60 Few Thoughts! (60 Perhaps).

 Few Thoughts on my 60th Birthday to look back at life! 

Baker's Dozen Moments: (My Personality)

1. Turning diabetes into a catalyst for a disciplined and determined life is a testament to resilience.
2. Pursuing dream of an MBA after two decades of passing college, exemplifies my commitment to personal growth and education.
3. Venturing into Environmental Engineering as an unknown field in masters degree, 1983,showcases willingness to take intelligent risks and explore uncharted territories.
4. Embracing fatherhood with Radhu's birth marked the start of a beautiful journey into parenthood.
5. Witnessing Shravan and Radha's marriage within a year with the arrival of an amazing son / daughter-in-law is truly heartwarming.
6. Relocating from Tamil Nadu for career prospects 1985, (A culture I loathe even now) reflects dedication to progress and a better quality of life even embracing the unknown.
7. Taking Lalitha on a long-overdue USA trip, initiating a series of cherished travels, underscores commitment to shared experiences and creating memories.
8. Celebrating the pride of the 1971 war win, remains a significant moment that resonates across generations.
9. Joining Monsanto,2000, for steep growth, amidst challenges at BASF,exhibits courage to seek better opportunities and navigate through adversity.
10. Prioritizing caring for parents, despite cultural differences to come back to South India in 11 years, an unwavering commitment to family values.
11. Embracing a lifestyle focused on personal enrichment through reading, writing blogs, and self-reflection (Giving up movie, tv, cricket, social media etc as distractions) demonstrates pursuit of personal growth and depth.
12. The exposure to the Western world during the 1994 Basle Trip contributed to global perspective and enriched global mindset experiences.
13. Adapting to Bangalore life for 27 years showcases adaptability and appreciation for new environments. Permanent place makes family life better.

Top 10 books I cherished reading and added value. 1 Think and Grow Rich 2 What got you here wont get you there 3 7 Habits of highly effective people. 4 The Golden Gate 5 First Break all the rules. 6 The Day of the Jackal 7 Effective Executive 8 Final Diagnosis 9 Bad Luck and Trouble (Reacher) & Killing Floor 10 Making life right when it feels all wrong Top 10 Movies of my life 1 Enter the Dragon 2 The Rock 3 Great Escape 4 Where Eagles Dare 5 Taking of Phelham 1-2-3 (Old) 5 5 Men Army 6 Bullet Train 7 North Sea Hijack 8 Erin Brokovich 9 An Officer and a Gentlemen 10 Top Gun Maverick Top 10 Cities I enjoyed on Business Travel. 1 Rome 2 Melbourne 3 Bombay 3 Kanchipuram 4 Barcelona 5 Basle 5 Berlin 6 Seoul 7 Lahore 8 Manchester 9 London 9 New York 10 Tokyo / Kyoto

A-Ha Moments:-

1 Money is not everything, without money you are nothing. (400% salary rise didn’t bring happiness, I switched job in 3 months). 

2 Gave up cigarette, +++ Non healthy habits/ food at one go at one night in 1989 never again, 35 years later, I wonder how I did it!

3 Performance matters, delivering results on time, on budget and keep up commitment, deliver bad news out fast. Helps you progress in life. Keeps relationship in tact with all (especially at work).

3 Never Lie, You have to remember- whom you told what, to cover up… Tough task.

4 Asking for forgiveness is far better than taking permissions. Break the rules, bend the law..! 

5 God helps only those who help themselves. (Owning House)….. 

6 More than getting big results, how you got the results matter, Behaviours drive you to excellence, not the results per se. 

6 Only Idiot at death bed would wish he should have worked more to make more money. Work is l(e)ast of priority in life. 

7 Intelligent risk taking in accepting first travel to Pakistan in the midst of Cargill crisis… (Gut feel, worked) lead to 20+ countries responsibilities. 

8 Success in life is 90% Inspiration, 9% Prespiration and 1 % Luck. Luck matters. 

8 Family first, relationship second, Work last. A great wife solves 99% of your problem. 

9 Live, Love, Laugh. Delegate effortlessly everything possible. 

10 You can work your unfulfilled dreams in your life through your children by giving to them what you couldn't have got due to your circumstances. 

10 Responsibility is not handed on a platter, you have to steal it and run! 

+ Bonus..... Marry and Love, choose a woman who loves you much more than you do.

The success in my life and career is indebted to the unwavering support I received from friends, colleagues, and managers. While I can't enumerate all, here are a few whose influence shaped my journey:

• Late PKS Mani, Sandoz who extended loans during the hand-to-mouth phase from 1991 to 1993, enabling survival during challenging times with a baby in.
• Vijayanarayan, M , (Vijay) Sandoz, whose insistence (Borderline threat!!) on upgrading computer skills in 1991 not only sparked my fascination for computers but also initiated a pivotal learning phase.
• Jolanta Paull, my former Monsanto Manager, transcended the role of a boss and remains a cherished connection even two decades after leaving Monsanto. Her presence at Shravan's marriage, flying from Melbourne, speaks volumes.
• Dr. VBV Rajan, in 1999 at BASF, instilled the wisdom that stability in one place is key to life and family success. His counsel on granting substantial independence to children resonates profoundly.
• Anthony Wareham at Honeywell empowered me immensely. While the freedom was daunting, his support enabled us to tackle extraordinary challenges and achieve commendable results. (Acknowledging the golden handcuff, courtesy of Anthony!)
• Exceptional directs/colleagues like Ashutosh, Naveen Sharma, Reyaz, Jayasanckar, Seshadri, Dinesh, Mahesh, Zeeshan, Imtiaz, Junaid, whose effortless contributions led to our collective success. Their dedication allowed me to revel in the glory of achievements. Thank you.
• Zahid Islam and Dr. Rehman Khan, @ Pakistan, instrumental in pushing me beyond boundaries, laying the foundation for my International success. Somehow they saw potential in fairskinned, Lahori Look alike!
• Mr. Kamlesh Udani and the other distinctive Ankleshwar management team at UNIQUE, provided boundless opportunities for growth from 1986 to 1991, where the fundamentals of effective and efficient work were ingrained in me.
• Late Toni Bucci, whose guidance facilitated the seamless transition into a global role, managing 23 countries and 45 sites—an arduous yet fulfilling responsibility.
• Michelle Ann Parashar, a true friend who offered insights into better understanding women and emphasized the importance of acknowledging a wife's desires and expecting rewards (with a laugh!). I was 35 then!!!

Of course many others!!

Regards

Karthik.

30/11/2023

Honeywell, Ansan, Korea.

Basle 1994

Grand Mom cherishing his Great Grandson..!

ahhahahhahah!!! No Wonder Lalitha loves me more than I do!

Mohsin, Dr Rana Rafiq, Zahid, Zeeshan.... Lahore, Such colleagues motivate you to strive more!

Radha 1993

Dr VBV Rajan. My personal habits improved under his counsel.

Anthony Wareham. Not only a great boss.. You can discuss everything under the sun with him at the bar.

Autographed book, Vijay got for me when he attended Marshall's course at Dartmouth.

30th Nov 2023, Birthday Shirt from Sister @Hyderabad.

Jolanta Paull at Shravan's Wedding.

Ramesh (Dupont) and Vijay (Sandoz). Shravan Wedding 2022. Great friends to have.


At Golden Gate with Golden Gate. (What a thriller! Vintage- Alistair MacLean).

Human Factors.

Bossclass today talked about Human factors at Work. Andrew Palmer has a sublime touch!.... His inteview with Jeffrey Pfeffer was very thought provoking. 

Here is my thoughts on Human factors at work! 

Describing human factors involves capturing the intricate interplay between people, their behaviors, capabilities, limitations, and the environment they work in. Here's a concise breakdown:

Human Factors Defined:

• Interaction: It's about understanding how individuals interact with their surroundings, tasks, tools, and other people in the workplace.
• Design and Adaptation: Human factors consider how environments, processes, and systems are designed or adapted to accommodate human abilities, limitations, and behaviors.
• Optimization: It aims to optimize performance, safety, comfort, and overall well-being by aligning the work environment with human capabilities and needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Human factors involve an ongoing process of observation, evaluation, and adjustment to enhance efficiency, safety, and satisfaction.

Components of Human Factors:

• Physical Factors: Ergonomics, layout, lighting, and environmental conditions that affect physical comfort and health.
• Cognitive Factors: Mental workload, decision-making, attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
• Social Factors: Communication, teamwork, leadership, and organizational culture impacting interactions among individuals.

Importance of Human Factors:

• Enhanced Performance: By optimizing how individuals engage with their tasks and surroundings, human factors improve performance and productivity.
• Safety and Well-being: Addressing human factors reduces errors, minimizes accidents, and promotes overall well-being.
• Adaptability: Considering human factors allows for adaptability to diverse needs, leading to better engagement and satisfaction.

Example for Clarity: "Human factors encompass the study and application of how people interact with their work environments. It's about making tasks more efficient, environments safer, and experiences more satisfying by understanding and aligning with human capabilities, limitations, and behaviors."

Human factors are critical in the workplace for several reasons:

Employee Well-being and Satisfaction:

• Health and Safety: Ensuring a safe and secure environment reduces accidents, injuries, and stress, promoting physical and mental well-being.
• Job Satisfaction: Factors like a positive work culture, clear communication, and work-life balance contribute to overall job satisfaction.
• Productivity and Performance:
• Engagement: Engaged employees are more committed, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile, boosting productivity.
• Efficiency: When communication is clear and roles are well-defined, it streamlines processes, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency.

Organizational Success:

• Talent Retention: A supportive environment that values employees' contributions helps retain skilled workers.
• Innovation: Human factors like autonomy and a sense of purpose encourage creativity and innovation.

Financial Impact:

• Reduced Costs: A safe workplace reduces healthcare expenses due to fewer injuries, while high job satisfaction decreases turnover costs.
• Higher Revenue: Engaged and motivated employees contribute to better customer service, improved product quality, and increased sales.

Ultimately, human factors create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated, leading to higher productivity, employee retention, and organizational success.

Motivation factors and power dynamics are intricately connected within the realm of human factors in the workplace:

Motivation Factors:

• Intrinsic Motivation: Human factors aim to cultivate intrinsic motivators like autonomy, mastery, and purpose. When individuals feel empowered to make choices (autonomy), develop their skills (mastery), and understand the purpose behind their work, their motivation and engagement increase.
• Extrinsic Motivation: External factors like recognition, rewards, and feedback also play a role. Human factors focus on creating an environment where these external motivators align with individual needs and contribute positively to motivation without creating undue pressure or stress.

Power Dynamics:

• Power and Autonomy: Human factors address the balance between power and autonomy. While autonomy empowers individuals to make decisions and take ownership, excessive power can restrict autonomy and demotivate employees by exerting control.
• Leadership and Influence: Effective leadership within human factors involves using power responsibly to inspire, guide, and support rather than control. Leaders who understand human factors navigate power dynamics by fostering trust, enabling autonomy, and encouraging collaboration.

The 7 rules of Power are:
1) Get out of your own way.
2) Break the rules.
3) Show up in powerful fashion.
4) Create a powerful brand.
5) Network relentlessly.
6) Use your power.
7) Understand that once you have acquired power, what you did to get it will be forgiven, forgotten, or both.

Intersection with Human Factors:

• Designing Work Environments: Human factors consider motivation elements when designing work environments. They aim to create spaces where individuals feel motivated by the work itself (intrinsic motivation) and supported through recognition and conducive conditions (extrinsic motivation).
• Power Balance: Addressing human factors involves ensuring that power structures don't stifle autonomy or motivation. It's about creating an environment where power is wielded responsibly to facilitate, empower, and motivate rather than dictate or suppress.

Conclusion:

Human Factors at Work:

1. Communication: Clear and effective communication is key to understanding roles, expectations, and fostering a positive environment.
2. Leadership: Good leadership inspires trust, motivation, and provides direction.
3. Workplace Culture: A positive and inclusive culture cultivates engagement and productivity.
4. Ergonomics: Ensuring a physically comfortable and safe environment enhances well-being.
5. Recognition and Feedback: Acknowledgment and constructive feedback drive motivation and improvement.
6. Work-Life Balance: Supporting a healthy balance between work and personal life contributes to employee satisfaction.

Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose:

• Autonomy: Providing individuals with the freedom to make decisions regarding their work increases motivation and engagement. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Mastery: Encouraging skill development and growth allows employees to become experts in their fields. Mastery drives motivation and satisfaction.
• Purpose: Connecting work to a larger meaning or goal beyond profit inspires employees. Understanding how their contributions impact the organization or society enhances motivation.

Autonomy vs. Power:

Autonomy refers to the freedom to make decisions and act independently. On the other hand, power often implies control over others. While autonomy empowers individuals, too much power can hinder it. When someone exerts power over others, it restricts their autonomy, potentially leading to disengagement, resentment, or a lack of motivation. Striking a balance between authority and autonomy is crucial in fostering a productive and motivated work environment.

In essence, human factors strive to optimize motivation by fostering an environment that values intrinsic and extrinsic motivators while navigating power dynamics to empower individuals without undermining their autonomy or motivation. This approach enhances productivity, engagement, and satisfaction in the workplace.

Regards

Karthik 28/11/23.11am. 

My 60th Birthday Celebrations-Hindu Iyer Tradition.

I arrived in Gayathri Niwas, Karaikudi 27th Nov, Monday, around 9 am, after seeing off Radha for San Francisco at 2 am from Bangalore. Radha had planned her trip two months prior, long before this celebration was in the works. The request came from Shravan and Sangeetha just a week before their departure from Cupertino around 10th November, and I agreed to undertake the celebratory rituals.

Kannan, our family priest for the past 20 years, had made all the arrangements. (His grandfather conducted my marriage in 1991). It was a tradition-rich affair. Interestingly, for the first time in the 52-year history of Gayathri Niwas, we were outnumbered by Lalitha's relatives by a ratio of 4:1 (hahah!). A true testament to how much Lalitha is cherished by her family (!!). Her parents, a sister, a brother, and brother-in-law for her other sister,graced us with their presence during the celebrations. They undertook travel for a few hours presence at Karaikudi.

The function commenced with the Ganapathy Pooja, followed by the chanting of Vedic Hymns by seven priests (a cause dear to my late mother's heart). This was followed by the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam. Then, the following Homams (Fire God offerings) took place:

1. Ayush Homam (for an obstacle-free long life)
2. Navagraha Homam (for the influence of the nine planets)
3. Mrutunjaya Homam (for longevity)
4. Nakshathra Homam (for the birth star of my family members: Me, Lalitha, Shravan, Sangeetha, Eshwar, Radhu)
5. Sudarshana Homam (to cast off evil eye, enemies)
6. Dhanvantri Homam (for a long life with good health)

The Homams concluded with Poonaahuthi, offering flowers, silver, and silk clothes to the Fire God.

This was followed by the sprinkling / pouring of Holy Water (from the Ganges and Cauvery) on me and Lalitha by all the family members.

The event spanned 4 hours, and lunch was served around 1:30 pm. After tidying up the house and making future arrangements and logistics for Gayathri Niwas, we left for Bangalore at 5 pm, arriving at 11 pm.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was present and who contributed to making all the arrangements. Since we hadn't organized anything from our end, I refrained from inviting any local individuals as we didn't want to burden those who were already managing everything. Shravan and Sangeetha require a special mention to work all this up for both traditional and Informal dinner aspect on Saturday at Sheraton, Bangalore. Radhu managed Saturday dinner logistics as well....!

I couldn't have asked for more... Tomorrow, on 30/11, my English date, it will be a quiet affair.

Best regards,

Holy water all set.

Gayathri Niwas, 1971. My life there 1971-1985 before I moved to Bombay.

Mom's younger sister traveled too....

Paramacharya Portrait since 1983. Painted by a Muslim who had never seen him.

Homam......
Karthik

Celebrating 60: A Stunning Surprise Birthday Celebrations.

Family, Eashwar was missed being continents away! 

Yesterday (25th November 2023, Saturday), I experienced a milestone that left me in awe, filled with gratitude, and utterly stunned in the most beautiful way possible. My 60th birthday celebration orchestrated by my incredible family was nothing short of a mesmerizing journey.

The evening unfolded at the exquisite Persian Terrace in Sheraton,Malleswaram, an event that surpassed any expectation I could have conjured. What made it exceptional was not just the location or the occasion, but the meticulous planning and thoughtfulness of my beloved Shravan, Sangeetha, Radha and Lalitha. We missed Eshwar, my son in law. Michelle, my Mosanto colleague organised the coordination part here at Bangalore. (All of them kept me in the dark!!). I missed few other colleagues who had pre committments and could not make it when Shravan called up from the US for their presence.

Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by familiar faces from my time at Monsanto, colleagues whom I hadn't seen in 15 years! It was a heartwarming gesture that transported me back to cherished memories and highlighted the depth of care my family holds for me. The mere presence of these esteemed individuals added an irreplaceable nostalgia to the night. Monsanto was the place that brought a lot of friendship, a lot of personal insight in to my life.

What truly struck me was the effort poured in from miles away, especially from my children settled in the USA with Michelle. They coordinated every detail with such precision and love that I was left speechless. The seamless execution, the joyous ambiance, and the warmth in every smile illuminated the evening.

I've always valued the essence of being 'stunned' in a happy sense, and this celebration redefined that sentiment. Witnessing the love of family transcend distances, bringing together people from different parts of my life, was an overwhelming experience I will forever cherish.

Every element of the evening, from the meticulously arranged settings to the surprise guest list, reflected a depth of thoughtfulness that truly touched my heart. It's moments like these that make life's journey remarkable and remind me of the immeasurable blessing of family.

As I reflect on this incredible celebration, I am filled with gratitude beyond words. My heart is brimming with joy, and I cannot thank my family enough for making this milestone so special. Completing 60 years is equivalent of one Hindu cycle of life. This beautiful surprise has etched a permanent smile on my face and a profound sense of love in my heart.

Thank you, my dear family, for the most stunning birthday celebration of my life. Special thanks to my Monsanto Colleagues (1999-2006) Michelle, Beatrice, Sholy, Dr Suresh Nath who had taken time to grace the occasion despite the nightmare of Saturday evening traffic chaos of Bangalore.

I now look forward to religious aspects of celebrations at Karaikudi, the place I grew up, on Monday. (27th November). We will miss Radha, as she is heading back to San Francisco in a few hours time.

With heartfelt appreciation, Karthik

Sangeetha, Shravan, Vinay, Michelle, Self, Lalitha, Radha, Beatrice Daughter, Sholy, Beatrice, Dr Suresh Nath, His son, Karthik. Memorable evening. 

All Family, Beatrice with her daughter, Dr Nath with his Son, Michelle with Vinay. 

Michelle, a true friend, she was one to taught me that wife would want gifts (2000!!)

Vinay, Michelle, Me, Lalitha.. The cake was a surprise. 

Beatrice Wesley, Michelle, Self, Dr Suresh Nath, Sholy Samuel. (1999-2006 Monsanto)

Reflecting on Life: Karthik's 2021 Annual Review

Introduction:

In the pursuit of self-improvement and growth, I've embarked on annual reviews for several years now. These reflective exercises offer profound insights into the past while charting a course for the future. Here's a glimpse into my 2021 review. As you can see, I cover Financial, Social, Spiritual, Personal, Health aspects to name a few domains of life.

I am working on draft for 2023 review.......

Review of 2021: (I have edited the original document to take out some personal information like Names etc.)

• Overall Rating: The year encompassed a spectrum of experiences, rated against various facets of life. Here’s a snapshot: (On a 10 Scale)

1. Health, Wellbeing: 7
2. Finance: 8
3. Happiness/Contentment: 8
4. Spiritual Aspect: 5
5. Work Life: 5
6. Friends: 5
7. Extended Family: 4
8. Family Commitments: 9
9. Relations with Lalitha: 10
10. Knowledge Gain/Quest: 7

• What Went Well: Highlighting the triumphs:

1. Achievements in family milestones. (Radha Marriage, Shravn settlin in to work in USA)
2. Financial stability with the closure of home loan.
3. Maintenance of personal health.
4. Successful plans for the family estate.

• Areas for Improvement: Acknowledging the challenges:

1. Coping with personal losses during family events. (Mother passing away, not being there for Radha's marriage).
2. Declining interest in professional pursuits.
3. Emergence of health concerns. (Oct 2021!?)
4. Navigating through the impact of the pandemic. (Loss of friends, Relatives).

Goals for 2022:

1. Health Priority: Channeling efforts to overcome health issues.
2. Family Milestones: Facilitating transitions for children’s journeys. (Son marriage?)
3. Financial Security: Prioritizing pension plans and consistent savings.
4. Personal Growth: Embracing a more relaxed approach to life’s uncertainties.
5. Parents Life rites at Benares / Gaya.

Conclusion: The year 2021 was a tapestry of accomplishments and hurdles, each offering valuable lessons. As I step into 2022, I aim to navigate the upcoming chapters with resilience, focusing on what truly matters.

This annual review is not just a personal endeavor but an invitation for everyone to engage in introspection. Share your experiences and insights. Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth together.

Karthik

25th Nov 2023.