Sheeza Shakeel _HRLP2012_SELF LEADERSHIP_26_OCT2012

Sheeza Shakeel _MLP2012_SELF LEADERSHIP_26_OCT2012

Today's session came across as the much awaited sessions. We all connected with it instantly and had several insights to help us from now on. It was all about the power of brain.

The session started by highlighting the framework that needs to be followed in a Decision Making Process. The 6 Dos were Defining the Frame, Obtaining Meaningful and Reliable Information, Defining several creative/ doable options and Having Criteria for Risk and Return. This was something I was unconsciously doing but not in a structured way. Whether it was leaving Infosys Job and Joining Soil or Taking up Marketing Specialization as opposed to Human Resources. From now on, it would be a conscious effort to follow a structured approach and get to decisions quickly.

In this context, pointing out the significance of being creative was important because that's how you can actually come up with different ways out. Talking of creativity we were engaged in activity where in we need to take different forms. I feel each of us stepped in the roles as easily as possible more because there was no fear of being judged. I realized how important it is to find pleasure in little things. I realized we are never too old to enjoy. Interesting stories of Synectics were narrated. It was fascinating to find the practical implications of each of the theoretical concepts. We discussed at length what hinders Creativity with respect to the Five Fears. It was interesting to note several instances where in I held myself back because of one or the other fear. Some other activities offered great Introspection in terms of gauging our own strengths and values.

The class ended with a brief overview of Inference of Ladder. How we see what we want to see, How we believe what we want to believe, How our beliefs shape up what we think and How we react. These and many more such questions were triggered. The thread was extended neatly to design our Mission Statement.

I would like to conclude by the following lines.

"You are powerful. You are powerful- beyond measure"

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel _HRLP2012_SELF LEADERSHIP_OCT2012

Sheeza Shakeel _MLP2012_SELF LEADERSHIP_OCT2012

Today's session came across as one of the most refreshing sessions. The day covered an entire range of human emotions. It started by stating the importance of Emotional Intelligence and ended by a huge emotional out pour.

Firstly, Emotional Intelligence is what all of us have to look forward to if we want to go up the ladder. Anyone can be a Leader but to be a Charismatic Leader you ought to have Emotional Intelligence. It is perhaps all about Emotional Mind Mastery. When you do this efficiency and proficiency follow. EQ is not something you can blame on ancestors to not have inherited from. It can be acquired at any stage and any age. A person with high EQ has the magic of spreading warmth and love. When the heart and mind is aligned towards a common purpose the result is extra ordinary.

Secondly, hearing a person is no big deal. Listening is something. But listening to understand is what makes you stand out. Reading the silence is an art. Like it is said silence is louder than words. You tend to become a fantastic problem solver. Talking about Listening an important insight was shared abbreviated as PAL( Process, Agenda and Limit).

Last part of the session was my personal favourite.  More so because it touched those chords of the heart which were rusted. The activity to build community with strangers started by resistance and went on to total resonance. Where once I was scared to open just to share facts, I was now opening up to share some of the darkest and deepest secrets. There was an instant connect with the entire group and together we brood over each other's guilt and regrets. This is what is called genuine sharing perhaps. But whatever it is, it was great. And really left me with a feeling that my problems were not actually problems. They were more self imposed suffering.

I would like to conclude by the following lines.

"There is a story behind every person."

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_4

This episode was all about "Giving". We all are involved in the act of giving in one way or the other. Bu the beauty lies in the fact that you give without expecting anything in return.

Swamiji was humanity personified. This trait of his along with popularity as a poet got him immense respect and love. He is strong believer that true richness lies in giving. "Sevak" was one of his most devoted follower and was totally sunk in following the path Swamiji had set. It is the all about leading by example which made a materialistic women transform her mundane life to a meaningful life which evolved around people and not things.

After the episode, my belief that the real bank balance is the amount of love, respect and trust one has is even stronger now. This reminds me of several instances where the salary slip failed to bring in the smile but a small act of giving made my day.

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_3

Yet another episode, yet another set of leanings. The episode has rightly described learning as a journey. It is an attempt to continuously learn, learn and learn more. The episode evolved around Sabhykaam and depicted this in true sense. It also shows how the constant discouragement from Malhar Kaka did not deter him. Although faced with lot number of hurdles, one being that of caste discrimination, he still goes to Acharya Gautam with a request to improve his learning. Acharya Gautam agrees to teach him. This was solely because of his passion to learn.

This highlights knowledge is above caste, creed or religion. Everyone deserves to be education. I would rather put it as- "Education is our birth right."

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_2

This episode of Upanishad Ganga highlighted one of the stages of life system in Hindu society- "Grihast Aashram". The life of a Grihasta is considered a 'Jivayagna'- a lifelong saga of self sacrifice for the benefit of others in society.

Marriage is regarded as a means to spiritual glory and a part of spiritual duty with devotion to perpetuate the family tradition. It is constant struggle to selfless. It is all about accepting the person with the differences. Looking for the best in the person and understanding the root cause of the action is the key to a successful relation.

This was very well evident in the story spun around Maagh, a messiah for the needy and poor. He is selflessness personified. Maagh's immense love for the poor often led to his wife compromising on certain needs. Yet, his actions was interpreted in the right way and the difference in opinion was avoided. Each of the characters in the episode have set a benchmark for us to learn and practice a way to a balanced life.

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_UPANISHAD_GANGA_1

Here starts a Sunday  morning on a serious note- Moksha. Going by the literal meaning it is the liberation from the bondage of karma,  from the vicious cycle of birth and death forever. But I guess it is much beyond that. It was wonderfully narrated in a form of story.

The story was spun around a proud businessman' Kotikaran' and his transformation to a peacemaker- a monk. This transformation highlights how he gave up on all worldly affairs and began to be aligned with a greater objective in life- knowing self. Also, he was capable enough to inspire people around. A thief ‘Satyawadi’ began to think about his purpose of life follow Kotikaran in his journey till he achieves ‘Salvation’.

I would like to conclude saying that the true understanding of Moksha is when it become possible to have absolute control over five senses-- the stage of absolute wisdom! It is certainly not easy but like they say "Nothing is impossible to a willing heart".

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel _HRLP2012_SELF LEADERSHIP_MAY2012

Today's session restates that the most important things in life are not taught but experienced. Emotions do not need words. If we observe people with unbiased/ open minds we can draw out useful conclusions.

Every eye has a story behind it. Some may be pleasant and others not so pleasant. A child's innocence is best reflected in the eyes, parents love is better expressed through eyes and a friend's care cannot be better shown than through eyes! Only if we knew the power to observe. For this one of the most important things is to be present at the moment. By doing so we will hear the silence loud and clear. True feeling are best reflected in eyes. Like they say, as we grow ld lips learn to manipulate but eyes still are connected to soul and speak nothing but the truth. No doubt, how the three basic things namely the eyes, gestures and words put together can do wonders.

The most important take away from the session is identifying the small things in others. We when want to bring a change around we think we are not capable enough or old enough. We feel we need to be financially stable or powerful to bring in change. This is because we overlook the fact that how the small things if noticed can bring significant change. A street dog, a crying child in neighbourhood or a blind person crossing the roads does not need anything but a gentle touch, a loving heart or an empathetic ear.

I would like to conclude by the following lines.

"Don't try to change the world,

change ONE life"

Sheeza Shakeel

Sheeza Shakeel_HRLP036_Self Leadership_May 2012

This session is on the lines of leading self before you create followers or in other words lead others. As a leader, we all are aware how important it is to understand people around in order to lead them. What we failed in understanding is the power of knowing self and leading self. The session on Self Leadership  precisely does that. It inculcates in us the power to know yourself and taking responsibility.  It is done with the help of the SIX LAYER MODEL( Senses, Instinct,  Compassion, Intellect, Ego and I ).

It  restates the belief that there is immense potential inside each one of us. The only thing that makes the difference  is how we channelize the potential within. Time and again, it has been seen and felt that people spending time and energy on superficial things end up being happy and successful for a while. True happiness is when you start channelizing all you to  help the masses.  Various self help books and the spiritual minds have reiterated the power of doing something selflessly for others. Indeed, true happiness lies in spreading happiness. And this feeling alone is everlasting!

I have almost learnt perhaps the most important lesson till date. Leaders must respond and not react to situations. Majority might know this but the session made us feel how important it is and how negligent we are in not practicing it despite of knowing about it. It also circumscribes leaving aside past experiences, inhibitions and reservations in dealing with situations. Each single person or incident must be taken at its face value and respond accordingly.

I would like to conclude with the following lines.

"Jo Apni Khushi Doosro Mein Dekhe;

Usske Kadam Chume Saari Duniya Ki Khushi..!!"

Sheeza Shakeel