'Atlas' Shrugged

bubbles caught in hexagon

gigantic cloud & wee mountains

the multi-colored halo

Skyline

In search of the Perfect Tea

I am happy today. I woke up at 4.45 am to attend a 'Art of Living' crash-course at 5.30 am. Crash course, because, it was a 3 day program unlike the usual extensive ones. The special feature of this program was the presence of Sri Sri Ravishankar, the founder and the driving force behind 'Art of Living'. The program focused on Meditation and Pranayam techniques primarily, and not Sudarshan Kriya for which 'Art of Living' is recognized.

I think over 10,000 people must have attended the event. Seen below, is Sri Sri Ravishankar connecting with the crowd. (click on it for a larger version)


Soon after it ended at 7.30 am (sharp), I decided to have tea at the most famous tea-stall in Nashik for the first time since my arrival in the city 14 yrs ago! The reason for my having tea some place outside home is, because I am home alone at present and I become 'Sloth Incarnated' during such times. To my dissatisfaction, this most-famous tea stall was closed on a Sunday morning!

I was most dissatisfied because this temporary incarnation of sloth would have to find another tea stall. What a pain.

As I ventured to locate other tea-stalls in the vicinity, I was disappointed at every juncture. (Hmm, so the whole process was created to de-sloth me). Anyways, in my search for the perfect tea, I traveled to places which were filled with emptiness. Hardly anybody on the street. I guess, other people with this temporary-sloth disorder must be enjoying their state, neatly on their warm beds.

So finally, while I was on the verge of giving up the perfect tea, I had an 'aroma' of hope. Unbelievable. Fresh aroma of tea. Just some distance away, I saw a customer-driven and energetic tea-walla distributing tea to his customers. (Thank you, God!)

I cherished every sip of the tea and thanked the tea-walla for being present at the right moment for this sloth. The result of this journey was flavored and aromatic. It was time for me to rush back home and enjoy other sloth-moments.

So may be I didn't get the tea at the perfect tea stall, but this journey did de-sloth me and finally gave me the perfect tea at not-so-perfect tea stall! I realized that sometimes, it is more important to travel than to arrive!

Have a happy Sunday!! :)

Some random thoughts about some random things

Presently, there are a billion thoughts hovering around in my mind. Mostly concerned with Vision, Focus, Productivity, Efficiency, Work Approach, Results, Performance, Improvement, Quality, Targets, 'the big picture', Measurement, 'customer delight', etc.

All of these aspects have added to become a binomial equation of the highest order. Too many variables, too many parameters; yet the outcome, possibly, just one. Growth.

What I'm currently caught up with is: Agreed, that I have a binomial equation of the highest order. That there are umpteen variables. That the the outcome is also defined. But, to crack the equation that would result in 'Growth', I'm trying to find out something that is so 'simple', yet 'pivotal' to the success of this equation. Everything else hangs aroung this pivot. That 'pivot' I'm trying to find.

We're talking about finding one simple 'lever' which just solves the entire equation in a jiffy. I'm thinking hard to find this 'lever' in a set of systems and processes devised by us.

May be the solution is too familiar for us to notice. May be it is so obvious that we can't even see it. Need a fresh perspective towards the entire problem. A new direction. A new angle. A new paradigm.

What is the key to high 'customer satisfaction'? Even if we see 'the big picture', how do we regulate work through a set of procedures and systems designed by us, keeping in mind the customer expectation levels have radically evolved over the period of time? They've radically evolved and not radically changed. Hmm. May this is the 'connection'.

Earlier, if the customer wanted something in 10 days with X level of quality; now, he needs it in 2 days with 10X level of quality. So, what is driving this change?
a. Customer perception about the product? or
b. Fear that the same customer may visit some other competitor? or
c. The fact that the customer has become more aware and resourceful than before? or
(there could be more options, but these immediately strike me)

In this 'customer evolution' phase, what all need to change?
1. Recognition that customers have evolved.
2. Systems and processes
3. Fundamental perception of the company about the customer
4. Competition
5. Speed of work / execution
(these strike me right now)

This is where suddenly, I recollect something, which was possibly said by Steven Covey: "It does not matter how hard you're climbing up the ladder; if the ladder itself is against the wrong wall, your efforts are futile"

Even if we identify the right wall and the right ladder, the pace at which we climb the ladder and how smartly we climb the ladder, governs how fast we reach the customer waiting for us at the end of the ladder. Why? Simple, there are 100 other ladders like you wanting to reach the same customer?

Another question that strikes me is: Does a system have to be person dependent or process dependent? I realize and accept, from the bottom of my heart that, it has to process dependent. But, what happens when the person who's designed those processes is the key? What happens if he's not available for a substantial period of time? (I may be sounding silly, but, these are just some random thoughts expressed without cutting down the matter)

Yes, I know that I need help. I need to laterally think a way to get me out of this. And I need to get out of it very soon. The bloggers, marketing consultants, think tanks, even, passersby are invited to share their opinions / thoughts / feedback with me.

Excitement Cost

What does it take to get excited to work? What cost would you spend to keep yourself excited? Here's something that's randomly come to my mind:

What excites you to work? I've known this for a while that work excites me to work more. These days I just need excuses to work. Even on a Sunday, I'd just slip out of home and go to office to work. I think I am getting possessive about my work. I can't see myself not working.

I don't know the word which describes the next level of workaholism. But I think I've reached there. Is there something called 'work worms'?

Putting aside the family and social circle of friends, I prefer to work. A case to ponder deeply and act. A-S-A-P.

This got me thinking. Earlier it was the inspiration that drove me towards doing more work. Inspiration drove me and excited me to become more creative. Well, that inspiration and creativity is still there, which channels itself in other mediums, like poetry; but, it has reduced. Why I'm saying this is because, the frequency of writing poems has drastically reduced. Its work and more work.

I'll say it again: Inspiration drove me and excited me to become more creative. 3 words. Inspiration, Excitement and Creativity.

These days as I become more work-centric and target-driven, I've to work harder at getting myself inspired to get necessary 'fuel' to stimulate creativity. Bad sign, isn't it?

I have a passion for writing and learning languages. But sadly, I'm unable to do any of those. Yes, its work and more work. What's happened to you, pal?

The one thing that makes me work hard (er!) is the visible impact of what I work on in the business. My job is stay in control of the day-to-day activities while strategically seeing and acting if the company is heading in the direction it's supposed to head. The mentoring part I find most exciting. Just fyi, The people I mentor have over 10-25 yrs industry experience. Yes, it is a very fulfilling experience.

Oops. I just realized that I've drifted from the topic I initially started with. 'Excitement Cost' is something you need to incur to get yourself excited. Earlier, this EC was relatively lesser, I got inspiration from Nature, Relational Dynamics, Music, Gaping Void, Glasbergen, Driving, Astrophysics, etc.

These days, as I'm unable to find time to be in the vicinity of any of these, the EC is all set to increase. It is Movies, McDs, Play Stations, New Bike, etc that seems to be gaining popularity in my mind.

Gotta get back to those old ways of getting in a new shape. EC's gotta come down now. Set a deadline, Force. Act now.

Fremdsprache - ein entfernter Traum

Ich lernt eine Fremdsprache. Then it stopped. I can't write or read any more German than what's written here. What a pity. The journey that started with a high-powered drive, met with a screeching end.

Agreed, that I am too busy to even think beyond my daily schedule. But therein lies the problem. It is said that busy people have a time for everything (I know I ain't no best 'xample of eet.) I need to define my work well so that I have time for everything. My plan is to learn German, French and Spanish. This is not including the regional languages like Bengali and Gujarati. (Wow! So much to do and I am just excuses)

Will write more later... hang on...

>> Guten Nacht! (good night!)...

I have a Vision

I have a vision
of a liberal society, where minds are not infected
where beliefs are not dissected

I have a vision
of a trillion dominos arranged by fate
the right domino for me to select and wait
actions that would initiate a chain
driven by vision and would help my life gain

I have a vision
of a butterfly effect my actions would cause,
identifying and carefully removing the flaws;

I have a vision
of an undiscovered God
establishing Himself and preaching by sword
seeing His powers blossom
of an unseen fury in this microcosm

I have a vision
of finding lost humanity in these confines of mind
of reviving beliefs, triggering a soul of new kind

I have a vision
of a better me
a real me
wandering lonely on a crowded street
discovering my self in this divine retreat

Life and Beyond

Dogmas
and relentless passion
sermoning reality
on false beliefs

Ignorant Minds
Divinity and Faith
growing abound
beyond confined paradigms

Thoughts in a fix
startled emotions
Degrees of freedom
outgrowing beliefs

oblivious harmony
overshadowed by pain
remaining incognito
in the confines of reality

tranforming life
to outreach horizons
Reliving and reviving
transcending Life

Fertile imagination
creative ideas boosting Spirit
resurrected harmony
Outgrowing Life

Random thoughts - Ego, Life, Love and Values

Nebulous clouds and the dark matter,
dying stars and the unwanted clutter,
aspiring stars, in this relentless churn,
radiating Life, on this lasting sojourn

dwindling egos and the inflated minds,
ignoring Life that binds,
startled emotions and disrupted Life,
better notions manifest; ending strife

Understanding emotions in this deep-rooted drive
Subtle concepts; strengthening to thrive
primordial drive- called Love; beginning to manifest
enriching Life for a fruitful cause; in this new quest

Circumspect notions; expressing uncertainty
observing the drive; resorting to absurdity
seeking a solution; through solitary refinement
enquiring into values; to achieve enlightenment

Seeking inspiration from dimensions unknown
reliving nobility; newer seeds are sown
Humanizing values for what is to become
Newer - Love, Life and Values; the best is yet to come

Mindis-Complexis Disorder

Since my last article, I'm in a state of expressing everything in a complicated manner and then analyzing how many words I've sinfully wasted had I expressed it in a simpler manner. Getting it?

I am currently reading Ray Romano's 'Everything and a Kite' and I am really amazed at the simplicity of expression. Yes, he is the same guy who plays Raymond in the hit series 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. What I marvel is the way he has expressed humor (or, for our British friends - humour). To-the-point. Not even an additional iota of confusion for understanding the profundity of the literature! (I know, the Mindis-Complexis Disorder (MCD) is acting again)

Humor has to be simple and to-the-point. If somebody has to be break his head in understanding humor, then its no humor. Ditto with any communication / expression for that matter. Excluding the Economic deductions to understand the Domino-effect of price volatility in Zambia on the market upsurge in developed countries. (Hey buddy, just come out of this MCD, will ya?)

World would be a different place if everything was expressed in a complicated manner. I think this would pose the biggest problem to Communication agencies world-wide. All the advertisers would spray complicated jargon over everyone's mind - reducing sales and hampering the brand equity of that product. This is just a thin slice in the incontrovertibly growing spiral of complex expression whose effect would aggravate mental trauma and trigger mass hysteria; ultimately , after realization, would obliterate the existence of complexity altogether. (Okay, enough said)

As a writer, I have always tried to express my thoughts in the simplest possible manner. Recently, I have been inspired by the depth and clarity of expression of Hugh MacLeod (of gapingvoid.com). I am trying to improve my skills of written expression through constant thinking and re-visiting such sites, which not only tell you how best things are written to-the-point; but, also, explain how effective blogging can radically ignite sales in a small South African winery to help it grow multifold.

So, IMHO, be Simple. To-the-point. Effective. Clear.

Bureaucratic Lullaby - its political and socio-economic repercussions

My mind was in a dissociated state of disharmony when I gleaned through some paper-work involving bureaucratic incomprehensibles. To be more precise, this paperwork was a resume of a bureaucrat. Mind-blowing, err, mind-boggling.

As I read the introduction of the profile of this candidate, I began to re-assure myself that this agony would get over very soon and hey, its only a 23-page resume! Couldn't have asked for more.

I am a resume writer and I have seen both - bad resumes and worse resumes. But, nothing could beat this one. Flowered with apathetic and banal statements which we hear during election campaigns. I felt real pity on the potential employer, who would HAVE to be very strong and courageous, to face this heroic-narcissist stuff. I would personally congratulate that gentleman who would have the divine patience to read this 23-page resumé without dozing off. Kudos.

By the time I had begun the 12th page, unsettling thoughts settled in. But, I motivated myself as I went through the pain. Another 11 to go now. Way to go man! I thought it was an achievement in itself. I would write it in my resume for sure.

What was even more unnerving, was to realise that such people are running our country. If all they want is to praise themselves and get-praised in return, then how would they selflessly run or advise politicians on running a country.

I am still not entirely certain about how bureaucracy works etc, but I just got a sneak-peak into their mind-set. If I had to break my head in understanding a simple communication like resume, how would they draft critical documents that would be driving a nation tomorrow? I do feel that their words neither have an honest drive nor are articulated well. It looks like they write for someone who has the entire day in deciphering the complexity of demographic-repercussions of a 20-line paragraph.

Okay, even I can write something which nobody would understand. But, what's the use. We are talking about running the country here!

I just want to make an effective one-page resume for this gentleman. If he is a top-order bureaucrat and heads one of the most important committees, would he need a 23-page resume? Why, for that matter, would he need a resume at all? He would just tell the employer that he would close the company if he doesn't get that job. Simple and effective. ;)

I am a great fan of short and crisp resumes. That is what they should be. To-the-point. It should be an exciting document and not a boring, banal, run-of-the-mill stuff which would rather land in a dustbin than on an employer's desk.

This resume would actually act like a lullaby. I would recite it to kids, so that they get some nice and quick sleep.

Anyways, time to work on this resume. Need to understand the effect of political sentimentality of this resume that would accelerate the artificial decomposition of my mind and then it will be symmetrically truncated into millions of quasi-static states.

Cheers!!

Unfound Path

In an unknown path I wait,
with surreal thoughts, in a restless gait
cyclical paths, realistic places
Mystical journey, meeting stolid faces

charming people on an alarming path,
disarming beauty with weapons that scathe
concerted efforts; losing steam
Plastic smiles, meeting people with low esteem

intensely cared about the dignified presence
sustaining and enriching essence
for the life that is mine and yours
nostalgic sojourn and a reckless recourse

sparkling lights on the abandoned street
wandering minds with their souls discreet
Exploring new beliefs; enticing ignorance
igniting minds for the newer paths; taking cognizance

Lone Runner

Periodic cleansing of soul,
achieving divine harmony,
Taking baton of life and sprinting

Ever-growing horizons and ingrained ignorance
years of wisdom and displaced intelligence
over-growing reality; still discovering future

Tribal soul with surreal values
Body, bereft of all material possessions
Bare, to exist and evolve

Clairvoyant glimpses of the future unknown
Beckoning the soulful mind
present is known, future is sown

Divine intelligence, self-grown chaos
Blithe and hesitant, noble and reluctant
echoing ignorance, carefree existence

integrating awareness with bliss
unperturbed stimulation; growing within
wooing courage; sprouting beliefs

stigmata on innocence; breaking silence
aching pain; shouldered wisdom
complying with reality; Awaiting...

Respulsive and reclusive

Treating Life with a noble cause
Governing events; correcting flaws
un-attended breakthroughs, overcoming thought barriers
Repulsive and reclusive

Unambiguous thoughts; despodent wanderer
careless existence; bohemian conquerer
cognizance of values; defaulting carriers
Repulsive and reclusive

Suble directions that guide
Overwhelming pain that subside
circumspect rhyme; resonant vibes
Repulsive and reclusive

relentless sojourn; inertial mind
breathlessly striding; universal bind
filling time and killing ignorance
Repulsive and reclusive

Hapless manoeuvre; buoyant belief
pulsating pain, momentary relief
Everything from stardust to soul,
Repulsive and reclusive

Inflating ego, dwindling tranquillity,
Garnering emotions; conquering nobility
Ideating Life; submissive mind
Repulsive and reclusive

Strings

In elementary physics, Strings define the basic fabric of matter. Their behavior governs the way matter behaves. Despite being the smallest element of matter, they are most vital. Similarly, I feel, following 4 'strings' are central in any business.

Volition ~ Information ~ Perspective ~ Idea

'Strings' is an attempt to discuss the finer aspects that matter a lot in business world. The aspects which govern the basic functioning of business.

Small ideas trigger a revolution. Inspired souls storm the world. A paradigm shift work wonders. Stagnant minds, evolve.Businesses setting new trends. Trends setting new businesses. Its cyclical.

Future shall be analysed. Present shall be enjoyed. Past will be revered. Change is.

New ideas shall blossom. The mind shall once again conquer.Strings is about whats happening and whats not.

'Why not' and 'How' are questions addressed here. It is about hope. It is about action. New businesses and emerging trends. Its time to evolve. Its time to set a new trend.

The Fountainhead continued...

I feel like I was sleeping the last time I read The Fountainhead. Really. I feel that I had missed the most of it. Now, it feels as if the book is slowly and patiently unfolding its mysterious power to me. I have got a feeling that I was not ready for the book earlier; but now I am.

Some of the junctions which I really like, are, when...

* Howard Roark meets Gail Wynand
* Howard Roark meets Dominique Wynand and Gail Wynand
* Howard Roark meets Ellsworth Toohey
* Kent Lansing meets Howard Roark
* Dominique meets Wynand
* Steve Mallory again meets Mike
* Ellsworth Toohey meets Gail Wynand at his office

I am nearing the end of the book. It actually feels that the conversations above should last forever and I would be a part of it.

(Yes, I am even more anxious to reach the point when Howard Roark addresses the jury!)

I feel that I should revisit all books I read and liked: Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance (Pirsig), Lila (Pirsig), The End of Eternity (Asimov), Zen: The quantum leap from mind to no-mind (Osho), The Bridge across forever (Bach). I think I will understand them in greater depth now. Lets see. Incidentally, some of these books are instrumental in evolving me and honing me into whatever I am today.

I think, my growth, further, would be governed by autobiographies like Only the Paranoid survive (Andy Grove), Pour your heart into it (Howard Schultz), Wings of Fire (Kalam) and others. Governed by these, my ability to challenge my limits and how I take life as I meet it head-on. These books would give me an insight in running the business I am in right now.

Till then, happy reading folks!!

Sauce in a Bottle

What is pushing the sauce outside the bottle?

The space where it can freely flow? or

The pressure it's facing from within, from its own self? or

The quaint tilt of the hand that gives it a direction, a purpose to flow? or

The divine desire of sauce that it should flow, that gives the hand its quaint tilt? or

The attraction of open space, or freedom, that makes the hand give its quaint tilt to the bottle that the sauce resides? or



What drives the sauce?

The body it resides in?
The gentle hand that holds the body?
The presence of freedom that sauce is aware of, outside the body?
The gradual urge towards freedom that builds the momentum within the body?