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Category: Ideas & Wisdom

  • SeM Special : Rules of Happy Married Life

    SeM Special : Rules of Happy Married Life

    Sunday eMahefil and Gujaratilexicon Team have recently released ‘The Collected Works of Sunday eMahefil’. The idea is to meet the popular demand for the concept and spread the SeM magic to maximum people.

    Please find the complete SeM here:

    I was browsing the old issues of SeM. I found the following note on marriage by Shri Manibahen Dharamvir Bhakta from USA. It is really cool and practical advice on tension-free marriage.

    Please find the wonderful article in English. For Gujarati version, check SeM

    RULES FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE:

    1. Never both be angry at the same time.

    2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.

    3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.

    4. If you have to criticise, do it lovingly.

    5.Never bring up mistakes of the past.

    6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

    7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.

    8. At least once everyday try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life partner.

    9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.

    10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.

  • The Difficult Employee Dilemma – The Kevin Pietersen Case Study!

    The Difficult Employee Dilemma – The Kevin Pietersen Case Study!

    Trust Kevin Pietersen to remain in limelight ! He has the power to move the needle – on the ground and off the ground ! He is a genius and a great talent – no two doubts on that. He can single-handedly change the course of matches and win series. His records, statistics and victories endorse him as the cricket’s most complete batsman. But he has been in middle of controversies as well – and pretty strong and public controversies!

    Recently Pietersen’s England cricketing career came to an end after he was denied a place in the English side. He was told that he is no longer part of the team’s plans. This was a very controversial and bold move by English Cricket Board (ECB). Because England Team has not been performing well and even exited the recent World Cup very early. Only a miracle can help English team to win the upcoming Ashes against mighty Australia. On the other hand, Pietersen has been performing extremely well. He even scored a exemplary 355 not out recently in first class cricket. He has a good track record against Australia. So it made perfect sense for Pietersen to be in the English squad. But he was not included in the squad due to his past vitriolic against his team mates. Apparently, there exists a trust deficit. So was this is the right move by ECB?

    Should ECB look at the past and deny Pietersen a chance? Especially when English team is already down and needs all the help it can get. Is the job of ECB and captain to pick the best players to win the match or ensure happiness of few team members? Is winning more important or team ethic more important?

    Some people feel that winning is the most important thing. Even if you do not like a person, you still work with that person for winning and achieving organizational objectives. Personal issues cannot be brought to professional arena. The contrarian school of thought says that sports is about teaching life values. So it is the right message to everyone that team is above everything and everyone. If team ethic is not respected, no victory is worth it.

    Thus the Kevin Pietersen Saga brings out the classical people management dilemma – individual brilliance vs team ethic.

    Quite often in corporate world, we come across individual champions and star performers that challenge the organizational culture and team spirit. The star performers feel that they can get away with anything as they are ahead of the pack. They can have huge egos and less respect for hierarchies, systems and shared values. The sales person who is achieving targets or achieving better targets than others thinks that he can get away with anything. He can break the policies, ignore shared culture, outgrow superiors and challenge other departments. The super talented programmer thinks that HR policies are for others, QA reports are work of fiction and corporate security and compliance policies are anti-open source and freedom movement. The situation becomes more tricky when the said person has less competition within the organization. The situation becomes really explosive when the said person starts pulling down others in the organization. How do you deal with this situation?

    If some minor policies are not followed or small rules broken, it can be overlooked. But core values and critical ethical issues cannot be ignored. The short terms costs will be there when action is taken against that player, but the long term results will be rewarding. Corporate cultures thrive on shared values and examples / anecdotes like these do wonders for defining and cementing corporate values.

    The true genius and true great understands the importance of respecting others, respecting organizational policies and contribution of other team members. True greatness comes from being a positive contributor rather than a terrible irritant. If you have a problem with policies, sit with HR and management – you will be listened better than others because of star performance. The real great will work with the laggards and help them. One may not agree with everything, but it is a corporate dharma to follow the organizational stand and present a unified face.

    Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Pointing, Brian Lara, Viv Richards – All Greats have worked within the defined frameworks and showcased maturity. Thus Kevin Pietersen failed this true genius test.

    Every team, club or organization is bigger than the individual and overall best interests take precedence. It is in the interest of a star performer to be follow the corporate dharma. It converts the star performer into a great professional.

  • Mobile Automation – Lessons From Trenches

    Mobile Automation – Lessons From Trenches

  • The Year End Musings

    The Year End Musings

    Technology:

    1. Cyber wars are here. Sony stopping its release of the movie “The Interview” was a big one. A behemoth like Sony could blink was disturbing. Though Sony released the movie online and in select theaters, the damage was done. North Korean Internet was down for a day. Lot of action for a movie – that was not worth the cyber war ! Freedom of speech is worth it.

    2. The Leaks business continue confirming that digital data is never secure. Amy Pascal and others kept PR agencies busy to manage the fall-out. Though Amy spoke venom for Angelina Jolie, her rights need to be protected. The Jennifer Lawrence episode was another reminder of the dangers of digital data. Security is going to be even bolder and bigger font for everyone – beyond traditional CIOs.

    3. Digital data may not seem secure but digital business is zooming ahead. Valuations of Indian e-commerce giants Flipkart and Amazon as compared to brick and mortar giants of the world clearly prove that the future is digital. India has again leap-frogged and embraced the digital economy – as more Indians from small towns and villages are buying from online and mobile marketplaces. As financial inclusion spreads and more Indians get connected, this will be even bigger.

    4. Security theme continued with the Uber drama in India and other parts of the world. The ban on Uber seemed inappropriate as Uber cannot be alone responsible for the tragedy. An organization cannot be banned for an illegal act by an employee. But what did not help was the approach and response from Uber – their processes can be improved. Sometimes issues need to be handled with kid gloves.

    5. Data Scientist and Social Media Analyst are the hottest jobs which highlight emerging IT trends.

    The World Around Us:

    1. Homo Sapiens now suffer from new disorders: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), eCDA (e-Commerce Delivery Anxiety) and Nomophobia. Homophobia is the fear of being out of cell phone contact. According to a recent study, 53% of mobile phone users in Britain tend to be anxious when they ‘lose their mobile phone, run out of battery or credit, or have no network coverage. eCDA is a term for the anxiety caused by wait for the big online purchases made on Singles Day, Black Fridays, Cyber Monday, Boxing Day and other big shopping days.

    2. It took 132 kids to make us realize the monstrous inhuman threat that terrorism has become. Assam, Sydney, Nigeria – terrorism continued to be a global disease. ISIS, Boko Haram – new names but old acts of mass murders. 132 Dreams were buried in 132 Coffins. The whole India joined the grief – common man was shaken, people expressed their pain and sadness in many ways – that was real and it showed a sensitive and a caring nation. It also showed a great hope.

    3. ‘Germany 7 – Brazil 1’ surprised us more than crude oil hitting below USD 60 and falling of Russian economy. Not surprised that Scotland rejected Independence – ‘The Better Together’ campaign winning was a victory of wisdom and reason.

    4. Malaysian carriers are having a tragic run. Three crashes in a year is disastrous and demoralizing and just bad luck!

    5. Lack of compassion, lack of tolerance, lack of care, lack of faith, lack of sensitivity – are we human beings converting into our worst nightmarish robots?

    Personal:

    1. Moving countries is an ordeal. Moving countries with a kid and an infant is a bigger ordeal!

    2. Life exists beyond Facebook. And it is equally beautiful as well !

    3. Alcoholics can survive without alcohol. Workaholics cannot survive without work.

    4. I have still not figured out what really is more outrageous?
    – People wasting their time
    – People wasting their talent and gifts
    – People celebrating mediocrity

    5. Daughters are God’s biggest gift!

    Image Credit: Ila

  • PK : Pretty Kool Or Pseudo Klassic?

    PK : Pretty Kool Or Pseudo Klassic?

    It is all about expectations ! If we are talking about the pedigree of Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan, there is a certain expectation. And measured against that expectation PK is a big letdown.

    Remove the pedigree and this is a good movie – but not extraordinary. This is Rajumar’s most mediocre work – though Rajkumar’s mediocre is above average of Bollywood’s standards. Aamir’s ‘template’ work inspite of his best efforts. Aamir did Dhoom for money – now after PK proving to be his usual fare, it is going to be interesting to see his next movie outing.

    PK has been marketed as a satire on God and Gomdan. The movie questions the practices around religion in our lives. Paresh Rawal – Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Oh My God’ touched upon the same topic and was quite successful – hence comparisons are obvious. PK has its heart in the right place. There are excellent moments especially in the first half. A school girl’s message that her God is not so small that he would get upset about her going to school is a great moment. Aamir’s search for God via song is presented wonderfully – musically as well as visually.

    PK (Aamir Khan) lands from a different planet and is an alien. His device that will allow him to go back is stolen. He wants to get that device back and return home. While pursuing his search for the device, he comes across God and God’s managers (Godman). He coms across our prejudices, beliefs and hypocrisies. He is not successful in getting the device. He starts questioning lot of things on earth – as he has zero baggage and a new perspective. Jaggu (Anushka) is a TV reporter who befriends PK and helps him. Saurabh Shukla as Godman is the antagonist who wants to build a temple and has hold of PK’s device. He also has been instrumental in spoiling the love life of Jaggu. The movie addresses all these issues layer by layer.

    PK_4

    Aamir Khan has done a good job – though it looks like his normal template job. He does not surprise like Shahid in Haider or Kangana in Queen. The person who does surprise us is Anushka – the life of the movie. She is better than Aamir Khan in certain portions. She will benefit the most from the movie. Boman Irani, Sanjay Dutt and Sushant Singh Rajput are wasted. Parikshit Sahni is out of place. The music is good but not extraordinary.

    Rajkumar Hirani brand of cinema stands for universally relevant social message delivered in an entertaining way. Think Munnabhai talking about medical system or relevance of Gandhi. Or Rancho challenging our notions of educations and beautifully highlighting the concept of excellence! PK becomes too preachy and common fare. PK does not live upto the movies mentioned earlier. But I am sure Rajkumar Hirani will be back. He is our last man standing in Bollywood.

    PK – A film that challenges us and our beliefs . A RajKumar Hirani brand of cinema. A movie worth a watch. But not extraordinary.

    What do you think – Is it Pretty Kool or Pseudo Klassic?

  • Khsamapana – Michammi Dukkadam

    Khsamapana – Michammi Dukkadam

    Forgiveness is the supreme act of courage !

    It is an act of faith and humility. It releases both the parties to move on and build a new tomorrow.

    However, it is very difficult to execute. Equally difficult is forgiving oneself !

    However, we need to start somewhere !

    And nothing better than the holy day of Samvastari – the last day of Paryushan – the biggest Jain Festival. On this day, all Jains ask for forgiveness by saying – Michammi Dukkadam.

    Dear Friend

    I ask for forgiveness, if I may have hurt you, intentionally or unintentionally, by Thoughts, Words or Action.

    Micchami Dukkadam !

     

  • RIP ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ Robin Williams

    RIP ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ Robin Williams

    Robin Williams left for his heavenly abode on Monday August 11, 2014. Generations of people have inspired by his many roles – but his most memorable role will always be the one in Dead Poets Society. The scene in which his students recite “O Captain! My Captain,” an homage to Walt Whitman’s poem, has become an indelible part of cinematic journey. It’s an onscreen moment where Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles and others stand on top of desks and honor Williams. Together, they honor his intellect and compassion. ‘O Captain, My Captain’ remains a strong cinematic moment!

    Another strong expression was – Carpe Diem – Seize The Day !

    RIP Robin Williams!

    Full Text Of Poem – ‘O Captain! My Captain!’

    O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done;
    The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
    The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
    While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

    But O heart! heart! heart!
    O the bleeding drops of red,
    Where on the deck my Captain lies,
    Fallen cold and dead.

    O Captain! My Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
    Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
    For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
    For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

    Here captain! dear father!
    This arm beneath your head;
    It is some dream that on the deck,
    You’ve fallen cold and dead.

    My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
    My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
    The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
    From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;

    Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
    But I, with mournful tread,
    Walk the deck my captain lies,

    Fallen cold and dead.

  • The Future Of Cars by KIDS

    The Future Of Cars by KIDS

    The ‘Toyota Dream Car Art Contest’ asks kids to draw their vision of the “dream car of the future” each year. Over 600,000 kids entered this year, and Toyota is releasing one design from each of 90 finalists a day, complete with a short animation whipped up for each design.

    Some took creative approaches to solving actual problems. Several of the designs suggested cars that could scoop up and recycle trash off the street as they drove along; one version turned plastic scraps into low-cost bricks for housing, while another created new products in a section of the car. One kid reinvented the school bus, with individual cars that would be programmed to join together at a certain point to reduce traffic.

    Very interesting and very smart ideas.

    I showed this to my son and he said that he was thinking of a car that could drive in the sea or river and bring fresh water after recycling it. A solution for Project Ganga for Narendra Modi?

  • Sleep Well – Think Well !

    Get Some Sleep ! The advice we hear so often but never implement !

    Workaholism may be a badge of honor but it can be dangerous if we are depriving ourselves of sleep as well.

    I came across this video on the research on sleeping behavior. AsapSCIENCE has a new video that explains the effects of lack of sleep, from decreased brain function to increased risks of heart disease and obesity. In one study, researchers found that subjects who slept just six hours a night for 14 days had the cognitive wherewithal of someone with a .1% blood alcohol level. That’s legally drunk.

    The good news: You can make up modest amounts of “sleep debt” over time.
    The bad news: If you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation, over time you lose your ability to judge your own reduced cognitive abilities.

    Finally the big one – Oversleeping is more dangerous as well. Workaholic in me smiles !

    The best sleep : 7-8 hours !

    Get some sleep. Some quick tips:

    1. Avoid the anxiety to check work emails. Even though you surf for Facebook or Twitter or Linkedin, you end up replying to work emails. And some contents can start your train of thoughts.

    2. Avoid bright lights or television.

    3. Spend time talking to family.

    4. Drink warm milk. Avoid heavy food or late night snacks.

    5. Keep the mobile phone away ! (Ironic for me to write this !)

    6. Sleep at the same time daily – It helps !

    7. Read – It helps apart from giving you good knowledge and relaxation

    Sleep Well. Think Well. Live Well !

  • The Healthy Left Hand

    The Healthy Left Hand

    I meet lot of organizations and CXOs. We end discussing a lot of common areas – business landscape, opportunities, talent engagement and various challenges faced by organizations.

    One of the interesting things which I often here are issues with a particular department or a team. Probe deeper and you find that it is usually an organizational issue that is reflected through a particular department. It is like the increased stress or the heat in the body manifests itself as an ulcer.

    Can we have a one part of the body healthy and the rest of the body unhealthy? Either we are fully healthy or we are not. Does one really aspire to have a strong left hand but unhealthy tummy? The concept is of a holistic approach to health. A health body is an important goal – it means overall health ensures healthy hand, feet, eyes and even teeth – of course with a six pack !

    Similarly there are never issues alone in the delivery teams. Check what the commitment sales has made. Check what the hiring cycle of the organization is. Check what the training and learning development plan of the organization is. Check the leadership of the team. Check the customer expectations.

    Similarly there are never issues alone in the sales team. If they are missing the targets, why is it so? Is the sale response mechanism agile? Is the service offering complete? Is the offering differentiated well? How is the customer satisfaction index? Are internal bottlenecks impacting deliverables?

    The same can be applied to operations, project management, human resources or any other department.

    The aim of everyone is a healthy body and a healthy mind. The aim of every organization is a happy workplace with continuous business growth and higher customer satisfaction. Both can be achieved with holistic approach, honest assessment and regular workout!