Engaged minds

Some simple humane gestures can make others (and us) feel happy, compassionate and motivated. The goodwill and trust that is generated is infectious.  I t helps others and us succeed creates an harmonious and highly engaged environment. Some people find it difficult but it is simple; if saying is difficult, try sending a card. Smile, say cheese! Hello! Hi! Good morning everybody! How can I help you? What do you want? what are you thinking?  You can do it!!   I will do my best to support you!  I can do this for you! That was helpful!  Are you fine? Is everything fine with you and your family? Take care and get well soon. Go home take rest and see a doctor.  Family and friends first! Have fun! Apologies for the mistake! I admit that I was wrong. Excuse me ! Pardon me! Sorry to hear.....! I sympathize (empathize) with you Enjoy your weekend! Bon voyage and have a safe trip  Happy birthday! Thank you...

India today is the most dramatically striking, colorful, diverse and dynamic emerging market; people are enthusiastic, resourceful, dynamic and competitive yet they have cultural and historical affinity. India is at the cusp of development and change, change that is driven by the young and aspiring that wants to see a very good future for themselves and India. These are my  12 big lessons on doing business in India that potentially applies to all emerging markets. We do not have all the answers - so listen and listen, learn and learn, do and redo!  Remember that statistics, rumours and news can be deceiving and full of contradictions;  what you see is not what it is and what it is is not what you see. All Indians are neither poor nor uneducated; those rich are super rich, those educated are super educated, smart, well travelled. India has a rich history, culture and diversity.  Adapt, we have to learn to do things in a novel way that fits India. Indi...

Many organisation have a strong 'hierarchical culture'; corner offices and cabins are an important feature of the office layout. The culture strongly represents status, influence, power and hierarchy. I believe that the hierarchical (and closed door) culture creates artificial differences among people, an atmosphere of power play and one goal which is to get the cabin.  The cabin culture may have its merits however my professional journey into India required me to create and foster an environment of open and candid communication, build trust and team work, ensure continuous learning, confidence building, co-operation and collaboration.   With the support of my team and my manager, I decided to initiate a few actions: ·   Set-up my seat with the team in the open office space. I had made myself always available for everyone any time during the office except when I was in a meeting unless the matter was urgent. Initial reactions were not encouraging as some felt intru...

Commodities trading had over time become technical and scientific in nature; manufacturers specifications, identity and source preservation,  safety, environmental impact is the key. Commodities cannot be traded in isolation either as a host of multidisciplinary factors matters when it comes to demand and supply and pricing commodities.  In order to trade commodities, an understanding of various factors matters to optimize profits: Geography Agricultural practices, land ownership and usage  Weather Culture - habits and consumer preferences Chemistry and composition Biology and health  Economics, demand supply, storage capacities and strategic reserves  Government policies and subsidies Water Logistics and transportation Complimentary and substitutes Diversified usage Environmental impact and constraints Conflicts Technology and distruptive technology; biotech  Management practices including compensation policies Financing and arbitrages  Trading commod...

All companies have an orientation programs, employee hand book, code of ethics, guiding principles, etc. The contents of the orientation programs and materials are more or less same and there is immaterial variations.  These orientations become unique and funny when cultural nuances and norms are blended.  Some very interesting funny experiences and instructions that I recollect which were relevant to those times and cultural context. Always swear by core company mission and cultural values, code of conduct, guiding principles and values, and ethics hand book. Abide by local laws, stay clear of trouble.   Whatever you do please ensure that you put something in everyone kitty – share your credits and laurels. Lend a face – you don’t take all, ensure that you leave the crumbs. Don't curse or sue the government (nor the politician); both are omni-potent and any way you can't live without them.      Stay clear of the social underbelly, the law, relig...

Try engagement, if you have ever got into a state of conflict or status quo or want to build a thriving friendship or commitment. Engagement efforts are not painful instead productive but needs enormous courage to grind your personal ego,  foster open communication and mutual trust, create an emotional and cultural connect with others. Engagement is "the act or state of interlocking'; it conveys a physical  and emotional commitment, mutual trust, connect and a promise to do something and by some time.  Engagement is one of the best political weapon to resolve conflicts or make long lasting friendships.  Conflicts build status quo; push backs creates opponents to freeze or solidify their positions.   E ngagement opens mind, creates optimism, leads to education and change. Engagement is proactive, directionally positive and yields sustainable results and personal gratification. Engagement boost morale, increase productivity, and help gain c...

The concept of spreading awareness of  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis   ( ALS) via the ice bucket challenge was interesting, innovative and successful!  However, b oth water and ice are precious in many parts of the world and uses energy to produce, please think before you take the ice water bucket challenge!  We all are  a big fan of charity and charitable causes so please continue to support, create awareness and pay for the charitable cause but save water and precious resources. Now, take a challenge - fill those buckets that are empty or half empty, increase the joy and happiness!  Donate a bottle of water to the needy especially during summer ! Pick up your saved meal from the restaurant; you could feed a needy ! Educate or help educate both the young and old !  Share your skills, books and tools ! Promote a sport for the deprived kids ! Promote democracy, meritocracy and equality ! Motivate, empower, help people to succeed by coaching and sha...