wODp_bjFail9LvywnaAXrRyo8g2WJaqNcWPhgRXj0punVIlWjRCV4ueRVbZfIBEj0gae2L9uhcovzmYMgnLebZ_yvNu31k9jBSgZhRTNsY1fxAmbiytKTAr5yBCXtfrPNN-c/s1600/Kudam.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
Someone at the end of the row standing at the bottom most step – the lucky one who stands
knee deep in the river, would fetch water and pass it on in a decanter – known
as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kudam</i>, a vessel made of brass (see picture).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would get passed on from one person to
another to save time as well as to save the toil of carrying it all the way to
the temple. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make this less time
consuming everyone would carry a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kudam</i>
from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have one, and if you
are above a certain age, you can be one among them and participate in that team
activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a team activity where
one got to participate with the head master of the school, mathematics teacher,
bank manager, land lords, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
every <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">abhishekam</i> – with honey, milk,
and so on, water will be transported in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kudam
</i>- eight or ten times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After this,
puja would start, go on for another hour and end with devotes singing religious
songs and distribution of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prasadam</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
The day before Ganesh Chathurti,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started searching for a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kudam</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had many of them at our home but none of them were light enough for
me to carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on to find one in a
nearby family – they agreed to lend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got up early in the morning and was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably I was the youngest in the group of
men who formed two rows – one to fetch water and pass the vessel up and the
other to pass empty vessels down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Considering my age, I was put in the opposite row to pass empty
vessels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to be part of the
celebration.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
There were no phones, or Internet to post those pictures or
tweet or Whatsapp with friends. I had to wait until the next day to go and
share that experience with my classmates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Almost four decades after this incident when my daughters
moved into secondary school and then high school, I have compared and
contrasted the school days of mine and theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Obviously, t</span>he
learning experiences are different too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In our urban life we don’t use a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kudam</i> to fetch or store water for we have found different ways to
fetch, store and use water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As some of
us claim, may be, we are advancing. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kudam</i>
has become a thing of the past in most of our lives. Change is inevitable and
well-managed change is good. We must embrace new things and that is how society
flourishes and progresses.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That is a nice way to summarize but, we continue to keep our
yearnings on yesteryears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to. I
am sure you too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘It is not yearning.
But I think our kids are missing those! What can we do? Now it is all jeans,
sneakers, burgers, softies, and 1D.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is a known response in our discussions.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what? What can we do about it? A promising answer or
demonstration to such questions was delivered to us in the name of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heritage Fair</i> in my daughter’s school - <a href="http://www.theorchidschool.org/" target="_blank">The Orchid School (Pune)</a> on
1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> Feb 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I
was going to go through a bunch of posters, videos and some dance sequences. Yes I was
dubious until I started witnessing the spectacular array of stalls, skits,
dances, and exhibits presented by the students and teachers of <a href="http://www.theorchidschool.org/" target="_blank">The Orchid School</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The demonstration of flight hijacking, 26/11
attacks, freedom fight, social evolution, and the likes were very impressive
and moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demonstration of evolution
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vedic mathematics </i>were superb.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I got to visit the cave men too. In a dark cave one of them
showed me how to lit fire using flint stone. That was a big surprise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the doors opened after demonstration, I
asked, ‘Where did you get those stones from?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He, perhaps a sixth or fifth standard student said, ‘I found those
stones in my apartment complex!’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
busted a myth that flint stones disappeared with the cave men!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kudos to all teachers and students!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You proved one thing – ‘We can keep our
heritage alive and glowing!’</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let us continue with our yearnings on yesteryears. There is
nothing wrong in it. We yearn because our heritage is rich and incomparable!
Our heritage is our pride!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-37669859066093202412014-02-20T07:35:00.001-08:002014-02-20T07:52:24.161-08:00The 80/20 of Criticism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithOMmi0kjorQsTlFwgM5hkBnWknW1jDinWD3h16wxD1ScwpwOxenTMqmC84OfJxQtTrKEWxwoMVyx3J0z562WboLMeS-00ozWLnuBw8T6sV0YsYjETol4Bv_3245bJJTvm_mjwsg_ECE/s1600/Criticism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithOMmi0kjorQsTlFwgM5hkBnWknW1jDinWD3h16wxD1ScwpwOxenTMqmC84OfJxQtTrKEWxwoMVyx3J0z562WboLMeS-00ozWLnuBw8T6sV0YsYjETol4Bv_3245bJJTvm_mjwsg_ECE/s1600/Criticism.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you know? 80% of the problems come from 20% of causes. I
am sure you know. Over spending,
lethargy, casual attitude and the likes lead to several problems in our
lives. 80% of the disturbances come from
20% of the people disturbing us. I am
sure you won’t find it hard to list those handful of people very easily. 80% of calories intake come from 20% of what
we eat. Is that right? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That 20% is important.
Deal with those things first. Or separate the vital few from the trivial many as Joseph Juran said. Let me add. Interestingly, years later, he
changed ‘trivial many’ to ‘useful many’ indicating that we should not ignore
the 80%. Keep that in mind too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can we apply this rule to dealing with critics and
criticism?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what I do. I
need critics. I need criticisms. My creations need critics and criticisms. By this, I mean my writings, my
presentations, my speaking sessions, and so on.
My critics come under at least five categories - experts, peers, near
and dears, consumers, others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Experts:</b> All of us learn from experts. I respect their
criticisms. One aspect I have observed
in experts is that they give you feedback, suggestions, and alternatives. Most of them don’t criticize. The give you
feedback. They collaborate. They create learning opportunities. They don’t offer high level or abstract
negative feedback. They ask questions. They try to understand. They don’t
direct. They put forward two or three alternatives in front of you and they
allow you to think and improve. Value
and take their comments, suggestions or criticisms with a pinch of sugar. Don’t
miss that opportunity!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Peers:</b> In this
category there are peers but not experts. If you understand and respect their
needs and limitations you will devise an approach to deal with their criticism
or feedback. Sometimes, peers don’t
comment, suggest or criticize. They observe or become mute spectators. Unless there is a shared vision or vested
interest, why will they spend their precious time? Take their comments, suggestions or
criticisms with a pinch of salt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Near and Dears: </b> When you receive inputs from your near and
dears never ignore. They care about you!
As they care about you, they may become little aggressive or pushy. They
may look like your critics. Listen. Understand. Rationalize, and conclude. They are your near and dears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Consumers: </b>Consumers are the ones who invest their
time in consuming what you provide. Their time is money. Sometime they spend their money to consume
your product. They are your customers.
Their opinions matter. Their comments and suggestions are important. Respond to them without any delay. You need them. Be collaborative and improve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Others: </b>They may be genuine. They may not be. They
may be unknown experts. They may become
your peers in future. They may become your consumers too. Or, perhaps they are
your unknown consumers. They may criticize for the sake of criticizing. Listen
to them and decide the course of action.
If you have to ignore, ignore and move on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Criticism and feedback – are they different? It depends on two key things – a) the source
and b) the tone. Sometimes a criticism
can crush you, make you feel vulnerable, and put you off. If you are stronger you will bounce
back. How about feedback? Feedback can be constructive or neutral or destructive. One may argue that there are and can be
constructive criticisms too. The truth
is different. Criticism is criticism. It is about giving it back or
demonstrating superiority. It is about politicizing or getting even. Feedback is based on genuine observation,
empathy, candid feeling and willingness to collaborate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether it is criticism or feedback, look at the source and
decide what to do!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what is '80/20 of Criticism'? 80% criticisms come from
20% of people who criticize. You can
never ignore any of them. Even if you
say that you are ignoring them, you are not.
Let me tell you, at least 50% of them will require consideration.
Meanwhile you cannot afford to let them crush you down! You can introspect and decide on what to do
about them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Criticisms indicate that you
are active. Lack of feedback indicates that something is wrong - perhaps, you are not seeking feedback or not
progressing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What else? Did you read '<b><u><a href="http://se-thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2014/02/is-everything-ok.html" target="_blank">Is Everything OK?</a></u></b>' <br />
<br />
Let me know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-2569167152083475752014-01-15T23:36:00.000-08:002014-01-15T23:36:15.560-08:00Listen: You Can Help Without Owning the Problem!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" closure_lm_250513="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSegTnYFZvyQyX0KtdskLxQGOYt790zF6isNUjiof-Y55_wWgsmenVFmqfTqu4G2hR6gn4cqZjde3I1_shykalW4i0F0WdL1VNZC1rkAgH3sidVNPUc70Cr20iHVpYm4MpMXj2kMo2Ohk/s1600/ListenToUnderstand.jpg" height="180" hua="true" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sometimes as parents or managers or colleagues we own more than necessary. Offering advice or suggestions or attempting to influence someone with facts, arguments, opinions, etc., can transfer problem ownership to us. Providing free consultancy or instructions on a specific approach to someone can make us the owner of their problems. Our friends and family don’t want us to own their problems. They want us to listen and understand. I wrote this months ago in my post titled ‘<u><a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/11/take-ownership-why-not-short-story.html" target="_blank">Take Ownership: Why Not? – A Short Story</a></u>’.<br />
<br />
You can help without owning problems. How? It is simple. Listen to understand! Yes. Let me tell you why and how.<br />
<br />
Some of us spend lots of money in finding and spending time with someone who knows how to listen to our problems and understand our issues. That is what helps us gain perspective. We want someone to hold up a mirror so that we can take a closer look at ourselves. Don’t we? <br />
<br />
Everyone needs some feedback, some opinion and some validation. If you are dubious about receiving feedback, stop looking at a mirror for a week. Try! <br />
<br />
Listening – when done in the right manner, is powerful. Listening to understand is all about caring. Friends listen to understand. Families listen to understand.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<em>The art of conversation lies in listening.</em>" --Malcom Forbes</div>
<br />
Beware. Offering advice or suggestions or attempting to influence someone with facts, arguments, opinions, etc., can transfer problem ownership to us. Providing free consultancy or instructions on a specific approach to someone can make us the owner of their problems. Our friends and family don’t want us to own their problems. They want us to listen and understand.<br />
<br />
Dr. Karl Augustus Menninger (1983 – 1990), one of the well-known American psychiatrist said,<br />
<br />
“<em>Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.</em>" <br />
<br />
Listen! You can help Your Friends, Families and Colleagues solve problems!<br />
<br />
You must have read an interesting quote or something else on ‘Listening’. What is it? Let us discuss.<br />
<br />
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-20633185062776032972013-12-31T08:02:00.000-08:002013-12-31T08:09:41.427-08:00The Sense of Entitlement: Virtue or Vice?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYhmc9yGtSTs2YbzYutvAUIKudoBvX8vOJajNbzD_1xkO-HpOeHscLSX445-GLm7eH1o56WizdBNHMl_NRra8jdSPnnM_9EuJTX1K3eced28eQuzNmY1hnqeNUcIsk4AHjbjRSnyOSiA/s1600/Entitlement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_685669="null" gua="true" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYhmc9yGtSTs2YbzYutvAUIKudoBvX8vOJajNbzD_1xkO-HpOeHscLSX445-GLm7eH1o56WizdBNHMl_NRra8jdSPnnM_9EuJTX1K3eced28eQuzNmY1hnqeNUcIsk4AHjbjRSnyOSiA/s320/Entitlement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Sometime or the other, we, the humans, carry the sense of entitlement. Don’t we? We feel that we are entitled for certain things. We get upset or frustrated when things do not happen our way. Or we frustrate others by living a life of entitlement. By doing so, we encroach into the territory of others. We pollute. We hinder. When these happen, it becomes too embarrassing to discuss and clear the air. But not always. That’s why I am writing this post.<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you feel entitled? Is the sense of entitlement a virtue or vice? I can give you a philosophical answer. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<em>The sense of entitlement is a vice when your goal is to consume or obtain benefits. It is a virtue when you respect the entitlement of the people around you and honor their needs.</em></h3>
<br />
Let me step back. The answer to this question is not this simple. It requires deep thinking. Because there are several contexts here. Let me explain some of them.<br />
<br />
<strong>Kids and Entitlement</strong><br />
<br />
Sometimes we find that our kids are struggling with their sense of entitlement. Let me tell you – before you agree or disagree, not all parents are the same. This applies to kids too. However, kids and their sense of entitlement is a subject that gets a nod from 99% of parents. So, how do you know if this is happening in your kids and what do you do? <br />
<br />
Read ‘5 Signs Kids are Struggling with Entitlement’ by Kristen Welch at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/12/5-signs-kids-are-struggling-with-entitlement/" target="_blank">http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/12/5-signs-kids-are-struggling-with-entitlement/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Male Entitlement</strong><br />
<br />
All over the world, most males carry the sense of entitlement over females. They attempt to initiate a conversation. Sometimes this leads to unwelcome transactions. Eve teasing, stalking, cyber bullying, harassment, etc. are rooted in this sense of entitlement. <br />
<br />
Read ‘Male Entitlement: A Man’s RIGHT to Holla’ at <a href="http://www.singleblackmale.org/2013/12/20/male-entitlement-mans-right-holla/" target="_blank">http://www.singleblackmale.org/2013/12/20/male-entitlement-mans-right-holla/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Employee Entitlement</strong><br />
<br />
Many employees including campus hires or fresh graduates carry the sense of entitlement. This is about the entitlement to work on a strategic project, earn higher wages or avail stock options or enjoy other comforts. Sometimes this is about minimum training, easy appraisals, lots of appreciation and easy work. <br />
<br />
Read ‘On Entitlement: Regardless of Your Generation’ by Peter Shankman at <a href="http://shankman.com/blog/on-entitlement-regardless-of-your-generation/" target="_blank">http://shankman.com/blog/on-entitlement-regardless-of-your-generation/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Entitlement and Alcoholism</strong><br />
<br />
We sternly believe that we are entitled to drink after a certain age. We think that we have the freedom to choose what we want. And we do what we are not supposed to do. We do what is illegal. We get behind the wheel of our cars and drive. We get in to accidents. That is just an example. <br />
<br />
Read ‘Battling the Entitlement Trap’ by Mellissa Smallwood at <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/2013/12/23/battling-entitlement-virus/" target="_blank">http://www.themobsociety.com/2013/12/23/battling-entitlement-virus/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Energy Entitlement</strong><br />
<br />
We are entitled to charge our mobile phones free of cost in public places. Will we get to charge our electric vehicles free of cost? <br />
<br />
Read ‘Electricity for your EV: A New Entitlement?’ at <a href="http://blog.heartland.org/2013/12/electricity-for-your-ev-a-new-entitlement/" target="_blank">http://blog.heartland.org/2013/12/electricity-for-your-ev-a-new-entitlement/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Honored Entitlement</strong><br />
<br />
Some of us feel honored or privileged to avail certain benefits. We feel entitled. We need a special treatment. We need special considerations. We feel entitled from generations to generations. <br />
<br />
Read ‘The Entitlement Mentality’ by Theresa Omoronyia at <a href="http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/11/29/the-entitlement-mentality/" target="_blank">http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/11/29/the-entitlement-mentality/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Call for Action</strong><br />
<br />
Let us question ourselves. What are we entitled for? What do we expect from our family, our employer, our community, our government, our country men, and so on? Do we carry the sense of entitlement? <br />
<br />
Read ‘A Sense of Entitlement’ by Dan Gallagher at <a href="http://www.stfonline.org/2013/12/17/a-sense-of-entitlement/" target="_blank">http://www.stfonline.org/2013/12/17/a-sense-of-entitlement/</a>.<br />
<br />
Read ‘LETTER: Move Away from Entitlement Mentality’ by Mark Pitzner at <a href="http://www.highlinetimes.com/2013/12/23/letters-editor/letter-move-away-entitlement-mentality" target="_blank">http://www.highlinetimes.com/2013/12/23/letters-editor/letter-move-away-entitlement-mentality</a>.<br />
<br />
Do you think this post is not good for you because you are 20 something? Or not too old to take it up? I am sure you need to rethink. Read ‘Shedding our Sense of Entitlement’ by Anne Wallem at <a href="http://darlingmagazine.org/shedding-our-sense-of-entitlement/" target="_blank">http://darlingmagazine.org/shedding-our-sense-of-entitlement/</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is Your Answer?</strong><br />
<br />
The Sense of Entitlement: Virtue or Vice? What is your answer?<br />
<br /></div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-28173794981544172752013-12-21T22:02:00.001-08:002013-12-21T22:02:55.764-08:00What Are Your Hobbies?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_IHW3NvjLMMZE1MVIGFb-JqxC0Y0ngQBPLNNGTWYFeSrqkUkxwWlWGaDkhTYZb204dbcN_kGYs_bP-VeKmI4oFTaHNoTMeMsIHZxKsFA5iRS1A-EExwlPKXrSGYEo9TDo_tG94-h9lk/s1600/Hobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_379409="null" gua="true" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_IHW3NvjLMMZE1MVIGFb-JqxC0Y0ngQBPLNNGTWYFeSrqkUkxwWlWGaDkhTYZb204dbcN_kGYs_bP-VeKmI4oFTaHNoTMeMsIHZxKsFA5iRS1A-EExwlPKXrSGYEo9TDo_tG94-h9lk/s320/Hobby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>What Are Your Hobbies?</strong><br />
<br />
What a familiar and simple question! We heard this first when we were children. Probably most of us wrote an essay on our hobbies when we were in fifth or sixth grade. That is not the end.<br />
<br />
While making friends we are curious about hobbies and ask this question. This question figures in job interviews too. And some resumes do mention about hobbies.<br />
<br />
<strong>Interesting Responses</strong><br />
<br />
So, what are your hobbies? I have asked this question to many people including students and working professionals. Here are some interesting ones.<br />
<br />
<em> “Hm. Watching TV, Reading Newspaper”</em> <br />
- Mid-level employee of an IT organization <br />
<br />
<em> “Hobbies? Browsing the Internet, hanging out with my friends”</em> <br />
– Someone with an under-graduate degree searching for a job <br />
<br />
<em> “Going to movies, malls, and eating different kinds of food”</em> <br />
- Trainee in a large corporate<br />
<br />
<em> “Listening to Music, and playing Cricket”</em> <br />
- Final year student of a mid-tier engineering college<br />
<br />
<em> “Watching news channels, and Internet chat”</em> <br />
- Customer Relationship Manager of an international bank<br />
<br />
<em> “Hobbies? I don’t have any! I am so busy that I forgot about it long ago. </em><br />
<em> I think I need to find some.”</em> <br />
- Senior manager of a global services company<br />
<br />
<strong>Hobby: How Do You Define It?</strong><br />
<br />
A hobby is something you do regularly during your spare time. A hobby is something that helps you recharge yourself and leads to some constructive or productive experience. It is more of creation and less of consumption. A hobby cannot lead to destructive or unproductive experience. It cannot result in bad habits. <br />
<br />
More info: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobby</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Is It a Big Deal?</strong><br />
<br />
So, what? Do you think watching TV or browsing the Internet or chatting with friends are hobbies? You need to re-read the previous para to answer this question. Try to open up this discussion among your friends. I bet, someone will put you on spot and say, “It is my spare time and what I do during my spare time is my wish. So what is the big deal? I watch TV whenever I find free time! Or I browse. That is what I do!”<br />
<br />
Here is a beautiful quote.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<em>“Life is a Practice. You are What You Do Each Day.” </em></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
- Bryant McGill</h3>
<br />
Let me explain. What you think becomes your actions. Your actions or what you practice become your habits. And you are what you do every day!<br />
<br />
<strong>Got a Genuine Answer?</strong><br />
<br />
Your answer to ‘What are your hobbies?’ tells what you are. It puts you in touch with the type of people you want to be with. It makes a positive impression when you seek admission to higher studies. It impacts your image at work. It tells whether you are an interesting person or not. <br />
<br />
When I asked, “What are your hobbies?” to someone, she said, “Listening to Music and reading books.” <br />
<br />
I smiled at her and asked, “What kind of music? What books did you read this year? Would you like to share?”<br />
<br />
She took a step back, tried to cover up and said, “Hm…Not anything specific in music. I like everything. I haven’t read anything lately. Whenever I read, I read novels.” <br />
<br />
She was not confident. Those were not her regular activities. Obviously, her answer was not genuine.<br />
<br />
Instead of hearing something like this I would rather hear someone saying, “I have done several things but none of those are my hobbies – but I have decided to pursue reading as a hobby and I have started learning Salsa.”<br />
<br />
<strong>Pursue One or Two Hobbies</strong><br />
<br />
It is not too late! Find hobbies that help you recharge your batteries, help you relax, make you feel positive, and boost your self-esteem. Refine your way of life. Improve the way you manage yourself.<br />
<br />
Isn’t it something you can do right now? Or do you want to wait for a new year?<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year 2014!<br />
<br />
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-73458278596113622902013-11-14T04:57:00.000-08:002018-06-07T08:17:18.847-07:00Take Ownership! Why Not? - A Short Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYZv67jTdQDbwvo7YOt01fv2bDRkdRYAfqH8KGsLKX42eE-UYr6SRggCU98fWyLn2DOwwaTT3tZVkkFdQhvvOFvOGdT8su68eY4yCTSEPW1Q8kt-fgPDUUETL52UaSZYXw67yb7ZVDJE/s1600/PS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_218451="null" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYZv67jTdQDbwvo7YOt01fv2bDRkdRYAfqH8KGsLKX42eE-UYr6SRggCU98fWyLn2DOwwaTT3tZVkkFdQhvvOFvOGdT8su68eY4yCTSEPW1Q8kt-fgPDUUETL52UaSZYXw67yb7ZVDJE/s320/PS.jpg" width="320" zsa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
I am writing this post to share a story and some thoughts on taking ownership of problems or situations. I am sure you will relate to it and share your thoughts.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Yesterday morning Mike was disappointed. He couldn’t resist telling this to his son.<br />
<br />
“You broke it Tom! Now, take responsibility, own it and fix it!”<br />
<br />
He took a pause, waiting to hear some response from his son Tom, a sixth grader. There was a complete silence! No response!<br />
<br />
“Tom, it is your mistake! Admit it! Don’t you feel sorry?”<br />
<br />
Another pause followed by a faint voice out of guilt. “I am sorry.” <br />
<br />
Tom comprehended the situation as much as he could and he couldn’t say anything more than "I am sorry."<br />
<br />
Mike wanted to stop there and move forward. “Well, it’s time. Let me drop you at school on my way to work. Let us go!”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Sometimes we need to stop to move forward. Don’t we?</em> </div>
<br />
This whole conversation flashed in his mind as Mike parked his car and moved towards his office waving at his boss Jim, the head of engineering division of a large manufacturing company. An hour later Jim took Mike into a meeting room for a quick conversation.<br />
<br />
“Mike, I want you to own this problem. This has been going on for quite some time now! I thought you would take ownership. You haven’t. So, I wanted to talk to you.”<br />
<br />
“Well, Jim. This problem was caused by someone else! It is the purchase department. Not us! This requires enormous efforts.”<br />
<br />
Jim’s turned his eyes towards a poster on the wall and Mike couldn't stop reading it. It said,<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<em>“If something is unacceptable to you as it impacts you negatively and you determine to resolve it, you take ownership of that problem – even if you did not cause the problem.”</em></h3>
<br />
Mike smiled and Jim started responding.<br />
<br />
“Mike. You are right. We did not create this problem. But we need to own it and resolve it. This in no way indicates that either you or I created the problem. Everyone knows what happened. Those who created this problem are not able to resolve this. They need us.”<br />
<br />
And he continued.<br />
<br />
“I am not expecting or mandating them to apologize or accept. I want to figure ways to make things better as we move forward. Let us avoid the blame game or finger pointing. Let us plan for the future. And improve the situation here.”<br />
<br />
Mike nodded and express his acceptance. Their meeting ended.<br />
<br />
On his way to home Mike reflected on his day. He could have been gentle in his conversation with Tom. He wanted to see a responsible Tom who can own and solve problems over the years. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
What is your take on Mike's decisions? In a situation like this, what will be your approach? Here are my six points or takeaways. <br />
<br />
<strong>Owners need not be the creators! </strong>Here is the truth. Owning a problem does not lead to any conclusion or inference that you created it. When you decide to resolve a problem you take ownership of the problem. Taking ownership means finding a resolution or resolving the problem. Next time when you have to own a problem, don’t deny because someone else created that problem! Owning and solving that problem may turn out to be an opportunity for you!<br />
<br />
<strong>Don’t own more than necessary!</strong> Sometimes as parents or managers we own more than necessary. Offering advice or suggestions or attempting to influence someone with facts, arguments, opinions, etc., can transfer problem ownership to us. Providing free consultancy or instructions on a specific approach to someone can make us the owner of their problems.<br />
<br />
Our friends and family don’t want us to own their problems. They want us to listen and understand.<br />
<br />
<strong>Own your problems!</strong> Kids are used to shedding tears or show anger when faced with problems. When they are not habituated to own their problems, over years they become adults and become manipulative in their responses. They go back to the problem solver to find solutions to their problem. If the solution does not work, they blame the problem solvers who are usually their parents or senior members in the family. The best way is to own your problems and let your kids and team members learn how to own problems. <br />
<br />
Own your problems! <strong><a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/10/learn-to-respond.html" target="_blank">Learn to respond</a></strong>! Help your folks own their problems. You will struggle, fail couple of times and finally succeed. Unless you own your problems you won't learn problem solving.<br />
<br />
<strong>Admitting guilt is not enough!</strong> Forcing someone to apologize or say sorry is not enough. It has to come from within. I agree. But, admitting guilt is not enough. Focus on what needs to change and plan for a better tomorrow. That will improve the situation. Forcing an adult to apologize does not work anyway. Nothing changes when someone stops with apologizing. There has to be a collaborative effort to make things better.<br />
<br />
<strong>Leaders raise above the situation!</strong> When you are in charge of a situation, take ownership of a problem which is blocking your way. And raise above the situation! It is your problem. <a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/10/everyone-of-us-wants-to-arrive.html" target="_blank"><strong>Be courageous and solve it</strong></a>! Let me reiterate. Taking ownership and solving it does not mean that you created the problem.<br />
<br />
<strong>Go beyond problems!</strong> It is not enough if you take ownership of problems and solve them. You must take ownership of your strengths. You must take ownership of your accomplishments. You must take ownership of all your good things. That will help you feel positive and amplify your strengths.<br />
<br />
In short, take ownership! Why not?<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Related Posts:</u></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/10/everyone-of-us-wants-to-arrive.html" target="_blank">Every One of Us Wants to Arrive!</a></strong><br />
<strong><u><a href="http://thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/10/learn-to-respond.html" target="_blank">Learn to Respond!</a></u></strong><br />
<br /></div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-8747974420275780492013-10-31T09:36:00.001-07:002013-10-31T09:36:48.702-07:00Learn to Respond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo8ajAt3FgoiP47Dlm-z7sOjCKdgx68I5SNke4hD5CnSeNWY59ddnjQ3AqSMTIh9u8yxP0aNppXXy-VRmELlfgFuZIvO-x__SC9nQd7gGVDcuY-0yAZKh-scCEoUUn1FcC_VeIClNdlk/s1600/LtoR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo8ajAt3FgoiP47Dlm-z7sOjCKdgx68I5SNke4hD5CnSeNWY59ddnjQ3AqSMTIh9u8yxP0aNppXXy-VRmELlfgFuZIvO-x__SC9nQd7gGVDcuY-0yAZKh-scCEoUUn1FcC_VeIClNdlk/s320/LtoR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Many of us respond to the past. Don’t we? We worry about what might have been, what could have been, what should have been etc. By doing so, we become party to draining our emotion and time and locking us in the past! Can we respond to the past? No. We cannot respond to the past even with our best responses! We cannot turnaround the past. None of these can be done about the past. The past is past! Can we do anything else? Yes. We can do one thing for sure! We can learn because the past can be a great teacher! It can teach us and provide us guidelines for the future. Learning from the past and not worrying about is a great way of living. It can enable us to respond to the present!<br />
<br />
Those who worry about the past, construct their past in the present. And they respond to the past. Often, they react to the present and recreate past mistakes and failures. Those to learn from the past, respond very well to the present and plan for the future. Learn to respond! Or worry to react! It is your choice!<br />
<br />
Learning from mistakes is good. It comes with a huge cost! Those who are wise, learn from other’s mistakes, instead of having to learn from their own!<br />
<br />
Whether you ‘learn to respond’ or ‘worry to react’ or ‘do something else to do yet another thing’ depends on your attitude. You have the freedom to choose your attitude in any circumstance.<br />
<br />
<em>“We who lived in [Nazi] concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way… The experiences of camp life show that man does have a choice of action. There were enough examples, often of a heroic nature, which proved that apathy could be overcome, irritability suppressed…..Fundamentally, therefore, any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually. He may retain his human dignity even in a concentration camp.” </em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
-- Man’s Search of Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl</div>
<br />
One of you may say, “Neither do I worry about the past nor I learn from it. Every day happens to me as it happens. I take one thing at a time and deal with it. What is the big deal?” Well. To those who live in solitude, it may work. This is not for us, who live with our families in our communities as it will lead us to frustrate others around us! Do we want to?<br />
<br />
Let us learn to respond! <br />
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-91658688301955122882013-10-14T22:30:00.001-07:002014-08-13T06:19:09.989-07:00Everyone of Us Wants to Arrive!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tBlcdxo036ySM8_PX_KLa-ZlvSGN7cFY6HOfGsXF98kqnqzhCyzBnG99VtobVpUnb4e84HuWG0i8lzwYMplguqqBuE5nw-8kW9bpGXmREa10REzZ-UxreoJrOB9U69EYPTiEXIQGpw8/s1600/Arrive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_913981="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tBlcdxo036ySM8_PX_KLa-ZlvSGN7cFY6HOfGsXF98kqnqzhCyzBnG99VtobVpUnb4e84HuWG0i8lzwYMplguqqBuE5nw-8kW9bpGXmREa10REzZ-UxreoJrOB9U69EYPTiEXIQGpw8/s320/Arrive.jpg" height="185" width="320" xsa="true" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everyone of us wants to arrive but some of us want to arrive without making the trip. That is annoying. Isn't it?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<em>People who want to milk should not seat themselves </em><br />
<em>on a stool in the middle of a field </em><br />
<em>in the hope that a cow will back up to them.</em>” <br />
– Elbert Hubbard</div>
<br />
You know what I am talking about. You want to accomplish something but you want to accomplish it without doing anything about it. Here is a universal truth. You have to make the trip if you want to arrive. When you make that trip, you will be confronted with problems. What you do with such problems is your choice. You may choose to do nothing but hope that things will become better. When you do this you suffer. Or you move out – you quit or move away thinking that the person who triggers such problems will cease to exist in future. Or you confront the problem and find a solution. Unfortunately, many of us choose to suffer. When you suffer, the trip becomes unpleasant. It does not encourage you to arrive!<br />
<br />
Fixing a broken window is good. It is good, if you have the ability to fix it again in future. It may become an expensive affair unless you find ways to stop it from happening. Fixing a problem will help you continue the journey but it does not improve the journey when there is a recurrent problem. You may have to find what causes the problem and fix it. Or you may have to change the way something is done.<br />
<br />
What do we do with the fear of the unknown? How do we understand it and decide on a course of action? Are we ready to confront it? It is true that failing to confront fear of the unknown means living a life of quiet desperation?<br />
<br />
When you live a life of quiet desperation, you don’t know what stops you from moving forward. You live with fear of the unknown. When someone asks you why, the answer is, “I don’t know.” <br />
<br />
When you give up like this, you fail. It is a failure when you don’t rebound or get back. Failure is never permanent. You fail when you try something. You fail when you try something different. When you keep trying you see some improvement. Improvement is a way to avoid permanent failure.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“<em>I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. </em><br />
<em>I’ve lost almost 300 games. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. </em><br />
<em>And that is why I succeed.</em>” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Michael Jordon</div>
<br />
Let us make the trip. Let us not fear the unknown. Let us be courageous and solve our problems. No doubt, we will arrive!<br />
<br /></div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-48289057372564583792013-09-04T09:08:00.001-07:002015-07-18T09:08:54.130-07:00Ten Things Great Presenters Avoid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Here is the list of things in random order.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>One. </b></span><b style="text-align: left;">Complaining in public</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;">“This is a vast subject area.
There are so many things to cover. I am wondering
how one can do this in 45 minutes. Excuse
me! I am going to try what I can.”</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>"Before we start, let me tell you.
This topic needs at least 2 hours. I am
trying to do it in 30 minutes.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Do you need to tell something like this? If you have to do this because of some
exceptional reasons, how about conveying this message in a better way? Great presenters don't make a big deal out of this in public. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Two. </b></span><b style="text-align: left;">Boasting</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;">“I accommodated this session in my busy schedule because of multiple requests from the organizers.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">So what? Great presenters are modest. They don't boast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Three. </b></span><b style="text-align: left;">Being very direct or rude</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“For whatever reason, I am not going
to cover any of the advanced concepts in my talk because those are very
difficult to understand.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Does it motivate? Can this be put across
gently? Great presenters motivate. They avoid being too direct or rude.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Four. </b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Feeling low and or being too modest</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“I am not a guru in this subject. I have not read a lot about it. Nor have I
worked extensively. But…”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">In this case, why are you here? Why should we listen to you? Great presenters do what they know and know what they do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Five. Reading out the slide to understand what it says</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“This is a complex definition. I found
it on the Internet. Let me read it out for you.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Do you think reading this complex
definition is going to benefit the attendees? Or are you trying to entertain
them? Great presenters like simplicity. They attempt to make complex thing simple. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Six. P</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>acking too much of information per slide</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="text-align: left;">"</span><span style="text-align: left;">The next three slides have lot of
information. You will find it hard to
read because of small font size. Anyway
let us have a quick look at them one by one.”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Why so? Great presenters include these in hand-outs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Seven. C</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>omplex diagrams, flowcharts etc.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“This flowchart has lots of boxes
and tiny fonts. It is important but we can skip that now.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Alright! What made you include this chart in your
deck? How can you improve next time? Great presenters see their slide deck from the point-of-view of their audience. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Eight. Arrivi</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>ng unprepared</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“I am sorry. ‘Converge’ is not the right word here. I am
sure you got the meaning. I was busy
preparing this slide deck until midnight yesterday.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“Oh. Is that it? I was not aware
that we have participants from 4 different offices!”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">This makes us understand that presenting in
front of us is not important to you. Right? Great presenters are diligent. They do their homework. They care!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Nine.</b> <b>P</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>oor time management</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>"I think we are running out
of time. There are 15 slides left. Those are not very important. Let us
spend the remaining 2 minutes in answering your questions.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Do you think this approach would encourage questions? Great presenters are good at time management. They are very smooth in their take-off and landing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Ten. Lac</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>k of quality or pointing fingers at someone
else</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“My apologies, this embedded file
is not opening. This is not new to this operating system. Isn’t it? “</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“Let me tell you, I did not
prepare this slide deck. One of my colleagues prepared it two years ago. ..!”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>“In this list of 12 bullets read the 7th point, you will find that….”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Do you want to us to count 1, 2,
3, 4 to reach the 7</span><sup style="text-align: left;">th</sup><span style="text-align: left;"> bullet?
Do you care about us? That is what the audience would think. Well! Great presenters prepare well, check the equipment, and do not point fingers at someone else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Let me ask you!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which of these ten things are at top in your list of things to
avoid? Do you have anything to add?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Having state-of-the-art tools is not sufficient to deliver a great presentation. <br />
Read - <b><u><a href="http://se-thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/06/when-tools-destroy-value.html" target="_blank">When Tools Destroy Value!</a></u></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-5858694622678070142013-09-01T07:07:00.002-07:002013-09-28T22:11:40.108-07:00You aren't too busy to read or write blog posts when…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are a curious reader and reading is your
habit.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At least couple of times in a
week you spend some time – typically, fifteen to thirty minutes, in reading
blog posts.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are selective too. You follow and read
selected blogs and you catch up with your backlog of unread posts couple of
times a month.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You firmly believe that reading or writing blog
posts is an efficient and great source of learning.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Anything else in the world of social
networking comes next in your list.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Email and Internet Messenger do not drive you
crazy or control your day. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You have the
habit of shutting off your email for an hour. This enhances your focus. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">More than this you follow several other time
management practices. And, in your busy schedule you know how to make room for
something you want to do and something that benefits.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You lookout for learning opportunities and you
know that reading blog posts, commenting and sharing them consume not more than
five to ten minutes of your precious time.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You have experienced the power of taking a
10-minute break to recharge yourself. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Once in a day or two, you spend these short
breaks in reading blog posts. It is a refreshing experience.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are social.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are aware that collaboration through writing or commenting on blog
posts empowers you and it is a great mechanism to validate your thoughts and develop
your network.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are active in your local knowledge
community.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You know how reading and
commenting on blog posts helps you share your opinion and stay connected with
people. Sometime you get new ideas, learn new experiences and share them with
your community.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">9)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You are an expert or want to become an expert.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It is one of your goals to stay connected
with like-minded people across the world.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">10)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">To you, blogging or commenting on blog posts is
one of the primary forms of self-expression. You do it optimally and relish a
positive experience.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you have anything to add? Let us discuss.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>My recent article (PDF download) - </b>'<b><u><a href="http://se-thoughtograph.blogspot.in/2013/08/do-you-cycle-or-swim.html" target="_blank">Do You Cycle or Swim?</a></u></b>'</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
I</div>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-90241160519668835042011-04-21T23:37:00.000-07:002011-04-21T23:37:03.512-07:00Thanks Bunches !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvYZ53JDw_LjtTh3eUCBx20UW1_xrfFdFzKyLvkiCZIy5-It7Fkn2-OMvdLsZXOAh30iW1BNOxj1x4vqWoVSFZ3wJ8OND3E9ZhNDxLXRUujCqvj6WOvjf2ioF_KMmQBSjKOCK7DVcc9A/s1600/Pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvYZ53JDw_LjtTh3eUCBx20UW1_xrfFdFzKyLvkiCZIy5-It7Fkn2-OMvdLsZXOAh30iW1BNOxj1x4vqWoVSFZ3wJ8OND3E9ZhNDxLXRUujCqvj6WOvjf2ioF_KMmQBSjKOCK7DVcc9A/s320/Pic3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the picture of a souvenir and 'Thanks Bunches!' card I received from the managers of '<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=1860030">The Agile Project Management Hub</a>' of LinkedIn couple of days ago for my participation and contribution. I am one of the members of this forum. Some of us do engage in very interesting conversations. Business Networking forums like these provide us the right platform to share our opinions and views.<br />
<br />
You will find a related experience of mine in my Software Engineering blog '<a href="http://se-thoughtograph.blogspot.com/2011/04/agile-software-development-what-next.html">Agile Software Development - What Next ?</a>' <br />
<br />
Have you had similar experiences on the Internet?<br />
<br />
</div>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-28232798781791409522011-04-09T03:17:00.000-07:002011-04-09T03:17:21.199-07:00Eight Devotions of Leaders without Title<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx_sT82K92IsvAXRsXKiokIY_k6imCNmSQhZ6aFOkP_b9MqDtoQOLeYt7gI8rf_6FCNdmQbI7LCRjP2eAaw2tuvEEVT7s9QsqIgnw31HxSAlwMOTICuvOB1j43-cslemXeeXr3e61XiQ/s1600/DSC00202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx_sT82K92IsvAXRsXKiokIY_k6imCNmSQhZ6aFOkP_b9MqDtoQOLeYt7gI8rf_6FCNdmQbI7LCRjP2eAaw2tuvEEVT7s9QsqIgnw31HxSAlwMOTICuvOB1j43-cslemXeeXr3e61XiQ/s320/DSC00202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A picture is worth 1000 words ! Right?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaBlR3UlD8GzVemDTrEx1yGoPZLfbpxe2PVcj0Jjq-qTWoDsKPXnKCpKy0RaOHWS5sDfAx-A0n3Pj4waCOKkl_FpUMfOwagsib8vM-gKL5llsBxosHmcCCq5_Kfue_KnAzyzbLZ-MkG4/s1600/DSC00336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaBlR3UlD8GzVemDTrEx1yGoPZLfbpxe2PVcj0Jjq-qTWoDsKPXnKCpKy0RaOHWS5sDfAx-A0n3Pj4waCOKkl_FpUMfOwagsib8vM-gKL5llsBxosHmcCCq5_Kfue_KnAzyzbLZ-MkG4/s320/DSC00336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-53294134592636224792010-01-01T04:05:00.000-08:002010-01-04T03:12:36.209-08:00Joy of Reading.<br />Jay is an avid reader. Anyone would appreciate the passion he radiates in his grip and grasp in focused reading. He is well read, respected and knowledgeable. In my perception he chose to read for emotional fulfillment. Reading made him happy inside.<br />.<br />We got introduced through his friends on a rainy day. He was very calm and seemingly proud of having read a book on Digital Electronics from cover to cover. That was a book he chose to read out of interest. He was supposedly a geek who used to enjoy reading Electronics and Mathematics. His friends were no different. They used to hover around the intellectual plane for hours together. Our breathtaking acquaintance became stronger day by day.<br />.<br />During the final year at college he started reading fictions and remained selective about non-fictions. He had a few priced possessions in his collection that he would hesitate to share with anyone. To my surprise he shared one of them with a girl in the campus and a year later they fell in love. Reading favored them by all means and broadened their horizon. I got to travel with them all over Europe a year before he decided to quit drinking. Reading provided him spiritual experience and made him wiser. Gradually his obsession towards me declined.<br />.<br /><br /><div align="left">Yesterday Jay decided to live without me. He is happier. Finally he “read” the fine print “<span style="font-size:78%;">Cigarette smoking is injurious to health</span>” on the pack I used to be in. Jay is an avid reader! Happy New Year 2010 !</div><div align="center">.<br />______.______</div>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-26563370697357750432008-11-24T04:20:00.001-08:002008-11-24T04:34:05.982-08:00Railways...!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv1xG4uvk_m0xbFmvsR2nsdU4Q_iTqCj6Ce_VVA8Au5SJh6ua9v6uO6Umg1K_iBquc9dGtQyCC-FTIMhI-i9MI7KxSILDnT7Bx5QVkr0EpJgj0hRzpBQ56Bj79fCeDFeyw7nrplRjVTI/s1600-h/DSC00100.JPG"> <br> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272200705300474242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv1xG4uvk_m0xbFmvsR2nsdU4Q_iTqCj6Ce_VVA8Au5SJh6ua9v6uO6Umg1K_iBquc9dGtQyCC-FTIMhI-i9MI7KxSILDnT7Bx5QVkr0EpJgj0hRzpBQ56Bj79fCeDFeyw7nrplRjVTI/s400/DSC00100.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center"></p><div align="center">I went to board the train<br />It was about to rain!<br />And while I climbed the slope<br />I saw a school boy lope!<br /><br />I met few yelling women<br />Oh, not so nice an omen!<br />One was a heavy weight<br />In a giggly group of eight!<br /><br />It was a noisy blast,<br />That should not even last!<br />Then when I took my seat<br />I bought some chips to eat!<br /><br />The place was not so cold<br />But it seemed so dry and old!<br />With all these starts my travel!<br />Oh God! Let me ravel!</div><div align="center">.</div><div align="center">.</div><div align="center">.</div>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-68344486962332639022008-11-21T03:37:00.000-08:002015-12-12T03:09:06.256-08:00Traveler's Thoughts!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGGYKLy3obO5J1WubJNtTLB44qq9i9s1eC1oV31I24XNR3pC6MQgqJbBt7itTfOllerdm9ywX87muLXmI9cWxCxR8G4vQaWRyWDHd8RR9aL2HqVvYP8FD02AWQMF5_ypJhNiihilGZMc/s1600-h/DSC00109.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271087230475665202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGGYKLy3obO5J1WubJNtTLB44qq9i9s1eC1oV31I24XNR3pC6MQgqJbBt7itTfOllerdm9ywX87muLXmI9cWxCxR8G4vQaWRyWDHd8RR9aL2HqVvYP8FD02AWQMF5_ypJhNiihilGZMc/s320/DSC00109.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Traveler’s Thoughts!<br />
<br />
Miles above, miles away,<br />
I, a solitary traveler, see through your eyes<br />
The enchanting views of Prairies<br />
Resembling worldly things -<br />
A butterfly on canvas, few snakes and pure white cotton candies!<br />
Also a human face sketched by mountain ranges!<br />
Imaginations fail to push your thoughts to the back of my mind.<br />
A solitary traveler, I’ll return home soon!<br />
Our thoughts are together!<br />
I miss you, but not your thoughts!</div>
<div align="center">
.</div>
<div align="center">
.</div>
<div align="center">
.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-14349993805242152642008-02-06T06:36:00.000-08:002008-11-21T05:15:24.010-08:00HeadacheAnnoyance of anxious thoughts<br />Engulfed the human mind<br /><br />Perturbed cold breathing<br />Jammed the traffic of blood<br /><br />Restless inner feelings<br />Made the short nails meet the teeth<br /><br />Eyes wandered, feet tightened<br />Brain signaled 'Headache'!<br /><br />Hot strong coffee? no gain!<br />Gulped a pain killer, so plain!<br /><br />Bright day lost in thoughts<br />Night time seeing the dark!<br /><br />Annoyance of anxious thoughts<br />Engulfed the human mind !<br /><br>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-30615355166278365522008-01-30T05:54:00.000-08:002008-11-21T05:16:07.918-08:00SingingMovement of vocal chords, a physical action<br />Mixed with thoughts and emotion !<br />Virtual graph transcending multi-dimensions<br />Emulating flawless feelings and the perfect rendezvous !<br />Poised on the intellect,<br />Inspired with spirituality,<br />Etches memorable moments, and<br />Binds the audience together<br />For a perfect occasion!<br /><br>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-73347219760262398932008-01-07T05:41:00.000-08:002008-11-21T05:16:42.701-08:00SailingDeep in your heart, involved, you meant it<br />Meek eyes on innocent face<br />Fervent voice with lightening pitch<br />Threw options for conformance<br /><br />You stole my focus, made me respond<br />I wandered away, you stayed in my mind<br />Later I returned to consume<br />Unintentionally we remained unaware<br /><br />The sailing continues,<br />It's a never ending journey!<br /><br>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1893079954945201879.post-2520788326123470812008-01-03T03:05:00.000-08:002008-01-10T01:31:56.247-08:00Thoughtograph<span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Autograph, a hard copy, hand scirbed</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Thougtograph, a soft copy, thought thrived</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Seeped deep through, heart-felt and melt</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Let it flow - O' Thought Graph! thru the net.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nensha">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nensha</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Raja Bavanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107697584076683320noreply@blogger.com0