Kush Srivastava's Blog, page 24

Happy New Year_Inspirations!

Last night I was on a call with a very special friend, who reminded me that I have not had a chance to speak to him for ages. The first message that hit me was, “Long time, no see!”

Embarrassing in itself that the message was, I realized that I have not written something for ages as well. I wouldn’t want to excuse myself by stating that I didn’t have time for the same, as that’s the lamest of excuses one can ever give for one doesn’t have time but have to find time.

So, I decided what better way to start a new year by penning down few inspirations from past year starting from the most recent ones as that’s the easiest to recall and perhaps will contribute more towards one’s inspiration:

Saw Baji Rao Mastani recently. Though, many people might have different opinions on how the movie was, what struck me was the amount of hard work that went in and the extraordinary acting skills at display by all the actors concerned. Ranveer’s energy works like magic, Deepika’s delicacy is a treat to watch and Priyanka’s elegance is a must-see, coupled with Tanvi Azmi’s depiction of a strong and fearless woman is by all means a true dedication of what a woman can be. The takeaways if you see are the passion with which one should do whatever one is doing or supposed to be doing and more importantly the women power depicted in the form of Mastani’s love for Baji Rao, Priyanka’s patience and Tanvi’s mental strength. Hats Off!
Bihar’s election: well, without going into the political implications of the same, the one and only positive message that can be drawn is “United we stand, divided we fall!“
Virat Kohli’s emergence as a captain: Though many controversies occupied the mindsets of the cricketing fans, yet the thing that inspired was how a young talented cricketer evolved as a mature captain in the test series against both Sri Lanka and South Africa. Yes, the pitch was the highlight of the series against SA, and in a way helped our spinners, what was good to watch was the composure and attitude with which Team India played under Virat Kohli. Gone are the days of M S Dhoni? Debate is still on and will continue to linger till he finally decides to hang his boots.
Modi taking on the World: Again, mixed opinions, I am sure. What I would take from all the visits he undertook is to see India emerge as a powerful nation, though it might be a perception, yet reality is nothing else but what people perceive. How much this will eventually lead to India benefiting from the trade and Make in India campaign will be visible in times to come, as of now, how it stands, Modi has certainly been able to carve out a rosy picture in front of the world based on the immense potential India and her citizens have. Let us see how it will evolve. The takeaways being self-belief, perseverance and dreaming big.

Though, all the above might draw in different opinions from each one of you, yet I would want to look at the positive side of things and focus on aspects or qualities which we can all possibly make a part of our behavioral self, only to help us achieve our self-made goals and ambitions.

With this, I would want to wish all my friends, family, well wishers and colleagues a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2016!

Cheers

Kush :)

The Differentiated!

Have you ever wondered why certain people around you are given more importance and value than you, be it a professional or a personal setup? What’s that quality that makes them stand apart from the rest? Why they are more liked among all? Why they are more listened to? Why whatever they speak make sense to the audience? Why people readily accept their words as coming straight from the Heaven?

Is it because of their personality? Is it because of their attitude towards life in general? Is it because of their positive bent of mind which enables them to look at every problem in a different manner? Is it because of their usefulness to the society? Is it because of the values inculcated in them by them over a period of time?

Probably all of the above, just that what stands out is their ability to differentiate on a positive continuum from the rest, which provides them an edge over the others.

Why do certain startups are able to scale faster than others? Is it because of a sound business strategy and a marketing plan that they have? Is it because of the team they have at their disposal? Is it because of the great idea on the basis of which they have found the startup?

Probably all of the above but what lies at its foundation of all is the ability to differentiate from what already exists. An ability to stand apart and do things differently and probably in a better manner.

I am sure each one of us, at some point or other in our lives have pondered over the possibility of doing something great, doing something out of the world, doing something for which we would be known for, doing something which has not been done before in the same manner, doing something which would change the course of our lives for the better, doing something which would enable us to feel valued by the society.

And if such be the case with you, then the mantra lies in how one can differentiate from the rest to gain that edge which one tends to seek either on a conscious or a sub-conscious level.

So, it’s good to do what you love, but do it in a manner that you are able to generate value both for yourself and for people in and around you.

Source for the Image: http://summercampfestival.com/make-a-...

Men in Uniform!

I don’t know how many times you have had the pleasure of meeting men in uniform who guard our borders day-in-day-out. But when you happen to do so, it becomes one of the most cherished moments of your life.

Few days back, I happened to meet a senior rank officer in the army. A very fit individual that he was, in spite of having served in the Army for more than 2 decades, he came across as a very well spoken and simple individual.

The simplicity was very much visible in the manner he befriended and the manner in which he went about describing various facets of his life. Though there was this one particular story he shared about how to overcome one’s fears in life is what I would like to share with you all.

Taking the liberty to quote him:

“It was summers and everyone was asked as to who would want to venture out for the paratrooper training. Not everyone had the courage, those who had were supposed to give a simple test.

I was the fortunate or the unfortunate one, whatever you might want to refer to as, in that group of 20 who had showed interest for the training. We were all brought to a swimming pool and were asked to jump from a 3 m board. 

Though I was not that scared of jumping from a 3 m board, I was dead scared to drown for I was still an amateur who had mastered the art of floating in a swimming pool, that too in the not so deep side of the same. 

So, I went up to the trainer and asked him whether there would be someone to save me in case I started to drown. The trainer got infuriated and told me to bug off. Not knowing what to expect, I took a deep breath and jumped when my turn came. 

As expected, no one came to my rescue when I was struggling to fight my way out from the swimming pool. Thinking that I wouldn’t be selected, I stood there in despair cursing myself why I hadn’t learnt swimming. 

The final list of the selected lot was announced immediately after the 20th guy had completed his jump. To my utter surprise I was selected. I felt like sitting on top of cloud nine, though I had no clue about what was to follow.

The selected lot of 16 wanna-be troopers were asked to report 5 am in the morning next day. By that time, we had all got into a habit of getting up early and were not perturbed anymore about the timelines that were provided to us. 

Perhaps, the mind and body can be tuned to become more and more disciplined and trust me there are no limits when it comes to going beyond what might be expected from you. I guess that’s why people in the army or in forces in general are able to achieve feats that a normal guy wouldn’t even imagine accomplishing. 

The manner in which we were taught to become paratroopers was immensely scientific and was made simple to the core. We were not taken directly to the skies for a jump, instead we were made what I would describe as robots who were trained to perform a routine driven set of actions which included our arms and legs and once we resorted to those actions we had no option but to be in the air trying to follow instructions for our survival. 

It’s not that we didn’t go through the fear. It’s not that those in army or forces don’t have emotions. Just that we are trained in such a wonderful manner that before going through those emotions we tend to do what is taught to us. The little mechanical steps that we take don’t give us that luxury or the option of going through our emotions, as we have no time but to react in the moment and survive. 

What a “faugee” learns is the art of survival which incorporates instant decision making (be it right or wrong), thinking on the feet and reacting to the situation at hand. Yes, planning, strategy goes hand in hand but it might be what you plan doesn’t happen and you are left with no other choice but to overcome your fears and do something which might be perceived as belonging to the category referred to as “out of the box” or “out of the world””.

We went on discussing his life before Army, during Army and what would follow after. Somehow, he had that aura and a power which could convince even myself for opting into paratrooper training, though good sense prevailed and I preferred not to venture out, though he almost had me convinced about the ultimate thing in life which everyone should at least try once in life ;).

By the time, our meeting finished, I had just two words doing rounds in my head, “RESPECT + INSPIRATION”.

Source for the Image: http://www.slideshare.net/doodla/indi...

What is it?

I used to wonder at times as to how robotic our lives have become. One gets up in the morning knowing that at such a such time, one needs to be in office, knowing that at such a such time one needs to have one’s lunch, knowing that at such a such time one would go back home, knowing that while going home one would be caught up in the ever increasing traffic on the streets, knowing that after coming back home one would be tired enough not to venture out for familial entertainment and if the better half happens to be working then there wouldn’t be any discussion about the same, knowing that one would watch Big Boss starting from today before hitting the bed the very night.

And on the weekends, one would get up late as one wishes to get over the tiredness one accrues during the week, do the weekend chores of getting the groceries etc and end up watching a movie or spending one’s time in a mall finding means to spend the hard earned money and to get rid of so called boredom in ones’ lives.

For most of us the life would look something like what I have tried to describe above. Have you ever given it a thought as to what is it that’s making us do the same? What is it that guides our day-to-day lives? What is it that is not giving us time to ponder over what kind of life we would ideally want to lead? What is it that is stopping you from pursuing what you like doing? What is it that is proving to be a hindrance when it comes to you venturing out for hobbies which you like the most? What is it that is making you think what if?

Have you ever realized how little a time we have in this world? Have you ever been able to figure out what is that one thing which you would want to accomplish in your life? What is that one thing that gives you more happiness and satisfaction than any other thing in this World? And if you have been able to figure out the same, then why is it that you are not doing that? Why is it that most of us are not able to find the courage to drop out of the rat race and do the abnormal? Why is that most of us end up following the tide and continue to do so till we attain an age where it is no more feasible to do that one thing?

The destiny lies in your hand. The choice is yours. The answer lies with none other than you. No pundit, no sadhu baba, no jyotishi can help you find your answers but you yourself.

So, are you ready to take up the challenge and figure out that one thing which you would want to do all your life? Do you have the guts to swim against the tide? Do you have it in you to do the abnormal without worrying about the consequences?

As far as success is concerned, the very definition lies with you. It is you who defines what success means to you. It is you who, when you retire, would reminisce and put a stamp of sorts on the life you did live. It is you who can decide whether you want to make your life a success or repent, say 30-40 years down the line, saying, “kaash, main ye kar leta or leti”. 

If you are reading this today, then think about it my dear friend, because zindagi na milegi dobara and kal ho na ho. 

Source for Image: http://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/16...

TGISUP: Thank God it is a Start-Up!

This one is indeed a futuristic post, indeed one of those which comes out of the blue and is depicting what we might come across in say 5-10 years down the line. 

Just Imagine:

The buzz word in today’s World is start-up. If you happen to be doing a start-up then you are considered to be a cool chap, waiting in line for your turn to become that billion dollar boy/girl. If we were to go by what media has depicted, the day is not so far when a start-up rookie would be valued more than a civil servant or a doctor/engineer in let’s say Bihar or UP and going by the ever so prevalent dowry norms in such states, a start-up boy’s valuation would come no less than Rs. 1.5 crore; enough for the father-in-law to become that angel investor for the couple.

After all, parents want the best for their daughters and the best is a guy who is about to hit the jackpot courtesy him being doing or having joined a start-up and has plethora of ESOPs or a share of equity. Though these pieces of paper might not hold any value at the moment, yet the immense amount of potential that can be seen by the investors and other market players might be enough for the guy to bring about the wonderful valuation when it comes to getting married to a girl, more importantly a stinking rich father-in-law.

I wonder whether parents, instead of encouraging their folks to go for higher education would ask them to drop-out of schools or colleges and ask them to get on to the entrepreneur bandwagon. The demand from parents’ end would still remain the same: precisely to do something which will make them feel proud about their son/daughter.

Probably the norms in the society will be governed by what the entrepreneurs would speak when invited on different platforms, be it a motivational session in any college/school or be it an invitation floated by the administration struggling to find answers to the perennial issues/problems that have become a talking point of every political manifesto.

On every nook and corner of the lanes and by-lanes of Kolkata, the thing that would be discussed would be “who funded whom” rather than the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and the prevalent communist agenda. The entrepreneur would be the boss and would rule every little aspect of our society.

Whether this would be a reality, probably no; but whether more and more entrepreneurs would hit the road; in all possibilities yes.

It is a fact that money chases money; similar to investors chasing other investors’ investments and so does an entrepreneur who wants to end up doing what is in vogue rather than focusing on that one issue they feel really passionate about to find a solution for.

Yes, loha garam hai! Yes, there is enough money and takers for good ideas! Yes, there is more possibility of getting funded! But trust me, it’s not so easy. What leads to one becoming an overnight billionaire is the hard work and motivation coupled with patience that goes behind giving in your 110% every day for a period of not less than 3-4 years for most entrepreneurs.

For all those who want to end up choosing the path of entrepreneurship, figure out that one particular problem or issue that you would be passionate enough to provide a solution for. And thereafter go for it, without giving it a second thought. The investors and the success will soon follow if not in the first instance then surely in subsequent ones.

Source for Image: http://www.igyaan.in/98125/10-apps-st...

The Inevitable Change!

Change is the ultimate truth of life. Whether we wish for it or not, every situation is a bit different from the other, every time is not the same, every place has its own ethos and culture, every organization treats its employees differently and every team needs to cope up with people coming in and out of the same pot, some drawing from it and some contributing to the same.

How does a leader or a manager cope with the same is the billion dollar question that seems to have no ready made recipe as an answer. Some are able to think beyond what others can see or visualize, few among them have the guts to take that risk, though at times it might back fire, yet they eventually end up making the first move, few among these emerge successful and few are left to bite the dust. 

No matter whether the leader has the guts or not, what keeps the team going is a positive frame of mind and an ability to rise to the occasion with their favourable attitudes and a passion to succeed. On the other hand, what ruins a team party so to say is ego, over-confidence and complacency that tends to hit the team who get into a habit of winning.

In that case, it is extremely important to have your feet on the the ground and always keep striving for that extra bit when it comes to setting goals and timelines and eventually going on to achieve the same.

This includes not only analyzing your failure to understand what’s not to be done but also scrutinizing your victories to see what worked and whether what worked was because of things that were done in the right manner or because some things happened to fall in the right place at the right time.

This would ensure that one develops a habit and a culture for learning and continuous improvement, which is per say the only thing that can keep afloat a team or an organization for that matter, in these times of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Source for Image: http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx...

The Winning Mindset!

Have you ever wondered why teams who have developed a habit of winning continue to do so? Why is it that more often than not teams look up to them to the extent of treating them as class apart and losing all hope of competing against them?

Look at the Chinese Table-Tennis or Badminton players who have dominated the scene for quite sometime now. Look at the likes of Australian cricket team which after winning the World cup have once again demonstrated their class and excellence.

Do these teams and individuals do things differently? Of course it cannot be pure luck. It has to do something with the kind of effort and dedication these players are putting on and off the field.

What is it that makes them stand out of the crowd? What is it that keeps them going day after day? Is it inherent in the system that they have managed to establish over a period of time? Is it the work culture and team spirit coupled with an effective leadership program that they have managed to adhere to over all these years?

Do these teams have a habit of stretching their goals and striving to achieve the same? Have they made it a habit to excel, after all what we repeatedly do is who we are and excellence is a habit (according to Aristotle)?

Probably all of the above. Possibly, they have got into a habit of winning. Possibly they believe that they can achieve the goals that are set by them on a day-to-day basis. Possibly they have learnt the art of not giving up and striving to give their 100 percent.

Management and business are no different than sports when it comes to leadership, teamwork, goals etc. In some companies, you would find emphasis being given upon the nitty-gritties, those 1 or 2 percent of things that tend to be ignored by most. And these are the companies which tend to excel.

The individuals in these companies are imbibed into a culture of thinking that things can be accomplished with passion and hard work. It is the attitude that matters the most. A classic example of attitude, coupled with ability and passion is Rahul Dravid.

Who would have imagined that a guy who hardly managed to find gaps in the field would one day end up becoming India’s one of the most successful finishers. It was sheer hard work and passion more than the ability that led to him becoming one of the greats of Indian cricket.

Hard work and passion can do wonders. And there have been numerous examples in the field of sports as well as management where people have gone on to achieve unimaginable feats.

What is important is to have that winning mindset which keeps telling you that “You can do it“. So, hold on to that winning mindset till you get what you want.

Source for the Image: http://www.emdocs.net/em-mindset-rob-...

The Upcoming Star!

It’s not very often that you get a chance to share the same platform with an upcoming star from Bollywood and when you do, you try to cherish it and keep it as a memory in times to come.

And so did I, when I happened to meet the likes of Kriti Sanon, a batch mate of a very dear friend of mine from DPS, R K Puram. It took a while for people to realize who she was with few talking of her as the heroine who was cast along with Tiger Shroff in Heropanti. 

I must admit that she looks prettier from a hand’s distance than what she does in movies ;). Though, I wouldn’t want to focus on that part. What I would want to speak about is the hard work and dedication that goes behind achieving the same.

Modelling, from where Kriti started her career, is no mean feat to achieve. It involves hours of hard work and immense motivation to get through the tough times you ought to face when you enter such a competitive field as Modelling.

Again to have the courage to take the leap of faith from Modelling to movies is another feather in the cap that Kriti Sanon has been able to achieve to a great extent. Though there is a long way to go before she could achieve success similar to what let’s say Deepika Padukone has achieved, yet she has all the things going for her when it comes to taking the right steps to stardom.

I would like to wish her all the success and happiness in the world, and would see her at the movies ;).

The Road!

The biggest challenge as one moves higher up in the hierarchy and in the scheme of things in any organization be it private or government is to deal with increasing complexity and ambiguity not only from a market point of view but also on a psychological level as to how well one is able to cope up and respond to the same.

Those who have had the chance of attending any board meeting would realize that essentially what the experienced folks with grey hair ask is how well prepared one is to deal with the complexity and uncertainty.

Do they have a plan and target in mind? What are the assumptions for jotting down the target? Do they have a concrete plan in place to achieve the target set? Do they know what all resources they would be requiring in order to accomplish the goal? What are the chances that the assumptions go awry and whether they have a plan and alternatives for such a scenario?

All the above is surely logical conclusion of the rational thinking that one would want to believe that one possesses. But when it comes down to going in detail for every aspect of what is just said above, it becomes a humangous task and in order to be successful one needs to have in his/her kitty, the capability and the skill set to chalk out and facilitate the implementation of the same.

The path is sometimes hazy. The road at times need to be carved. But one thing I must assure you is that the journey is beautiful. This reminds me of the famous lines from Robert Frost:

“The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, And Miles to go before I sleep, And Miles to go before I sleep.”

The Mediocrity!

Why is it that some of us go on to carve a successful life for ourselves and some are left behind in this race? Is it because they are class apart or are more intelligent than the rest or is it because of their attitude towards hard work and dedication?

Some would want to argue that the luck is on their side, or they are more practical and opportunist. Some would say they happen to be at the right place at the right time. Some might even say that this is all written up there and it had to happen.

Without going into the nitty gritties of what’s written and what’s not, the crux is that those who go on to become successful are motivated individuals who are ready to devote their time and will to the one goal or mission that they chose for themselves.

It is their sheer conviction to get up each morning thinking about their goal and what all activities they should be doing in order to move closer to their self-nurtured goals. They don’t waste their precious time gossiping or loafing around.

If you are wondering where this attitude which leads to the genesis of real success comes from, it’s within us. It is us and our attitudes that shape who we are going to become, say ten years down the line.

Often, in interviews, it’s asked of us, as to where we want to be in 5 or 10 years down the line. The rationale behind asking such questions is to make you ponder over your goals, inspire you from within, motivate you to do hard work.

At the end of the day, it’s not the interviewer who gains from all these questions, but the individual who takes cues from the questions asked and works towards carving a wonderful life for not only himself but also for his near and dear ones.

So, all those out there, who want to be successful, stop behaving like a mediocre and think about that one thing that you really care for, think about that one thing that you would want to do in life and get up each day dreaming about achievement of that one thing and working towards accomplishing the same, till you get it.

Source for Image: http://bobmaconbusiness.com/?p=7340