Friday 24 January 2014

Chrysalis and cheers

Give desired value at the right time

'It only takes an ounce of courage to remove a ton of tension and fear' - Dr. V. V. Rao

We go into every interaction with the intention to being interested in everyone and to walk away learning something new. In every person, there is some variety of butterflies preparing to fly for that we always need to wear our heart on our sleeves. Hitler was supreme commander, also made himself commander of the German army since the end of 1941. Later spent most of his time acting as commander of the eastern front, obviously neglecting his other roles. Churchill and Stalin replaced Generals with other Generals, but Hitler, considering he himself a military genius, decided to do a General's job by himself. He also dismissed some of his best Generals mostly because they argued with him. Only in July 1944, when losing in all fronts, he appointed the formerly dismissed General Guderian, one of Germany's greatest military talents as commander of the army, yet he ignored his commander’s good suggestion with obvious consequences.

"People don't plan to fail they just fail to plan" - most desired quality for any minute success also.

Learning is a lifelong process - we are all teachers as well as students, one to another. Consider Mahatma Gandhi, who refused to be seduced by power and fame. Rather, he always saw himself as a servant of his followers. He was a spokesman driven by love and compassion for his people, refusing to change his appearance or dress and preferred to identify himself with the people he loved.

Friday 17 January 2014

Best leader knows of importance of praise & honor

You can show love to others in many ways

The deepest principle of human nature is the carving to be appreciated, according to America’s renowned psychologist William James. Mark Twain once emphasized the value of praise saying ‘I can live for two months on a good compliment’. Even the best leader knows of importance of praise as a motivator and source of job satisfaction. Praise is one of the least expensive rewards any leader has available to encourage and give confidence and recognize best performance. 

All great leaders have possessed this essential capacity to trust their people and help them soar.  Lack of appreciation turns people off. Most people want recognition in return for good work. If they do not get it, they become discouraged and feel used. Some of the best leaders, however, have only so many hours in their day. As a result, they often spend more time with the people who are having problems than with those who are already doing a good job. Unfortunately, this means the best people get least attention. 

As a leader, you don't have to go around constantly patting everyone on the back to show appreciation. But you do have to take note of what people do and show that you appreciation. The message is loud and clear if a person does something well, you should say so.  Do not live artificial praise and flatter.

History sparkles with amusing examples of famous people struggling for a feeling of importance. Even George Washington wanted to be called “His Mightiness, the president of the United States” and Columbus pleaded for the title “Admiral of the Ocean and Viceroy of India. Catherine the Great refused to open letters that were not addressed to “Her Imperial Majesty”; and Mrs. Lincoln, in the White House turned upon Mrs. Grant like a tigress and shouted. “How dare you be seated in my presence until I invite you”. Victor Hugo aspired to have nothing less than the city of Paris renamed in his honor. Even Shakespeare, mightiest of the mighty, tried to add luster to his name by procuring a coat of arms for his family.

Give sincere and honest appreciation.

Friday 10 January 2014

Winning attributes

The fool wants others to see him; A LEADER wants to see smiles in his/her team - Dr V V Rao