Ravneet Singh_BLP015_Self Leadership_October 2012

16-Oct-2012

The class began with a quick insight into the learning from the previous classes about six layers of self awareness followed by discussions about the plays enacted by us at Sidbari as part of CORD visits. Continuing further, Anil sir introduced the concept of intellect and its role in the decision making process.

The process of decision making begins with defining the frame followed by collecting meaningful & reliable information. In the next step we define several creative and doable alternatives followed by defining the logic for evaluation. Moving further we focus on values and evaluate tradeoffs. Finally, one needs to look into the possible implementation of the decision.

We then discussed about Dr. Ron Howard and his research on “Decision analysis”. This was followed by an exercise in which we analyzed, identified and discussed our career choices within our teams, using the Decision framework.

Later, we discussed on creativity and identified the possible reasons for being low on creativity. We talked about the interesting Indian scenario on how most of us start losing on creativity aspect with maturity. A holistic education system and an open minded upbringing of children is the need of the hour. We did a fun exercise wherein we jolted down the some of the creative uses of objects like Pen, cup integrated with marker and mapping an engine with mother-in-law. In relation to creativity we discussed about Ideation fluency, originality of thinking, associational fluency and Synetics.

The lack of creativity was further linked to the concept of fear. To get a better understanding, we were asked to do an exercise to analyze and overcome our fears through knowledge and comprehension about it.  Further we discussed about the values close to our hearts and the people who matter the most to us. In the last session, we learnt the concept of “Ladder of Inference” given by Peter Senge. It is an effective tool that helps in understanding and explaining why we so often get into conflict and fail to get resolution.

22-Oct-2012

The session began on an emotional note discussion on the bravery and courage of Major Shaitan Singh and his troops during the Indo China War of 1962. We were asked to reflect on the question: “What does courage mean to you and capture the essence of it?” Moving further sir discussed about his personal experience of struggle and display of courage during the 1984 riots. We then came up with our views regarding Courage. One of the most appreciated definitions of courage came from one of our classmate which said” Courage is not absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear”.

Anil sir shared a video of world’s happiest man Matthieu Ricard which emphasized on the importance of living in present moment. It reflected that happiness is intrinsic can be attained by achieving inner peace, inner fulfillment & self confidence. We can achieve it through regular meditation as it is very powerful technique of watching your breath and attaining peace. 

We further learnt about the value of happiness in real world and determinants of happiness. The determinants are:

1.        Religion
2.        Good Relationship
3.        Thinking Style
4.         Exercise-Mental and Physical

 It was followed by an interesting discussion about how economists can learn from psychologists so that happiness can find a place in economic thoughts of the country.

In the last session, we had a great time practicing meditation with Anil sir in class. I felt refreshed, rejuvenated and connected with my inner self. With my amazing experience during yoga classes and this session, I have decided to continue with yoga and meditation practice.

In the end, we learnt the concept of ‘Immunity X-ray’ which is a scientific way of overcoming your fear and bringing change in oneself. We were asked to think and write about things that we want to change in our self but have often found it difficult to change. We have to confront all the grey areas in us, face the truth and overcome the mental blocks which form hindrance in the path of achieving what we aspire.