Foreword | Relationships | Work | Life | Family




WORK

101. I've learnt never to underestimate my opponent.
     
     
102. While working in a new country, one needs to be sensitive to local customs, culture as well as understand their body language.
     
     
103. I've realized that an individual having a good relationship with his boss's boss could be a double-edged sword.
     
     
104. I love to have the aura of mystique around me. I enjoy taking people by surprise. I'd like to keep them guessing, wondering what my next move would be.
     
     
105. I've realized that you must have atleast three die-hard supporters at work who swear by you and give you feedback about yourself.
     
     
106. I've realized that it pays to have your boss's secretary on your side.
     
     
107. My life has shown that my bosses who have supported, guided and corrected me have done well while others have had to bite the dust.
     
     
108. I think it is important for the boss to capitalize on his subordinates' strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.
     
     
109. The day you stop adding value to your subordinates, each one of them would want to be the boss.
     
     
110. Whenever you visit your Corporate office, it is useful to meet every departmental heads.
     
     
111. I've learnt that when the chips are down, no one wants to be responsible. Just the reverse happens when the worst is over and things start looking up.
     
     
112. Most people have different personalities at and outside work. Its good for your colleagues to see both sides to improve their understanding of you.
     
     
113. I believe that an effective boss is one who allows his juniors to have their share of the limelight in time to come.
     
     
114. Regional conferences help give a face to the voice, breakdown barriers and help change perceptions that were based on hearsay.
     
     
115. Whilst thinking of motivational tools think of things that would increase the self-esteem of the individual in the eyes of his peers and family.
     
     
116. Whenever you take on something, do not rest till it is 100% complete. Delegation might not assure completion.
     
     
117. While evaluating a job offer, do not get tempted by the money alone but look at the work environment, backgrounds of people you would interact with and senior management's commitment to business.
     
     
118. In corporate wars, many a time the subordinate is targeted when actually, the missile is aimed at his boss.
     
     
119. Here is a simple but powerful rule " Always give people more than they can expect to get " .
     
     
120. I've learnt to give my colleagues space, the freedom to take decisions, manage their people and set their goals. I see myself as a catalyst who shares vision, anticipates the future, guides, trains, helps, motivates and protects.
     
     
121. Before entering into negotiations, it is useful to make a realistic estimate of where you stand to let you know how hard a bargain you can strike. If you happen to be talking to a banker, meet more than a couple of them, get an understanding of the market and the variables that go into deciding their quotes, find their weaknesses and then negotiate.
     
     
122. I've learnt that it's not correct to criticise your predecessor when he's not around to defend himself.
     
     
123. I've seen that the easiest thing for the boss to do is to ensure someone incompetent gets sacked. It's challenging to work on such a person and help him earn his stripes.
     
     
124. I've seen that some women at work enjoy making the first move but get reticent when the man gets lead on.
     
     
125. As I move up in the hierarchy, I would do better by appreciating the sentiments of my subordinates and providing them with emotional support when required.
     
     
126. I've learnt that in a negotiation, it pays to give in for larger gains, on what is otherwise an immaterial point.
     
     
127. During my factory days, I learnt to observe the clothes/accessories worn by my assistants responsible for supplier payments. It helped me form opinions on their integrity.
     
     
128. Having worked in a terrorist infected state, I had two options. I could either get intimidated by staying locked up at home or be careful without being stupid and jumping into the jaws of death.
     
     
129. I've learnt that companies that are not financially prudent get sold or are compelled to close down.
     
     
130. I've observed that people who are strong and powerful prefer to work behind the scenes rather than go in for a public show of strength.
     
     
131. I've realized that organizations need to be structured with jobs defined broadly if people are to be held accountable.
     
     
132. I've realized that when the boss does not get into details it is important for the subordinate to look at everything with a toothcomb.
     
     
133. I've realized that husband and wife should never work in the same office. Each one of us has a different personality at work and home. We might not be comfortable with our partner seeing the other side of us. Also, if the company closes down both could be unemployed. Wouldn’t it be boring to see the same face all day ?
     
     
134. Every salesman needs to realize that for every sales call made, you win some and lose some.
     
     
135. Sometimes, we get emotionally attached to a decision and do not want to reverse it. We are scared of loss of face. I’ve learnt that courageous is the man who can accept a mistake and reverse his decision.
     
     
136. I've realized that as I move up the corporate ladder there are fewer people I can confide in.
     
     
137. I've realized that an uncluttered office provides a conducive ambience for clear thinking.
     
     
138. People work hard for different reasons. Some do it for job satisfaction and the desire to do well. Other could be bachelors who sit late because they have nothing better to do or married men who want to avoid a nagging wife.
     
     
139. When you go to a colleague's house be careful of what you say, it could influence a wife's perception of her husband.
     
     
140. A boss could assert himself by being magnanimous or petty.
     
     
141. A CEO who gets into negotiations, bypassing his senior colleagues runs the risk of not being able to play the role of an Arbitrator.
     
     
142. I've learnt that competition and adversity bring out the best in most people.
     
     
143. I've realized that victory is a question of momentum and timing.
     
     
144. During a Corporate Battle the stress on you is apparent to colleagues who work closely with you. Tension in the air is best removed by talking to them, explaining reasons for your behavior and accepting full responsibility for your actions.
     
     
145. Have you heard of the Art of Tele-taking? Strategically, when a colleague or associate calls you, keep on asking him about the things that he has to do for you. Try and tire him out after which, may be, he would ask you what he called you for.
     
     
146. Management by moving around. Ah ! What is it ? Taking a walk in office, talking to people, inquiring about their health, cracking a joke and may be, indulging in shop talk.
     
     
147. A departmental head can sense and see some of his managers out performing others. You can earn their loyalty and respect by gently guiding, motivating, advising them on how to handle their brighter counterparts.
     
     
148. What is Power-dressing? It is dressing smartly, wearing the right clothes to subtly intimidate the person you are talking to. Wearing the appropriate clothes for each occasion subconsciously increases your confidence level.
     
     
149. A lot of us keep on postponing things we have to but do not like to do. My advice is; just do it and get it off your back.
     
     
150. When a subordinate of yours has goofed badly and he too realizes it, do not loose your temper but just keep quiet. Your subordinate is expecting a firing but you refuse to oblige. The suspense would upset him and make him regret the error. For the boss, he has conveyed unhappiness without saying a word.
     
     
151. My first boss insisted that each of one us including himself took at least three weeks annual leave. Over the years, I have realized that it wasn't compassion alone but a sound management practice. Annual leave, subtly made everyone realize that none is indispensable. Besides allowing the second line to develop, it allows every boss to evaluate the contribution of individual managers.
     
     
152. After reading these thoughts someone claimed to know me inside out. I am sorry that might not be possible since I am ever evolving and changing by the day.
     
     
153. " Life is full of opposites, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, heat and cold, have a beginning and an end, are impermanent in nature, face them bravely, Oh! Partha " Bhagwad Gita.