The Lord Of Myself

Expanding your horizons, yet mastering your world!

2011-07-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

Silo-focussed vs broad-based approach; closed vs open; globalized vs localized; multi-tasking vs uno-tasking; chaos vs structure; innovation vs efficiency; eastern vs western; my world vs larger world

There is a pattern that flows through all these dichotomies – you can’t do justice to one aspect without experiencing the other.

For instance, a professional working on his own stuff without knowing or appreciating what others contribute to a larger goal of project success or strategy implementation isn’t doing justice to himself or to his firm. Likewise, a company or a nation working on its own priorities with a blind eye towards what other firms in their own industry are up to or what other nations are working towards is committing the same blunder. The world is more connected now than ever and ignoring the world that is not your own is not a good idea.

There is also a philosophy that each one of us, irrespective of the boundaries we created for our selves such as nations, religions, cultures, personalities etc, is part of a big web that is spread across the universe. That doesn’t mean dissipation or distraction of individual resources is the answer – focus is still the primary attribute for excellence, but with an appreciation of how your excellence contributes to larger good.

How do we go about developing this openness while retaining the closedness, if you will? Start befriending folks who doesn’t belong to your boundaries (same thinking, same industry, same country etc), expand your social circle – and may be leveraging your existing relationships could be a starting point in appreciating such diversity. Good luck!

Power of Rituals

2011-06-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

How many times have we loathed people who had strange religious rituals which we think are weird? Rituals (including those you don’t connect to) are only the means to a greater end. Every one uses tools and resources to evolve as a perfect human at his own pace - establishing rituals is one such powerful approach. Ritual simply means doing an act regularly in a certain way at a certain time – without exceptions.
Will power and self-discipline aren’t found in abundance – every one has those to an extent. We should use those optimally and for rest of the key activities “rituals” should come in handy. Design rituals based on your goals and get out of the way. Results are ensured once rituals are imbibed. For instance, if having healthy life is your goal – going for a walk or running at 6 AM should be your ritual. You do this in an auto-pilot mode. Forming rituals is toughest in the initial phases as I am experiencing now!
Daily pressures and other seemingly important tasks come in the way. I am not sure yet how we solve this conundrum – but I believe we need to exercise our will-power initially to get this going. We must not give up despite initial set backs and even when it appears that we are chasing wild goose – because the results entail less exertion. But, when do you know that a ritual has been set?
It takes 21 days to form a habit – but I believe 40 contiguous days is an acceptance criterion for a ritual formation. By no means, I am suggesting blind obedience to superstitions or to those acts that violate moral conduct – serial killing is a serious ritual! Use your head and be true to your conscience when forming rituals – because they stick.

Better late than never....

2011-06-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

It’s been almost 2 years since I wrote a blog entry – the longest hibernation I ever had. Life has been pacing through many crests, troughs, and plane paths at various speed; Busyness has become the bad spelling for my Business in these 2 years.

Nevertheless, I am resolving to write again and this time more frequently. Through this blog I will continue to reflect and share my thoughts, ideas, inspirations, and perspectives. This time it is about "relationships". I am definitely not an expert on this – neither a ideal theorist nor an effective practitioner – but a humble learner. And, here is what I learnt:

Relationships to me simply means sharing and caring - they are truest treasures one can ever cherish. Activities such as the following don’t have a substitute: Playing mediocre street cricket with old pals, recollecting bad old jokes with good friends, recounting heart-filled memories with close cousins; drinking, eating, laughing, crying out loud with the souls you most cherish; Making new friendships and relishing old ones are the true joys you can pass on to generations even in this facebook era! Reflecting your memories (both good and bad) and speaking your mind act like a tonic to your spirit.

Many people come and go in your life – but for some reason some people stick and leave an impression in your lives. Some are given (parents, siblings, relatives etc) and some are chosen – but all are worth sharing your life stories with and providing caring support. It is important to empathize and step in those people’s shoes to learn their perspectives – but, never be a phony to impress. Even at the risk of alienating certain folks – be always yourself by upholding your conscience in this glocalized world.

People who mind don’t matter and people who matter don’t mind. The latter are the folks who you wanna share your life’s journey with.

Au revoir,

Satish

P.S: On the other note, watch out for the new blog on “CIO Musings” that will be unveiled shortly; I like to share what I am learning and gleaning at work through this new blog.(even planning to write few papers that are under construction - only facts, metrics, and data around business-tech world that you wouldn’t find anywhere.)

New Blog: B+T!

2009-07-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

I will soon be starting a new blog, focusing mainly on business & technology - not on their marriage or divorce, but on how tightly they are coupled in this digital world and how important it is for the 21st century leaders to understand this stuff...

I am a novice myself in this field - but I shall share what i know and let's learn together in this fascinating sphere!

However, I will continue to write this current blog with the same objective of sharing on what i am learning from life - sort of diary & perspective sharing!

tata...Satish

P.S: Any suggestions to name the new blog???

'Pappa'hood

2009-07-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

hmm...on a funny note, when people can derive tollywood, bollywood from hollywood - I didn't think it was strange to draw 'pappa hood' from fatherhood..!

What better way to exert myself from hibernation than writing about fatherhood? I know it is an unusual topic considering what I've been writing all along, but if a man of Obama's stature is writing and talking about it - then it must deserve its proper due! Also, it gives me a chance to share something I've never experienced before.

Life changes completely when you've a kid - it's more about him & less about you; Are the diapers changed regularly - is he crying too loud - is the baby getting enough sleep & care - these and many more zillion questions incessantly spin in your mind. You'll hardly feel if you are hungry, you aren't passionate enough to go to a ball game, no time for movies nor for any outside activities - 24 hrs a day were never enough, but more so now; Suddenly, all that what you've been valuing take a back seat - and all you care now is to see the teeth-less smile of your boy!

While it is important to cherish your precious lil' one, you shouldn't ignore how you are shaping up. Any one can give birth, but it takes a lot more to become a good father. I am not an expert at it but i know fatherhood is an enormous & enriching responsibility. Nature takes its course and you, as a father, is responsible for both his nature and nurture. You are literally on a 24 hour stage show for the boy - every thing you do, every thought you think - every behavioral aspect will be picked up by your boy. Do you want to be a hero or something else? Your choice! Nothing comes from corn, but corn. So never ignore your own self-development because you must be what you want your boy to be!

One thing I can never understand is this feeling that "You'll do "ANYTHING" for your boy" - when i say "anything", I mean "ANYTHING".

tata..Satish

Cross-collaborations

2009-03-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

I am yet to see a company or a family or a group where perfect collaboration happens amongst teams or functions or departments. Most of the thoughts or ideas I came across in various reputed journals look very good on paper but have never seen those implemented in practice. My experience might be too limited to conclude that perfect cross collaborations don't happen - but I would be delighted to be proved wrong.

Incentives that encourage cross-collaboration should probably do the trick - but unless they are designed and communicated right, the incentive effect might even boomerang. People are so focussed in silos and aim at optimization of whatever they do - someone has to think a level above to ensure we not only do things right but prioritize on doing right things! And, that someone has to be leader of the group or family or business unit or company.

Ensuring effective cross-collaboration is the most important job of a leader that can never be delegated.

tata...Satish

Practice without Preaching!

2009-03-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

ALWAYS, don't expect someone to take your advice and ignore your example.

You are what you are and you can't expect to change it by speaking grand words or talking about great people. The best way to influence and inspire your team or coterie in business or in family setting is "by being the way you want your folks to be". Setting an example or being a role model to your kids is the best way to impart the best in your kids. Actions are indeed more deafening than words!

Ok, now how to set the right example? At every instant or every cross road in life, you will know what's the right path to take - but, you also know it's damn hard compared to the other three easy routes. You are what you are based on the path you choose at such cross roads!

Right and wrong might vary from person to person and to a large extent depends on her dreams and goals. But, a person will always know in his pure conscience what is right or wrong. So, knowing what is right or wrong is the easy part - doing right is what makes or breaks a man!

Therefore, when you practice - you don't have to preach.

Au revoir,
Satish

P.S: Just a clarification - I don't write blogs to inspire my readers - I write because i love writing and would always like to remind myself of what's really cool in my life?

D B T B A B (Pursuit of Righteousness)

2009-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

.. the above funny acronym translates to "Dream Big, Think Big, Act Big": We've heard company's tag lines: "Just Do It"; "Dare to Dream"; "Think Different" etc, etc - highlighting only one aspect, but it is necessary to have all three (dreaming, thinking, & acting) in unison to achieve personal mastery or career excellence or entrepreneurial contentment.

However, I wouldn't talk about any of the three in this post but explore something that triggers and sustains the above three in an individual. At the risk of being perceived as spiritual philosopher, I venture to say that your "fundamental core" determines your readiness to take a giant leap to dream, think, and act big in perfect harmony with your soul. Your core needs to be transformed and aligned with your original SOURCE to act as a foundation or platform on which the above three can be launched with lightning speed.

What do I mean by such core transformation? There is nothing inherently either good or bad, but everyone understands what's right or wrong in any situation; In some instances it is easy to do the right thing but in some it's damn difficult to unshackle your old habits to do the right thing or you need to be immensely brave to do the right thing or you must be crazy or so others think... Understanding your boundaries, setting the ground rules, and sticking your neck to follow those - no matter what - brings in that transformation.

I am not sure if I am making sense - but what I would like to tell is that nothing happens in your life unless you are ready; You can't blame anyone for what's happening or what's not happening in your life except may be yourself. Your focus should be on being best, doing best, and getting "future" ready!

tata...Satish

Big Sudden Impact/Surprise

2008-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

..i am not talking about incremental changes or satisfying the souls who constantly chant "Change is good"...neither am i talking about "Change, we believe in" slogans. Rather, I am wondering how we deal with something so sudden, so big, and so pleasant or unpleasant! Even pleasant surprises take a toll on you, more so when you aren't well prepared. I believe the stress to be doubly more if the impact is negative. So, how do we deal with such volcanoes?

First, don't resist! This normally isn't difficult if the impact is pleasant - but even so, it is important to go with the flow - completely focussed and utmostly present. Several important things will take a back seat - temporarily - it is ok, because you can't do everything every time as you've limited resources, energy, and time.

Second, re-plan and re-visit your goals under the light of new change; Don't beat yourself for missing few goals and start dealing with change (either enjoying the change or taking actions to overcome and achieve).

Third, update your important stakeholders of the new change happened in your life so that they align their expectations on you wth the ground realities.

More importantly, allow yourself some time to reflect, react, and re-energize.

tata..Satish

Plan for the best, Prepare for the worst...!

2008-11-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

I would like to reflect on the common man's perspective of what these 'tough times' really mean? We are hearing all sort of non-sense, hell-breaking-loose stuff all over - we've every right to feel being victimized by happenings around for no fault of us; Suddenly, the quotes such as 'save for the rainy day';'Tougher gets going, when the going gets tough' seem to make lotta sense. What's happening right now is a correction cycle and such cycles are common in all phases of life to restore the vitality and cull out indisciplines/inefficiencies.

However, layoffs don't necessarily mean 'laying off' inefficient people - it could be reorganizing, repatterning the companies for next phase with best available folks in best available slots. The individuals should reflect and focus on their strengths to find a right position for themselves.
It is easier said than done - but one must always be cognizant of their SWOT matrix to adapt to these 'tough' changes. There is a funny saying on the difference between 'recession' and 'depression' , which actually reflects the human psychology: "Recession is when your neighbour loses the job and depression is when you lose the job"

Never lose your hunger and dreams - no matter what - its like losing your soul; You too can reflect, regroup, and reenergize - just like the way the companies are doing: culling out inefficiencies and building the character!

Plan for the best, Prepare for the worst!
Tata...Satish

Greed Vs Fear

2008-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

9 out of 10 times, I believe greed wins over fear - especially in stock markets with terrible consequences. I am just dabling in and out of Indian and US share markets for over an year- so my impressions can be ignored and need not be taken with any pinch of sugar or salt. Ok, on the otherhand, what happens when fear wins over greed - utter inaction and wastage of one's life and potential - even worst outcome than being overly ambitious. So, what should prevail - greed or fear? Some intelligent nut might suggest the balance of both or that you should control both greed and fear or you should've neither- utter bull shit!

The answer to this question, like for most complicated questions, is to be knowledgeable and comfortable with what you are doing. Superficial knowledge is more fatal than no knowledge (remember, half-knowledge is dangerous!). I burnt my hands with derivatives, so I believe the answer has to be beyond greed and fear. Derivatives are cited as weapons of terrible mass-destruction, because many people don't understand what they actually comprise, how the underlying stuff effects its value, and its various hedging options.

Trying to be jack of all 'trades' or being shallow & superficial will cause more harm than zero knowledge. Indepth knowledge, fast response times, and intellectual curiosity will cushion you in these turbulent times.

bad, good, great

2008-09-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was wondering while watching the movie 'The pursuit of happyness' - why do we always hear only the stories of heroes who transform themselves from a bad to a great situation. What about so many people who are comfortably placed in good situations through out their lives - we don't hear any stories of such people transforming from good to great - do we?

May be because there aren't any such stories - the one that comes close is the book: "Good to Great!" So, why don't we have such instances where people who are leading comfortable life-styles transforming themselves to great folks?

There is a story which probably might explain this phenomenon - there are two birds sitting on a perch near a military airport; The younger bird, seeing a jet fly high, asks her mother why they can't fly like that BIG BIRD? Mother bird replies - "do you see the fire coming at its back? if we have such fire in our belly, we will fly such heights :)" So, the answer is "fire in the belly"

Dire circumstance naturally ignites that fire in most people, some of them never extinguish it and reach great heights. It might be difficult to ignite such fire in our belly, if we are a couch potato or indisciplined brat or dream-less/hope-less saint! I somehow believe that its your dream which ignites that fire called 'Passion' irrespective of your situation.

au revoir...Satish

What the heck is productivity?

2008-09-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

You hear the terms such as productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, overhead etc, etc quite often from people who've no idea or several ideas of what they are talking about! Ever wondered what they mean to you? Any individual performs several roles in life - engineer/manager, husband/wife, son/daughter,mother/father, friend/foe, superior/subordinate, individual/team-member etc, etc Asking oneself what their productivity in each of the roles they perform could be a true barometer for one's realization of true potential! Because - it is a well known fact that you can't control/improve something you don't measure. But, how the heck do we measure productivity?

Productivity in its basic definition means output/input - contribution vs consumption, price vs performance. So, the first step is to define what are you important outputs and inputs in a certain role. For instance, one's output as a friend is to see how many times you've helped your mate without being approached or otherwise. Input could be time spent in cultivating that friendship or no. of quarrels between each other etc, etc - You get the idea! It is up to you to see what are important inputs and outputs for you in your role.

Next step is to see if you can quantitatively measure the output and input to arrive at a metric that can be tracked over a period to gauge the trend of how you are doing as a friend :) You need to have a value measure and observe the trend to see how you can improve! In addition, you can set the goals and peform against such expectations as you go along.

My first impression to this thought of applying productivity to all the roles we play seemed absolutely absurd and ridiculous- because there is so much subjectivity and emotional quotient associated with certain roles that it is almost impossible to put a number. As they say, some relationships are invaluable that you can't put a value to it. Agreed!

However, how do you know that you are becoming a better father as years pass by? Should subjective comments or visceral impressions guide you in that crucial role? Many of the roles are the new roles we start in with zero experience - father, husband etc, etc We've no clue of how to treat a new-born infant and be the best father on this planet. So, what I believe and propose is to have a quantitative measure of your performance without ignoring the fact that these roles/relationships are invaluable.

I know it is a very, very tough exercise - but the hard part is only finding the magic formula of your own productivity. But, once you find it, it is easy to implement and follow the routine!

Tata...Satish

Attractions of Distractions...!

2008-07-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

...u might have heard -" evil is more enticing than angel", "indiscipline is more comfortable than discipline" & terms such as 'couch potato', 'lazy as hell'; All these terms in some degree reveal the attractions of distractions; Infidelity of a faithful husband, detour of dreamers, inertness of an excited out-of-colledge grad after few years of work experience, general time-pass thingie are all manifestations of 'attractions of distractions'.

Common-sense - huh? Now, the million-dollar question is how do you guard yourself against such seemingly harmless distractions? As usual, My 2-cents follows -

Just imagine, what happens on a weekend morning when you've decided that you will get up at 5:00 AM? You bang the alarm because your body creaks and weeps and pleads you to continue your lethargy! I am a victim of this particular habit for centuries :) What I think I should be doing probably is to indulge in some punitive measures to at least minimize the power of distractions. The punishment should hurt you physically or emotionally to prevent further failures - I know I sound like an head master, but i believe that is a very effective measure - you can reward yourself big when you successfully complete your endeavor for 21 consecutive days !

Why 21 days? Because it takes at least 21 days for your body, mind, and soul to adjust to the new pattern in your life. So keep forming good habits by sticking to those at least for 21 consecutive days and watch your life change!

Tata..Satish

P.S: I am having quite a time in first few days of my 4th US trip - will share my ramblings in next few days!

Where the heck my Salary vanishes?

2008-07-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

...ever wondered what's the plight of so called elusive 'high-salaried' IT professional in this hi-tech environment of high-inflation and high-interest rates? Inspired by a similar post of one of my alums and tried to analyze where the heck my salary vanished in the last year (May to April)

May: Education Loan
June: Engagement expenses
July: Tax on Income
Aug: Marriage expenses
Sep: Gift items for better-half!
Oct: Setting up 'new home' expenses
Nov: repaying short-term borrowings
Dec: High rents
Jan: More tax on income
Feb: Sister's marriage expenses
Mar: Inflation and Interest rates eating on household expenses
Apr: Share losses!

...now, getting ready for the new financial year with a new vision!

Expecting decent hikes or promotions, getting disappointed, hoping for a better future are the cyclical events in most people's lives! I honestly believe that no one owes you a better future than yourself. Your company, your HR, and your managers aren't thinking of your career day-in and day-out - you are the one who ought to be thinking and acting!

In career, like in anything else in life, you won't get what you desire or what you want or what you need - you will only get what you are ready for? I will elaborate on this sometime later :)

tata...Satish

Transitions....

2008-07-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

....i am not just referring job/ leadership transitions or personal transitions; It is anyone's guess that transition scenarios are abound in one's life: philosophically, you transcend various life stages or incarnations to reach your ultimate - professionally, you transition to new roles, new firms, new countries etc, etc.. Ever thought about how to manage these changes and still remain sane!!

Transition periods are tricky times - more so because you are expected to perform fast and smart when you've limited or no information on ground realities of the new situation. Forget information assymetry - you have zero information as a newbie!

My 2 cents about how to get through these tricky times:

The key is to get as much information as possible about the people, programs, Org, culture -"way of getting things done in the new atmosphere", account/team influences. How to get this info in quick time? I believe the best way is to listen to people who are in the environment for quite some time; Most people love being listened to and they will tell you exactly what you need to do and what they expect of you. Ask open ended questions to elicit as much information as possible. Some people might not come out of their shelves to answer your questions - you might want to take the conversation from their personal front!

Another caution to heed: don't try to be a hero and do mass changes from day one; Don't fix things that aren't broken! Listen, absorb, get the buy-in and then start acting, armed with full-fledged information and people-support. This process is tedious, time-consuming, and passive - but it is a must to manage transitions smoothly!

Au revoir...Satish

Keys 2 the door of will-power: Energy & Focus

2008-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

New year eve comes and goes – with it comes:RESOLUTIONS; Those resolutions might not go as quickly as the new year eve does – but most of them literally vanish after days, weeks, or at max months! What starts the resolutions in the first place is “motivation” – either external or self-driven. However, most people assume motivation is enough to sustain those self-made promises; So, why do most people with good intentions fail despite being highly motivated? What’s the missing puzzle?
Caution: Knowing the answer alone will not enable you to fulfill your resolutions; Knowledge isn’t power as many say – application of knowledge is!
The missing puzzle is: will-power! How do I get that? Can I buy in the market place with arbitrage opportunities or can I steal it from my wife (she thinks she has loads of it J) or can I simply follow the newly invented spiritual process or meditation method? To determine ‘how’, we need to understand ‘what’ will-power actually comprises of?
There are two keys to unlock the door of will-power so to say: Energy & Focus; One without the other will not be effective – because, if you’ve exuberant energy without focus, you dissipate it fast and wander around. On the other hand, if you’ve focus but no energy you will procrastinate things to such a point that you will lose focus as well. In order to master these, one must have worthwhile goals, a solid, yet flexible, plan to achieve those goals, and regular feedback and tracking mechanism to monitor the progress.
Resolutions can be translated into results and reality by employing will-power!

Ideation ...to...Implementation

2008-04-03T01:24:00.000-07:00

Good ideas don't always necessarily transalate into good products/services - primarily due to two causes: One, the idea itself doesn't stand up to the actual reality and fails during implementation and second, it is plain tough to find idea implementors than idea generators :) You need a real change agent or a hero so to speak to make things happen - especially to implement the discontinuous innovation ideas. Let us stick to the second cause and try to address that!

For any change to be effective and sustain, 100% involvement from all the people is a must; Naturally, such a mass buy-in won't happen overnight- more so, if the change is top-driven! Hence, Patience and perseverance, along with action-oriented and example-setting leadership, are the mantra. For instance, if you would like your company timings to change, the first thing you need to be sure is you better have a solid reason for the change; Change for the sake of change or to be consistent with everybody else isn't going to work. If the reason is solid, you should be able to convince everyone the necessity to change - if not, you fail at the first step!

Assuming you are able to convince everyone, leaders should be the role-models and example-setters - because, actions speak hell lot louder than words! The behaviours and actions reinforcing the change or new idea should be applauded and those that fail to should be reprimanded. For an idea to be effectively implemented, leaders presence on the battlefield is mandatory right from the hatching moment of the idea to such a stage where the change has been solidly engraved into the system.

Power, Influence, and Persuasion are the primary skills that need to be displayed for the idea to jump outta brains to the onground reality and for accomplishing mass buy-in. We shall discuss these traits someother time..!

tata..Satish

Anger Management ..huh!!

2008-03-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

..i hate the phrases like Anger mgmt, stress mgmt! Why does anyone want to manage such devils?Anger and stress aren't something to be managed, but are to be abolished, neglected and flushed out from the system.

BUT HOW? Don't tell me such cheap tricks like counting 1 to 10 or 10 to 1 in reverse order or deep breathing or drinking water (may be beer) or going out for a walk or some such philosiphical crap!

Personally, I vent my anger by breaking something or throwing something out or expressing myself delightfully loud or insulting others or keeping mum out & burn inside - so bad huh?? Up on reflection, I think anger is some sort of chemical reaction within body in response to an unfavorable external event - and why are some events favorable and some unfavorable to us?

Because, we've certain expectations from Life and any event that meets those expectations are termed favorable and those which aren't are termed unfavorable - common sense huh? Not having expectations or desires is not a solution to flush stress or anger out - not having those is like dying; However, more realistic solution seems to be accepting life or events or circumstances as they are with proper planning for future dreams/wishes, along with an incorporated feedback mechanism. Everyone makes mistakes, but only few accept their faults and learn from those so as not to repeat - you gotta be one of those few to flush anger and stress out. If life turns out to be as exactly as you expect it to be - wouldn't that be the most boring thing? So - don't flush out life's excitement, flush out only the anger and stress part!

tata...Satish

p.s: I agree, it is easy to say and difficult to practice, but remember - no pain, no gain!

Managing a manager..!!

2008-03-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

The word 'manager' has been so distorted that it has become synonymous with 'manipulator', 'team-overhead', 'non-value add', 'meddler' and what not. Partly, this distortion is well-deserved and justified because of the displayed behavior, action (or non-action), and character of the person in the managerial position. What the heck a manager is supposed to do anyway?

If you ask this question to any manager, he would probably say - plan, organize, control, coordinate and some similar bull crap! How can they ever improve or monitor themselves - if they don't what they are supposed to do? Most of their time is spent on dousing daily fires - seldom reflective/proactive - frequent interruptions - politicking - bossing around/supervising: do these activities suggest planning, organizing and other such superlatives...?

I liked one of the classic HBR articles which talked about what a manager ideally is supposed to do! In brief, he needs to perform ten roles - categorized under interpersonal roles (3), informational roles (3), and decisional roles (4); If one understands these 10 roles and their interplay, I am sure any manger appreciates their true sense and improves accordingly and no one would mistake 'manipulator' for 'manager'; The roles are: Figurehead, Leader, Liaison; Monitor, Disseminator, Spokesperson; Entrepreneur, Disturbance handler, resource allocator, Negotiator

tata...Satish

Business of the Business ??

2008-03-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

..really what is the business of the business? ..quite a few pop up in my mind: new products/services, making money, creating wealth, economic well-being, societal contribution, shareholder satisfaction, customer delight, employement etc, etc I believe the answer to it depends on from which side of the prism you are looking through? Let me look through the enterprenurial angle and see how it goes..!

As per an article I recently glanced through, new businesses can pop up under only two scenarios: one, when new products/services are discovered either through technological breakthoughs or serendepity and secondly, when one uses his talent/imagination/all sorts of capital in overcoming the existing inefficiencies in the market; Quite understandably, both these scenarios are rare and difficult, which explains the rarity of success among new business ventures - so really, the business of the business is to create new business opportunities or Kaizen so to speak!

tata..Satish

Art of interviewing...

2008-02-19T04:21:00.000-08:00

..no I am not talking about the interview tips or the killer interview process to get a plum job. Instead, I've been lately thinking about the perfect art of interviewing people for various roles..

People judgement and assessment is such an elusive skill that it should be considered more of an art than a science. The repercussions of not selecting the right person for the right role are disastrous in the long run - both for the person selected and for the company. I believe hiring people is a tremendous responsibility - the higher the role, the larger the consequences of misfit.
It is apalling how people are recruiting without being aware of such huge responsibility and sometimes with even disdain and pressure to meet the numbers!!

Imagine an inert and inept 20-year experienced person recruited to lead an enthusiastic team of 100 people - what a gross injustice? People rely on lot of fallacious, yet implicit, assumptions in recruiting people with a predetermined experience, skill-sets, and his previous firm's credibility. Assessing attitude and several soft-skills such as interpersonal, energy, enthusiasm, passion, and commitment takes back-seat. It is true that assessing such intangible skills and emotional intelligence takes huge effort and time than assessing IQ and technical skills - but the effort is worth especially for critical senior roles.

I wish I could find some resource/research on this aspect of interviewing - the only book that came close is Jack Welch's 'Winning' where he talks briefly about the importance of hiring right people. I know it is very subjective and sometimes those hiring decisions happen by gut feeling, but I truly wish there is some good comprehensive book on this elusive art!!

tata..Satish

ISB in T20

2008-02-12T23:40:00.000-08:00

..what made me update my blog after such a prolonged hibernation :) - it definetly has to do with ISB. India's premier B-school has been listed in the FT top 20 list - a phenomenal achievement considering the fact that ISB is probably the youngest b-school to have achieved that feet. The triumph is more gratifying as alum contribution is one of the most important attributes in the FT ranking.

Like always, I am determined to update my blog regularly henceforth :) Let's see how long will it last this time! Writing is an art which improves immensely with just little effort at regular intervals and i would love to exploit the advantage. I should probably encourage my wife and more of my friends to have their own blogs as well...Sharing is caring- right?

I am lately thinking of career from a different perspective and I can't help but think of what Rajat Gupta has said during our ISB grad ceremony - " It doesn't really matter which job you take up after MBA - what really matters for a successful career is life-long learning mind-set and the ability to better yourself on a daily basis"; A B-school definetly helps you learn more in your careers. It is more common and natural to compare ourselves with others, compete with others to get what we want in life - but the more sustaining form of improving is to compete with yourself and comparing yourself with what you were yesterday. Becoming better and better with each and every passing day will what make you the most successful in career or marriage or in whatever you choose!

Aurevoir...Satish

*&% Getting Lost ...)(

2007-08-21T02:24:00.000-07:00

..sometimes it is so usual to feel that you aren't in control of your life - things happen at such a pace that time flies in your face without you even feeling it...As far as I can decipher, there are three reason why people get lost:

- No goals: Lack of focus is a direct consequence of lack of clear goals; Goals are worthwhile only if they are one's dreams with definite deadlines. The very fact of having clear, passionate and emotional goals will overcome many hurdles on the way.

- Urgent Vs Important: People always act on urgent things, irrespective of whether they are important or not. If the same approach is followed on important things i.e if people always do important things on time, they will never get lost - self discipline plays a pivotal role here!

- Personal Vs Professional: Important balance needs to be maintained between these two eyes (sorta..) You cannot ignore one for the other; Life moves in various phases -one eye tends to dominate the other - but, you gotta keep an eye on these eyes and ensure your dreams are never compromised - because they are your own! Never let anyone steal your dreams - including your beloved ones!

tata..Satish

People skills..

2007-08-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

...i think one of the greatest and rarest skills is to identify winners among masses much ahead of time!! Identifying right set of people, assigning them right responsibilities, grooming them to proper positions requires lot of experience in dealing with people. Most of us are aware that it is much more tougher to deal with people than with machines and accurate logic..and no wonder those who possess these skills are valued a lot..

..different people react differently to same situations, same incentives and same pressures...some are born winners, some are learnt winners, ..and some are just whiners; some even have the skill to turn whiners into winners. People skills, like any other skill, can be acquired but it requires a lot more commitment, connection, and selflessness.

Such skills are used not only in professional sphere but also in personal arena - you can't choose your parents, brothers, sisters and even relatives - but you can choose one who sticks with you for the rest of your life - partner! People skills are indeed precious not only for professional success but for personal fulfillment as well :)

tata... Satish.

New Lease of Life...

2007-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's been like decades since i wrote something in here..lack of time or purpose are no reasons to do so this time :)

I am tying the knot next month and am currently in the process of transitioning and being adjudged..! It is a different feeling to be engaged and getting married to a person who few days back is a stranger and unknown..As usual, my expectations are sky-high and i am pretty hopeful of exceeding those,,,At work, it is somewhat more challenging, managing a maintenance project, a technology-consulting project and a development project simultaneously...i hope i will be richer with this experience..

rest in next... web 2.0 is definetly helping us lazy bums out..!

tata..Satish

Life..after ISB...

2007-05-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

...back to the harsh reality..few days outta ISB, i realized that no one takes care of your life as well as ISB does; no one makes your bed here...u gotta face the harsh traffic day in and out..no smile-giving customer services..no serenity, no security...and full chaos!!

Well, i am getting used to this new phase of my life with the same vigor and enthu- had few good developments happening on the personal front...extremely hectic last few weeks doing almost nothing! The new firm seems to be good so far..new people, new environment with few ISBians, new technology..new job; so obviously there is a tinge of anxiety and excitement in the air :)

hopefully...i will keep rocking and keep updating this blog regulary !

Aurevoir,
Satish

..Finally...

2007-04-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

..graduated:) This would be my last post at ISB, and I hope to continue writing regularly!

Yesterday's convocation ceremony is a function that will be cherished for long in most of our hearts...especially, parents' will remember more than we do! While packing the coursepacks, I couldn't believe that we studied so many subjects and learnt so much in 1-year; thatz really amazing! Hopefully, we shall get to apply at least 10% of what we gained hear!

Now that ISB has given us enough tools, we are all responsible to use them properly and shape our futures the way we want it to be..No compromises whatsoever :) It was interesting to hear Rajat Gupta say that it doesn't really matter which job and which company you choose after graduation, but what's most important is to inculcate the 'life-long learning mindset' and take every opportunity to lead

for now...bye bye...& thanks for all those reading and commenting on my blogs...:)

Au revoir....Satish

Done..dana..Done!!

2007-03-31T10:20:00.001-07:00

....All good things come to end...and so will be our ISB experience in a week! Anil Kumble retired today citing that the old has to give way to the new(..hope other seniors take a cue..) - likewise, we will be givin way to the batch 2008 who will be on a terrific ride starting this April. Good luck to you folks...and remember, grades are important (predominantly) if you want to really make into big consulting firms no matter what everyone else says...

I wont say here what i got outta ISB because not only that there will be so much to write but also it varies from person to person..i will have next two weeks to reflect on this amazing experience and may be i can gain something outta it. There is immense power in reflection and attention. One learned person once adviced me " if you are sad or if you are afraid, pay attention to it enough and the sadness or the fear will disappear" How true?

Now that we finished all the exams and awaiting graduation day, I am chillaxing every minute. I've learnt swimming, learning snooker, squash; watchin movies, incessantly chatting etc, etc...Suddenly, 24 hours seem to be a lot :)

tata...Satish

...the pursuit of happyness..

2007-03-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

...one of the best movies i've recently seen..i never knew that Will Smith has such a will in his own life as well..naturally, he is the best fit to perform the roles of Mohammed Ali and Chris Gardner..There are some stunning dialogues in the movie that makes it worth watchin more than once....amazing movie to showcase the 'power of will'. Whatz will power? Will power to me is simply to ensure your will or more, not less, is what is accomplished in reality.

For instance, if u say u gonna run 7 kms and you run only 4 kms owing to ankle pain or some other stupid excuse then you are degrading your will power - however, if you say you gonna run 7 kms and you run 9 kms then you strengthen your will power. There is always a voice that says it is ok to smoke once in a while when you've decided to quit, that my wife isn't goin to find if i sleep with this girl when you've decided to be loyal, it is ok to sleep one extra hour bcos i can go to office lil late when you've decided to punctual to office... There will always be a voice within you that tries to attack your will power, and if you gonna listen to that voice you will do injustice to your dreams and will waste your life.....!!

ISB is a dream come true for me....it has been a terrific year, though i would have loved it to be a bit better...two more weeks to go and we will all be saying good bye to this beautiful campus...

au revoir
Satish

..already missing..

2007-03-07T21:41:00.000-08:00

...ISB :(
..there are several cliche sayings that explain our current dilemma - "all good things come to an end"; "everything that has a beginning has an end", 'Life is a journey - don't get fixated on an intermediate station however beautiful and wonderful it may be'... so on and so forth...

but the matter of fact and attention is what is happening in the present - and the present fact is we have to leave ISB in a month's time for some fresh legs to come in and we need to venture into a new world..it's amazing how fast last 1 year has gone by with full of moments one can cherish for life time..yesterday, one of my close buddies has left for exchange program and when he was saying good-byes it was depressing, but i soon realized that i will be in his shoes in just a month's time wishing goodbyes to my friends here..

..leaving aside the sentimental and philosophical touch...there is so much i learned and gained at this intermediate station that compensates for more than my bank loan.. i will probably consolidate my learnings, both tangible and intangible, in my next blog post..

Almost the whole batch has been placed in the first week itself with most of them bagging more than one plum offer...i am fortunate to get four reasonably decent offers..yet to accept one of those..(will share the more info once the placement results are officially out..)

Au revoir..
Satish

P.S: this is my fiftieth post...i hope i will continue this blog with stories of my journey, despite having plans to start a new blog specific to technology consulting or business development..

Interviewing..

2007-02-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

...Finally, the D-day is arriving at ISB; Although, interviews for international placements have been happening, majority of action in the campus will kick off this weekend. I will be interviewing with two of the top notch consulting firms and a reputed Global leadership program.

Understandably, therez an amount of anxiety and lil bit pressure in the air in campus. I dont think it is bad as long as it is in controlled state and helps you prepare and perform better. Butterflies in tummy are good, but one shouldn't let them reach the heart and head (mind). I am sure most of us will emerge with flying colors but one should keep in mind that first job is only a step towards a fulfilling career.

My next note would be after I take up one of the offers.

Aurevoir
Satish

P.S: Congratulations to all those who made it to ISB next year - Be prepared for the best roller-coaster ride of your life. And, those who couldn't make it - I know how it feels because I've been there. Don't be hard on yourself - revisit your goals and reapply yourself with renewed vigor and pursue your passions. Never, never...ever give up!

The Lord of Myself!!

2007-01-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

..no other time is as challenging to live up to the title of this blog as now...Placement season has begun at ISB :)One needs to remember the 'Alice in Wonderland' story to make sense of what i am saying - When Alice, having lost in her journey, asks Angel "Which way do I Go?", the Angel replies "That depends on where you wanna go!", to which Alice says "I don't know". Angel then replies, " Then it doesn't matter which path you take!" One doesn't need to have a perfect 'nano-second plan' or rigid goals, but should have a clear idea of how he wants his career to move forward; And that direction should be a guide for his decisions irrespective of the context.

At this crucial juncture, it is easy to lose sight of long term plans and give in to short term desires....it is easy to do what majority of the crowd is doing....it is easy to compare and contrast with others rather than exploring self and finding out exactly what is that you want....it is easy to try for everything for the fear of getting nothing....!!! There are unbelievable pressures and inexpressible fears, which might lead one to do the above easy things. Instead, if one choses to go back to pre-ISB days and revisit the reasons of doing the MBA, one can get his direction and concentrate his efforts along those lines rather than diffusing the effort and selling himself short!
It is not easy!!

I hope i will be able to live up to what i am preaching here; nevertheless, i am supremely confident that it is the only right way to go about. Well, i don't mean focussing means chosing only one career or job profile, but a general idea of industry, function, and location one might want to work for!! (probably, Plan A & Plan B)

tata..Satish

P.S: It's been my longest hibernation on this blog - lotta things happening: i finished with more than 80% on my french exam; successfully completed both my ELP and PAEV; had three interviews;completed majoring in finance; played lotta cricket...!!

The Power Of Five!!

2006-12-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

ISB is amidst the celebrations of its fifth anniversary..and..what a journey it has been!! The power of five reflects the sentiment that ISB is ready to take-off after the initial phases of pleasurable pain - the s-curve in economics beautifully depicts this phenomenon. Everything starts with a dream and this instution was no exception. And who is more apt then India's current prime minister to inaugurate the celebrations, who himself architected India's economic reforms. After five years, amidst country's booming economic growth, ISB is well-poised to take-off to the next levels.

It has been an interesting week with ISB Leadership Seminar, International Entrepreneurship conference, Global Logistics summit, stage performance by ISB community and professional performers amidst our usual busy schedule. Time suddenly seem to be invaluable over here vis-a-vis my professional life.

Tata..Satish

I am..!!

2006-12-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

I barely managed to spend some time to think thru what i want to achieve in life - which is kinda bad, considering how important it is to constantly think thru and reinforce your direction in life and not devoting time for such a critical exercise is suicidal to say the least..!! With the few minutes i spent, it was crystal clear to me what best job would be for me like that i will enjoy doing the most..considering there are no money and time constraints. It is important to remove constraints in the first stage to understand your true motivations and things u would love to do..)

In the second stage, i've considered what all things i would like to have from the job - it is critical to know what u r going after in choosing among so many options with as many trade-offs. Once you are clear of your job motivations, try to focus on only those jobs that will provide u what u identified in steps 1 and 2.

After step 3, identify the gaps in your strengths so that you can effectively compete and win over those jobs/roles which you desire. This is most crucial step for me right now...and i am working towards it.

I know, this sounds very mechanical and methodical - but unless you think in such a structured style, it is easy to wander and make wrong decisions.

tata..Satish.

Am I...

2006-11-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

..really the lord of myself? I am trying to be a bit philosophical here after a long time and i guess it is worth it. This question requires serious introspection to answer in a realistic way and i am hoping to use my next few days of term break to sit down, garner my thoughts, and more importantly, listen to them!! I promise to share the findings soon :)

Tata..Satish.

P.S: In case, you wondering why i am doing this? Apart from the luxury of the term-break, I really want to reinforce my goals, plans for future, and the direction i am heading . They need not be rigid, but i should be having a clear idea of them to be flexible!!

Guru on Strategy..!!

2006-11-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

When the guru of strategy speaks on strategy, everyone listens!! That's what exactly happened yesterday when Philip Evans, a senior VP of BCG, gave a 2-hour presentation on the evolution of strategy in business world. No wonder he was the keynote speaker of the CEO summit convened by Bill Gates. The following is the synopsis of his lecture:

Henderson, president of BCG, was one of the first ones to think of strategy as a single blazing idea that helps the company to 'take-off' - his approach was more of action-oriented, specific and prescriptive. Porter followed this with his five forces analysis and 32 attributes of competitive advantage of which only six are seen in action so far. His approach is more of a generalist view, and descriptive. While Porter and Henderson stressed upon the structural aspects of business such as mkt. share, prices etc, Peters and Waterman bought about the behavioural aspects (quality, customer service, people) as the key in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in their famous work - 'In search of excellence'

Then he cited two wonderful and real stories on emergency responses at Toyota and Linux, which beautifully bought a new framework into light!! The two key aspects of this framework are 'pervasive collaboration technology' and 'sharing of such intellectual property'. By sharing intellectual stuff, the incentive to innovate might reduce, but the cost of innovation also dramatically reduces since one can build on existing work. Such visibility and multitude of granular communication creates trust, which is magnified to a greater scale -thanks to technology. This emergence of trust on large scale has bought in an entirely new way of doing business!! (Eg: e-bay)

The striking advantage of this community approach and presence of trust in large scale is dramatic reduction in transaction costs. While everyone focuses on direct costs, one ignores the fact that transaction costs in US constitute 62% of its GNP. All the more reason why this is the way to go forward. This approach can be learnt by understanding the key differences between 'exploration' and 'exploitation'. While the more typical 'exploitation' approach stresses upon efficiency, focus, minimizing direct costs, attending to strong signals, top-down direction, internal accountability and external contracts, the new 'exploration' approach stresses upon learning, innovation, adaptability, growth, minimizing transaction costs, attending to weak signals, trust in internal and external relationships.

Contracts are in markets where the resources are allocated via supply and demand, while trust is established in teams or clans where the resources are allocated via emerging modularity. To summarize, scalable self-organizing networks result in low-transaction costs and vice-versa by accomodating non-economic motivations as well. The new web 2.0 business models have this as the underlying concept!!

- Aurevoir, Satish.

P.S: All good things come to an end, we finished our lectures with Dr. C. Rangarajan, ex-RBI Governor, on macroeconomic policies and instruments. Also, had an impactful net-impact conclave event yesterday!!

The Ultimate..!!

2006-10-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

...we hear many 'noble' reasons for doing an MBA - learning business skills, exploring new arenas, accelerating in the current career track, networking, pedigree, global exposure etc, etc..... All these might be genuine and worthy reasons for pursuing a business education...Irrespective of the noble intentions and the good talk -, for the majority, the ultimate thing is the Placements...!! Where they are placed at the end of their MBA is the first test of the value of their newly earned esteemed degree...!!

Having said that, the first job after MBA need not be the true reflection of where one is headed - career changes happening within few months after they leave the school is not an uncommon thingie..!! It is very important to be focussed, yet flexible, in pursuing the path in the newer jungle -and that's precisely, what i am trying to do...

It has been an hectic self-introspection lately, but i kinda decided to be open to change in all the three spheres of career - industry, function, and location. I am not very particular about the location, but i think i should be open to consulting, financial services industries; general management functional roles!!

Placements have already kicked in at ISB with international firms coming in, and i am finding the current term as the toughest firm so far despite the freedom and flexibility ISB has bestowed upon us.... (four elective courses; ELP; PAEV; business plans; Resumes and EOIs; Learning French ..what not..Life is so much fun!!)

Tata..Satish

12 Angry Men..

2006-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

... couldn't imagine seeing a 1.5 hr movie in a 2 hr MBA class.., could you? Thatz what exactly happened in the last class of Organizational Behaviour course, few weeks back...!! We watched the classic '12 Angry Men'. The movie is more about persuasion and influencing...watch it if you can and observe each character's influencing style. Not surprisingly, there is lot to learn from the movie than a lecture could possibly teach in 2 hrs...

Currently, amidst a cool term-break, I am relaxing like I've never slept before or watched a movie ever..!! Life is good ..:)

Electives' season starts next week - I got all the courses which I bid for: Advanced Corporate Finance, Options and Futures, Pricing, and Supply Chain Management. In addition, I will also be attending Dr. C. Rangarajan's course on macroeconomics; on the top these, I've ELP, PAEV and french classes as well. Needless to say, next term is going to be one roller-coaster :)

Also, evaluating few applications received for next batch -- lotta interesting profiles; Batch quality seems to be on an upward trend ever since ISB's inception, and there is no reason not to expect it to continue on its upward trend in years ahead..!!

Tata..Satish

First positives...!!

2006-09-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Time Flies @ ISB is a gross under-statement; we probably have to coin a new phrase to describe the speed at which life moves at ISB. There are no dull or lull moments for sure - but, unless one is disciplined, there won't be any time for reflection as well. I believe this is the case in the most top-tier one-year MBA programs, and that's the reason why applicants must think deeply about their career-direction before joining the program.

Lotta events happened in last few weeks, the most notable being Tie-ISB connect, an entrepreneurship seminar for three days, attended by famous personalities, celebrities, top-class entrepreneurs, VCs, and ofcourse, few political leaders. I missed attending most of it - will probably catch few videos to absorb few insights of starting a new venture. On personal front, I started Yoga, running, and swimming - don't ask me how regular I am :)

More importantly, I got my first A-grades at ISB - actually couple of them, in my favorite subjects - Corporate Finance and Strategy - the areas in which I will be majoring/specializing in...!!

Aurevoir,
Satish

Virtues of Lethargy...

2006-09-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

...Laziness is one of the reasons y I wanna own my own business one day, so that i don't have to work for anyone and b my own boss - never waking up on an alarm clock, never need to take someone's permission to fall sick!! Well, I am not in anyway suggesting Entrepreneurship is easy, but I believe that's the only way to control your destiny...!! Work hard initially, sow your seeds at the right time, persevere, and harvest BIG!!

In addition, laziness occasionally induces much-needed guilty feeling and an inspiration to act on par with one's potential - however, this kinda inspiration is fleeting and unsustainable!! If Michael Douglas in Wall-Street can say that 'Greed is Good', I guess I too can proclaim occasional laziness as virtue -

Aurevoir,
Satish.

P.S: Contrary to what I wrote above, this weekend has been extremely hectic, tiring, and rewarding for me with Kanbay CEO's talk on M&A, Mc. Kinsey's 10-hr session, LDP, ELP meetings etc, etc...Probably, that's the reason why I am craving for laziness..!!

Incurable Insomnia..

2006-08-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

The temptation to do something wrong/unethical will be at its peak under certain circumstances, and it takes guts and character to pass those times unscathed. Resisting such temptations consistently thru one's life is the mark of a man! On the otherhand, yielding to immorality imparts incurable insomnia to some, making them vow that they never do such mistakes. It is always easy to think and do right things when there is no opportunity or incentive to do wrong things, but it is when a situation requires one to a make a trade-off between a fleeting pleasure and an honorable conduct one usually falters!!

Why did SOX come into existence? Where is the need for Honor code in educational institutions and corporations? There are many such several laws/value systems which force an individual to make a right trade-off. Unfortunately, character can't be forced upon - it has to be built over a period of time. I am not suggesting I am perfect because I am not, nor I am suggesting anyone is - we heard pathetic wrong-doing stories of even great personalities every where.The point is not that - everyone makes mistakes - life provides many such temptations and at times we yield to those, losing sleep for subsequent nights. However, learning from life's experience and not repeating the same mistakes is a process that should never stop.

Even slightest victories over temptations should be celebrated, becuase I believe victory over the evil is the toughest and the GREATEST!!

tata...Satish.

P.S: We are done with our third term exams-will write about prev. term and next term lil later...right now, it's chill-out time..

E..L..P

2006-08-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

- experiential learning project, a kind of summer internship program at ISB, where students apply their recently hard-earned skills to the real challenges faced by corporates. We are successful in getting a project on financial modeling (private banking) from a newly start up mgmt. consulting services firm !!As a part of the project we'll be evaluating small and medium enterprises, identifying key drivers of growth that help us invest in those firms with high potential. Our clients would be top 20 richest Indians!!My ELP team, like my study group (!), is truly diverse with one entrepreneur, one CA, one marketing guy, one media man, and me from IT.The surprising aspect is that we thought we didn't do too well in the interview and were pleasantly surprised when we were awarded the project...well, that's LIFE :)

And now that we got the project, we better execute it to perfection...!!

Tata.. Satish

moments of inspiration...

2006-08-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why you are spell-bound after you listen to some one speak or after you hear an insightful remark from your friend or even after you watch an inspiring movie? There is some increbile energy transfer that happens between the speaker and you, which motivates you to be resolute and action-oriented towards an objective!!

Exactly the same happened to me few hours before when I heard Mr. Manish Sabherwal address the ISB students who took "Planning an Entrepreneurial Venture" course. Few of my favorite takeaways from his seminar are: (some of them might be counter-intuitive, and probably that's the reason why he is such a successful entrepreneur)

- Opportunity dances with only those who are on the dance floor.

- Biggest danger is not aiming big and missing it - but, aiming small and getting it.

- Anybody who knows exactly where they are going is incapable of going very far.

- God is not on the side of biggest armies, but on the side of those making big shots

- The only worse thing than being wrong is being confused

- Can't live with or without planning

Jus to end this post symmetrically, have your ever wondered how these moments of inspiration are so fleeting that you don't retain the energy and drive for so long - what makes it evaporate and how do you permanently ingrain such drive in your mind and your activities?

Tata..
Satish

Significance of Planning..!!

2006-07-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

...it's been a while, since I wrote ..., apologies to those who visited these pages lately and found no updates. I don't wanna write for the sake of writing using few quick minutes, but i hope to write what i wanna write atleast once in a week..!!

Our term-2 is over, and now we are 1/4th MBA grads :) Just returned from the term-break, slept a lot, and ofcourse got ready for term-3, supposedly the toughest of all and which is beginning tomorrow. We've exciting courses lined up for this term with some cool faculty teaching those - Corporate Finance, Operations Mgmt, Entrepreneurship, and Managerial Accounting. Entrepreneurship is my favorite, but not sure if it can be taught - let's C.

Coming to the title of the topic - Planning - there won't be any individual on this planet who doesn't know its importance in getting many things done. It's a proven empirical fact that just by the act of planning people would accomplish many tasks than they would have if they had not planned. Then, why would everyone not indulge in daily planning? I guess the answer is -because for majority, planning is not sustainable and so it is not worth spending time on it.

Everytime I started planning my day or week, i could complete many tasks - yet, I drifted as time progressed, lost in daily pressures, inadequate time, catching things up etc, etc Planning definetly takes time, but the time spent is many times less than time saved out of irregular schedule of activities. So...how does one go about commiting oneself for 'regular planning'?

I guess I am not the authority to answer this question - but, I believe self-discipline and persistence are the two keys that unleashes the power of planning in one's life. Think thru the questions - when was the last time you planned? what made you stop planning? what are the successes you had? Are you disciplined enough to restart the planning process? Will you be persistent enough to continue planning despite inevitable obstacles...? Honest answers to these questions will lead one to 'effective, yet regular planning'.

Other well-known examples of planning myths are ' New-year resolutions', 'New Job/Career resolutions', ' Marriage/relationship resolutions' - all these can be good; but, one must realize that planning is only a tool, which must be backed by solid discipline and dogged persistence.

Tata.. Satish.

P.S: I will probably write about " Strategy - a precursor to planning" next time.

Intra Vs Entre - preneurship

2006-07-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

When someone asks -"what do you do?", it sounds cool to say "I work for myself", but it takes guts to make such good things happen to you. Only entrepreneurs can boast of such nerve, but like any other good field, it is a high risk/high return effort. Though there are a variety of successful entrepreneurship stories, the basic essence of creating one's own company boils down to: identifying a reasonably prevalent and unmet pain area, identify the best possible and cost-effective solution that alleviates the pain, feasibility study (Economics, finance), and finally implementation of solution (product/service) thru effective marketing.

Intrapreneurship, a newly coined word to imply entrepreneurship while still working for somebody else, could serve as precursor for many souls who wanna try the real thing. However, intrapreneurship is more of a buzz-word than reality in most firms, primarily because of flat hierarchies and bureaucracies. Recently launched start-ups can provide the opportunity for intrapreneurship.

We are fortunate to have "Wadhwani's centre for Entrepreneurship and Development" at ISB, which is a renowned research centre and they are conducting a forum, "TiE-ISB Connect", a joint initiative with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), Hyderabad Chapter. It is a forum that brings together early stage venture capitalists, start up and growth stage entrepreneurs and academicians, on a common platform to interact and help build successful enterprises. (For more details visit: www.tie-isbconnect.com)

Tata..Satish

Calm before the Storm...!!

2006-07-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been really calm with just two MarkStrat decisions to make after two mid-exams last friday..!! First term grades are out for two courses, and as expected there was tough competition...(remember Relative Grading...) Things have pretty much settled down, and now everyone is carving niche for themselves, realizing that grades aren't an end in themselves...!!

Events - there is no dearth of these at ISB - come what may, you'll have bashes, culinary delights, frenzied sports, and with clubs formed, we are hosting insightful seminars by eminent Industrialists, Editors, Business professionals (CEOs etc) - recent ones being - " Google in India", "Role of Indian Youth in Politics", "Successful Entrepreneurship". We've Aikya meet tomorrow, where students will be interacting with eminent Business personalities in Hyderabad (ISB's host family network Program - http://isb.edu/pgp/life/society_host.htm). And, ofcourse, we aren't missing Worldcup football either....(sad :( that Argentina kicked itself out yesterday)

We had a brief session for the students involved in admissions task force, and admissions process has kicked off (dates and details at ISB website) - one thing to note is advancement of dates to enable early transition for working junta...

Aurevoir..Satish.

P.S: My french is going at frantic pace, and soon I'll write one full blog in Francais..:)

Cruel...Kewl...Cool...!!

2006-06-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am not gonna complain about time this time...but,thats the sequence that has been followed after the term-2 started (Cruel to Cool). Time is indeed a resource, and I am enjoying it to the fullest now. We had an interesting 2-hour seminar by the famous Mumbai "Dabbawalas" on their Six-Sigma Supply Chain Mgmt. Infact, we had another session by KPMG head at the same time. I had to choose the former, despite wanting to attend the both!! I guess I'll get the video of the other. We are going to hear Mr. Tripathy, Yashraj Films on 'Marketing movies' tomorrow - it's gonna be fun.

These regular guest lectures are another source of learning at ISB - direct learnings from the real world practical gurus. These events and associations provide students with amazing networking opportunities. Association is the key!! I can't recollect exactly, but there is a saying that goes like - " Tell me who your five close friends are and I will tell you who you are and where you are going.." I guess I am digressing but I guess friendships can only happen between compatibles..!! (I am not referring gender, cultural, regional, or even other demographical similarities, but some sorta chemistry that must prevail before magic begins..!!)

Aurevoir - Satish.

Hibernation or what?

2006-06-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

..Not exactly, but I am forcing myself outta it to write few things...

It's one thing to be told that Life will be intensive at ISB and a different thing to actually go thru it!! I never imagined that I'll be away from my blog for so long....It's an underestimation to say that it has been just hectic ---(hardly slept for three to four hours in last seventy two hours...!!) Last weekend never seemed like a weekend..!!

Nevertheless, it's so much fun interacting with three different groups and working on corporate strategies of top-notch firms such as Intel, Coca Cola etc.. This term is full of strategy courses - Marketing Strategy, Competitive Strategy, Decision Modeling & Optimization..!! But, I guess I need to be more organized and manage time so that I can take time to think and act..., rather than just keep acting..!!

On the top of these business courses, I am taking french lessons..,& I am enjoying those four hours as well...!!

Aurevoir...
Satish

Odyssey resumes...!!

2006-06-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Term-2 began with courses more or less as extension of term-1 subjects: MarkStrat - extn. of Marketing Strategy-I; Global Economics - Micro Economics; Decision Modeling & Optimization -building on Stats & Simulations; Competitive Strategy - Game theory...!! The load has definetly increased in proportion in terms of complex case-studies, class-participation, and ofcourse, assignments.

Pretty busy weak ahead - I will basically be working with three different groups - one on MarkStrat, a simulation of realistic dynamic competitive situation, where we'll be making strategical decisions on Brand portfolio, advt. spending etc, etc; second on group assignments with my regular study group; and third with my ELP (Experiential Learning Project) team, a group of four diverse students focusing on Finance project (one an Entrepreneur, one a Marketing guy, one a CA, and one an IT Project Manager)

Few hours back we had an interesting session on Coca-Cola history and their different Strategies in India, by none other than their VP - Deepak Jolly. It's so enriching to have such real-world sessions right after your case-discussion in the class on Cola-Wars :) (Pepsi Vs Coke)

tata.. Satish

@ home..!!

2006-06-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

..after two days of strenuous, brain-popping preparation for term-1 exams, I chose to take a term-break and fly to my home town :) it's pretty relaxing so far ...watched a telugu movie in a theatre, couple of miles from home- met few kanbides at their new campus - again, couple of miles from ISB; and pretty much filling my majority of time at home with one activity - SLEEPING!!

I am planning to write 'Takeaways - Term-1" tomorrow on all the four subject we took...hopefully, i should be able to reflect on what i learnt and which I can apply going forward..!!

Next post from ISB...

tata...Satish

T T T T (Term 1 Terminates This Tuesday!!)

2006-06-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

You can already see Kotler's influence on me in titling this post - 4T's!! The reason for building acronyms such as 4 Ps etc. is that such acronyms make it easier to remember the theory behind those Ps- but right now, it's difficult even to remember the plethora of those acronyms - 4 Ps for Marketing mix, 5 Cs for customer analysis, 7 Ms for advertising, 5 more Cs for communication strategy..:) We've our end term exams starting this monday and ending with Marketing exam on Tuesday!!

Marketing classes were pretty exciting and interesting, filled with real world examples , challenging case-studies, and hidden insights. However, preparing for the closed book marketing exam doesn't seem to be even half-exciting:) All in all, I will be completing 1/8 part of my MBA - come tuesday...!!

- Satish

GAME ...to fame or shame..!!

2006-05-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you win the game you shoot to fame, if you lose you shoot to shame.. and that's how the world is destined to run!! I am referring not only to the ubiquitous sports arena but also to the subtle competition strategies/ploys played in the corporate jungle..!! Game theory in micro-economics course beautifully explained the importance of thinking with competitors' mind for success in either monopoly or oligopoly markets. This is one topic that made me think constantly and consistently differently - the following questions can be answered by conceptualizing micro-economics..

- Why is coke more costly at PVR than at Madhapur bakery?
- Why do profits sometime decrease even though the revenues increase?

- Is it always advantageous to move first into the market?
- What's the optimum strategy for procurement?
- Why firms charge low prices despite the potential fof higher profits at higher prices?

- Why some big firms are big and why some better firms find it difficult to grow beyond a certain stage?
(For Eg: TCS & Kanbay...........(ubiqutous dilemma of Incumbent and New Entrant..))

And many, many more interesting questions can be answered by a simple concept of Game theory - I never came across any such course so far which is so widely practical !!

tata...Satish

P.S: Nash equilibrium (Yeah..Nash (Russell Crowe) of Beautiful Mind) is a critical concept in Game theory!! At Nash equilibrium no firm will have an incentive to either increase or decrease its price..!!

..the art of perfection by transformation...

2006-05-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

It takes aeons to be eternally perfect, but this shouldn't act as a detterent to strive for perfection now!! It is common-sense to realize that one has to change if he doesn't like few things the way they are, and there is a truth in saying that change has to begin within first to effect one's external circumstances. Also, there is a myth that change is always good - nevertheless, it is good only if it is in the right direction - a direction that is self-chosen as per one's goals.

Having said that, one shouldn't beat himself up for not changing and for indulging in few frivolous activities!! It is ok to transform at your own pace, because in the end the views from the mountain top are the same for everyone, irrespective of how quick or slow one reaches there. Moreover, the changes that I am talking about need not be dramatic to be noticed - becoming better and better each and every day is much better than being the best tomorrow :)

In case you are wondering, what the hell has happened to me - I watched Fanah -the first day first show - this friday morning amidst an hectic schedule of 4 BIG assignments. (Don't ask me how the movie was..!!) End term exams are starting next week, and I am serious about the change I was talking about, provided the environment is conducive :)

tata..Satish.

Marriage...Carriage...Carnegie..!!

2006-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

..the first two terms of the title are self-explanatory, however, the third element requires little explanation, and it has to do with why I haven't considered US B-schools in general and Carnegie Mellon in particular (I've been wait-listed at Tepper). Apart from typical reasons such as Time to be spent (2 yrs vs 1 yr), expenses in dollars, inclination to work in a growing market (India), relatively more experienced, close to home etc, there is one special reason why I want to do a 1-year MBA program vis-a-vis a 2 year program - Marriage!!

Now that all my friends have got married or almost getting married (ofcourse, including 'opposite-gender' friends), I've no incentive to defer mine by another year :) Hence, I permit my parents to search/fix for me a suitable bride in a year's time frame!! Jokes apart, it is an important phase in my life - this 1-year at ISB will serve as a rocketing launching pad and i won't mind missing the last term of the series in the title ever and the first two in this year..:)

tata...Satish.
P.S: I've not done as badly in economics mid-paper as I had feared..!!

Y do weekends END :(

2006-05-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

..after two strenuous mid-term exams on friday, we had two long days to relax. Well, not exactly - but I chose to do so despite three heavy weekend assignments due tomorrow!! Stats exam was cool, but I've no clue what I wrote in the economics paper - well, I am assuming most of my batchmates had a similar experience, judging from their post-exam reactions!! Relative grading is sometimes boon in such situations!!

My weekend was cool - watched couple of DVDs, met few old friends in the city, picked up a fight with my recently married girl-friend and placated another unmarried friend of mine :), ate pizza, attended General Mgmt Club & Entrepreneurship club meetings, thought about career again, and slept like a...!! And, alas! tomorrow is monday.

I somewhere read about TGIF - Why do people thank God only on fridays -it's not God's idea to come up with a stupid idea of a Job starting on Monday and temporariy ending on friday...God makes every day and you should rejoice in it....Thank God for every day...TGIM, TGIT, TGIW,TGIT,TGIF,TGIS,TGIS...!!

Well, easier said than done..!!

tata..Satish

Few Take Aways...So Far!!

2006-05-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's important to interpret what you are learning in the class room to the real world, and here is my attempt to do so for the term1 Subjects:

Managerial Economics: If you are billing $30 per person on average on a software project, and if you increase the number of billable associates will it always increase your profits or even the revenue? If I had not taken this course, I would probably say it is 'plain common sense' to expect so!! But, the answer is a resounding NO. Marginal analysis, any economist's favorite parlance, comes into play along with the ubiquitous demand-supply principle!! One shouldn't just think in terms of average, they've to consider marginal revenue and account for the fact that prices varies with demand.

Business Statistics: I always used to wonder in my engineering classes, where in the world will I be using those damn Statistics and probablilty theorems. I guess I found an answer here, and since then statistics has become one of my favorite subjects. The application of statistics are wide-spread and can provide insights to such questions as:
Should I launch this new product of 'Early Pregnancy Detection? :)
How are stock prices doing, and should I invest in a particular stock?
What's the best portfolio i can put my money on?
Is my process of manufacturing supersonic engines in supersonic jets capable and in control?

If I had known this subject earlier in such depth, I probably would have invested more in stocks..!! Better late than never!

If there is only one thing that is making these courses so interesting and insightful, it got to be the quality of the faculty teaching these courses. That's the difference when experts in their fields teach basics..!!

Take aways on the other two courses (Marketing & Financial Accounting) in my next writing...

tata..Satish.

P.S: I've removed my previous posting on ISB rankings, because it is just a bench mark on certain criteria, while comparing with other top B-schools. The school hasn't participated in any rankings as such as yet.

Mids..

2006-05-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

..it's hard to realize that we reached mid of the term-1 till we are reminded of our mid-term exams :) We gotta give Economics and Statistic papers on this friday..Alums revealed a secret during orientation week, saying that at any point of time in ISB you are atmost two weeks away from a critical exam and you'll start worrying less about end-term exams as the time progresses!! But, right now- come friday, we'll be giving our first exam at ISB and naturally everyone wants to do well...!!

Also, we had an interesting Career workshop with CAS today and placement opportunities seem to be incredible...However, the onus is on the student to convert those opportunities into realities..I heard an interesting statement that most of the students' goals changes after every term...that was difficult to fathom!! Even I am wavering between general Mgmt path and Finance career track - well, I could classify these as my Plan A & B..(and I still have 24 alphabets left...:)

As I've been saying our batch has an amazing set of students with rich profiles and diverse backgrounds...it's official now..2007 intake updates are published in major newspapers..here is the link i found at pagalguy.com news section
http://www.pagalguy.com/index.php?categoryid=15&p2_articleid=378

tata..Satish

Influencing...or..Infuriating??

2006-05-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

...Electioning campaign is currently underway not in Tamilnadu or in Kerala, but right here at ISB for a far more important job ..:) President of the Graduate Student Board!! I am not contesting because I've not come here for that - however, there are few brilliant chaps in the fray contesting for the coveted post.

I always wonder how some people influence others effortlessly, while some others infuriate people using their influencing skills. I have tried to understand this aspect, and realized the best way to do so is grab a good book from the library. I found one - a lucky one on Influencing skills, written by a famous psychologist. I am sharing those principles with few of my insights and experiences: (this might make us even beware of the traps!!)

- Contrasting Principle: It's common sense but many people don't realize that everything is relative. For example, if you are interviewed for a job interview after a relatively smarter person than you, the chances of you impressing the interviewer are meagre..and ofcourse, vice-versa..Imagine how you would feel watching a good song after a bad song and bad song after a good song - the feeings are different and not absolute even though the songs are the same!!

- Reciprocation Principle: When you take a favor from other person, there is an irresistible human urge to reciprocate. So naturally, people who help others are most influential in courting favors back!!

- Commitment & Consistency: People are more consistent after they get committed. Remember, friction is higher at the beginning than in the middle or at the end. So, the important thing to do first is to get committed to doing something worthwhile, and then watch magic happen!!

- Authority: It is natural to respect authority and people in power. People do so subconsciously. Hence, authority or power isn't bad afterall :)

- Social Power: Birds of the same feather flock together - that's more true while influencing people. People subconsciouly are influenced by majority, there is nothing wrong with it..but just be aware of it

- Liking: To be blunt, people do things for you if they like you..('Liking' can be along different aspects - Physical attraction, Similarilty in some way...)

- Scarcity: Anything that is scarce and rare is supposedly precious and sought after..(which need not be). Avoid the temptation of useless scarcity..!!

tata...Satish

P.S: Why I read the book in the first case was because my LDP feedback pointed that my assertive and influencing skills need to be improved...:) The rest of the feedback was amazing, and ofcourse, I felt good about it..!! A big fat Thank you to all those who gave me the honest and genuine feedback.

my typical day..yesterday..!!

2006-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

..in response to quite a few queries of how i've been at ISB, and why my ressonse rate to the emails has gone low..i am delineating my yesterday's schedule...(this is no way an excuse to be un-responsive ..i guess i can be more self-disciplined:)

07:00 AM: I don't know why i keep the alarm at 07:00 clock when my class is at 08:15 AM, and I always bang it at least twice before I drag myself outta bed at 08:00 AM...

08:00 AM: Got ready in 1759 nanoseconds, and rushed to Goel Dining hall for a sumptuous breakfast..it is usually a 7 - 8 min walk, and by the team i reach the corridor I realize i am left with only few minutes before the class starts two levels above...:(

08:15 AM: Gulp a glass of milk, grab a banana to eat in the elevator before i reach the class on time.

10:15 AM: After two hours heavy and exciting lecture in accounting, we get a break of half-hour before another battle begins. It is amazing to keep your eyelids separate in the class for more than few minutes..it is good to sleep on the bed than in the class- but, who said I am good?

10:30 AM: Get the tea from the vending machine, and prepare to be awake in the Marketing class - because, sometimes there could be cold calls...(you are randomly called to respond to a question - this didn't happen so far, but it might) Anyway, marketing class is always exciting with few funny videos shown in between..

12:40 PM: After the morning two classes, I realized I have lot to do before I catch up with what the professors are teaching..and owe to study smart after lunch...

12:45 PM: Rush for lunch to satiate the hunger of the mice in my tummy..eat well, and chat with friends about how tough assignments, case studies, quizes are .. over the lunch table for few seconds..and ofcourse, about the actress in Krish and how fortunate Emran is for half-hour..!!

01:30 PM: Slowly walk to the Quad in the hot sun, appreciating the air-conditioner in my Quad; Look at my tomorrow's schedule and cajole myself that I am smart and efficient enough to handle anything in the world, and that now I can hit the bed...

04:00 PM: After two hours deep sleep...washed my face with the newly purchased face wash and remind myself that my bangalore friendie is getting married tomorrow in Hyderabad..alas :(

04:30 PM: After few minutes of emotional reflection, I pre-read few text books with full concentration for about two hours with few intermittent phone calls...

06:30 PM: Go to Gym or Swimming pool wherever you find interesting people and spend next hour toning my already thin body..:)

07:30 PM: Relax in the shower and depart for dinner

08:30 PM: After light dinner, stuffed with chocolate ice-cream, Gujju food & russian salad, follow the crowd to LRC (library) and find a quiet place. (ofcourse, for reading)

11:00 PM: Get back to the quad after two hours uninterrupted study and go online, browsing the world for an hour.

12:00 AM: Grab my favorite book (any general non-fiction) and day dream about the characters in the novel at mid-night !!

01:00 AM: Do the best thing in the world - SLEEP - till the alarm rings again in the morning.

I think i've to do better than what I am currently doing to keep up with the tough schedule, and ofcourse, I am confident in doing so...it's just a matter of time and self-discipline....

I better start before the mid-term begins next week..ofcourse, now, Life is beautiful :)

tata...Satish.

Stretching the limits...

2006-05-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

..Weekends seem to be more hectic than weekdays at ISB!! I indulged in plethora of activities in last two days more than I could ever imagine - successfully completed Financial accounting quiz, attended couple of club meets, finished managerial economics assignment, solved an interesting marketing case, Read Kreps, Kotler, Attended two parties (one at ISB, one by my prior team @ Kbay :)), Gymming, Swimming, talked to several friends, watched an uncensored movie, 'The Silence of Lambs', and "A million Dollar Baby" (DVDs at ISB) - all these in just two days apart from enjoying 16 hours sleep..:)

Makes me think hard..that 24 hrs is not small amount of time. It reminds me of an old saying as well - "Time is resource, not a constraint..!!"

tata...Satish

what a profile..!!

2006-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

... 1977 graduate of Yale College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and a 1981 graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and the Harvard Law School (cum laude)...Robert Morse is the managing director and CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific Corporate and Investment Bank. He visited ISB and chatted with the students about the trends in Asian emerging capital markets. This session was arranged by CAF - Centre for Analytical Finance...

It was a pretty insightful session where he talked about the current Sensex trends, Japanese market ...& ofcourse the current Job market scenario. His response to one of the queries was really striking - There is world of difference between doing a good job and a great job - ofcourse, that difference is still wider in the corresponding pay packets.. :)

tata.. Satish

Is man an economist or a rationalist??

2006-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

The basic assumption in all economic teachings is that ' Humans are rational.' No wonder it seems that economists are preaching utopian theories at times. Man is more social and emotional than rational...hey..I am not hinting that 'emotional rationality' is an oxymoron, but Heart and Mind aren't universally congruous all the time. These days, irrationality is prevalent to such an extent that its ignorance by economists might not go well with pragmatists...!!

Having said that, I can't think of any other option than assuming 'Man is rational and always makes decisions based on his self-interest', in explaining those beautiful economic theories..!!

In case you are wondering what the hell has happened to me - I am into the core terms and Managerial Economics is the first course!! We got a wonderful set of professors teaching us equally delightful courses in the first term....one professor from Kellogg (Financial Accounting), one from Wharton (Statistics Modelling for Decision Making), one from Columbia (Marketing Mgmt), and one from ISB (Managerial Economics)..

One significant difference between ISB academics and prior Engineering academics is the mode and timing of your preparation. During graduation we mostly study only during exams and even crack those...however, at ISB, you will have to do certain amount of pre-reading before you step into the class; because, professors delve into crucial insights underlying complex practical scenarios, assuming that you read basics before attending the class. Unless, you pre-read you'll have no clue of whatz going on in the class..!! I experienced it...& of course, trauma transforms!!

tata...Satish.

P.S; I like to write..& I hope to write regularly. However, given the schedule, I am tempering my goal - now, it is to write at least once in a week....!!

Ready 2 Rock!!

2006-04-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you are having fun..It is hard to imagine that two weeks have passed by since we arrived at ISB.. Orientation and Pre-terms are completed, helping us in getting acquainted with facilities and making friends..!! We had several parties, quite a few get-togethers, gyaan sessions (Career and academic centric), and some time for introspection and SWOT analysis.
I am at a school after a gap of six years, and these two weeks have really helped me in getting back on track for the final sprint!!

Now, the time for real action - Core term courses are starting from May 1, and we've amazing set of professors coming in to teach us. Of course, the most important thing is to reflect on our learnings - to see how we can apply what we learn in the classrooms to our past experiences and visualize what we could've done differently. Everyone says that Term 1 would be the most difficult term - i guess it is purely because of inertia and lack of education in the recent past. Other terms are relativey easier not because of their content but because we are creatures of habit..:)

Nevertheless, I guess the whole batch is ready to rock..!!

tata..Satish

Time...Pruning.!!

2006-04-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Time is the single most valuable thing for simply one reason - you can't buy it! You can't get more of it and you won't be able to retrieve it once you lost it. And, the only noble chance given to us to achieve, to enjoy& to accomplish is by effectively utilising the time. All this might sound as a cliche and there is lotta stuff on time-management, and I've watched few of those videos myself before. Unfortunately, they didn't work for me because I didn't make those tips work.

I believe anything you read you should first personalize the learnings and then use those. Along these lines, I devised my own way to manage my time. The first important thing is to know your goals, and to write them down. Naturally, they should be measurable. Don't have a laundry list of goals, instead choose 3 to 5 of your aspirations (Short-term goals) and prioritize those.

Second, identify how you spend your time on a typical day. It goes without saying that you can correct only those which you can track and measure. Record all the activities that you do during the day and the time spent on those. I know this is time-consuming effort, but you've to do it only once or twice to get an idea where you spend most of your time.

Third, classify all your activities into four categories - A, B, C, D. How?
'A' activities directly contribute towards your goal.
'B' activities include your mandatory/daily activities.
'C' activities include the things which you do for fun/balance
'D' activities are those unnecessary things which neither contribute to your goals nor provide the fun/balance part.
These activities and their corresponding categories vary from individual to individual, and the onus is on them to get those right.

Last step is the most crucial one - Discipine yourself to spend 80% of your time on 'A' activities, 15% on 'B', 5% on 'C', and completely avoid D activities. (These percentages to an extent also depend on how immediately you want to achieve your goals. And you must not skip any of these steps)

tata...Satish.

P.S: I will let you know how i am doing 'this way' in a month's time..!!

Wow..what a week !!

2006-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a exactly a week since I have landed on this beautiful campus with lots of hope and little anxiety. Anxiety has been taken care of by an awesome orientation week..& I am sure hopes and dreams will be taken care of by this year-end, ofcourse, giving birth to new dreams!!

If last week is any indication of how life at ISB will be in coming months, then I am probably the most luckiest person on the planet along with my other 426 batchmates :) Because:

Where else can you find three night bashes in less than five days, incessant gyaan sessions on multitude of career profiles (consulting, marketing, finance, VC etc, etc...& etc), amazing team building games, effective community/social service assignments, innumerable pranks, Career perspective session by five CEOs, Art & Creativity session, sports & talent night competition, future leadership lessons..etc, etc.. (I use 'etc' as a substitute for my ignorance of the other activities).......All these activities in less than a week!! Thanks to the 'great 2006 alums' who made most of these events memorable for us....!!

tata...Satish

P.S: the only not so good news is my girl-friend is getting married on May 11th.. :)

Char..Actor..

2006-04-20T02:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sayings goes like -" There is nothing like education that builds character" - and, here education is referred in a broader perspective. Most of the character traits that are universally thought of as 'unified' and 'fundamental' are indeed influenced by situation and context...However, I believe, education affects your behavior in such a way that you respond to different situations with an upbeat and right attitude. Good Institutions' Honor code policies also serve the same purpose.

What is generally written in such Honor Code policies is nothing but common sense (no copying, no cheating, no manipulating etc, etc) - and every normal human follows those in conducive circumstances. But, when situations and contexts are tempting, following any 'unwritten commonsense' becomes uncommon, and good humans fall prey to those temptations. That's when the written policies/honor code and their constant repetition/preaching serves as a deterrent.

tata..Satish.

Real action...yet to start..!!

2006-04-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

...meeting new people...knowing few things about them...and within two mins forgetting even their names... :) Things will change pretty soon..though!! Few of the current batch along with the recent alums visited a school at serilingampally as a part of ISB's Net impact club activities. We couldn't do much with the kids except distributing candies, because there is a school foundation function going on...I am fortunate to have done few such things as part of 'We Kare' initiatives in Kanbay...probably, will get involved in this club as well....

At 07:00 PM, we got a glimpse of our batch statistics...& it is mind-blogging to say the least...& there are lotta interesting accomplishments in the batch.. the statistics will probably be updated on the website soon....it rained heavily during our welcome dinner, and we' are having a party in few more minutes by our immediate seniors..., which will probably go on till the wee hours...:)

tata...Satish.

Music Starts...:)

2006-04-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

...bit anxious...bit lazy..bit scary...bit moody..bit exciting - all these bits culminated into an inexpressible feeling today morning before I landed up at ISB today. I arrived at campus along with my parents and one of my friends...He was excited looking at the buildings, people, facilities etc, etc...(obviously, bcoz he isn't missing anyone and studying here for next one year :)) I am put up at the student village 3 (just near the lake !!)

I am amazed by the VIP treatment rendered to the students here.. (we don't even have to make our bed!!) I hope we aren't pampered so much that it becomes difficult when we leave ISB into the real world...:) Started slowly getting into the groove, and we have a pretty tight schedule tomorrow...., starting with Dean's address and an interesting orientation week upfront...

I had a terrific year last year, and left my firm on a very high note. I am hoping that magic repeats at ISB in even larger magnitude....:)

tata...Satish.

Emotional Entanglement....

2006-04-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

"Don't Cry because it is over - Smile, because it happened"

Easy to say - but, difficult to practice when you are missing something. Life happens to everyone, and such separations are common. Being aware of it is the first thing, and handling it is the second thing. Time heals everything!!

I am writing this senti and philosiphical stuff not because I intend to dwell in Himalayas, but because I am already missing my team :(

I have been lucky all along, meeting interesting and friendly people thru out my life. Most of them are in touch - though we are now physically separated by miles, countries, and continents..

I am sure the same continues...

Stuff Happens....Keep Going..:)

Tata...Satish.

The art & science of success...!!

2006-04-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Success means different things to different people...However, the process that is underlying to get to any goal is consistently constant - Few gems from Edward De Bono on that process:

- If you want something hard enough, you will get it.

-Be ready for luck – but do not sit around waiting for it.

- Knowing what you want to do, determination and persisitence are important –you may have these qualities by temperament or strategy.

- Choose not only an opportunity field, but preferably a growing one

- It is comforting to know that there are many styles of success. – Try to find your style.- build up the strong points of your style

- You should much rather climb into the head of someone who has lost and see what made the person come back as victor, than to climb the head of a winner.

- Use failure as the shadow that gives dimension to the picture.

- Self-image is all important

- The value of challenge is that it wonderfully focuses energies and thinking

- The most important single thing is having an idea and putting it into practice and seeing it bear fruit. You just can’t let ideas be ideas

- There can’t be a general purpose motivation – convert it to something specific and particular.

Gems are always good to look, read, and taste !! But, the most important thing is to live those..:)

Tata..Satish.

Money...Honey !!

2006-04-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

After ISB placements' results are out, it is not uncommon to relate everything to the magical highest-salary figure, forgetting everything else that took the student to get there! In such instances, the school's contribution, I must say, is over-estimated. (the weightage of contribution by even the best school on the planet will not exceed 30%). Any school can utmost be a vehicle, but one has to drive the vehicle to reach his goal. Most of the credit must therefore go to the person who achieved the feat.

I have been bombarded with the calls after the news is out, putting undue pressure. I struggled hard to explain my above reasoning and there are more things than money that one can look for in a top-class B-school. The present batch at ISB has set top-class bench marks for us, and hopefully we'll meet those and with lil luck can surpass those..:)

Success can never be completely measured by dollar bill - Ever!! However, money is a good guage for one's success. But, beyond a point it adds lil value..

Tata..Satish.

GMAT Resources - II

2006-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Like many of my fellow countrymen, my area of improvement isverbal and I invested 80-90% of my preparation time in masteringverbal concepts. Kaplan verbal guide and Kaplan 800 really helpedme in that direction. The following are the links I used occasionallyto brush up my basics and prevent myself from going nuts..:) Hopefully,they can help my fellow friends as well..

Argument Mini test analysis
http://www.west.net/~stewart/gmat/qmargum.htm
Grammar
http://aliscot.com/bigdog/index.htm

IVY essays
http://www.ivyessays.com/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Test Tutor
http://www.testutor.com/

http://www.ascenteducation.com/india-mba/iim/cat/questionbank/Archives/June2002/june2002.shtml

http://www.bartleby.com/64/

http://www.tpub.com/math2/77.htm

http://www.gmatclub.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7228

http://www.crack-gmat.com/

http://www.downdowndown.net/index_gmat.htm

http://cyberprep.com/bschool/drills/drills.htm

http://www.microedu.com/

http://www.syvum.com/gmat/

http://www.800score.com/guidec2view3.html

http://www.sentencecorrection.com/

http://www.west.net/~stewart/gmat/

http://www.gmatquiz.com/gmat-prep/signup.php

http://www.angelfire.com/scifi2/gmatplus/gmat.html

http://www.gmattutor.com/idioms.html

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm

http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/vol6/conditional.html

http://www.mathforum.org/library/drmath/sets/select/

http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/gmat/test.asp

http://www.testmagic.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4203

http://education.kulichki.net/distant/gmaton.html

http://www.scholarstuff.com/netguide/test/gmat.htm

http://www.gmatbuster.org/gmat-questions.htm

http://www.scoretop.com

Obviously, you don't have to refer all of these to get a good score,
because I didn't. But, it should serve as a repository of material which
you can refer based on your judgement and required areas of improvement.

Tata....Satish

GMAT Resources - I

2006-04-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post in response to several of my friends' requests of
how I went out about preparing for the inevitable - GMAT!
As most of us are aware, GMAT is one of the important criteria for any top B-school
admission, and this is probably the only one which is under our direct control.
Hopefully, this post would address my friends' request comprehensively....&
I am honored to share my secrets for getting a good score :)

OG...OG..OG - if you've to do just one thing for preparing GMAT,
it has to be OG (Official Guide). You've to master it, primarily focussing
on your responses. If you answered right, figure out why the particular
answer is right and why the other answers are wrong;
and by the sametoken, put all you effort to find out the reason for your
mistakes for those which you answered incorrectly. The key is to master the
basics that are repetitvely tested in GMAT.

I also believe short- concentrated (2-3 months, 5-6 hrs a day) effort is
more effective than long- diversified effort (6 months, 1-2 hrs a day).
And ofcourse ubiquitous mantra for any preparation holds good for
GMAT preparation as well - Practice, Practice, and Practice.

Tata...Satish

Born 2 3Ls

2006-04-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

As Gita says, living and dying are the two sides of the same coin called 'Soul'. A man transforms in each birth and travels thru a path that leads to his salvation in 'n' number of births ( the value of n depends on what you do in those births b/w life and death) - So, goes the philosophy - but, I believe I am 'Born to 3 L's - Live, Love, Lead..!!'

Live: My idea of living is to live according to your values, goals, and dreams - ALWAYS!! My values are a significant portion of 'me'. My Physicality - height, weight, age, coloring, sense of style - is the wrapped package. Rip the ribbons and paper away, and open the box to find the real person inside, the reality will not change regardless of the how the package is wrapped. That inner core is defined by both nature and nurture. Ofcourse, the main essence of living is sharing (as portrayed by the below post...(poem))

Love: Love is the most commonly misused term - there are lotta connotations, but the predominant one is equivalent to 'attraction & affection'. However, I believe Love has to be selfless if it is a genuine one - but such self-less love is rare.( Atleast, I haven't fallen in such a love as yet!!). If I ask my mom she tells me that one can have True Love only towards the LORD (a.k.a devotion) and all the other forms of love are selfish and false. I kinda tend to agree with her...

Lead: 'Leading' is my favorite verb, and according to me it means 'influencing' and 'enabling' people to perform to their peak potential. You don't have to be a designated leader to lead - you can always influence people by your thoughts, actions, and character. I believe self-mastery, self-discipline, and self-awareness are the true prerequisites to become a good leader.

I hope to live by these 3 Ls...!!

Tata...Satish.

Living ..&..Living Well..

2006-04-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

The following lyrics from George Strait are my favorite ones and close to my 'blood pumping instrument'...It beautifully exemplifies the difference b/w living and living well... (SHARING...&..CARING)

Had a nice little life
A little boat a little beach
A little routine I liked
A blue ocean view
Free to go with the flow
Anywhere that I wanted to
But the moment you set foot on my shore
That's when I knew

There's a difference inLiving and living well
You can't have it all
All by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

'Til you smiled with me
Thought that I had it good
As good as it could be
From the back of my deck
Caught a fish caught a breeze
And a thousand red sunsets
But sitting here with you girl
I just sawThe best one yet
There's a difference inLiving and living well

You can't have it all
All by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

My days are brighter
My sky a deeper blue
My nights are sweeter
When I'm with you

There's a difference inLiving and living well
You can't have it all
All by yourself
Something's always missing
'Til you share it with someone else
There's a difference in living and living well

Spicy art of listening...!!

2006-03-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

I never imagined listening as a skill to be acquired till i landed at my first job 6 years back. However, there is lotta hulla-gulla about listening in professional arena, and most people assume that they are good listeners (me, too). Nevertheless, listening doesn't mean waiting for others to shutup so that you can speak...

By listening right, we can explore unused potential to our maximum advantage. The historical reason for poor listening skills: Gap in training in school days- focus was more on reading!!

The other common cause for poor listening is 'spare thinking' ( Thinking rate is much faster than speaking rate) For instance, day-dreaming about Penelope cruz when the professor is teaching about 'Long term strategy in media industry' :)

However, we can use spare thinking efficiently to avoid side tracks
- Anticipate what the speaker is going to say
- Listen like you are reading a CR question. Is the evidence valid?
- Periodically review what the speaker is saying
- Listen between lines: is he avoiding something- looking for non-verbal cues

Also, listen for ideas -rather than facts. (The facts serve only for constructing the ideas)

Take care of emotional filters - hear the man out (requires lotta self-control)
- Withhold evaluation
- Hunt for negative evidence

More importantly, remember "talking is sharing, listening is caring..!!"

Tata..Satish.

Antonym of Adulation..!!

2006-03-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

Adulations are comforting and pleasurable, but condemnations and criticisms are good lessons (not all, but some genuine ones..) Lately, I've been receiving lotta compliments (99%) and few disapprovals (1%) from my close friends and acquiantances, and I am gonna concentrate on the rebukes here.

Liar: Yes, I do lie..!! But, most of them are beautiful, meaningless, and harmless lies. For instance, telling someone that he or she looks cool when i actually don't feel that way inside is a lie, and it is bad. There are no different degrees of bad - fairly bad, moderately bad, badly bad.... Bad is bad, and I will stop lying..:)

World's #1 Flirt: Nope, I don't agree on this. It is truly a false perception, based on observing few outward circumstances and undesired emotions.

Doesn't really care: Could be true because I think I am eternally task oriented and result-focussed, so everything else comes secondary. I will change in here as well and targetThe elusive work-life balance ..hope ISB teaches some lessons in this aspect as well...

Life is a continuous game, and we need to keep getting better at it......(no apologies, no bitching, no excuses)

BTW, Happy Ugadi...!! (Telugu New Year Day..:))

Tata..Satish.

Making Presentations Happen...!!

2006-03-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's human and natural to be nervous while presenting to a group, but it can rev up your engines if you can tweak it and utilize it to your advantage. (Positive pressure - they say) There are many books out there to cover this aspect, and i am not writing anything about that here....however, i just wanna summarize what i learnt about Presentation...

What we are internally has a profound, subconscious impact on our audiences (Importance of Character)

Audiences are irresistibly attracted to and impressed by personal power. (than by facts or logic)

Getting that power by giving respect (Fundamental respect has little to do with everyday ‘like’ and ‘dislike’etc)

Importance of feelings or emotions –(the impact of a speaker’s feelings and attitude on audience – a whopping 93% (verbal & vocal))

Your ability to persuade or convince depends very little on what you say and almost entirely on how you say it.

You are the medium. You are most of your message.

Good presenters do not dispense information, they translate it.

Put your fear into gear. Use your nervous energy to make sure you fire on all cylinders.

Visualization - The subconscious doesn’t distinguish truth from untruth. It simply carries out the instructions you give it. (Program your subconscious mind)

Ta ta...Satish

What's in a name??

2006-03-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not an ardent fan of 'Lord of Rings', but i guess i am a fan of myself.(no apologies!!) I've been contemplating to restart my blog with a new name to capture my ISB odyssey. :)

The following are the names I considered and thought of: DreamOdyssey, ACloudFlyer, DreamCatcher, UtopianAspirations, AMeasureofSelf, ALifeofMeaning, ConductBecoming..etc,etc..but the one I choose should really reflect me...Somethings like KingKong, Born2Fly sound too cool, but they aren't really me...!!

Unlike last time, I hope to write regularly because I believe writing forces you to re-think and re-imagine... especially when you are stuck and trying to catch up daylong...

Nothing more to write right now..I guess the whole 2007 batch is "Ready to Rock..!!", and can't await April 15.

Tata...Satish

P.S: One of my friends at a recent ISB meet jocularly enquired, why I use the signature 'Tata' because it sounds like you are talking or saying bye to kids...:).Well, everyone has an infant inside and ISBians are no exceptions...:)