Without concentration and focus – you cannot even think clearly and meaningfully. Proper focus enables you to be more productive and helps you achieve success much quicker. The right focus ensures that you achieve your goals quickly. When you are 100% focused, it also gives you a better sense of direction and you make better choices. Here are a few suggestions to increase your concentration and focus: be effective at work by keeping your priorities always updated; doing one thing at a time; leading a simple de-cluttered life; doing an audit of your past – both good and bad actions; and most importantly – doing what you love.
Here’s what RobertJ Shiller,an American economist, academic, and best-selling author, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
Emotional Intelligence, what we commonly call “EQ”, is as important as our Intellectual Ability (IQ) – whenever we think of happiness in life. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage our (and others) emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. A high level of EQ in you helps in recognising your emotional state and the emotional states of others so that you are very effective in communicating and engaging with people. This helps you relate better to other people, form healthier relationships, achieve greater success at work, and lead a more fulfilling life.
Here’s what Amit Ray,an Indian author, and spiritual master, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
As little children – we all were very creative, but our creative instinct started getting eroded as we grew older. To remain creative, we must try out new things, learn to fail and re-learn from each failure, and always try to take the path that was less travelled. We can learn to be creative in many different forms. Remember that if you want something which you have never had, you must do something that you never did. Creativity is one of the most important traits we possess as human beings – and this trait can lift up our personal and professional lives by several notches.
Here’s what Albert Einstein,a German theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest of all time, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
“Try not to become a person of success but a person of value.” — Albert Einstein
This is a story that will help you create value for yourself and others, both in your personal and professional life.
Today, I want to share an interesting story! It is about a young entrepreneur named Shubhankar Parthasarthy. Twelve years ago, he had started his professional journey with meagre resources. However, today he successfully manages a business empire of over INR 1000 million. Shubhankar has never been my student but I have known him for several years in the role of a mentor. Whenever he has faced any problem in his business, he approaches me to discuss possible solutions.
I have always found Shubhankar hardworking, dedicated, focussed, and sincere in whatever he does! He is astute in planning, executing, negotiating, mobilizing resources and leading his team effectively. I am impressed by his ability to manage the total value chain as well as his resolve to take care of the interests of all his stakeholders.
I take pride in mentioning that Shubhankar always remembered and acted upon all my business and entrepreneurial advice. He always remembered my words that business is all about creating, communicating, and delivering value to all stakeholders, particularly to customers, employees, and shareholders. But then, Shubhankar always held the words of his grandfather close to his heart, which I did not know about. I often heard him credit his success in business to the million-dollar advice he got from his grandpa.
Fondly called “nana” by him, Shubhankar’s grandfather was neither highly qualified nor had any worthwhile exposure or experience in business or industry but had seen life! He had been, one could say, “part of life’s rich tapestry.” He was nourished by different perspectives as he weathered the different phases of life.
I was always curious to know about it and one day while I and Shubhankar were enjoying our coffee together at a popular coffee shop. I instigated Shubhankar to tell me in detail the business/life advice he got from his grandpa. And, to my utter delight, Shubhankar agreed.
Here’s how the conversation unfolded:
KT – Shubhankar, you always speak highly of your grandpa. I am curious to know what he has said to you that has stayed with you till now.
SP– Sir, My nana gave me a piece of great life advice which is also great business advice, if you think about it. He told me that, “If you aim to offer value instead of taking value, people will be naturally drawn to you. You will attract more people if you provide them with an immense amount of value.”
KT – That is 100% true, Shubhankar! We should create value in our offerings (products and/or services) and deliver a compelling value proposition to our customers. We should also strive to create more value and deliver the same to various stakeholders like our employees, shareholders, suppliers, society, and the Government. That is an important philosophy in all businesses.
SP– You are right, Sir but then my nana’s perspective is somewhat different.
KT – OK Shubhankar…. Please elaborate on that…
SP – In my nana’s words, “your long-term goal should be to create relationships and provide a sense of fulfilment. More success is attributed to those who contribute value to others than those merely seeking glory.”
KT – Interesting! I agree! How do you interpret his words?
SP – I think, if you want to be a great leader and influencer, you must start adding value to others through insights, ideas, and inspiration. Everyone wants to be treated well by clients, peers, friends, and family members. This powerful mindset will change how you work and pursue success in all areas of your life. It can not only change your career, but it can also change your relationships with many people who surround you.
KT – Shubhankar, I think you have made a good point. Rather than engaging in self-glorifying behaviour or displaying an attitude of self-aggrandizement, we should think about others. We should position ourselves as givers rather than as takers and try to be a person of value. Something amazing happens when givers succeed: it spreads and attracts more people.
(I was now enjoying the conversation with Shubhankar and the life philosophy of his grandpa was already taking roots within me. Without waiting for Shubhankar to interject, I continued.)
KT – Shubhankar, if you are not sure where to begin, seek to add value to yourself! Improve your skills! Help yourself first, then figure out how you can create value for others!!
SP (smiling) – Yes Sir, that is perfect! That is one way to go about it. But I also believe that when you are too focused on yourself, people become disinterested in you. They start avoiding you and ignoring you. They feel frustrated when they are with you.
KT – Exactly! Balance is the key. Conversely, when others around you know that you created value for them – they trust you, your brand, your service or your product. They want to engage with and support you in your work, in the same way, that you have supported them in theirs!
I could see that Shubhankar’s words (or should I credit his grandpa for this?) had certainly had a profound impact on me. I have been an advocate of value creation, but this conversation with him had created a new revelation for me! I started expanding the scope of the concept of “value creation and delivery” in my mind. Now, I found myself accepting his contention that it actually was more than just a bit of business advice, it truly was a life lesson!
I decided to learn more. I, therefore, started surfing the internet for more information. I began reading several posts and quotes on this lovely concept of earning and becoming happy by helping and providing value to others. I have included a few of my learnings from the internet here in this article for the benefit of my readers.
“Wherever and whenever required – speak up. Add your voice. Someone can benefit from your opinion. Share what you know. The world needs you to make an impact in your way. There is value in helping others improve or do better.”
Here’s another one I loved,
“When you provide value to others, your success grows organically. People seek more from you, talk about you to others, and share your amazing resources with their connections. By striving for value, you will be successful no matter where your journey takes you.”
This is the essence of the advice I would want to give businessmen:
“If you always think about making more money you get distracted. You think of optimizing profits, rather than adding new value. The only way to create new wealth (for everyone) is to create more value.”
All said and done, I have realised that offering value is an excellent method to be successful and improve your personal or professional relationships. Providing value means becoming a creator instead of a consumer. Creating value is one of the secrets to a happy life (also to a successful business). The only way you can become happier is to create more value for others. There is immense satisfaction in making a difference in someone else’s life!!
I shall like to end the article with a quote by Hal Elrod, an American author and success coach:
Your intention is the most important trigger in what all you do or plan to do in your personal or professional life. It helps you set a vision for your distant future and then put all your energies, passion, and resources into it to ensure that you realise your dream.
Here’s what Steve Jobs, a co-founder of Apple Inc., has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
In all my business and management sessions with students and entrepreneurs – I am always particular about sensitizing participants to the critical needs of identifying, managing, and mitigating risk in business. There is no business or any such money-making endeavour in the world where one will not find RISK. As an effective entrepreneur – you must take a calculated risk to cross/overcome many hurdles, dangers, and uncertainties in your pathway of planning, executing and operating your business. Remember that taking a risk cannot be avoided but then you can always have effective risk management to mitigate risks.
Here’s what Mark Zuckerberg, an American media magnate and co-founder of Facebook, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
Dear Entrepreneur – after you have completed the implementation of your business idea/plan – you wear a different hat. You are now a business owner and should work towards profits and wealth creation by creating, communicating, and delivering value to all your stakeholders. Leave no stone unturned to ensure that you deliver an excellent operation performance on these 5 operational performance criteria, namely, controlling the cost of production, ensuring that you attain the best product and process quality, enhancing the speed of performance (ensuring fast and prompt deliveries), building flexibility and dependability in our dealing with customers. Take good care of your customers, look after their specific needs, and fulfil your commitments and promises to them.
Here’s what Michael Porter, an American academic, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
I have 3 important suggestions to give to all those entrepreneurs who are now working on the execution of their business plans. In other words, they are working hard to establish their businesses so that they can soon commence normal operations and earn profits.
Such entrepreneurs must adhere to the following rules:
ONE – Strictly follow the timeline of the event or the project, do meticulous monitoring of all activities, and go all out to ensure that your event or project does not slip into the time overrun.
TWO – Like schedule, also run through every single item of your budgeted project (or the event) cost and do not allow any cost escalation under any head. Minor cost variations here and there can be absorbed under the contingency margin already provided in the total cost budget. In the end, you must ensure that there is no escalation in your total project cost.
THREE – And finally, ensure that you do an excellent scope control for your event or the project. Be strict and do not allow any changes and/or deviations from the original business plan. If you frequently agree to change/modify the original plan – you will unavoidably overcapitalize your project and face several problems later.
Here’s what Rory Burke, author of “Project Management Techniques”, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
I have been writing my blog for about 5 months now and many of my posts have been well received by my current as well as ex-students, frontline, middle-level, and senior corporate executives, aspiring entrepreneurs, blogging fraternity, and many freelance professionals in consulting and other domains. I have generally been writing on various areas of interest to my target audiences mentioned above – like business planning, entrepreneurship, operational strategies, marketing, value addition, working towards profit and wealth creation. I have also written on the importance of leadership, team building, communication, coordination, customer centricity, building competitive advantage, and several other knowledge pieces of interest and importance to my readers.
But then, what I am going to offer all my readers this weekend is altogether different. It is a total shift from the usual business and management stuff.
How did I get the motivation to do it? A few days back, I received a WhatsApp forward that gave me a jolt. It is the story of a young school-going girl who goes out of her way and makes an unthinkable sacrifice for her classmate – identifying, understanding, and regulating her emotions for her friend. The story teaches us, grown-up people, the true meaning of selfless love. I am not sure whether the story is a real one or a piece of fiction. I also do not know who is the original creator of this story. However, I am reproducing the story verbatim with utmost respect to the original author– whom I do not know…
Here’s the story:
“My wife called, ‘How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling daughter eat her food?
I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only daughter, Sindu, looked frightened; tears were welling up in her eyes.
In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with curd rice. Sindu is a nice child, quiet and intelligent for her age.
I picked up the bowl. ‘Sindu, darling, why don’t you take a few mouthfuls of this curd rice? Just for Dad’s sake, dear.
Sindu softened a bit and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. ‘Ok, Dad. I will eat – not just a few mouthfuls, but a whole lot of this. But, you should…’ Sindu hesitated…… ‘Dad if I eat this entire curd Rice, will you give me whatever I ask for?’
‘Promise’. I covered the pink soft hand extended by my daughter with mine and clinched the deal.
Now I became a bit anxious. ‘Sindu, dear, you shouldn’t insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. Ok?’
‘No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive.’
Slowly and painfully, she finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat something that she detested.
After the ordeal was through, Sindu came to me with her eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on her.
‘Dad, I want to have my head shaved off, this Sunday!’ was her demand.
‘Atrocious!’ shouted my wife, ‘A girl child having her head shaved off? Impossible!’
‘Never in our family!’ My mother rasped. ‘She has been watching too much television. Our culture is getting spoiled with these TV programs!’
‘Sindu, darling, why don’t you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.’
‘Please, Sindu, why don’t you try to understand our feelings?’ I tried to plead with her.
‘Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that Curd Rice’. Sindu was in tears. ‘And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words.
“Was it not you who told me the story of King Harishchandra, and its moral that we should honour our promises no matter what?’
It was time for me to call the shots. ‘Our promise must be kept.’
‘Are you out of your mind?’ chorused my mother and wife.
‘No. If we go back on our promises, she will never learn to honour her own. Sindu, your wish will be fulfilled.’
With her head clean-shaven, Sindu had a round face, and her eyes looked big and beautiful.
On Monday morning, I dropped her at her school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Sindu walking towards her classroom. She turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile.
Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, ‘Sinduja, please wait for me!’ What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. ‘Maybe, that is the in stuff, I thought.
A lady got out of the car and came to me. She said ‘Sir, your daughter Sinduja is great indeed! That boy who is walking along with your daughter is my son, Harish. He is suffering from… leukaemia’. She paused to muffle her sobs.
‘Harish could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates.
Sinduja visited him last week and promised him that she will take care of the teasing issue…..
“But, I never imagined she would sacrifice her lovely hair for the sake of my son! Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your daughter.’
I stood transfixed with tears ‘My little Angel, you are teaching me how selfless real love is!’
The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their terms but are those who change their terms for others!”
The Moral of the Story is…
We experience real love when we place the emotions and happiness of other persons over and above our own! In fact, what we perceive as selfless love is nothing but making an all-out sacrifice for your loved ones…
Change is the only constant in life. As entrepreneurs, we must accept and embrace the change as soon we recognize that change is necessary. You should look upon “change management” as the process of preparing your organization for growth and dealing with a marketplace that is dynamic and fast-changing. An effective “Change Agent” will strive to build an organization that is prepared to meet the challenges of his/her industry.
Here’s what Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Let me know in the comments section.
In this ongoing series #GreatMinds on my blog, I am shining a spotlight on the important ideas that some very successful people keep talking about in their public life.
