As we head into our second episode of the career development topic which focusses on High Performing individuals, we try to take a balanced view from both the individual as well as the onlooker.
Welcome to Mind Spa by San Kom. As we embark on another series of topics that border around the career development topic, we thank you for your patronage and support since 2020.
The first topic in this series focusses upon Longevity, and the need to reinvent yourself. Many of us wish to stay in a job for a prolonged period, but seldom get the chance to challenge ourselves after a few years. One of the major reasons we get bored is due to the redundancy of the job. Another typical reason is due to the lack of continuous growth opportunities.
I usually tell the following to anyone who newly joins our team, “Make sure you have your fundamental blocks solid, so that your foundation is rock-solid. Everything that you wish to build on top of it will only be as good as the foundation. Do not forget or be afraid to make mistakes and learn new things. You learn quicker by making mistakes than from reading or word of the mouth. But make sure you share your learnings or approaches with everyone so that everyone can learn.”
Keeping an open mind to new avenues is always a critical part of working in a modern-day organization. When you start, everything that you do is new to you, and your contributions are also unique and new to everyone who is affected by them. As you stay longer in an organization, people get used to your style of working, and with the outputs you are going to deliver. And along with this comes increased expectation from you to do something new. When you start to earn more, whether you like it or not, the organization expects you to deliver more and more. Although the essence of ulterior living and the superior human being is based on living without expectations, the eco-system of businesses are built on exactly the opposite.
So, what can you do to stay relevant?
The least that you can do is to stay open to learning new things. By staying open-minded, you allow for passive learning to be part of your career, and time within an organization. The second initiative that is required from you is to take active learning up. By active learning, you look for learning opportunities that align with your interests and complement your skills. Ideally, these learning opportunities must aid you in your everyday work and help you in reaching the next level at the workplace. Opportunities may not necessarily arise within your working time, and at first, you might have to make the extra work, outside of work. I should say that the difference between those who grow sustainably and in spurts is mostly in the area of self-initiative. Take help in identifying these areas along with your mentor or team leader. Ideally, one should be able to identify these from the feedback sessions. Do revisit our Feedback series for more on this.
Once you start to learn new concepts, and come across new ideas, identify areas to put them into everyday use. A ship that stays in the shipyard can never become the queen of the seas. Only when you put the skills you learnt into practice, will you learn how you need to adapt them to suit a practical situation. Believe it or not, most ideas and concepts that look good on paper, do not work as they are scripted. They are similar to a puzzle that can be solved several ways depending on where you start to how you go on with the pieces. Devise a tailor-made solution for your situation based on your style. Otherwise, it seldom works.
Once you start combining active and passive learning in amicable quantities throughout every year consistently, then the longevity key is automatically activated, and one can start noticing the benefits of staying in a renewed zone that triggers growth. Although I should warn, do not expect overnight changes in perceptions and reactions. Everything takes time, persistence, and most importantly patience. Reinvention, and longevity is about a marathon, and not a bunch of 100m sprints put together. Keep reinventing yourself in small steps and keep the entertainment alive, whilst reaping rewards. And on that note, thank you for reading through. Please leave your feedback in the comments section. Stay healthy, safe, and motivated.
In case you were able to relate to the post & it helped you improve, it is a token of happiness for us. Do go through our other articles which might help you further:
As part of the goal setting environment, feedback becomes paramount and integral part of the system! In this video we take a look at the third question : When can one give feedback? Is Open Feedback simple & straightforward as it sounds?
In case you were able to relate to the post & it helped you improve, it is a token of happiness for us. Do go through our other articles which might help you further:
Mind Spa by SanKom tries to decode the best practices while doing a goal setting! We try to provide an unbiased opinion on how to go about this critical activity in a professional environment and a professional manner!
In this video we focus on the Team Leader’s point of view!
Mind Spa by SanKom tries to decode the best practices while doing a goal setting! We try to provide an unbiased opinion on how to go about this critical activity in a professional environment and a professional manner!
#impactful #goalsetting #appraisals #team #goals
Goal setting – Best Practices for an Employee/Team Member
In case you were able to relate to the post & it helped you improve, it is a token of happiness for us. Do go through our other articles which might help you further:
Leadership comes associated and loaded with multiple thought processes, and along with come free of charge, a lot of myths. We try to focus on the seven most relevant, and perhaps predominantly seen/experienced. You can also alternatively, watch these seven myths through the playlist available on our YouTube Channel.
Myth#1: Leadership is about holding hands & showing the way till the finish line
The first and most important myth perhaps of them all – The necessity to hold hands and always show the entire way!
Probably we all grew up thinking as a leader (in former times manager), had to guide our young team members through every situation fully. Yes, probably in the past it was also not the case. However with the ever changing world scenario, the emphasis to break this myth becomes even more important today. Yes, it is important to guide a young team member. But, it can be done also by pushing them in the swimming pool with a float and ask them to swim. This way, they learn a lot more perhaps and in their own unique way. What must you do as a leader then? Sit down and assure them that you are always available as a lifeguard (just as you see on the beaches and the big swimming pools), ready to jump in when the situation gets out of hand. With this assurance, you can lead more effectively, and also instill leadership qualities in your team members.
Myth#2: To be a leader, team must win/succeed every single time
Many of us think that leadership always requires a title, a position close to the CEO of an organisation. How wrong we all are, regarding this thought. Leadership does not require a title. On the contrary, the great leaders are those who do not demand for a title. To be leader, you need to exhibit consistently a few characteristics without any inhibition or a second thought. You need to inspire while innovating with wisdom, have a vision which encapsulates passion, and commitment, while exhibiting compassion, and staying vigilant. You can only inspire when you have the endurance and stamina to run the marathon. Leadership is not a short 100m sprint, or even a 42km marathon, it is much longer and goes much deeper. So, if a title is what is stopping you from displaying leadership at the work place, stop what you are doing right now, and go lead.
Myth#3: Leader must always stay back and provide exposure for team
Another myth associated with leadership that can damage morale of the team more than any other myth associated with leadership. A popular myth is that a leader must always stay back and provide exposure to the team. Unfortunately, many weak leaders interpret this in the wrong way. Yes, leaders must stay back, and allow for the team to be noticed. However, when facing dire situations where a stressful project or situation is faced, the main role of a leader is to stand in front of the team, and to protect them. A leader is the first line of defence and the last line of attack. When you fail to protect the team in such situations and allow them to take the blame, you damage their morale completely. The willingness to take a risk the next time completely diminishes, and their output is never going to be 110% when situation demands. Next time, you suspect that they will face heat from the management, stand in front of them and take the fire. This does no harm, and as a leader, this is part of your responsibility, and you set a great example for your team members on how to lead a team.
A leader is the first line of defence and the last line of attack.
Sanjeev Bhushan
Myth#4: Employee growth is not responsibility of a leader
An area that is very important to your team: Growth of employees. One popular myth is that as a leader, you are not responsible for the growth of your employee, and that the employee must take responsibility to chart their own careers. Wrong! As a leader, one your primary missions is to identify the capabilities of your employees, their strengths, and their areas of interest, and then discuss with them on their career path. As a leader, you must remain in constant dialogue with your employee to understand their wishes, their goals, and be an enabler to their growth. As with breaking Myth#1, you do not have to stand next to them every single time through their development, but it does not mean you are not responsible. Also provide time for discussions not only for technical topics, but also for personal development topics. And be an enabler.
Myth#5: Leadership requires a title
One of the myths surrounding recognition is also associated with leadership. Many of us think that leadership always requires a title, a position close to the CEO of an organisation. How wrong we all are, regarding this thought. Leadership does not require a title. On the contrary, the great leaders are those who do not demand for a title. To be leader, you need to exhibit consistently a few characteristics without any inhibition or a second thought. You need to inspire while innovating with wisdom, have a vision which encapsulates passion, and commitment, while exhibiting compassion, and staying vigilant. You can only inspire when you have the endurance and stamina to run the marathon. Leadership is not a short 100m sprint, or even a 42km marathon, it is much longer and goes much deeper. So, if a title is what is stopping you from displaying leadership at the work place, stop what you are doing right now, and go lead.
Myth#6: Employee growth jeopardises our role as a leader and will threaten our position
One of the most dangerous risks and egoistic myths: Many weak leaders believe that when their team members grow, and start getting recognised, this will jeopardise their position. The myth might sound very funny at first for most, however, believe me, such leaders exist. Unfortunate as it might sound, such a leader is the most dangerous component in a team, and the organisation.
While depriving his team members of actual growth, they might even start demotivating by stating how hard their job is. In reality, being a leader is a privilege. A privilege where one can influence the entire careers of other professionals, young and old alike.
This myth destroys the root of what leadership is about: enabling others to grow and exhibit leadership traits. An employee growing faster than their leader is to be appreciated and motivated to strive for more. Next time, you come across such leaders who believe in this myth, remind them of their primary responsibility of fostering growth and a positive environment for all.
Myth#7: Leading a young, inexperienced team is difficult
As we grow older, we tend to see a lot more young professionals coming into the team. A myth associated with this hiring process is that leading such a young and inexperienced team is difficult. In fact, leading a young team is a blessing, and gives one a lot more freedom to operate. The young minds provide a new dimension to the thought process, your brainstorming sessions will throw out ideas you would have otherwise not had. A young mind, a fresh mind is uncorrupted by corporate practices and unsaid rules. When you give these minds space to express themselves, they can produce the most radical ideas and probably innovative solutions to problems.
Executing such dynamic ideas will inject much needed enthusiasm and dynamic thinking process into the team. Existing team members who have experience will also be motivated to think innovatively.
Every team needs a fresh injection of thoughts every now and then, don’t we. In the end, just as in The Three Musketeers, remember, All for one, One for all. Stand behind the team, support diversity, inclusivity, and fairness.
Breaking these Myths
On our journey to being better leaders, and hungry leaders who lead change, we must strive to break stereotypes, break myths, and create an environment for everyone to thrive. As a leader or an aspiring leader, our only goal and purpose is to foster a environment conducive to learning, leading change, and constantly evolving. And, as we evolve, we become better, together.
And on that note,
Stay healthy, stay safe, stay motivated, and let us keep the world moving.
In case you were able to relate to the post & it helped you improve, it is a token of happiness for us. Do go through our other articles which might help you further:
As we head out to finish the first day of the new year 2024. As 2023 wound down, the final hours of what have been probably the first complete year since 2019 to be devoid of any restrictions for people movement, or interaction, it is time to step into a new year with time to pause, reflect and realise. Pause is a powerful tool and contains keys to secret chambers which you never knew existed, but always wished they had. SanKom Mind Spa wishes you and your families a very happy, and healthy start to 2024.
What is an expectation?
As per Oxford Dictionary, it is defined as “a belief that something will happen because it is likely” or “a hope that something good will happen”. Whenever we place a hope or belief that something will happen (irrespective of whether it is good or bad) without any influence of the probability of it happening. More often than not, as Oxford Dictionary captures it, we tend towards the likelihood of it happening than not. The human mind has the power to think with a higher level of positively when the outcome benefits self. However, some of us prefer to keep our hopes low- in scenarios with the belief that we do not deserve the best outcome. This is also in a way, an expectation. When someone is performing a task that has one or more outcomes that influences the activities we will take up, the human mind also interprets the situation, and predicts outcomes to prepare for. This is also a form of expectation.
After a long hiatus, and a while since we heard anything on the radio or television about CoVid, the world finally does seem to be returning to normal, bar the war in Ukraine, and the riots in France.
SanKom Mind Spa hopes that all our readers are healthy, safe, and back to leading fully normal lives, socialising in a pre-2020 manner. Thank You for supporting us through CoVid and the post-CoVid recovery phase.
Today, we look at a topic that relates closely to an article we had posted a few months ago: Looking Up, Looking Foward
In many people’s minds, arises a question when the phrase, “….please, think forward.” Is uttered. The phrase is very common in all walks of life, especially when there are struggles in succeeding in a particular endeavour, and also in successful attempts. However, the difference between the situations lies in the source of the words. One might be in a position to hear the phrase or utter the phrase.
What must one do to be in a position to utter the phrase?
Trust that you and your loved ones are staying healthy. There has been a long gap since the last topic on Mind Spa by SanKom. Kindly accept our apologies for the long break. Several aspects of our lives are undergoing a drastic change. Recently, SanKom moved over to a new country for work reasons, and following up with local processes, new culture, setting up things has occupied most of our time.
Imagine a colleagueC1 with whom you share a cordial relationship where respect, exchanges, support, feedback, and retrospective actions happen mutually on a regular basis. Imagine also a colleagueC2 who likes the way you are, but you do not share a cordial relationship with them. You also have several such relationships within the same organisation/mutual personal circles. During interactions with several members, you get to hear that some aspects of you need to change and could lead to an overall improvement in your character traits. Being a good listener, and a person who adheres by Smart Trust, you evaluate the feedback received, and prepare a change plan – A plan to change 🙂
Trust that everyone is safe & healthy amidst the growing pandemic situation across the world. Kindly follow all safety protocols that we have closely followed for the last two years to keep everyone safe.
William Shakespeare, fondly renowned to in the literary world as the ‘Bard of Avon’. Amongst his most famous works is The Merchant of Venice which features 5 key characters set in the city of Venice in the 16th Century. Antonio & Bassanio who are friends, Portia a rich heiress, Jessica – Shylock’s daughter & Shylock – a Jewish moneylender.
What relevance does a play written by a Bard who lived in the 16th century have to do with working professionals in the 21st century & millennials? A lot of it in fact. Read on….
Trust that as you read this article, you and your loved ones are in good health, and enjoying life amidst the new normal. With heavy rains lashing out in Chennai & coastal districts of TamilNadu all of a sudden, affecting normal life. Trust that the heavy rains or the consequential damages did not affect you & your families. And as we near usual party time in all cities, trust that you will have you best thinking hat on before being part of large social gathering.
Just as I mentioned party, what is an integral part of parties?
Dance?
Drinks?
Food?
Yes, Music. Some nice foot-tapping music is key to any good party along with enjoyable company.
Now, coming to creation of music, how does a music director compose music?
Trust that as approach the first festival wave in India near to Christmas & New Year, your dear ones along with you are staying safe. Please follow all safety precautions and keep social distancing along with Masking/Hand Hygiene at the top of your priorities.
Caution and precaution are key.
How many times have we made use of a soap?
Redundant question. Am sure all of us have made use of a soap almost every other hour in one form or another. So, what is the purpose of a soap? Have I gone mad asking these questions? Am I leading towards protecting yourselves from CoVid? No, not even close.
Trust that as you read this article, you and your loved ones are in good health, and enjoying life amidst the new normal. A lot is going on in India, with Dussehra just concluding and frantic head wind into the grandest festival across India, Deepavali just a weekend away. With last year’s celebrations damped due to CoVid, & already with 70% of nation vaccinated at least once, & 30%+ fully vaccinated, people are more confident in their social engagement activities. However, it is not yet time to let down our guard. Do continue to practice all safety protocols, along with personal judgement over participation in huge gatherings.
In the modern-day working environment, several periodic events occur in each of our lives. Starting with team meetings, Town hall meetings, Launch events, leadership forums/conferences, technical conferences, internal communication meetings, etc. Although each of these involve several stakeholders that participate physically (virtually of late), simultaneously and contribute to the magnitude of success for the event itself, one such periodic event involves only two people physically present in the discussion.
Any guesses on what I am trying to narrow down to?
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Mind Spa by SanKom - Life lessons for a lifetime 
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