Respect - right not a privilege !!

Many a times we see disproportionate respect being selectively showered upon few people(both in personal and professional life)because of their position, power & clout and on the other hand disrespect being displayed(by many) when it comes to peers/subordinates/people with limited authority/power/resources . 

Respect is not a privilege reserved for select few ,instead its a fundamental right for everybody who deserves it .Everybody who is doing his/her job honestly and sincerely deserves respect be it a CEO /manager/security guard /Chaiwala.Respect is the biggest leveller, morale booster and easiest way to drive inclusivity!So don't be selective ,be fair ! 

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Invest where it matters !!

While we invest a lot of time ,effort and energy to enhance our professional network , but many a times it comes at the cost of friends and family .

What we forget is that they are our most valuable investments(assured,highest,consistent & long term returns) , 24 x7 emergency helpline , Most honest Critics giving no filter feedback, Unconditional,All-weather,Success/failure agnostic support system, Most effective mental spa , Best Reality Check and above all our true well -wishers and not wishlist seekers ! What they do at the back ensures that we look really good in front of others!So be prudent , invest where it matters and above all thank them !

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Gut vs Data !!

There has been a lot of debate on using data or gut while taking complex decisions . While data is critical to convince and take into confidence external teams, Gut is absolutely critical to convince your own self. While Data evaluates all Visible , Rational ,Predictive and Proven variables , Gut is an output of complex sub-conscious mental algorithms evaluating Invisible,Irrational and unpredictable variables . While data considers content and drill, Gut reflects latent intent and will . If data is the iceberg, Gut is what lies beneath it. Needless to say both are important. But in cases of conflict, a healthy debate btwn the 2 will convince the other.

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Wake Up the Champion Inside !!

There are times,
When you feel down,
But remember, 
You were once talk of the town!

And everyone wanted you to be around!

There are times,
When you feel bitter and cold,
But remember,
You were once fearless and bold,
Everything you touched turned into Gold!

There are times,
When you are filled with self-doubt,
But remember,
The times when you went all –out,
Despite facing toughest opponent in the bout!

There are times,
When you feel demotivated & tired,
But remember,
There were many, whom you inspired,
And many whose dreams you fired!

There are times,
When you feel, you are out of the game,
But remember,
Opponents once feared your name,
Victory and you always shared the same frame!

There are times,
When you are about to surrender,
But remember,
You were once known to be the toughest contender,
And nobody could match your splendor!

There are times,
When you think, you can’t do,
But remember,
There are far bigger feats in the past,
Achieved by you!!

There are times,
When you look for inspiration outside,
But remember,
A flashback of your glorious past,
Will wake up the champion inside!

There are times,
When you are on descent,
But remember,
Change is the only constant,
After every descent , comes an ascent !
Always believe in you,
Because
Form is temporary,
But class is permanent!!

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#Dateyourself !!!

Find few activities/interests that let you experiment something new , discover something more about yourself, spend some quality time and converse with yourself ,bridge the gap between You and "Real you ", vent out whats going inside you , be your own self , give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you stay excited and charged up outside your work ! 

While we do so many things to keep others happy , it is absolutely "ok and important " to be a little selfish . Nothing can be more cathartic than finding and following some of these passions! Sometimes you also need to go out on date with yourself :)

 #Belittleselfish#Dateyourself

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The Art of Listening !!!

Sometimes the best way to talk to someone and strike a chord is by hearing them out ! Genuine listening is the most comforting and enriching form of conversation you can have with your friends ,family/ peers! It can be one of the most effective, low effort and highly valued gift ,you can gift to others. It works like spa therapy for others -relaxing ,liberating, rejuvenating , mood-lifting and satisfying .

Also,the power and impact of attentive listening far outweighs the power of giving advice . And even for sharing a meaningful advice , we need to understand and listen first . So given a chance , don't rush in to give advice , LISTEN first !

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Share of Ideas vs Share of Voice !!

Higher SOV (share of voice/visibility) is increasing being seen and projected as one of the critical success factors for fast-tracking career growths in corporate world by employees and managers respectively.

However ,higher SOV only may not be a true and objective evaluation of an individual's performance and potential , specially during tough external environment .What really matters in tough times is higher SOVa (Share of value added ) and higher SOI(Share of Ideas /innovation) . Higher SOVa and Higher SOI will automatically lead to higher SOV but reverse is not true . 

So chase the Right KPIs and focus your efforts accordingly !

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Experience builds Experience !!!

Experience builds experience :) So never shy away from it , get your hands dirty and enjoy whatever you are doing !

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One of the underrated and deglamorized discipline in corporate world is operations . While Strategy is positioned as Super- aspirational, Cool and Classy , Operations is seen as commonplace, mundane and "massy ". While strategy is seen as value adding , operations is seen as time consuming . 

But always remember ,If strategy is the engine , operations are the wheels of the car . Strong operational knowledge is the foundation of a good strategy .Also there has to be a solid strategy for effective operations . You can't prioritize one over the other . While strategy is getting its due credit , its high time we realize the value of Operations too .

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No Long term Gain without Pain !!

Empathy vs Sympathy !!

If you really want to help someone in need , Empathize and not Sympathize . 

Sympathy in most cases is a spectator from a distance whereas Empathy gives you a ring side view . Sympathy acknowledges the problem ,Empathy leads to solving the problem . While Sympathy is just a reaction , Empathy leads to quick action . Sympathy notices the iceberg, Empathy uncovers what lies beneath it . 

While Sympathizing with others may be more comforting for you (low effort self -rationalizion) ,Empathizing in true sense is comforting for others . Sympathy is vicarious , Empathy is real !! Where sympathy ends , empathy starts ! 

So given a chance , always empathize !

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The Litmus test of reputation !

The litmus test of one's reputation and equity in an entity/oragnization is people talking positively behind your back and lauding your work . "Appreciation @Facevalue " has little value at times and can be agenda driven and misleading . The key is to differentiate pure ,unbiased and genuine words vs sugar-coated ones . So stay calm and spot the difference 

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Depth vs Width of your Social Network !!

While we all know the importance of social network in today's age , the depth of your network (strength of bond)matters way too much vs the width of your network . While depth of your network is a bankable asset and differential advantage , width in most cases is a mirage and can give you last minute negative surprises like a lucky draw . Also like a sapling , you need to constantly invest time , effort and emotional energy to develop strong bonds vs one click required to increase width . Considering limited time we have, try and prioritize depth vs width . So be happy about the no of strong bonds you have and not about no of contacts in your friend list!!

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Learning vs Uncertainty !!

The rate of learning is directly proportional to the amount of ambiguity and uncertainty you face in a role ! So look forward to ambiguities and don't run away from them .

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Be like a Toddler !!

The biggest mistake of your life is to not have attempted anything "mistake- worthy" so far . Its like you expecting healthy returns without investing money in stock markets . The opportunity cost of immense learning and unlocking endless possibilities in the process of taking risks is way too high vs cost of collateral damage by doing few mistakes . Mistakes are actually mirror image of opportunities .

So be like a toddler who tries to walk inspite of knowing little about walking in the hope of standing on his own . Even if you fail/falter , pick yourself up ,try again and bounce back ! Believe me , nothing gives you a better kick than bouncing back !

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The Importance of Good Packaging !!

One of the most irrelevant phrases in today's times is "Never judge a book by its cover" . High intensity competition,shorter attention times, increasing points of parity and decreasing points of differentiation has led to packaging (of product/service /career/personality) becoming the single biggest critical success factor in todays world . Good packaging can give you a big headstart, upgrade you from "Good to Great ", amplify your limited potential exponentially whereas a bad packaging is a sure shot recipe for Murphy's law . So you better spend some time designing your cover , because lot of people out there are gonna judge you basis that !:)

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The power of informal connect !!

What a barrage of emails ,meetings and followups can't do, can be very easily achieved by a simple relaxed discussion over a chai /lunch session /outing or an offsite .The biggest of alignments and closures can happen in some of the most unexpected informal and casual discussions .The key is to forge natural informal secondary relationships along with professional and formal networks. However beware, not everybody can attempt the same . Its not a science ,its an art and it comes with time . But those who have it or develop it ,have significant competitive edge over their peers.

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Think Simply !!

The most difficult thing while solving a complex problem (business or personal ) is to #thinksimply . Those who are able to do this have better agility, quick decision making ,competitive edge and ability to become natural leaders . Every challenge is simple for those who #thinksimply . Thinking simply is the most underrated virtue in personal and professional world . So stay calm and #thinksimply .

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Shifting gears !!

You need minimum threshold speed to shift to next gear ! Same applies to your career! Be greedy for learning and not for quickly shifting gears !

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Transitions are like Break-ups !!

Transitions (Systems/Processes/Careers ) are like break-ups. They are tough to handle , never smooth but always teach you a lot ! So be ready to take them head on 

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Power of Genuine Appreciation !

The biggest gift you can give to anybody(friend,colleague ,reportee) is a small appreciation mail/pat on the back for something good they have done. It works like that extra dose of fuel that keeps the fire burning inside. You cannot even imagine the big impact of a small gesture from your side .It can light up somebody's day , bring a smile on somebody' face , suddenly change the entire body language or can give purpose to an ambiguous phase.Genuine and timely appreciation is the best and the cheapest productivity enhancement software ever discovered on this earth . So be generous and never miss a chance to genuinely appreciate somebody in your network !

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