Entrepreneurship - beyond barriers

Last week, I participated in a Startup Summit organised by an NGO called National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN www.nenonline.org ) and a B-school - Indore Professional Studies Academy (IPSA). The purpose of the Summit was to provide a common platform to budding and successful entrepreneurs to interact with each other.

I got the chance of moderating a session on Cleantech Startups -Profiting from Green – Beyond Barriers. The participants were highly experienced, learned, dynamic professionals who took the plunge of leaving high profile jobs for the sake of creating a cleaner and greener environment and proving their entrepreneurial mettle. It was my first chance as a moderator and the experience was excellent. These guys are doing brilliant work – a) providing pollution free conveyance http://www.ecomovesolutions.com/, b) generating off grid power from unconventional resources http://huskpowersystems.com/home.htm c) manufacturing great power saving devices http://www.artindynamics.com/ . The ideas are really unique and can bring a radical improvement in the environment. Please do visit their websites.

As it happens with pioneers, there are some roadblocks -lack of support as promised by government, funding agencies; financial crunch (after exhausting personal resources), mockery and leg pulling by peers and so on. There are moments when one feels like giving up and going back to a job that promises uninterrupted flow of income specially when he is not able to fulfil a demand or requirement put forth by a family member. What should be done at such times?                                                                

Remember, that if you can dream it, you can do it. If you won’t believe in your dreams, who else will?  Never Never Never give up. Greatest of inventions have thousands and more failures to their credit. Every failure or crisis helps you stretch yourself and bring a solution and thus, takes you closer to your destination. These failures are nothing but messages that, there is a better way of doing it –just look for it and remember that someone up there is confident that you can do it better.

Finally, tough times never last, but tough people do. Moreover, nothing lasts forever- good or bad-everything will pass. But you will always be remembered for your good work and contribution to people at large.

Keep your spirits high. All the very best.

Why, Who & What of Srimad Bhagwad Gita

A lot is being said and done on Srimad Bhagwad Gita these days. Management colleges are debating over including Bhagvad Gita in the curriculum, people from all over the world are reading and trying to absorb the messages in Gita, companies are arranging series of talks/ symposiums on Gita, markets are flooded with audio cassettes and CDs on Gita especially for expectant mothers, so on and so forth.

In this post I’m trying to present a simple and brief introduction on Srimad Bhagwad Gita by answering the why, who and what of Gita as comprehended during a few study circles on the same conducted by speakers from spiritual and management faculties.

Why should anyone read Gita?

Most of us seek permanent happiness from impermanent sources. As a result, we derive transitory happiness and at times perennial unhappiness or divine dissatisfaction. Success, wealth, accolades, worldly relations give only fleeting joy. After all, nothing lasts forever, since everything is ephemeral, except for the soul. Hence, the purpose of reading Gita is to help us accomplish eternal bliss.

Who should read Gita?

Why did Krishna divulge Gita only to Arjun and no one else on the ground of Kurukshetra? Beacause-

a) Arjun was under severe conflict ; on one hand he had the onus of saving his kingdom and on the other he had the arduous task of fighting with his own kith and kin-grandfather, gurus, uncles and first cousins.

b) Arjun was Krishna’s friend, follower and seeker.

Like Arjun, we all are under some or the other conflict or mental/ emotional turmoil at some or the other time; more so in today’s dynamic and highly competitive environment where even a small child is under the influence of stress. There is a gap between what we should do and what we actually do. In order to resolve the conflict, move in the right direction and bridge the gap between what we should do and what we actually do, one must read Gita.

And if one wants to be a friend, follower and seeker of the divine, then again he must read Gita.

What is the subject-matter of Gita?

The subject matter of Gita is self-knowledge. What we see (even about ourselves) is just the tip of an iceberg. Study of Gita helps in knowing the unknown and thus leads to self-actualisation. According to American psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation (popularly known as the Hierarchy of Needs -Theory of Motivation), self-actualization is the peak; it is about the quest of reaching one's full potential as a person. So if one is able to reach his full potential, he realizes the purpose of life.

So, Gita shows us the way of life; helps in developing divine sense of discrimination, enables us to tread on the path of righteousness under all circumstances and emerge victorious.

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Team work

Whenever I think of team work, I remember the story my granny used to narrate during childhood days. I’m sure you all must have heard the story which went like this-once upon a time there was a man who had four sons. While he was on his death bed, he called all his sons and asked them to come with a piece of wood each. When they all came, he asked one of them to hold the four pieces of wood together and then asked the sons to break it; obviously the stack of wood could not be broken. Then he asked each son to hold a piece of wood separately and break it; every piece of wood broke. The message of strength of unity and team work is imprinted in my mind ever since then.

Most of the top class companies test a candidate before hiring him for his ability to function in a team cohesively. It's because if one wants to reach the top and lead a team or an organization, he has to be a good team player himself to begin with.

A few points to be a good team player:   

• Ensure clarity about team objectives-do not hesitate to seek guidance if not clear.  
• Strive to view and achieve individual objectives as a part of team objectives. 
• Do not act in a manner that lets your team down.
• Do not indulge in office gossip or discuss delicate topics.
• Do not strive to pull a colleague down just to get the approval of the boss. This will backfire on you in the long run.
• Use office privileges like sick leave etc thoughtfully so that you don’t burden your co-workers with extra work. 
• A secure and efficient worker never grudges another’s success. Envy and jealousy among co- workers ruins the working environment for everyone.
• Faults and blunders usually take place due to lack of communication. Find out the cause of the mess-up and solve the problem so that it is not repeated. 
• Curb your annoyance and control your temper.  

Be it a football or cricket match or a professional organization or a family set up, it is the group synergy that determines its victory.

Enjoy the game by giving your best shots...

Leadership

We learn a lot about various styles and theories of Leadership. The success or failure of an organization depends upon the ability of its leaders to a great extent.

I heard an interesting story on the same subject a couple of days back on Radio FM and am sharing it here.

A renowned MNC carries out annual appraisal of its employees. One senior team leader does not take a single day off saying that his work and team need him; while his counterpart takes all the eligible leaves ensuring that, his team is self driven and knows how to fulfil its responsibilities even in his absence.

Can anyone guess who among these two guys gets a promotion?

The first guy who does not take any leave is not appreciated because of his team's overdependence on him and lack of his ability to have groomed them to function in his absence; while the second guy is appreciated to have developed a great team that knew how to accomplish team objectives even in his absence. So the second guy is promoted.

Leadership is not about being indispensable, it’s rather about developing proficient leaders, without the fear of them replacing you.

A few do’s and dont’s for a competent leader:

Do’s :

1. Lead from the front (remember Shivaji and Akbar).  

2. Ensure clarity of goals and roles. 

3. Share credit for good work with team mates and peers.
4. Take responsibility for failures.
5. Keep the team motivated.
6. Lead by example/ act as a role model.
7. Welcome new ideas and encourage thinking. 
8. Foster talent and develop leaders.

 Dont’s :

1. Use team members only for his own growth or benefit. 

2. Misuse team members (eg- pressurising a team mate to claim boss's expenses through his account).
3. Present a subordinates project as his own.
4. Favour those team mates who use flattery / do personal work to climb the ladder.
5. Use pressure and politics as a regular weapon to get results.

Remember, that there is no law of jungle out there and hence, might is not right.

The 6th US President John Quincy Adams so aptly said,

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Let's aspire to be such leaders.

Time Management

Is there any bank that credits a balance of 86400 in your account at the start of everyday and nullifies the same by the end of the day?

NATURE is one such bank that provides 86400 seconds every day and by the end of the day, nullifies the balance. Whether we use/ misuse/ do not use the balance, not a single second is carried forward. But the way we use the balance determines our success or failure in the journey of life. Assuming average life span to be 80 years, we all can calculate how much of this balance have we spent (used / misused) and how much are we left with.

Michael Altshuler said an interesting thing about time-"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." So true…the way we use our time today will have an important bearing on the rest of our lives (also going by the law of deeds as mentioned in previous blog on Management of deeds).

So, is time management important? I’m sure everyone would reply in the affirmative. Be it the biggest political figure, a filmstar, CEO, student, housewife, just anyone and everyone needs to manage time effectively so as to enjoy the journey of life and reach the destination. How? A few tips-

• 
  
  Set worthy and SMART goals (more on goal setting in the coming posts).
• 
  
  Set priorities in light of your goals-learn to differentiate between important, urgent, not important and not urgent activities. 
• 
  
   Keep your time log- analyze current expenditure of time (note down every activity time-wise-from the moment you get up till the time you go to sleep).
• 
  
  Re-allocate time to important activities and do include reading, spending time with family, doing things that make you feel healthy & good in body, mind and soul (exercise, a game, a hobby, meditation, a selfless deed, meeting friends).
• 
  
  Begin with the end in mind and plan for some slippage . 
• 
  
  Keep a clean desk and well-organized systems, but don't be obsessive.
• 
  
  Never try to eat an elephant all in one go, (ie break very big tasks down into doable chunks). 
• 
  
  Use waiting time effectively- a couple of years ago we used to carry word lists, numeric exercises etc. as MBA aspirants while going to a bank/ doctor/ a place where we were required to spend time waiting for someone or for our turn, and it paid. If you are a student, try this out; if you are a professional, use this time to catch up with a close one.
• 
  
  Introspect- before going to bed everyday, sit for a while and look at what you’ve been doing the whole day. If there is anything that you should not have done, just say 'cut' like the editor of a film and promise yourself not to repeat it tomorrow.

 In the end, just a phrase for those who have a typical brooding habit.

Past is history, future is mystery; this moment is a gift, that is why it is called PRESENT. So give yourself the best gift by making the best use of the Present.

Management of deeds

We think so much before investing our money. Rightly so, it should be given a good thought, after all, it’s our hard earned money, and where we invest it today will determine our tomorrow ( financial future). BUT, do we think at all before investing ourselves, that is, before doing whatever we do? Will our deeds not have an impact over our entire life (present and forthcoming lives)? After all, as we sow, so shall we reap. In today’s fast paced life, we do most of the things just to move ahead and be on the gaining side without even thinking of the repercussions. High time to delve at least now... 

I believe that all the fundas of wealth management are applicable to management of deeds. Every deed has the power of compounding ; one good deed may come back manifold and one bad deed can bring a lifetime misfortune. Haven’t we heard wise people saying that, such and such thing happened, and it was nothing less than a miracle that came to rescue. So very true. This miracle is nothing less than a good deed which comes back compounded manifold just when needed (HIS timing and accounting are just so perfect). Miracles are nothing but divine interventions that take place as a result of our worthy deeds and Almighty’s grace. 

How can we create this worthy reserve or surplus? Here are a few points:

• Do atleast one selfless deed everyday-It could be taking someone to the doctor if required, giving a good reference, passing useful information; If nothing else, then atleast talk helpfully. When we think of doing a good deed, we’ll surely have endless options.
• Empathize when required (without being sympathetic).
• Encourage- words of inspiration can make someone’s day, even life.
• Smile-It not only radiates one's inner beauty, but also has the power of brightening someone’s day, including your own:) 
• Donate-Giving away a certain percentage of one’s earnings for a noble cause will make your reserve replete and give tax benefit too:)
• PRAY-Prayers are very effective when done for others.

 So let’s start right away and create a worthwhile portfolio of our deeds. If there have been some not so worthy acts, let’s churn the portfolio now as we must have done with our financial portfolio at the beginning of the new financial year:) ; and finally, let's trust and thank The Infallible Porfolio Manager.

Management of words

Words have the power to make or break lifetime relations, both personal and professional. During the most heated arguements there are just a few words that are responsible for deciding the fate of the relationship. And all it takes is a little self-control and prudence in selecting one's words. How does one do this? Here are a few points:

1. Make sure your words pass the three gate test - are they honest, kind and necessary? If not, please don't utter them.

2. Do not use offending words (words that hurt someone's dignity).

3. Do not judge others and give a name unless that's your job.

4. Make a habit of using more positive words-like I did a few days back when I had to send an SMS to a friend. First I wrote, "Please do not forget to...."; then I reminded myself of being positive and changed the message to "Please do remember to....". Try this out:)

5. Leave the place where others are indulging in negative conversation like slander, idle gossip, criticism etc. I always do it, and it helps in staying positive.

The power of words is further reinstated by the rigorous effort by scientists in capturing the hymns and chants of vedas and ancient spiritual scriptures. Medical science is using spiritual/ devotional music for curing chronic diseases. Agriculturists are using Gayatri Mantra for getting bountiful yield (and the results have been quite encouraging).

Some people have such a charm or positive aura surrounding them that we feel like being with them without any requirement too, on the contrary some people have such a repulsive aura that we dread going near them:(.  Let's come in the first category).

Happy talking.

Further to Thought Management

A further note on Thought Management in response to the comment given by Kritika.
Life is a lot like a roller coaster ride. For some of us the ride is too bumpy and the bumps are quite frequent, while for others a little less. But if one is in God's refuge and seeks HIS grace through good deeds and prayers, the bumps do not hurt all that badly.

We should not let a negative past influence us and even while battling with a tough situation one has to stay strongly positive, so as to fight it out. How negative have one person's experiences been viz-a-vis that of another cannot and should not be defined. And when one starts to look down he realises that there is a lot to be thankful for.

No method for being positive works unless one wants it to. We have to constantly instruct and train our minds to come to the positive track when it loses one (that's where the tips given in the blog on Thought Management work). Permanent satisfaction will come with practice, patience and perseverence for the same:)

Stay positive and happy, life is too beautiful, despite all odds.

Please write in with your contact details.

Women's Reservation Bill -is it needed?

In a country where Goddesses are worshipped and mothers are said to be the first form of God, do we need any kind of reservation for women? The ideal answer should be NO, we do not need any reservation.

The other day, after ratification of Women’s Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha, I saw Barkha Dutt talking to Sonia Gandhi on one of the news channels. My initial reaction after seeing the two women of substance, was, that if we have more and more women like these, there shall be no need for Reservation in Parliament or anywhere else. But hold on... immediately after that interview, I saw the animal like behaviour (sorry for the harsh words) of some of our so called leaders who were throwing bits n pieces of paper on the Speaker amongst the uproar in RS. And then I realised, that as long as such contemporaries exist, Reservation for Women in Parliament would help.

But, this convinces me only on a superficial level, and somewhere within I feel that reservation is not enough for women empowerment (don’t confuse it with a feminist movement:)). Empowerment starts much before a woman reaches the eligible age to enter Parliament. It starts right when you have one in your family. Family is the first and foremost unit that nurtures a person-man or woman, a male or female child. If a girl child is welcomed with the same warmth and love as her male sibling (female foeticide is still at a growing rate in our country), given the same if not more opportunities, encouragement, support (not just financial but emotional and moral support too), a feel good factor, there shall be no need for any kind of reservation anywhere. It is very important for a family to make the female member strong and capable enough to make a standing of her own in any circumstances without compromising on her dignity and losing her feminine grace.  I'm lucky to have one such family (that's why kept on wondering initially if Reservation was required:))

Thought management

Light travels at a speed of 186000 miles per second. Can you guess the speed of our thoughts? Thoughts travel faster than light. In a fraction of a second there are millions of thoughts in our mind-positive or negative? I guess mostly they are negative- worrisome, anxious, brooding over not so happy past, worrying over future. Is’nt it?
The thought of a charitable hospitable or an atom bomb has its genesis in just a thought. So a small thought has the dynamic power to save a life or destroy many lives. Hence, it is very important to manage one’s thoughts. But how do we do it? Read on...
1. Power of repetition
What do we do when a dry ink bottle is stuck on our table? How do we clean the stains in the bottle? The answer is quite simple and predictable. Go on pouring clean water in the bottle and the stains will be washed; there will come a stage when the bottle is free of stains and has pure serene water. Now let’s apply this example to our thoughts. To remove the stains of negative thoughts imprinted in our minds, let’s go on pouring more and more positive and self assuring and happy thoughts (as given in my previous blog).

2. Power of orientation
Though I have not been very good at Physics during my school days (have been a Commerce student ever since then ;) ) I read about ‘ Power of Orientation’ –a law of physics in the book ‘Thought Power’ written by Swami Sivanand and found it to be very effective. The law says that, a mass of energy cannot create current or power unless connected with a magnet. How do we relate this to our thoughts? Our thoughts shall not yield the desired power to succeed in life unless connected with the Divine magnet- GOD. The previous blog mentions a bit about making a connection. Once this connection is established, no one can stop the power of thoughts to take us to heights of success.

3. Be the captain of your ship
What does the captain of a ship do while navigating the ship? What does he do when there are high and low tides in the sea? He changes the direction of the ship. An efficient captain is in full control of the ship in all situations else the ship is at a risk of sinking . Similarly, let’s be the captains of our mental ships. Whenever there is a negative thought, just change the direction of the ship (mind). Start recalling a happy moment, think of the joy derived by helping someone, chant a mantra, your favourite quotation, peep into the garden, onto the sky, stars, think of the beautiful colors of a rainbow-they are meant for you, just grab them with both your hands.
So now enjoy your thoughts:)