World Cup and leadership

With the world cup fever at its peak, recently I was rewatching the movie '83 with family. Besides the glorious game, I was very interested in the way the PM used cricket world cup to divert the people away from riots. The way team work and people management was carried out within the team either by the captain keeping faith in his team or the communication of the batsmen strategizing how they would play together in a mutually beneficial manner. Finally it's all about understanding people happiness. Whether it's at political levels, sports teams or in an organization or any other team. It's not so much about management but understanding what delights and inspires the people.

Comfortzone

Comfortzone is like a pair of old, worn  pajamas...nothing beats it but ultimately we have to leave it for our own good :)

Motherhood Management

This Mothers Day as I sat down and reflected, I realized yet again that the 9-10 year olds are much more 

mature these days. They are pretty independent individuals and thus require a different level of 

parenting than their previous generation. Maybe this changes in each generation or maybe this has 

changed more in recent years with the technological advancements being exponential. This made me 

realize that motherhood of a nearly preteen has its similarities to leading a semi experienced team.

While we are their primary carers and the love of parents transcends all bonds, here I talk primarily in 

terms of their education and extra curricular responsibilities and how they require a nurturing and 

motivational environment for their growth just like our team members. Here’s how:

1. They both need their own space and some time to think and try things on their own. 

2. Micromanagement doesn’t help.

3. They need a little direction to utilize their strengths to the best possible way and take up the

right opportunities. This could be in the choice of subjects or right projects.

4. In case of mistakes, they need a little patience and understanding and some kind of disaster 

management. Later on a discussion on how to avoid them in the future. Mostly they already 

take ownership and definitely don’t need blame games.

5. Timelines are helpful as are goal settings.

6. The clearer the communication regarding timelines and goals, the better. The more well 

defined, the better.

7. Brainstorming together is helpful in case of a new challenge. 

8. Having a routine helps. Be it school or fixed weekly and daily meetings.

9. Some autonomy is helpful. As is some togetherness. 

10. Sometimes it’s good to have fun together.

Leadership has no age

Recently our 9 year old son was chosen to be the School Marshal at his school. It was an extra proud moment to witness the Investiture ceremony from the front row seats reserved in his name and see the young ones taking their oaths so solemnly. Within days, I saw a change in his sense of responsibility be it in punctuality or managing the class. When he was recommended for his leadership skills in his report card, I was happy but surprised. What leadership skills could such young ones home? But then right through the application process till date, I have witnessed leadership at student level. From the way he carries himself, helps fellow students and teachers at his own initiative to the shine in his shoe which he ensures. The school plans to have leadership camps to help hone these skills further. Looking forward to this new journey for the young one. It has proven to me that that there is no age to learn but also no age for leadership.

Midlife Crisis

Recently I felt kind of goalless, in every direction and a bit empty. I realized I looked for happiness within those close to me and those aspects where we intersected but not in myself. After a bit of analysis, I realized that these were symptoms of mid-life crisis. 

The old goals stopped making sense and looking there did not lead to happiness. I needed to look for new reasons to find my bliss. It wasn't about major changes but about taking care of myself in everyday life. Sometimes grief of losing a family member affects even more with time. It grows heavier when you realize you need to keep carrying forever. So one needs to unload, take a break and redistribute it so that it is bearable. This redistribution requires one to look for new reasons to smile. Some of us may start a new book, a new series, a new hobby, walks, visiting new places, talking to old friends.  Or just curl up in your shell till you realize what you need. Changing an aspect of routine. Changing your style. Slowly redefining yourself. It is different for everyone. It may not happen at once. Each one of us will have our own pace as we move beyond it to the next phase.