On Mistakes...

'Mistakes' 

Problems with this word is that; we don’t have a word in English that means “a well-reasoned attempt that didn’t meet expectation.”

Here are a few attempts to define mistakes:

» Misjudgments and adverse consequences that were unplanned. The scale of the consequences differentiates mistakes from lesser errors or slips.

» The failure of a planned sequence of mental or physical activities to achieve 

its intended outcome when these failures can’t be left to chance. 

It is important to notice that, pointing any mistake is a judgement by someone, and hence can be misleading sometimes. It's our attitude that determins how we can convert mistakes into opportunities which draw useful learning for better performances in future.

Why not a Salesman?

This is what I found on internet today...

Definitions of Designations:-

• Project Manager is a Person who thinks nine women can deliver a baby in One month.
• Developer is a Person who thinks it will take 18 months to deliver a Baby.
• Onsite Coordinator is one who thinks single woman can deliver nine babies in one month .
• Client is the one who doesn't know why he wants a baby.
• Marketing Manager is a person who thinks he can deliver a baby even if no man and woman are available.
• Resource Optimization Team thinks they don't need a man or woman; they'll produce a child with zero resources.

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

'Kah Ke Loonga' -Philosophy of negotiations

Title of this post is inspired by a recent movie, but the judgement drawn here have been used since ages by people in all walks of life, who excel in Chanakya sort of art of negotiations.

The philosophy of 'Kah Ke Loonga' says,

      "Know your strengths, & know positional/moral/ethical/social weaknesses of your opponent which he is most afraid of getting public. Let your opponent know from your actions that you know everything about his secrets, but never tell him directly! And turn the game in your favor." 

Notice the key point in this philosophy that, you never tell your opponent of your knowledge of what he doesn't want you to know; just act in ways which stimulate his intelligence that, you know everything! This uncertain fear of you knowing everything and possibility of you exposing him, makes your opponent sweat day and night.

Where can we use this philosophy:

1. Politics,

Leadership with a Strong Character

Five things which can cause huge short and mostly long term damage to any organization are its cultural elements, which are inculcated in its people over a period of time. These elements which can corrupt the environment of any organization are:

1. Hunger for gratification & power

2. Responsibility avoidance

3. Lack of trust

4. Setting personal goals ahead of organizational goals, &

5. Inability to develop others.

We all are animals, hence by default might possess all (or some) of the above listed qualities. But only people who act beyond their immediate concerns surpass these bad behaviors become leaders with strong character, not just by position.