My Work station at Home

Podcasts in my IPOD.

Hi,
I presume all had a great festive time. Things should get back to normal over the next 12 hrs, back to routine.
I have switched over to the new GMAIL version, which helps you to keep complete details and data of the contacts in the form of address book. So no more worries of the outlook or excel file missing or crashing. This is a great development. Ofcourse MS Windows email (Hotmail I believe offers 5 Gb of data storage).

I thought of sharing the Podcasts I collect in my IPOD. The Ipod is 80GB, so I guess no worry about space. I use ITUNES as a podcatcher. I havent covered the professional podcasts (Safety, health, environmental, FCPA, ISO systems to bore the general visitors, as has been the cast with the intention of the blog).

1. Aesop Fable Podcast.
2. Speed of Trust Radio
3. Brain Sync Theater of mind
4. Business Week Climbing Ladder
5. Business Week The Welchway
6. Career Opportunities.
7. David Allen (GTD) podcast
8. Digital Planet
9. East meet west Podcast
10. The Engaging Brand by Anna Farmery; One of my Best.
11. Fireside chats with Lisa Haneberg. (Management craft website)
12. Grammar Girls Podcast (Teaching English the right way)
13. HBR Ideacast from Havard Business Review. This is also gray cell ticking.
14. Insta Spanish lessons. (This is my long term plan to learn a foreign language)
15. Jumping Monkeys Podcast
16. Killer Innovation podcast
17. Law of attraction tips Podcast
18. Leadership Moment podcast
19. Leadership Place Podcast
20. Learn Spanish with Coffee Break
21. Robin Sharma Podcast
22. Project Management podcast
23. The cranky middle Manager podcast; This also gives lot of insight tools for a middle manager and Wayne is great.
24. Woodward on Management Talent is not enough. Wisdom from England Manager (Rugby world cup winning team)
25. 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership
    

I have not covered Mike and Mark's Manager tool, which I listen Monday to Saturday for my morning walk (0630 am to 0715am). Thats a routine and I have covered enough times. I am also running out of time, I have covered the most of the list. Its exhaustive listening, is it not!!??. Thats why, the sleeping time is less. Any way its all sleep when I hit the grave, As the saying goes.

Of course, Sunday morning are for completing the Economist. The world info at your finger tips.

Untill next week, Take it easy and take care; Live consciously.
Regards
Karthik
Karaikudy@gmail.com.

Diwali Photos with parents. Chelsea

I thought of sharing this photo which I feel is a good indicator of Behaviors to execute at work and Succeed. We use this Honeywell to measure our success.










I could get the CHELSEA Home jersey for for my Son from Hargraves shop London Heathrow Shop which sells all English premier league TSHIRTS. My son, is excited about this. He is a die hard fan of Drogba










After 16 years, I could spend the Diwali festival with my parents who had come down from home town. They are visiting Bangalore after 2 years and could spend time with grown up grandchildren too. I am glad I could find time to spend with them.

Some of the photos taken during the Diwali celebrations.

2 Years of Blogging, Site meter and A HAPPY DIWALI.

All,
This week marks the 2 Years of Blogging. Wonder how the time flies. This is my 43rd BLOG post. Thats one every alternate week. I hope I would improve this and try to hit the 100th Blog post before the end of the year. It was during the DIWALI week in 2005 that I caught the fancy of Blogging. I am enjoying it.

I had installed the site meter in My blog to track the visitors, more out of curiosity. I am indeed delighted that since installing it on 22nd October, more than 110 visitors have hit this page. I guess many of them could have come through GOOGLE search power tool. I am also touched by comments posted in the blog post.

I am making this blog Short as there was a power outage at home complex since morning for more than 10 Hrs and the back up supply has almost exhausted. So I plan to do blogging over the DIWALI Holidays this week with more thoguhts.

Till then here is to wish you all a VERY HAPPY DIWALI and a prosperous HINDU NEW YEAR mostly for the Merchant community.For those married sisters celebrating BAHI BEEJ, Have a great time. As usual DEEPAVALI in south India is a day ahead of the North India. Looking forward to spend festive time with family and parents.

Till next time, take it easy and take care. Live consciously.

Regards
Karthik.

20 BLGOS that I track Daily.(Almost)

Before I commence, the blog this week, Just wanted to explain the photo. This wordings touched me when I visited the local hospital in Atessa, Italy in February this year. I had been to the hospital with my Colleague, Vincenzo Colasante, for some business reason and this plaque at the hospital reception just left a deep impression in me. I guess abandoning the child is fast catching up as a practice in India, more so if the child is Female. I hope, this inhuman practice ends soon.

Ok, on to Subject, the 20 Blogs/ websites that I track every day. I hope they are useful to you. I use the Google Home page RSS feed to subscribe to the respective RSS feed and get to read from my Mozilla Firfox under multiple Tab. Its ages since I stopped using IE. I got grudgingly use it for some official work which Doesn't support Firefox. This list is a random order and no preferences.

1. Zen Habit.
   
2. Make it Great
3. Bing BLOG
4. The Engaging Brand.
5. Business Week Online
6. Newyork times Webpage
7. Search Blog John Battelle.
8. Fast Company Blog
9. Kevin's Blog
   
10. Tom Peters Blog
11. 800 CEO Read Blog
12. Management Craft.
13. Career Journal from Wallstreet Journal
14. Inspirational Quotes from Nagesh.
15. Fortune Magazine website. (Ask Annie)
16. Legal Point Blog on Indian Legal issues
17. Presentation ZEN
18. Slacker Manager
19. The Simple Dollor
20. Bagavad Gita.

This week has a state Holiday on Thursday, the state formation day Nov 1st. I am also looking forward to my parents visit this week. Plan to spend some quality time with them.
Until next week take it easy and take care, Live consciously.
Karthik

Evan Almighty, George Bush Job Interview, funny videos

So the Daserra festival went well, the nine nights celebrations were not as Splashy as the Dandia festivals of Gujarat which I used to venture out in the 1990s during my stay there. I remember the "GOLU" we used to have at our home in Karaikudy, it was fun. Over the last 2 days the food was also too much, Cant blame the wife for cooking good food can you!!!!).

I watched the movie "Evan Almighty" As a sequel to the "Bruce Almighty" starring Jim Carey. The movie is a must watch, being a "conservative right wing person", I enjoyed the movie. Act of God, thats what life is all about, great!!. I especially liked the Phrase" ARK- Act of Random Kindness. What a word!!!!!. I also watched the movie Die Hard IV, a cyber terrorism act during independence day weekend. You got to kill 11Hrs of flying time one way, so no better way than movie and Economist.

Ok, I just thought I would share some of the amusing videos I had seen over my search in Google. You need good speed connection to watch this.

South Carolina Gaffe.

Frustrating job Interview
George Bush Job Interview
Bad Job Interview
Amusing Job Interview
Castro's Funeral: I was not amused, to portray a living person dead. Bad.


So, My prediction of Australia Vs South Africa RUGBY final was partially right, with England taking Australia's place. I am also glad that the Springboks overcame the title of chokers and won the world cup outside their country. I guess this could be a defining moment in their sports history. With world cup football going over there in 2010, it could be interesting.

Till next week, Take it easy and take care. Live consciously.
Karthik.

Rome, Jack Reacher, Jason, Eid.

I am just back from Rome on a week visit. This was the second trip to the Historical place this year.

For the second time this year, the baggage didn't reach Rome and it got missed out in London on the BA Flight, coincidentally, this was the trip, I was confident that the baggage would come through as the transit time was more than 2 Hrs and so I did not pack any backup cloth or stuff in the hand baggage.So it was a struggle, anyway this also gave me a chance to reflect on things, how we take things for granted or how we are addicted to habits and can live without. The 3 days with the same cloth, reminded me of the Jack Reacher, the main character in Lee Childs novel. Jack Reacher just travels with one set of cloth with no spares.

The flight BA 118 which I took was kind of unique, during the 11 Hr flight from Bangalore- London, the fasten seat belt sign didn't come on even once. (Except Landing), it was kind of experience as we could move around inside the aircraft. Wonder how many would experience that!!.

I had chance to take a walking tour of the ROME CITY. The guide, Jason, an American now conducts an amazing tour, which is just takes back to you to historic time. He had come to study Theology in Italy some time back and has now decided to conduct full time tour. His Knowledge of the Rome history is amazing, so are some of his anecdotes surrounding history. Not only that, he gives you a good free information on the good restaurants and shops to do value for money. Jason's trip is worth participating if you visit Rome. He can be reached on email at : Toursofrome@hotmail.com. Jason was found by Mike Csedrik, my colleague during his previous visit on the tour of Vatican. I haven't had the time to visit Vatican, I have planned it for the next visit.

So the rugby world cup is proving great and memorable for Jonny Wilkinson and English fans, what a dream run he is having. My guess is that If England wins the World cup, Jonny would surely be on the Knighthood list next year. Great nerve wrecking stuff last night. I am sure tonight's match would be a thriller and we have a strong possibility of Falklands war settled on a RUGBY field. My Boss Anthony is following it live on the Field in France, here is to Wish Anthony a great time out in France.

Came across this interesting website on Leadership Gurus. I haven't heard of John Maxwell before, But his Maximum Impact approach looks straight forward no nonsense as well as he brings the teachings of GOD in a very subtle, secular way.

So the festive seasons has began, so its fun for the next 3 weeks with Navaratri and Diwali round the corner. Have fun. My Pakistan friends would be enjoying Eid al Fitr now. Here is to wish all the great festive times.

Till next week, take it easy and take care, Live Consciously. BTW, good to see Steve Pavlina back on podcasts.

Regards
Karthik.

Back up candidate.

So this week has all been going tight with lot of deadlines on Projects. It was after some time that I felt that 24 Hrs were not enough to manage things on home, work and personal fronts. Yeah it is good to have this pressure once in a while.

Last week, one of my very very close childhood friend had a strange experience of series of interview for a international position from overseas consultant. While he was fully settled and had no plans to move out of India given the Wellness of Indian economy, as well as appreciating rupee as well as wanting to be close to home as a typical Indian worker do. This would make all the movement out of India a redundant. His Personality profile clearly indicates that he would work for a a good and understanding boss and this has been the case for the past 20 years in the organizations where he worked. He accepted to be interviewed over phone for a simple reason for knowing new people as well as the consultant being " the top notch International recruiter" so its good to know people and this company also is so called leader in the field.

So with the Phone line being as disturbing it was and you need to strain to hear what was said, and there were some hypothetical questions which didn't make sense to him. It reminded us of a tamil movie of 1960s in which two unemployed graduates discuss about the recent job interview in which they were asked questions about sports tactics in a clerical job interview. (Kalyana Parisu)

What shocked us both was that the feedback that came from the company that he needed to improve his leadership skills and that they found wanting. Some excuse for not they not making it for him. We just wondered whether the discussion was for a CEO position giving Jack Welch or Bob Shaphiro a run for the money. More so with we both reading lot of Drucker and Podcasts. I look up to him for advice and suggestion on Management and best practices as well we exchange all the best practices in Management.

Some euphemistic way, I guess. Anyway, he also shared with me a hunch feeling that he was a backup candidate to turn in to should some things don't work with the first candidate. After listening to him with less transparency when the deal is happening. Anyway, it would have made no difference, but just thought of sharing this incident as how things can go in this competitive environment. I guess you cant find out if you are the backup candidate, but as things progress, you can foresee the end, I guess. So you can say it was hell of an interview. We both wondered if an Indian candidate was used as a scapegoat to project the other guys better.!!!!. I have read such techniques as norm in my MBA paper, so could see the real example.

Incidentally, I had posted my query on sharing the Manager tools podcast for our Indian friends who don't have access to Internet in India. Mike and Mark are pondering over this.

So, as usual the Wallabies found Jonny too much to handle in the quarter final. I think the English rugby is alive and kicking. I had referred Jonny in earlies posts as one of the great sports personality and he proved it again yesterday. It was also sad to see all blacks loosing to France. This goes to show the uncertainties of the game.

I am glad Aussies are teaching Indians lesson in Cricket, reminds me of Clive Lloyd handing out Humiliation to India after the fluke of 1983. Teams like India have long long long way to go to catch up on international cricket. One tree doesn't make a forest. Such victories can only bring some pocket filling. To reach world class levels to be even a number 2 team I don't see happening in my lifetime. This is confirmed by a news of a talented cricketer committing suicide, which I just saw as news in CNN IBN.

Till next week, take it easy and take care, Live consciously.

Karthik.

Great Fiction authors

It read with interest the HBR article on Joseph Finder, the fiction author who writes about issues in corporate world crime,cyber crime (There is also a video). I had heard of Joseph Finder about 2 years back but didn't find time to read his books as I had practically stopped reading fiction.

So I just thought that I would put my 10 best authors. It is difficult to put in any order. Would look for comments. I think cutting to 10 is difficult. I must say I am putting this list after almost reading 90-100% of their works.

Arthur Hailey. Final Diagnosis left with tear in the eye. Airport was master stroke.

Irving Wallace: Second Lady, The word, the Man, the Prize. Makes you wonder as real issues.
Alistair Maclean: All books glue you.
John Grisham: The Firn, the Partner, the Broker was great.

Ken Follett: Eye of the needle, The Iranian Hostage crisis(Dont remember the name).
Jeffrey Archer: Shall we tell the President. Kane and Abel.

Colin Forbes: Stone Leopard.OOPs, He is no more, Missed his death news.

Sydney Sheldon: Other side of midnight.

Desmond Bagley: High Citadel, Golden Keel

Fredrick Forsyth: Dogs of war, Day of the Jackal, Fourth protocol.

Earl Stanley Gardner: Big list.

James Hadley Chase.: Big list.

Mario Puzo, Harold Robbins would also make the cut. I haven't read any of Agatha Christie.

Fiction helps you to think some times beyond normal course of thinking.

I am reading the non fiction of John Grisham's Innocent Man. Should find time to finish it. Good book.

I am also glad that the Supreme court has come very heavily on the Bandh(Strike/ civil action) planned in Madras tomorrow. But the question is will the politicians learn?

OK till next time, take it easy and take care, Live Conciously.

Regards
Karthik.

1900 Hrs
OOPS I missed 3 great guys
David Baldacci and Lee Child. Robert Lubdlum, How silly of me.

Gandhigiri

Gandhigiri

I thought I would touch up on the new phrase used as a means of Non violent form of protest used by the father of the nation. (The movie about this aspect is going on in the Television which the kids are watching)My personal belief in that this can happen only when the other person treats you with DIGNITY. I am sure Gandhi's way of non violence as a means to achieve the ends, would have worked only with the British, who have the habit of treating people with Respect. I wonder what would have been his fate if French, Russians or Italians ruled/ invaded India, I think Gandhi would have met the same fate as Omar Mukthar of Libya.

I am not for propagating violence to attain ends, but anything that is possessed without a fair price is never appreciated, I think, I guess Gandhi is partly responsible for making us a bit complacent. Our parents or education system never taught us the value of freedom which I see it as passion in other parts of the world in my travel.

So it needs two persons with the active interest to participate in the Dialog based on respect and transparency, without that its going to be failure.

Any way thats my loud thinking.

Came across some interesting websites:-

12 Podcasts for the creative class, these are podcasts besides Management. I have subscribed to some of them. Its good way to know about issues beyond work.

Kevin Eikinberry Blog has lot of useful Information. His latest book Remarkable Leadership is a different book is what I hear from reviews.

I listened to Podcast on Cranky Middle Manager with Erika Andersen as well as her Utube video, the phrase, Endoskeleton was a term I liked as the way managers need to be to make sure that the employees grow. The video Clip on her book Growing great employees in which the term used is here.

Also an interesting website on 43 Folders. There are good podcasts on managing emails. I have stared making my INBOX 0 at any time.

Looking forward to exciting final Monday night, which I am sure India will win. Also tracking closely the RUGBY world cup, glad to see Jonny Wilkinson hitting back to form.

Ok till next week, Take it easy and take care and Live consciously.

Regards
Karthik.

Career Opportunities

Hi all,

Good to be back to after a week gap. I was kind of tied up with couple of career cross roads situation that kind of tied up to take some decisions. Now that I have made the decision, it is good feeling back to focus. Also the Hyderabad flyover collapse happened as I was getting ready to work on my blog last week.

I am just wondering as to how much Indian companies had turned around in their approach to management and cultural shift? I have lost the feel as its almost 16 years. I think they have come a long way in kind of managing the issues professionally. But the question is, Are people who are working in MNC for more than a decade or so, who are used to taking independent decisions and working in virtual environment, be ready to take the plunge to adjust themselves ???. I am not very sure. I have also been seeing couple of my friends/ ex-colleagues who moved out from a stable job in MNCs to work with Indian companies and have since been in a kind of job hopping over the past 4 years. Yes, of course, they have grown in their career position in terms of position, stature, titles, but the question over change always come to haunt putting family considerations as well as entering in to uncharted frontiers of working with the unknown? I would be interested to see comments.

I am wondering about the rains about the last 3 days here in Bangalore, and the damage it has caused including deaths. Wonder, when things are going to turn around. You really feel sad to hear stores of people being washed away or house collapse even when the rainfall is hardly a couple of inches. Wonder, what we can do from our side as a social measure?

I came across this websites which I hope will be of help to you.

Douglas Welch hosts very interesting podcast on career opportunities. Worth hearing. I found podcasts on reputation for honesty, empathy etc, very useful.

Jack and Suzy welch roll out a podcast every week on the Business week column called the Welch Way. I am getting to hear during my evening walk. (Morning walk is reserved for Manger tools). Very practical suggestions, straight forward. You may use Itunes to collect podcasts I guess.

Not sure, If I had given link to the Marcus Buckingham's website in my previous posting on his books. He is refreshingly different. I finished his books, First break all the rules, and Discover your strengths.

Ok, Take care and catch up next week. Enjoy the Ganesh festival. I had a good time yesterday. With my son growing up he has started performing the ritual at home this year.

Until then, Take it easy and Take care; Live Consciously.
Regards
Karthik.

RBD, Linkedin, Links.

I am sad to inform you the passing away of Rajesh B Desai, Production Manager, Unique Pharmaceuticals, Bharuch, Gujarat, last Monday due to massive cardiac Arrest. Rajesh was 57. Rajesh was my first customer, I had served his HSE needs for the Pharmaceutical formulations plants and we use to have various reviews. This was during 1986-91. Those days it was all learning curve, so the learning were through trial and error, so it needs lot of support from the line management and Rajesh did his best. I was stunned when the call came at 5am last Monday.

Of course, we had different view on cricket thoughts, as Rajesh was an ardent Indian team supporter and I never, never,(Except India plays Pakistan) and the common interest was to feel happy when Pakistan lost its matches against India. I remember Rajesh's famous saying after the first 1987, Cricket world cup semifinal when Australia beat Pakistan, that it doesn't matter who wins the world cup and he wont care even if India looses the II semifinal the next day. That did happen but he was not very unhappy. People like Rajesh, motivate and create and groom great managers.

Rajesh was also famous for coining the Phrase "MBO" (Maramari Between Ourselves, for the famous Drucker term Management by Objectives when it was introduced in Unique in 1986,(Maramari means Fighting in Hindi). Famously, Rajesh practiced this for about a week even as far as dressed in Shoes (very unlike him, after attending the seminar in Hyderabad on MBO in 1986) and after a week it was back to open toe sandals. Such a friendly, caring person will be missed. I got a chance to talk to him, on July 16th this year, after 10 years, when he responded to my email. I will his cheerful loud voice with mix of English and Gujarai words. May his soul rest in peace.

Ok, I am glad my linkedin response has reached 200, its great to know people and share thoughts and ideas. This is a very useful networking tool.

Some of the web sites I came across:-

1. Salary information on the various position in India. You can get an idea on what the salary is.
2. Wendii posts excellent tips on career you may go through.
3. Interesting article on Global Manager.
4. Rediff Getahead Career Guide
5. Personality test profile, you may try this(OCEAN TEST)
   

Getting ready to celebrate daughters birthday this week(3rd Sep)
Ok,till next week, take it easy and take care, Live consciously.
Regards
Karthik.

Men and Women

I am asking my wife to let me know a topic about which I should dwell upon on the blog. I am waiting for a response, as usual in a typical professional fashion she has put me on the hold. (it's 5 Minutes since I had asked) May be thinking difference between men and women could be the topic I can write about.

On that, I had read the following books and I would recommend, people to read,it had helped me a lot. Remember, I had a Lady Boss for 6 years.It was a great time in my career. You may read about her here. I had also mentioned about her in my previous posts.Besides my ex- boss, a She friend at work, helped me understand women better. Her friendship also gave me a different perspective to know and understand "What Women Want" and for the first time(after 9 years of marriage in 2000, some Sagittarians are naive you may say !!!!) I had brought a gift for my wife on the wedding anniversary / birthdays and this is now a routine affair 17 years in to the marriage. Its also a coincidence that these three women who influence me a lot and lot are all Cancerians.

Please go through the following books, It for sure made a hell of a difference for me and I hope for you too.
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

Why Men dont listen Women cant read maps.

Its 15Minutes still no response, I guess, she has forgotten about the question. Not surprised aren't you.

Ok, I was very fortunate to hear Peter Drucker interview, I had read some of the writing of the great man,but was amazed at his clarity and humility, when I heard this interview. Pl take time to listen to this great master piece. The 45 minutes are worth it. Let me know your thoughts. I also want you to hear the tribute to Drucker by Various management gurus.

Ok, Here is Mark and Mike in Flesh and Blood in a sense. You might have heard the voice but not the face,Pl see Mark here.

I am saddened by the events in Hyderabad. My heart goes out for the families of people who lost the dear and near ones.

40 Minutes in to Blogging still no response from my wife.Thats what women are. Of course, She has seen this and I have green signal to post this uncensored.

Until next time, Take it easy and take care,Live consciously.
Regards
Karthik.

Class C cities Accelarating.

I am glad that I could find time today to sit in front of the Laptop.Its amazing that I haven't been out of Bangalore for 3 Months on business travel that when I got a chance on personal travel with my wife last week, it looked a new experience. You are so used to routine that a change is the thing you look forward to.

I was pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure available at the Madurai and Trichy airports. The facilities are much better in terms of passenger access, waiting area, catering etc. Infact Trichy airport expansion looks bigger than the present Bangalore Airport. This gave me a chance to travel on one of those rare occasions by Air Deccan from Madurai to Bangalore and to our relief the flight was on time. So some improvement. This visit also gave me a chance to visit the town Manamadurai in Tamilnadu. The town is 50 Kms from Madurai and famous for earthen pots. I did my First Grade here in 1969. I was with our uncle for a year as my father had been to Benaras for his higher studies. (He got his PG Degree when he was 28 and Ph.D at 58 in Corrosion Studies, more on thats for another blog for how I plan to follow his foot steps).

I was also amazed at the developments happening in Karaikudi, my home town. The one hour I spent on the morning walk shook me literally. I didn't recognize most of the buildings that have come up on the places I assumed something else existed. The houses of my school teachers, are razed and multi story shopping complex has come up. I couldn't even place the geographical coordinates to the nearness. Even street patterns had changed, so much so that my cousin who had come from New Jersey to meet my parents last week, missed the intersection to turn in for our house(He lived and studied with us for 3 years 15 Years back). Such is the mushrooming of real estate. The green trees and open space looks like thing of the past even in a C Grade town like Karaikudi which are quite and sleepy towns for educational excellence.

Changing subject, I am glad that Manager tools won the best Podcast award in the business category at Podcast Alley awards. I did my best to vote for Mike and Mark everyday. I am glad to see Anna too made it in the top 10. I am sure I had sent the Horstman's law to all in my email list.

Bye
Till next time, take it easy and take Care. Live Consciously.
Karthik.

Baby India 60.

I am sorry that I was away from Blogging for a couple of things,too many things happening at home front which involved lot of conversations on Sunday as well as personal travel. I apologize.

As India turned 60 yesterday,I just thought that I will choose the 44 moments (There I go thats my age) that kind of defined the India as a personality. The success, the failures, the shame, the People, the companies that made it possible.
Here I go. This is not in order of preferences or seriousness.

1. Emergency 1975. Country put to shame. Indian express fought it tooth and Nail. Yes, as a 12 year old boy I saw things happening with clockwork precision, trains were on time, government servants for a change worked.
2. 1977 Election, Saw congress routed. Being a right winger at that age, I still remember chasing news in BBC radio as Indian media was suffering blackout of results.
3. Moraji Desai/ Raj Narayan. The first non Congress prime minister who I consider as a man brought practicalities in to economy. Raj Narayan was our own Dan Quayle, of course more than a political comedian, he made sure that 2 prime ministers lost the job.
4. Death Of Rajaji. I think he left a deep remark in South Indian politics for making sure that congress is wiped out as an entity in south India. Ofcourse, its a case of fire to frying pan as I guess this alienated south Indians from national main stream.
5. 5day work week for government employees/ retirement age 60. Great move to make the work society less barbaric. I am a strongly against 6 day week as it inhibits productivity. This happened in 1985.
6. Thermax. The great Indian company which can give a run for any multinational in terms of work culture. I am told things have changed a bit in the recent past.
   
7. Sanjay Gandhi. I think his ideas were good, execution poor.
   
8. Rajeev Gandhi Assassination. Welcome to the real world of terrorism of suicide bombings.
9. Phokran II Testing. Made World take notice of India as a super power.
   
10. Rakesh Sharma, Indias own Yuri Gagarin.
11. Indias cricket win over England and West Indies in 1971. Cricket matured.
12. India winning world cup hockey in KL in 1975.
13. APJ Abdul Kalam The people president.
    
14. Viswanathan Anand The world grandmaster champion of chess.
15. Bachindra Pal, the first India women to claim Mt.Everest.
16. Jayalalitha crushing the Tamilnadu government employees strike. I hope the goverment guys learned a lesson, Im told that they still get nightmare, good for them to get that to work.
    
17. Jimmy Carter visiting India to begin the cold relations that Nixon had.
18. 1971 War. Deeds of Arumugam.
19. Sam Manekshaw/ Nanda/ PC Lal, the Architects of 1971triumph.
20. Kuldeep Nayyar who took heads on Indira Gandhi during emergency. The yard stick for the fourth estate. Of course Indira Gandhi was our own Golda Meir.
    
21. Justice HR Khanna of Allahabad High court. Who dare to cross path with Indira Gandhi.
22. Kanishka Bombings.
23. Kausalya Narayan/ Mohan Kumaramangalam death in plane crash in Delhi in May 1973,loss of emerging talents.
24. Alliance air crash in Patna. The last we heard of aircrash in India (Touchwood).
25. MGR Death in 1987, choas in TN politics.
26. Emergence of private airlines, made air travel a common place.
27. Sholay.
28. Deaths in Kumbakonam/ Srirangam fire accidents. Never this should happen.
    
29. Cargil War the heros.
30. Formation of BJP. The Hindu alternative and awakening.
    
31. Indian edition of Economist/ HBR, you can pay Rupees to get it, Great, so the world is coming to you.
32. July 26th rain and havoc in Bombay.
33. Shame of allowing communists to have a say in governance, else where the communism is in the museum.
34. Reliance Industries, The indian industrial giant.You can hate or love them.
    
35. Sam Pitroda/ Airtel Broadband. Virtual work made possible.
36. Modernisation of US consulate for visa process, previously it was a shame to see the rush and chaos for visa. Some American thought enough was enough.
37. Jumbo passport booklet, Thank god, with visa regime everywhere,you can atleast keep passport current for some more time.
38. Availability of mineral water everywhere.
39. Prannoy Roy/ Rajdeep Sardesai. Brought world class TV journalism in to India.
40. Removal of hand pulling carts in Tamilnadu in 1977, I am still pained to see this in West Bengal and other states.
41. Deve Gowda speech in Parliament, once he talked truth and sense.
42. Godhra riots/ 1992 riots, I don't agree with Violence, at least this brought the knowledge to the world that Hindus can retaliate. I guess in some way things were squared and peace prevailed thereafter, I have seen enough curfew in Gujarat in my 12 year stay.
43. Indian space program brought satellite TV home. Thanks to Dr Kasturi Rangan.
44. Movie Swades. If I ever go back to work in Indian companies, this movie could have been the trigger.

Karthik
Jai Hind.

Harry Potter, Manager Tools

The family had been to the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix" movie Saturday. This was a kind of an event as the movie becomes the third movie I watched over the last 18 years.(Titanic in 1998, Spiderman in 2003) as I always feel that the movies are waste of time. As the kids grow older, I realize that you may need to be accommodative to their needs and requirements. Yesterday was one of those days where you kind of change your views and marched with them to the INOX theatere. The movie itself was OK and kind of gave a first hand feeling of the Potter Mania and the magic that is going around. Bottom line, KIDS are happy, So I am happy. Personally too, it was a good feeling that I made them feel happy.

OK, I am pretty excited that my favorite podcast and blog, Manager tools is getting in to premium subscription mode from 1st Aug 07. I think Mike and Mark the show producers have done a great service to the Mangers by creating 130 Podcasts on various topics like OOO (one on ones), feedback, Performance review etc. Each is a gem with practical dos and dont's focussed on achieving the results. I think, in my opinion, their efforts are the best thing that could have happened to Managers since Peter Drucker. Mark Hostman's eight laws are the best practical dictum that a manager should follow in workplace.
Here they are:
1. It's All About People
2. More Communication is Better
3. You're Not that Smart; They're Not that Dumb
4. Control is an Illusion
5. The River is Wide, the Currents are Messy, but all the Water Ends up in the Ocean
6. There are No Secrets
7. How You Feel is Your Fault
8. The "Other" Way Often Works Just Fine

OK, I am short of time this week, Will dwell on some topic during mid week.
Till then, Take it easy and take care, Live consciously.
Karthik.

10

I thought I would spend time on 10 to change gear this week. (Not the Bo Derek, (She was the heart throb of our college days) 10 movie, Which we bunked classes/ college to see the movie) I also spent some time yesterday picking up recordings of Beethoven, Mozart, Pavarotti Yanni and Tchaikovsky besides some Indian Classical of Zakir Hussain, Shiv Kumar Sharma. I am sure to find some time to listen to all the classics.

By the way, the Harry Potter book arrived at 11am Saturday and the kids were relieved to read that Harry is alive. The kids haven't seen the 5th movie because of ongoing exams, Got to arrange for the viewing soon.

Because of the non availability of Star cricket TV Cahnnel in Bangalore, I am delighted to go back to internet and listen to CMJ, Henry Blofeld in test match special. Its back to good old days of 70s, 80s of school days. What a great feeling to listen over Bush Baron brand transistor on the roof top of the home with cups of tea,snacks and scoldings of parents.(nee oorupada maatae- meaning you will not come up in life) Of course we miss BJ and Alan Mcgilvary of ABC radio cricket who set the highest standards for the radio commentary. (Ball by description as they say in Australia)

10 of My all time favorite Songs which takes my breath away in that order.

1. Take On me Aha
2. Suddenly- Billy Ocean.
3. Heart and Soul Hewey Lewis and the News
4. Another day in Paradise- Phil Collins.
5. Down Under - Men At work
6. Top of the world - The Carpenters.
7. Greatest love of all - Whitney Houston
8. Fields of Gold -- Sting
9. Too late for Goodbye Julian Lenon
10. Imagine John Lennon
    

I also like some of the Indian Songs which are far and few. I can put the 3 best songs.

1. Mehabooba Sholay Video
   
2. Engae Nimadhi Poodiya Paravai Tamil
   
3. Paadariyen SindhuBhairavi. Tamil
   

10 of my great sports personalities who inspired me to watch sports (when I get time) by their sheer deeds.

1. Super Cat
   
2. Guy the Gorilla
   
3. Aryton Senna.
4. Karl Heinz Rumminegge.
5. Johnny Wilkinson
6. Hassan Sardar.
7. Bjorn Borg.
8. Michael Jordan.
9. Hristo Stoichkov.
10. Severiono Ballesteros
    

Great to share my thoughts.
Till next week, Take it easy and take care. Live consciously.

Karthik.

Chief Happiness Officer

Many thanks to those who had responded magnificently to my response to join my linkedin Network. My Network connection score reached 100. It's a small beginning compared to the 500s and 1000s I see some persons have managed to connect. I think as the saying goes in this part of the world as "Well begun is half done" is true. I am also glad that Jason Alba of Jibberjobber.com is the 100th member of my network. I was inspired by the podcast I listened to the manager's tools podcast. My idea of working the linkedin is to give give and reach out to people and have a Passion to work and interact with people.

Since fracturing his leg and was kind of immobile to do anything other than going to school and coming back as a physical activity, my son explored a lot on the web. He came across the music download website LIMEWIRE where you can download all kinds of music. He has downloaded all his favourite songs in to his Ipod. I thought after Napster, that music downloads are gone and a thing of the past and so it was a refreshing change. I am firm believer in original stuff and never believe in buying Pirated versions of the CDs or Books. (Would you buy a spurious medicine! that's what I ask my friends who buy these stuff). So I was glad that I could pay the US$18 as the licensing fee for the upgrade to the Limewirepro. I am glad I did that.

I was listening to the Podcast on the Anna Farmery show (The engaging Brand) and came across the podcast on "Chief Happiness officer and Emotions at work". The Blog by Alexander Kjerulf (First Danish personality, I have come across, I guess, other than Hans Christen Andersen ). More like the rare breed of Norway Music Group, A-ha of the 1980s. (Of course, their song "Take on Me" is my Number one favourite even after 23 years. I will stop anything I do and listen to it with my closed when I get a chance to hear it). I suggest that you do browse through his site and has lot of good information as to how to be happy as well as keep emotions on play at work.

Please visit Tom Peters website and down load the fantastic PowerPoint slides of 7 presentations. I did shamelessly Steal from his site. A very good information to have and mull over.

I just finished reading the 8th Habit by Dr. Stephen Covey for the second time. I analysed myself and practicalities around me the as I read the book this time. I suggest that its worth reading and gives lot of perspective of Spiritual, physical, emotional, Inteligence Quotient. The books is also about listening to your inner voice and make other people hear their voice. The video that accomapnies the book gives a lot of practical insight. It Costs Rs.495.

So I am fast approaching to complete my first year with Honeywell. Time just flies, looks like yesterday. Somethings are definitely different in the year I think. (The 8th Habit book was purchased when I went to Pune for the Honeywell Interview last year).

Untill next time, Take it easy and take care and live conciously.

Karthik.

EVIL HR Lady

Hi,
I am amazed at the response I am getting to my request to my network thro Linkedin. This is a good tool to establish your contacts and networks. I thank all those who accepted my request(some of them blind) to be part of my network.

Ok, on to the subject. I came across the interview with the Evil HR lady at the Cranky middlemanger podcast. The lady who is HR manager at fortune 500 Company, anonymously blogs on HR aspects. HR is mostly Evil, I guess, and many of us would agree. I think HR is mostly set out to Hire and fire in most sense and most of the time are there to make the hiring of people at the lowest cost to the organization. I waned to see how it is to be a HR person, thats why I chose to do my MBA in HR. Its an interesting experience, Will share that some other time. I also agree with the Evil HR lady that one thing that an organization really need to introspect and work is the compensation structure.

My interaction with HR during offer stage has been mixed. In 2 situations, I was extremely fortunate. I have my own personal doubt such HR professionals do exist any more. One was my Sandoz hiring in 1991. The HR Manager stunned me completely (after 3 rounds of interview) by offering me a monthly basic salary in the offer, which was more than the monthly gross salary at that time (all perks included). At that situation, I was so raw person, (Forget soft skills I was just 5 years in to my career) that I asked for Still Rs. 100 more in Basic salary, ( I was just married and I thought that Rs. 100 would help me for the Milk powder for the Baby that was to come in 10 months time) and he readily agreed even to that and increased the offer by Rs.100/-. I was on the 7th Heaven so to say, I can still remember that moment as to where it happened and how it happened. So that was a great experience in contrast to these days where everything is calculated in terms of % increase. Of course, Sandoz always valued people the most. We always worked there with the philosophy that rules are meant to be broken and are to be used as an exception.

The second experience was the BASF offer in 1997 for safety Manager, the then GM BASF HR, sent me the offer letter, (there was no discussions at any stage during the interview about compensation) and I just went through the offer letter (Waited for 2 days anxiously as there were no courier service) and joined the company. The offer was more than I could have even imagined in my wildest dreams. (More of perquisites too,which was till then unknown commodity to me).

All the other job offers were kind of bargain and negotiations which calls for a kind of compromise on both sides. No wonder, I gave my best best of the best effort from my heart in these 2 organizations. I had to leave these two organizations for totally very personal reasons where the Job situation mattered a little in making the decision to move. Also the Sandoz and BASF experience made me a complete HSE professional and career Manager respectively.

My thoughts to pen the blog were also triggered by the Manager tools podcast on Set the bar on effective hiring by Mike and Mark. My 2 job offers are the real life situations which are explained in the podcast which go above and beyond the need.

Also wanted to touch up on the liveearth concert. I remember the 1984 Band aid concert for the famine stricken Africa, where we struggled even to listen to it live on Radio. So much technology has moved. The global warming is a big concern, no doubt. I am touched by the efforts kid put in to it to make the earth a better place.(My thoughts on that later).

I have subscribed to the Economist magazine, I tell you,its a great one stop source of information to know all the happenings in the world. My Sunday morning,is spent in completing the 100 page magazine. (8 to 12). No Email, computer till 4 pm on Sundays.

PS: I was also excited by the comments posted in my Blog last week.

Till next time, take it easy& take care and Live consciously.
Regards
Karthik.

Ganesh, Robin Sharma and New Generation.

Hope all are doing fine. Looks like rains are playing havoc everywhere in Western parts of India. I remember the July 05 deluge in Bombay. I must tell you that I was very lucky to miss the whole episode of July 05 by just few hours. The night before I was in transit in Bombay for my visit to Aurangabad and flew in to Aurangabad the night before. Yes, I got caught in the after effects of rain at Bombay on the way back home, through delayed flights and mad rush in the airport as well as lack of even basic facilities etc at the Airport. I must tell you that the way Bombay responded to the whole situation is remarkable and seeing many cities in the world, I can bet that many cities would have fallen flat. (Yes, New Orleans was a classic case where things just collapsed).

OK, then, I must tell you that after 20 years, I got a chance to meet my classmate Ganesh in Madras. We did our graduation in Madurai (Thiagarajar College of Engineering in 1983, we passed out) and studied in different colleges for Post graduation in Coimbatore. I met Ganesh last in 1987 when he came to Ankleshwat to meet me. After that we lost track of each other for about 11 years as Ganesh moved to USA. Thanks to internet, I could trace him back in 1999 and we were in touch through email and phone. This time, when I was in USA in March 07, we decided that we would meet each other before the end of the year. So When Ganesh was in Madras for a couple of weeks in May 07, I squeezed in about 4 Hrs to visit Madras and we could meet. It was a great feeling to discuss and to assess the way we had moved forward and where the life has taken us. We could trace back couple of more of our classmates, But still got to plug out for the other 30 guys. It looks like yesterday and 24 years have just passed in a flash since I finished my graduation. Makes you feel a long time.

I am very much impressed with Robin Sharma's writing, I have just finished reading his book the "Monk who sold his Ferrari". Unlike the book written by Western Authors on personal development, he explains and coaches people for personal development with a lot of Indian way which are very practical and you are able to correlate many things with the preaching and instructions heard from Grandparents at our young age. I have purchased the complete set of books and would give my comments. He also has excellent podcasts which you can download from his website. His articles in his daily blog are very thought provoking.

Robin Sharma Podcast

I also wanted to touch up on some aspects of the new generation of students. I was almost surprised with the students turnaround in temples. (Lalitha and myself make it a point to visit the SHIRDI SAI BABA temple and the Sani Bagawan temple in Indra nagar) I am amazed at the number of college and school students who turn up at these temples to seek the blessings. I see many students and their prayers appear genuine ( You can hear them mumbling Hindu prayers which cant come unless you have mastered it with a bit of devotion). This made me feel that, contrary to hype played out in Media about life and style of present day students, things are just as same as it was in my days at Madras, Madurai or Coimbatore. One more reason to stop watching the IDIOTIC INDIAN TV Channels who show the unreal India. Of course, I always tell my foreign friends, when they are curious to know about India, I tell Bombay, Bangalore, Madras and Hyderabad don't even add up to 100 million people out of 1600 million Indian people. My message to them always has been, Quote" So don't go by what you see and these Idiotic things or way life out there don't even count for statistical sampling to consider validity." Unquote.

I am also touched by the Voluntary efforts done by students in community service, Yesterday as I was going to Airtel shop to work out repair for my daughter's mobile connection which didn't work for 3months despite paying all the money.( That's for some other blog some story for customer satisfaction!!!???) I was approached by a III year BCA Students, who is working out charity work like collecting donations for a orphan home. I called him home today and he brought all the documents. I was amazed by the efforts put in by these students for social cause. I even felt kind of guilt feeling that I could never find time to do these kind of social work in my college days. (Of course the economic/social scenario was vastly different). I have always made a point to make up for that by doing my bit through monitory aspects. Of course, over a period of time I plan to find time for that too. The Charity foundation is doing a great cause. Pl see what you can do.

Ok, On to some of the interesting websites I came across this week.

Social Networking and Relationship management software and a good blog site too. You may need to register, I find it good. Let me see how I develop. Jibijobber blog is also good. Check that out.

Hear Subroto Bagchi's podcast. I always admired this man, I never missed his writing on Business world. Here he is at Whartion Podcast.

Marshall Goldsmith is a class. I found his Podcast very thought provoking. His Books are also great. I got to buy them soon.

Finally, The Cranky Middle Manager Show is a must not miss it. Its great show. I have downloaded the 100 podcast. Will have to find time to listen to all like Anna Farmery's. Anna's show is more a closer to home feeling being British and you will be able to correlate many things.

OK so long, I am enjoying the 5th week of my stay with out travel any where and I am really Enjoying this. Its given me time to look deep in to whats happening at home, as well as keep the excercise schedules. Looking forward to another 4 weeks in July as no travel is planned as of today.

Till next time, Take it easy and take care; Live consciously.

Karthik.