You attract what you think!

"You attract what you think - Positive or Negative". I have to say my belief about this philosophy got stronger after watching "Secret" which is a treasure of inspiration

Just think, how many times you get asked the question "How are you?". People often tell me it's about 5-15 times in a day. Imagine you start with the usual/average "Fine" subconscious answer. How would your response be around lunch/tea time? Neither you nor the person asking you is excited or even paying real attention to whatever you mumble.

So I say "Fantastic!!!" at all times with lots of energy that at least 3 other people stop and turn back to see who was that...

I watched "Italian Job" today and one of the characters John Bridger - the retired safecracker talks to his associate in the heist;

John Bridger: I feel so optimistic. How do you feel?

Charlie Croker: [shrugging] I'm fine.

John Bridger: Fine? You know what "fine" stands for, don't you?

Charlie Croker: Yeah, unfortunately.

John Bridger: Freaked out...

Charlie Croker: Insecure...

John Bridger: Neurotic...

Charlie Croker: And Emotional.

John Bridger: You see those columns behind you?

Charlie Croker: [looks behind him and sees the pillars] What about them?

John Bridger: That's where they used to string up thieves who felt fine.

Charlie Croker: After you.

FINE - Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional, Oh Oh! - sure you dont want people describing you like that. See that's what I mean when I say you attract what you think. My thinking that "FINE" is an average response to "how are you / how do you do?" scores there!

One more of my basic rule to life is "Think, Live and Act in the NOW". As Thomas Carlyle said "Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand". Again, I was drawn today to read Sir William Osler's speech to a group of Yale students in the spring of 1913. He called his address "A way of Life";

I have a message that may be helpful. It is not philosophical, nor is it striclty moral or religious...and yet in a way it ia all three. It is so simple that some of you may turn away disappointed. My message is but a word, a Way.

The way of life that I preach is a habit to be acquired gradually by long and steady repetition. It is the practice of living for the day only, and for the day's work, living in "day-tight compartments"...The chief worries of life arise from the foolish habit of looking before and after.

A few months ago I stood on the bridge of a great liner, plowing the ocean at 25 knots. "She is alive is every plate", said the Captain, "a huge monster with brain and nerves, an immense stomach, a wonderful heart and lungs, and a splendid system of locomotion". Just at that moment a signal sounded, and all over the ship the water-tight compartments were closed. "Our chief factor of safety", said the Captain.

Now each one of you is a much more marvelous organization than the great liner, and bound on a longer voyage. What I urge is that you so learn to control the machinery as to live with "day-tight compartments" as the most certain way to insure safety on the voyage. Get on the brodge ans see that at least the great bulk heads are in working order. Touch a button and hear, at every level of your life, the iron doors shutting ou the past - the dead yesterdays. Touch another and shut off, with a metal curtain, the future - the unborn tomorrows. Then you are safe, safe for today.

The load of tomorrow, added to that of yesterday, carried today makes the strongest falter...Waste of energy, mental distress, nervous worries dog the step of a man whi is anxious about the future. Shut close, then, the great fore and aft bulkheads, and prepare to cultivate the habit of a life in "day-tight compartments"!

I am simply giving you a philosophy of life that I have found helpful in my work, In this philosophy or way of life each of you may learn to drive the straight furrow, and so come to the true measure of a man.

I urge you never ever to forget Sir William's advice: Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day's work absorb all your interest, energy, and enthusiasm. The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well.

HAPPY DIWALI!

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice NOW!

Learn to say, "That's enough"

When I graduated from college, I started working for a sum of Rs. 4250/- as gross salary. It was my first job and I waited eagerly for this day - the day I could have my own money to buy everything I wanted. However, being brought up in a family favoring traditional views and values, I handed over my first income to my parents despite having a long list of wants. My mom looked at me and said, "Son, it's your hard earned money. Keep it - save some and spend the rest for yourself". That's all - those words are all I needed & I can' t even recollect if she actually said the words "save some".

I began to indulge in all that I wanted to do or buy. Years went by - my list of material wants and hence the need for money seemed eternal. It was not too soon that I realized - the more I earned, the more I wanted and the more I was spending. After numerous experiences in life, I can now say that I have come to terms partially with the hard truth which is;

Be thankful of what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough - Oprah Winfrey

I said partially because I am an average human being and it takes a strong mind to say, "That's enough". I need constant reminders too. To myself and those of you out there who still struggle and work harder with a view to get more in life, here's a lovely story from Jack Canfield's "Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work".

A rich businessman from the North was horrified to find the Southern fisherman lying lazily behind his boat, smoking a pipe.

"Why aren't you out fishing?" said the businessman.

"Because I have caught enough fish for the day," said the fisherman

"Why don't you catch some more?"

"What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money," was the businessman's reply. "With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats...may be even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me."

"What would I do then?" asked the fisherman

"Then you could really enjoy life"

"What do you think I am doing right now?".

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

Begin with a parable to improve your reading habit

At the end of a recent training session where I spoke about the benefits of reading as a habit, one of the participants handed in a little note that read, "This day I will never forget. I fully understand the importance of reading and you are my inspiration. If you don't mind, give me a book for reading. Thank you."

When I got back home, I looked at my collection to check if I had any additional copies of few of my favorite parables that include; (1) Fish (2) Who moved my Cheese?(3) Eat that Frog (4) Juggling Elephants. Since I had no spare copies, I decided to buy a new one as a gift for the compliment I received from this young employee who showed profound interest in developing his reading habit.

As I looked around in the book shop, my eyes fell upon a catchy title - "the Napkin, the Melon and the Monkey" by Babara Burke.

.

I could not hold my curiosity for long enough even to pay that I was already reading this 130 page book while standing in queue at the cash desk. I love parables as they convey universal truths and realities of work life with a humor element (One normally smiles relating his/her own experience of the situation). This is the main reason, I choose parables as gift to people who struggle completing a book but want to improve on their reading habit.

This one is no exception and a MUST READ. What I liked most about this book is that it is a quick read and Barbara's style of making the readers realize the AHA! moments through her main character Olivia.

Olivia's list of AHA's summarized in the last page of the book is given below. Most of these sound so simple, easy, logical and true to life that I decided to include them in my blog page.

Aha! #1: I will always have problems

Aha! #2: It's not about me.

Aha! #3: Problems can be gifts in disguise

Aha! #4: Just sit there. Do nothing

Aha! #5: There is no such thing as a difficult situation

Aha! #6: When all else fails, have a SODA (Stop, Observe, Decide and Act)

Aha! #7: Withholding judgement allows me to observe what is

Aha! #8: The nicer I am to myself, the nicer I am to others

Aha! #9: A simple apology works wonders

Aha! #10: The less I talk, the more I learn.

Aha! #11: People harmonize when they are tuned into the same frequency

Aha! #12: Great Supervisors follow the GOLDEN RULE "Treat others as you would like to be treated" and DO THE RIGHT THING

Aha! #13: Spreading my wings is the only way to fly.

Aha! #14: Give a little, get a lot

Aha! #15: Remember, we all share the same vine

Aha! #16: United we stand. Divided we fall

Aha! #17: Our stories connect us with each other

Aha! #18: Success comes from bringing out the best in others

Aha! #19: Winners don't just point out problems. They fix them

Aha! #20: It's not what happens to you in life, it's what you do with what happens that counts

Aha! #21: Real freedom comes from letting go of the outcome

Aha! #22: Generous hearts make a difference

I encourage you to read this book to relate and enjoy each one of those Aha! moments listed up there. Kudos & thanks to authors like Barbara who constantly remind and teach you to unplug every now and then in life.

Aha! It would not be fair if I do not mention & thank Gopal - the employee at my client's who wrote that note after my session. He was the reason I could read this lovely parable and now I am glad he will benefit too reading this book.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

Powerful words to use in abundance

Mom's Crispy dosas for breakfast, dad's caring reminder about my medicines as I left home, my 60+ year old driver's patience and skill to navigate across the morning traffic to get me on time for the session, 2 hours of teaching a group of interactive & lively students, getting invited for the Founder's/Staff day of a great organization with glorious history, a relaxed work day, decreasing pain of the DES (Dry eye syndrome) that I am struggling from over the last few days and the list goes on..... By now, you are starting to wonder what the hell I am talking about?

These thoughts were after effects of a call from the Executive Director of this organization that celebrated its Founders' day (42 years) today. I was unable to answer immediately and returned her call after about 20-30 minutes. Before I could utter a word, I heard her say; "Two things Vasanth". Yes, you guessed my next move - I was pulling out a pen to make a note with "Yes please".

She said, "ONE, I wanted to ensure that you are going to be there for the Founder's day this evening". I had already been invited by the HR head & told her that I would most certainly be there.

Then she said: "TWO, THANK YOU" and then silence.

I wasn't quite expecting that and echoed, "thank you for?"

She replied; "FOR BEING THERE"

I felt good, more wanted, more appreciated and more important. Then humility descended on me and I felt more belonged to the organization.

When the call was over, I was already thinking deep about my one year as a training Consultant with this institution, how things have changed, a self assessment of how much I have contributed and the journey ahead.

It did not stop there. When I finally got back home at 6pm, I was recollecting the missed opportunities for the day to say "Thank you..followed by silence". Those are the first few lines of this blog.

We do so much of a routine every day that "thank you" is never said in many instances, particularly to the near & dear and to the people with whom we interact often. If the words have so much power, why not use it more often as possible?.

We give what we choose and receive back that which we give. Say thank you and watch the results in your life. Then try saying thank you even before the desired results occur. You will be amazed by how quickly your life becomes filled with wonderful outcomes that some choose to call MIRACLES - Rev. Michael C Rann in his write-up called "Short Cut to a Miracle"

THANK YOU GOD for reminding me and making me realize the power of "THANK YOU".

To YOU, my readers - THANK YOU!

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice, NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

Alex, the salesman who knocked me out

How many times out of ten have you been on a shopping visit having come to terms with what you want to buy before stepping out of the house and ended up buying something totally different from the research that you had done?. It happened to me very recently.

Give it a thought and answer my question; Why did you change from whatever you wanted to buy to what you now own? Who made the difference? Of course you can say that the dictator...I mean the director of your home influenced your decision but who influenced them? - I guess it has to be the smart Salesman or woman.

In my case, Alex made it a fantastic shopping experience. The only item I wanted to shop for myself when I was in Dubai recently was a pocket camera. I decided that I wasn't going to burn a hole in my pocket. Besides my brother in law who is passionate about photography advised me that anything more than a 1000 Dhs for a pocket camera was not worth the investment. So, there you go with the budget fixed, my next step was to research and find the best camera with as many features that I wanted within the price. After speaking to a couple of friends, browsing the internet for 3-4 hours reading reviews, I shortlisted three: Canon Powershot SX120 IS (999 Dhs), Canon IXUS 300HS (impressive features but didn't know the price) and Sony TX 5 Waterproof and Shockproof (1499 Dhs) which was well over my budget but the features were tempting knowing I could drop my camera and nothing would happen for a 1.5 metre fall.

When I got there, a bright young chap introduced himself as Alex and the usual question "How may I help you Sir?". I asked for the Sony model knowing very well that this would leave a gaping hole in my pocket. As Alex ran through the first few features of the model letting me hold it, he was quick to catch my expression (I don't know what he thought), paused and asked me why I wanted "that Camera - Sony TX5". I replied that I had read the reviews and thought it a good idea to check it out, thats' all. He then asked me if I was specifically looking at any features and what kind of photos would I normally shoot (That was the best question). My basic requirement I voiced out was a 10 Mega pixel and 10X optical zoom with HD Videos possibility.

His next comment was "Sony is great as a brand but they don't really specialize in cameras. In this model they were using lenses by Carl Zeiss which are cool, however he thought I should really check out other brands like Nikon, Canon and Olympus".The next model he pulled out was a Canon make for 1499 Dhs (same price as Sony and had features better than what I asked for). He let me feel it, shoot with it and yet there was some hesitation - u guys know what...

As my eyes searched through the display, I spotted Canon PS SX120 IS. That's it, I told myself, ask this guy to take it out, experiment a bit, pay and leave. I really only wanted this as it was a 10 MP Camera with 10X optical zoom. Only that it had SD Video (not HD as I preferred) and would not fit my shirt pocket (Slightly larger). I had to make that compromise as the price was perfect. I think Alex was just too good to spot every single emotion on my face. Who on earth is totally happy with any buy where you have had to make the smallest of compromise?

Alex said: Sir, I know you like that camera and perhaps you want to buy one in that price range. If I were you, I would really go for this one as he introduced me to my new Olympus u-5010. He said for the kind of pictures that I had described I would shoot, this was the perfect camera with 14.1 MP and 5X optical zoom and HD videos. I liked his candid approach in admitting that as regards to the picture quality once it exceeds 10 MP it wont really make a difference unless I was printing large sized photos. He let me play with it (I felt like a kid with a new toy in hand and I bet thinking back now, he knew my feelings and enthusiasm) as he patiently explained every single feature with its benefit. For example: Panoramic shots with which I could capture images of landscapes, sceneries and stitch them. There you go Panorama is the feature and the fact that I could get one big image which usually would not fit in a singe shot is the benefit".

At a point in time when I was nearly convinced he quoted, you only pay an additional 100 Dhs as compared to the Canon you looked earlier and you don't make any compromise as it is slim to fit your pocket and supports HD videos (other than all the other benefits I described). I was so overwhelmed by this device having held it for 30-40 minutes that I wasn't going to think more. This guy then walks out of his counter to the billing section, after I pay asks me if I need help fixing the Li battery and the 4 GB card, fits it in, shakes hands and says you've just made a wonderful investment and I wish you all the best for a colorful life. I walked out with a big smile as the proud owner of my new Olympus u-5010. I paid a total of 1141 Dhs (Additional 42 Dhs for a 4 GB card) and felt that was a real Win-Win Sale.

Above all the other rules of selling one thing is obvious here as Joe Girard (the world's greatest salesman certified by Guinness book of world records for selling 13001 cars in his career spanning 15 years) writes in his book "How to sell anything to Anybody" - When you sell cars it is essential to get a prospect to take a demo ride, if are in the business of selling houses, the equivalent is get people into the model or putting the suit on to the customer, or even cooking them a meal if you are selling a new kitchen. A mattress salesman has got to get his customer to lie down. May be a life insurance salesman can't get you to go to your own funeral but he will get you to talk about your wife and children and may be get you take out their pictures and leave them on the table while he is talking. This can be a helluva good reminder that you are not going to be around forever. Joe rightly says there is an equivalent for selling anything else.

In closing not to forget the guy who knocked me out, if you are in Dubai and want to buy a camera just get to the DG Sharaf at the Ibn Batuta Mall and ask for ALEX. This guy is sales personified, has a passion for cameras and knows his products well, very well.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice, NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

How do you inspire others?

I was on Facebook last night and perhaps it was the 10th time that one of my readers mentioned that I had stopped updating my website and my blogs.

I have been away on travel for about 3 weeks and have had a few interesting experiences worth blogging. However, I cannot write any one of them unless I dedicate this one to my beloved aunt who was snatched away from us about a month ago. As I write this I remember her smiling face 24 hours before she breathed her last. I swear to God that if there was anyone so brave in facing death, it is only her that I have seen - "Athai, even in your last moments and despite knowing the end was near, you could smile. You taught me to inspire people and appreciate life".

My aunt was one among my readers who would respond with enthusiasm to my blogs and keep me going. I will miss her and in her memory, I wanted her words of inspiration on my blog page. This is kind of personal and unedited, however as a reader you might realize the value of simple words in inspiring people around you to do what they do best everyday.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

HAI, GREAT DA!!!!!!!!!!!

HI VASANTH, CONGRATS ON UR PERFORMANCE,BACK IN DUBAI.ATHIMBER DETAILED ON ALL NEWS,SPLLY.ABT THE WONDERFUL WELCOME BACK SIGN!!!!!FOR YOU.ALL BECOZ OF UR GREAT CONFIDENCE AND MOTIVATION.KEEP ITUP AND MAYGOD DRIVE YOU THRU'THIS WONDERFUL PATH FOREVER,TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.BEST OF LUCK DA.ATHAI,(bn).
CONVEY MY BEST REGARDS TO AMMA AND APPA.BYE,BN.

Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 11:43 PM On my first return to Dubai recovering from my illness.

hai vasanth,nice to go thru'your blog!!FIRST THING 1ST,HATS OFF TO AMMA FOR HER PERSEVERANCE AND GOAL.GIVE MY BEST WISHES TO HER ON THIS MOVE.WE PRAY SHE SHD COMEOUT IN FLYING COLORS.
NOW, I APPRICIATE YOUR BLOG.REALLY IT WAS VERY INTERESTING,ALTOUGH I KNOW EVERYTHING ABT VIJAYA,IT'S INTERESTING WHEN CHILDREN DOTE ABT THEIR PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!.AM I RIGHT? KEEP SENDING MORE STUFF.IAM TRYING TO SOLVE THE HARWARD QUIZ,TOOO.BYE4NOW,ATHAI.

Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 1:55 AM To my blog - 57, Music Street, College Road, Chennai

HAI VASANTH,THE STORY IS NICE AND I THINK THE SAME STORY WAS NARRATD IN A DIFF'WAY BY NONEOTHER THAN OUR BRAHASPATHI MAMA VENU LAST YEAR ON THE LLASTDAY OF THATHA'S RITUALS.MY OPINION HAPPINESS COMES FROM WITHIN.ATHAI.

Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 3:42 PM To my blog – Secret of Happiness

hai vasanth,SIMPLY SUPERB!!!!!EACH ONE IS JUST TOO MUCH TO PUT IT IN WORDS.TO TELL FRANKLY (DID U NOTICE?)THERE IS HAPPINESS IN EVERY SINGLE PERSON'S FACE.ALL LOOKING BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL,SPLY'THE FAMILY SNAPS,TOBE PRESERVED FOR POSTERITY.KUDOS TO U GUYS.HEARTY CONGRATS TO ALL 3OF YOU.BN.

Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:46 AM After seeing the Sashtiabdapoorthi photos of my parents

THANK YOU VASANTH.WE WISH YOU ALSO A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, GREAT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEARS AHEAD!!!!!,.BN.

Sat, Jan 2, 2010 at 12:59 PM

> very nice,this one amongst all. ur simplicity and be at par with people has helped you a lot today.wish u to achive more nd more!bn.

Fri, Feb 26, 2010 at 10:30 PM To my blog - Back to the future as a Consultant – Your last written feedback and appreciation to me.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Athai, thank you and you will always remain close to my heart.

That's the power of words and sincere FEEDBACK! Every one of those comments is less than 3 to 4 lines and yet it made the impact on me. Isn't it awesome that simple words of praise to people around you can make keep them going and do their best (even after you are long gone). You continue to be remembered for the impact that you created. She was definitely instrumental in shaping my life. Are you making a difference to at least one person each day? - Think about it and do something about it. Less than 5 minutes of your day, an e-mail of 3 to 4 lines is all it takes.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice, NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

SOS - Not the 3-dits/3-dahs/3-dits

This blog is the result of an insulin shot that I got on Sunday, the 28th February 2010. This is not the regular insulin that is administered to balance sugar levels in the body but a special one. With the blog titled SOS and insulin you might think I am going to write a story of distress and timely help. Well...not really.

I heard about this Car Rally for the Visually Impaired last week and felt that I must take part in it to give something to the society - Few hours of my time, that's all - Note these words underlined carefully.

I asked my sister & brother in law and they instantly agreed to be there as well. When we reached the venue on Saturday evening for registration and driver's briefing, we saw a gathering of over 150 people out which 60-70% were visually impaired. They were the Navigators who were eagerly waiting to be assigned to the car owners. What amazed me was the fact that navigators had more questions than the drivers (us) during the "Driver's briefing". That just described their ENTHUSIASM.

We finally got our Navigator - Peer Mohammed and introduced ourselves. He lives about 60 Km away from the venue and had come there with his two little children Yasmeen (7) and Shahul (5) to participate in this event for the first time. He teaches History for 9th grade students in a regular school and loves to hear music and play chess with his daughter (Yes, he can play chess). We were mighty impressed with his talents when we went on a trial run in our car the same evening with a sample route map on braille. When we returned to the venue, it was 7.30pm and I was worried about them reaching home so late. He said "Don't you worry Sir, we will find our way to the DMS bus station and then from there take a bus ride back home". My eye brows remained raised looking at the CONFIDENCE as they walked away bidding farewell and all excited to meet the next day at 9AM.

At Savera hotel Chennai, it was like a carnival on 28th February 2010. Cheer girls flagging of 81 cars one after another at 1 minute intervals, we waited patiently for our turn - Number 48. The mission was to complete the rally covering distance of 65.1 Km without getting lost within specified time. This time Peer Mohammed did not have sample sheet like the previous evening. It was a BRAILLE BOOK.

We lost our way very early in the rally but soon learnt that we had to TRUST in our Navigator and re-assigned roles more clearly. Mohammed reads the book, I jot down in a note pad and guide Badri (my BIL) who was driving. I had the additional responsibility of being the mathematical member of the team. With a calculator in the other hand, I had to update Badri if we were ahead or behind time according to the distance covered in order for him to work his speed limit. Preetha (my sister), Yasmeen and Shahul would keep their eyes open to spot the Marshals. We had to obtain the Marshall's signatures attesting the route and time taken to reach every spot. Its difficult to describe theEXCITEMENT, FUN AND TEAMWORK. It took us 3 hours and 15 min (Approx) to return and we were quite positive about winning having done reasonably well except the beginning.

Being the second runner up in the Novice Category, we were the first to be called on stage to receive the Prize from Ms. Shivashankari (the famous Tamil author of many best selling books). A proud moment for all of us.

As I had mentioned in my tweets and Facebook it was not about winning. There were so many lessons to take away. . Let me share with you some insights:

1. Immediately after Mohammed was assigned as our navigator, I went and spoke to Ms. Dipti Bhatia who is visually impaired & involved in organizing the event. I asked her if she could share a few tips with us because we genuinely wanted to give our navigator a real good experience. Her reply: "Don't worry, Mohammed will give you a good experience". I could see CONFIDENCE PERSONIFIED when she said that. We truly got it as well.

2. Every time I saw these people crossing me, there was no element of doubt in taking the next step while walking - Again, I could see "Self Confidence".

3. When we catch a cold or fever, we create so much of self pity. In fact there have been times, when I have refrained from walking up to the kitchen for a glass of water waiting for someone to bring it to my bedside while I was sick. Ridiculous - Isn't it?. These individuals are completely independent and have very high self esteem.

4. I saw humility in each one of them despite extra ordinary talents. One of Mohammed's friends who we got to know is well versed with computers. Ha gave us his e-mail ID so that we could stay in touch. Yes, there is a software that guides them. When we saw them keying in our telephone numbers into their mobiles, we were in complete admiration at the speed and dexterity. No mistakes, not one.

5. One of the visually challenged friends during the speech said, "Normal people try not to make mistakes, we cant and we don't" and deservingly there was a thunderous applause to that statement.

6. There was another strong lesson - Let's admit that we are too quick to form opinions about people based on looks, skin color, hair style, dress etc. All the visually challenged friends whom we interacted with were always smiling, pleasant and spoke to us in a way that commanded respect and they certainly deserve it.

Can you imagine my thinking before even taking part that I was giving my time? In reality, it was these wonderful people who gave me their time and taught me so much. It is this special insulin dosage that I mentioned at the startwhich has added more balance to my thinking and life. I called this blog sos because what I witnessed at the event was indeed SOS - "Summit Of Self-confidence".

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make you choice, NOW!

Back to the future as a Consultant

95 more to go for 2010. As I write this one I am smiling coz the goal is to write 100 blogs this year and this is one way to be reminded. Time is not an excuse, neither is it that I cant find good things to write. What's keeping me away? - May be I need a bit of motivation with more comments from You - the Reader.

Yesterday was very special. I grabbed an opportunity to go back in time, perhaps back to when I started my career as receptionist at a 4 star hotel. Now, I am consultant and my client who is a 4 star hotel want their front office customer ratings going up. When I started interacting very close with the team last week, they seemed very worried. I had to tell them the TRUTH.

The TRUTH - I am training them for one reason: The team is doing WELL and they are capable of doing VERY WELL. Not the other way round as most people think and say - "Send the team for a training session because their performance is poor". How can the performance of an entire team be Poor?.

Anyway besides telling them the truth, I also needed to be involved with them and the best way I felt was to work along. I chose to be at the hotel reception & in the lobby for a few hours.

It was fun, real fun. My day was just about complimenting customers who were checking in, talking to those in house, following up to resolve few complaints. I was also glad to be a part of the little laughs and giggles owing to mistakes that happen at work (that don't necessarily affect customer satisfaction). In fact make it better.

One example is when the receptionist said; "Welcome to the Hotel _______" when the guest was actually checking out. She apologized and after the guest left we rolled out laughing.

As human as it can get, to the next guest who was checking in she said; "welcome" in a very soft tone. I was quick to intervene and mentioned in a bold voice - "JECY, THEY ARE CHECKING IN. I am sure about that and your WELCOME can be louder". The guest looked at me surprised and I shared the joke with them. The arriving Guest, Jecy and I - all of us started laughing again. Good arrival experience - ain't it?. Involve the customers, they love it.

I met another guest who had stayed in this hotel 40 years ago when it opened. I thanked him for patronizing and his comment instantly was "Good Hotels and Great Service deserve to be patronized" - Wow!. There was another couple from Romania who reminded of a wonderful friend from this beautiful country and I told them so. It was fascinating to get introduced to some of them most loyal and regular guests at this hotel.

I went about the rest of the time complimenting different guests for their smiles, their ties, their watches, salwars and suits. One Gentleman from the USA who was checking in said "Nice Big and Beautiful Hotel". I thanked him for the compliment and welcomed him with a big cheerful smile. He made my day by saying "You are the first guy I have met after landing in country, who is genuinely welcoming and cheerful. I now feel I am in India". He mentioned his experience with the immigration and the local taxi driver who did not sport a smile or speak a word. I told him the rest of the staff are as good or even better and that he can look forward to a lovely stay in this hotel.

With all that time spent interacting with customers, I also made some wonderful observations about the processes that need improvements and the team's current performance on the shop floor to get the ratings up. So I got to work with the team on those while you can wait to hear from me again.

Delight yourself first in order to delight people around you. Most importantly, make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

Just say it Folks

Glad that my internet problem is fixed now and I can be in touch with the world again. 10 days ago, I was on a pilgrimage trip by road. On the way back, our driver stopped by a tiny puncture shop on the highway to check if there was enough air in the tyres. As we kept chatting away in the car, my mother spotted something different there - a chair spun out of tubes (Cycle tubes).

I immediately commented "That's intelligent" while the rest in the car nodded and continued on with the conversation. My mom goes one step further - she gets down from the car, calls the old man in charge of that shop and tells him "That's a good Job" pointing at the chair. You should have seen the cheer on his face as he thanked her saying -Nandri amma. He continued proudly how comfortable and cushion like it feels when you sit in that chair. That was enough - another lesson to learn.

When you feel someone has done something worth appreciating, JUST SAY IT FOLKS - not to yourself, but to the person directly. Do it even with people you don't know - see the joy that you get looking at the happiness and pride in them.

Being able to recognize is an important quality one should develop as a leader or manager. This does not happen naturally at work unless you are able to appreciate the good things you see happening around you outside work.

Recognition in my opinion is the best way to engage people, retain talent and improve performance at work. Here are some of my favorites from the book "Carrot Principle' authored by Adrain Gostick and Chester Elton:

1. You have to remember, remember, remember to recognize. At the beginning of each day, put three coins in your right pocket. Transfer one to the left each time you reward an employee for a behaviour that is critical to your goals, your customers, your employees and your company. By the end of the day, the 3 coins should be in your left pocket.

2. Send out one hand written thank you note a day to someone who has helped you. You will be surprised to find you never run out of people to thank.

3. The next time one of your folks make a mistake in an effort to move forward in an unfamiliar territory, reward it. By rewarding courage to try something new, you create a trusting environment where innovation can, and will, occur.

4. Post letters of praise from clients (this happens) and colleagues (think about this) on a bulletin board in a high profile location.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

HP v/s MP

Couple of days ago, I was invited to join a team that was celebrating its NY sales success. Location was serene on the backwaters with coconut trees all around, a distance of about 2 hours drive from the city. We crossed the backwaters in a little ferry to reach a private coconut garden and the scene was just perfect for a great party.

As I took a deep breath to enjoy mother nature, people were already on the dance floor - Hip shakes and zig zag leg twists to the tunes of the DJ. The quiet ones were content sitting down with their rocks glass or Hi-ball glass as the rest devoured on the delicious barbecued prawns and more food cooked at site. Awesome - there was choice for everyone.

As it got a bit dark, I decided to bid farewell to the group and leave early. We had to drive up a little sand hill and rather unfortunately the MD's 4-wheel drive which was in front got stuck in the sand and refused to climb. We knew now that there was work to do.

The following half an hour of action that I witnessed was a beautiful lesson about "TEAM WORK". Here's what I observed;

1. In the beginning, there were some individuals trying to be "Stars" - getting into the vehicle and using the horse power to its best. Higher the HP, more faster the wheels turned as the tyres plunged deeper into the sand. Soon, the individuals knew they were embarrassing themselves.

2. Now, it was everyone's turn to give ideas. With people shouting over each other's voices, someone who was senior in the hierarchy insisted that the vehicle be pushed back and drive it up a new route. Once gain, the idea did not work. Not enough HP :(

3. A handful of people were already drawing conclusions " An Impossible task - We neeed a Tow truck" and were giving up.

4. Those who believed and continued with their efforts knew 2 things:

(a) They needed one good idea to work this out.

(b) Together Everyone Achieves More and they needed to keep everyone motivated.

5. Eventually, they got it by lining up cocunut tree branches and leaves under the wheels, the vehicle's Horsepower (HP), combined Manpower (MP) and a slight deviation in route where the surface looked slightly harder.

When the vehicle was back up on road, I could hear screams of Joy, Pride and a Sense of achievement in the faces. For a moment, I felt there was more excitement and Happiness in the team than when they were on the dance floor. It's amazing what happens to us when we accomplish something, even better feel when in a TEAM.

Don't forget to celebrate when your team achieves something. No matter how simple you thought the task was - Just like the boys jumped up in joy when they pushed the car up the sand hill without a tow a truck.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

In Search of Excellence

I chose this blog title for 2 reasons:

1. A brilliant forward that I received a few months ago (The Sculptor story that you will get to read below).

2. The title is also the name of a fascinating business book written many years ago by the Management Guru, Tom Peters.

Organizations, teams or individuals - The ultimate word for all of them is "Success" and people are madly in pursuit of this word. No doubts, we are on the right track when have a clearly defined goal, have a written plan of action and do interim evaluations during the journey. After doing all that some of us still don't get there and keep wondering where the hell did I / We go wrong?.

We all know that Usain Bolt holds the world record in 100m athletics clocking 9.58 Sec at the Berlin World Championships in August 2009. If I were to ask you who came second in that race, not many of us can remember. Who cares anyway? Thats how Success gets defined in this world - "Position 1". Most people who don't make it are really in pursuit of this No.1 spot and thats's precisely why they don't get there.

Usain Bolt, Roger Federer, Sachin Tendulkar, A.R. Rahman, Bill gates or Steve Jobs - Listen to them speak. None of them had an obsession to Numero Uno. Every one of them followed their Passion, searched for Excellence in their chosen field and Success came towards them. I thought there is no better way to explain excellence than share this little story:

A German once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do u need two statues of the same idol?". "No", said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first got damaged in the final stage". The visitor examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?", he asked. "There is a scratch on the nose of the idol" said the sculptor, still busy with his work. "Where are you going to install the idol?".

The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar 20 feet high. "If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?", the gentleman asked. The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the visitor, smiled and said, "I will know it".

Remember, Excellence is a drive from inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency.

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com

AAL IZZ WELL

How many of you believe in doing specific things on 1st January that will make things happen the way you want it to be - the rest of the year? I ask this question coz as I was leaving home from one of my client's (a popular star hotel) last evening, a junior member of the HR team asked me if I wasn't going to stay for the New years Party. I was quick with my response to say that I need to wake up early on the first day of the Year. He smiled and asked, "Do you actually believe in such sentiments?". I had to think before I answered that question.

I took a little test recently (a mail forward - so I dont know how authentic it is) according to which I use my right brain more often than the left. Apparently that means I go more by "beliefs, imagination and feelings" than "Knowing, facts and logic". Most people that are known to me either end up partying until 6AM or go for a Midnight Mass / get up early for a temple visit on 1st of January.But my reason for waking early was totally different. I was getting up to watch a movie in a theatre at 7AM - Can you believe it? Am I sentimental? Perhaps yes, coz I have done that with my sister and BIL for 3 consecutive years now. In my opinion people don't prefer a sentimental tag to their name for the simple reason of getting branded as Non-rationalistic. I aint any different folks and I thought I'd rather explain to him how it helps when people do specific things on such occasions. Its all about the mind - What experts call as Law of attraction. Let me explain:

My simple philosophy to life is happiness & delight. So, here's what I decide to do on the very 1st day of the year - Wake up early, after a quick breakfast head straight out for a movie that is a 3 hour laugh riot (Guaranteed by raving online reviews). To make it better it also carried a message - When everything goes crazy or out of control just tell your heart "AAL IZZ WELL". No spelling mistakes, thats how the guys say it and its damn funny. My mind is ready and trained to think positive from the very beginning - 2010, a Happy and fun filled year. Well, its the first step and its so easy right?. If a little sentiment can add value to your life's philosophy or achieving a goal, whats'wrong - Just do it and say "AAL IZZ WELL".

Delight yourself first to delight people around you. Most importantly, make your choice NOW!

Meet me at: www.gettingtodelight.com