Extract of Mr. Narayana Murthy's Speech during Mentor Session:
I know people who work 12 hours a day, six days a week, or more. Some
people do so because of a work emergency where the long hours are only
temporary. Other people I know have put in these hours for years. I
don't know if they are working all these hours, but I do know they are
in the office this long. Others put in long office hours because they
are addicted to the workplace. Whatever the reason for putting in
overtime, working long hours over the long term is harmful to the person
and to the organization.
There are things managers can do to change this for everyone's benefit.
Being in the office long hours, over long periods of time, makes way for
potential errors. My colleagues who are in the office long hours
frequently make mistakes caused by fatigue. Correcting these mistakes
requires their time as well as the time and energy of others. I have
seen people work Tuesday through Friday to correct mistakes made after 5
PM on Monday. Another problem is that people who are in the office long
hours are not pleasant company. They often complain about other people
(who aren't working as hard); they are irritable, or cranky, or even
angry. Other people avoid them. Such behaviour poses problems, where
work goes much better when people work together instead of avoiding one
another. As Managers, there are things we can do to help people leave
the office. First and foremost is to set the example and go home
ourselves. I work with a manager who chides people for working long
hours. His words quickly lose their meaning when he sends these chiding
group e-mails with a time-stamp of 2 AM, Sunday. Second is to encourage
people to put some balance in their lives. For instance, here is a
guideline I find helpful:
1) Wake up, eat a good breakfast, and go to work.
2) Work hard and smart for eight or nine hours.
3) Go home.
4) Read the comics, watch a funny movie, dig in the dirt, play with your
kids, etc.
5) Eat well and sleep well.
This is called recreating. Doing steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 enable step 2.
Working regular hours and recreating daily are simple concepts. They are
hard for some of us because that requires personal change. They are
possible since we all have the power to choose to do them. In
considering the issue of overtime, I am reminded of my oldest son. When
he was a toddler, if people were visiting the apartment, he would not
fall asleep no matter how long the visit, and no matter what time of day
it was. He would fight off sleep until the visitors left. It was as if
he was afraid that he would miss something. Once our visitors' left, he
would go to sleep. By this time, however, he was over tired and would
scream through half the night with nightmares. He, my wife, and I, all
paid the price for his fear of missing out. Perhaps some people put in
such long hours because they don't want to miss anything when they leave
the office. The trouble with this is that events will never stop
happening. That is life!!
Things happen 24 hours a day.
Allowing for little rest is not ultimately practical. So, take a nap.
Things will happen while you're asleep, but you will have the energy to
catch up when you wake.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Laxmi Mittal on TATAS
A nice piece of article about TATAs, from one of the richest person in the world I visited Jamshedpur over the weekend to see for myself an India that is fast disappearing despite all the wolf-cries of people like Narayanamurthy and his ilk. It is one thing to talk and quite another to do and I am delighted to tell you that Ratan Tata has akept alive the legacy of perhaps India's finest industrialist J.N. Tata. Something that some people doubted when Ratan took over the House of the Tatas but in hindsight, the best thing to have happened to the Tatas is unquestionably Ratan. I was amazed to see the extent of corporate philanthropy and this is no exaggeration. For the breed that talks about corporate social responsibility and talks about the role of corporate India, a visit to Jamshedpur is a must. Go there and see the amount of money they pump into keeping the town going; see the smiling faces of workers in a region known for industrial unrest; see the standard of living in a city that is almost isolated from the mess in the rest of the country.This is not meant to be a puff piece. I have nothing to do with Tata Steel, but I strongly believe the message of hope and the message of goodness that they are spreading is worth sharing. The fact that you do have companies in India which look at workers as human beings and who do not blow their software trumpet of having changed lives. In fact, I asked Mr Muthurman, the managing director, as to why he was so quiet about all they had done and all he could offer in return was a smile wrapped in humility, which said it all. They have done so much more since I last visited Jamshedpur, which was in 1992. The town has obviously got busier but the values thankfully haven't changed. The food is still as amazing as it always was and I gorged, as I would normally do. I visited the plant and the last time I did that was with Russi Mody. But the plant this time was gleaming and far from what it used to be. Greener and cleaner and a tribute to environment management. You could have been in the mountains. Such was the quality of air I inhaled! There was no belching smoke; no tired faces and so many more women workers,even on the shop floor. This is true gender equality and not the kind that is often espoused at seminars organised by angry activists. I met so many old friends. Most of them have aged but not grown old. There was a spring in the air which came from a certain calmness which has always been the hallmark of Jamshedpur and something I savoured for a full two days in between receiving messages of how boring and decrepit the Lacklustre Fashion Weak was. Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata had created an edifice that is today a robust company and it is not about profits and about valuation. It is not about who becomes a millionaire and who doesnt'. It is about getting the job done with dignity and respect keeping the age-old values intact and this is what I learnt. I jokingly asked someone as to whether they ever thought of joining an Infosys or a Wipro and pat came the reply: "We are not interested in becoming crorepatis but in making others crorepatis." Which is exactly what the Tatas have done for years in and around Jamshedpur. Very few people know that Jamshedpur has been selected as a UN Global Compact City, edging out the other nominee from India, Bangalore. Selected because of the quality of life, because of the conditions of sanitation and roads and welfare. If this is not a tribute to industrial India, then what is? Today, Indian needs several Jamshedpurs but it also needs this Jamshedpur to be given its fair due, its recognition. I am tired of campus visits being publicised to the Infosys and the Wipros of the world. Modern India is being built in Jamshedpur as we speak. An India built on the strength of core convictions and nothing was more apparent about that than the experiment with truth and reality that Tata Steel is conducting at Pipla. Forty-eight tribal girls (yes, tribal girls who these corrupt and evil politicians only talk about but do nothing for) are being educated through a residential program over nine months. I went to visit them and I spoke to them in a language that they have just learnt: Bengali. Eight weeks ago, they could only speak in Sainthali, their local dialect. But today, they are brimming with a confidence that will bring tears to your eyes. It did to mine. One of them has just been selected to represent Jharkand in the state archery competition. They have their own womens football team and whats more they are now fond of education. It is a passion and not a burden.This was possible because I guess people like Ratan Tata and Muthurman havent sold their souls to some business management drivel, which tells us that we must only do business and nothing else. The fact that not one Tata executive has been touched by the Naxalites in that area talks about the social respect that the Tatas have earned. The Tatas do not need this piece to be praised and lauded. My intent is to share the larger picture that we so often miss in the haze of the slime and sleaze that politics imparts. My submission to those who use phrases such as "feel-good" and "India Shining" is first visit Jamshedpur to understand what it all means. See Tata Steel in action to know what companies can do if they wish to. And what corporate India needs to do. Murli Manohar Joshi would be better off seeing what Tata Steel has done by creating the Xavier Institute of Tribal Education rather than by proffering excuses for the imbroglio in the IIMs. This is where the Advanis and Vajpayees need to pay homage. Not to all the Sai Babas and the Hugging saints that they are so busy with. India is changing inspite of them and they need to realise that. I couldn't have spent a more humane and wonderful weekend. Jamshedpur is an eye-opener and a role model, which should be made mandatory for replication. I saw corporate India actually participate in basic nation-building, for when these tribal girls go back to their villages,they will return with knowledge that will truly be life-altering. Corporate India can do it but most of the time is willing to shy away. For those corporate leaders who are happier winning awards and being interviewed on their choice of clothes, my advise is visit Tata Steel, spend some days at Jamshedpur and see a nation's transformation.That is true service and true nationalism. Tata Steel will celebrate 100 years of existence in 2007. It won't be just a milestone in this company's history. It will be a milestone, to my mind of corporate transparency and generosity in this country. It is indeed fitting that Ratan Tata today heads a group which has people who are committed to nation-building than just building inflluence and power. JRD must be smiling wherever he is. And so must Jamshedji Nusserwanji. These people today, have literally climbed every last blue mountain. And continue to do so with vigour and passion. Thank god for the Tatas! .-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! 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WHY RATAN TATA IS NOT ON THE LIST
WHY RATAN TATA IS NOT ON THE LIST
>
> Here is a Real Story of Ratan Tata.
>
>
> So many people around the world want to know, "What is
> the Net Worth of Ratan Tata"?
>
> TATA Group is running 96 businesses and out of which 28
> Companies are publicly listed on various stock exchanges.
> Tata Group is world's top 50 Group according to Market
> capitalization and Reputation.
>
>
> Have you ever thought why Ratan Tata's name is not in
> the list of billionaire's club? Why Ratan Tata is not a
> billionaire on the Forbes magazine list of billionaire
> people of the world?
>
> The reason is that, TATA Group's 96 companies are held
> by its main Company "TATA Sons" and the main owner
> of this TATA Sons is not Ratan Tata but various charitable
> organizations developed and run by TATA Group. Out of
> which JRD TATA Trust & Sir Ratan Tata Trust are the
> main. 65% ownership of TATA Sons which is the key holding
> company of the other 96 TATA Group Companies is held by
> various charitable organizations.
>
>
> So this 65% ownership ownership of Tatasons Limited is not
> reflected on Ratan Tata's personal Financial
> Statement but on the various charitable organizations. And
> this is the reason why Ratan Tata is not in the list
> of Billionaire club.
>
>
> If we put this 65% ownership of Tata Sons in Ratan
> TATA's own personal financial statement then Ratan
> Tata's Net worth can become more than $70 billion.
>
> And that's much more than the Warren Buffet's
> Current Net Worth of $62 billion, the world's richest
> person according to Forbes magazine 2008.
>
>
> However, it doesn't mean that Ratan Tata is poor.
>
> In one interviews he had told the reporter that, "I
> have my own Capital".
>
> He is the chairman of Tata Group so obviously he earns lots
> of money every year as a bonus, remuneration and salary.
>
>
> However, Ratan Tata's Net worth is not $1 Billion.
>
> He is not a billionaire on paper. but in reality he is the
> richest person of the world.
>
> His net worth in reality is more than Bill Gates and
> Warren Buffet.
>
>
> SO the good thing about Tata Group is that, They do Charity
> out of their Money ...
>
> And that is the reason TATA Group has generated so much of
> Goodwill over last 5 generations.
>
> Here is a Real Story of Ratan Tata.
>
>
> So many people around the world want to know, "What is
> the Net Worth of Ratan Tata"?
>
> TATA Group is running 96 businesses and out of which 28
> Companies are publicly listed on various stock exchanges.
> Tata Group is world's top 50 Group according to Market
> capitalization and Reputation.
>
>
> Have you ever thought why Ratan Tata's name is not in
> the list of billionaire's club? Why Ratan Tata is not a
> billionaire on the Forbes magazine list of billionaire
> people of the world?
>
> The reason is that, TATA Group's 96 companies are held
> by its main Company "TATA Sons" and the main owner
> of this TATA Sons is not Ratan Tata but various charitable
> organizations developed and run by TATA Group. Out of
> which JRD TATA Trust & Sir Ratan Tata Trust are the
> main. 65% ownership of TATA Sons which is the key holding
> company of the other 96 TATA Group Companies is held by
> various charitable organizations.
>
>
> So this 65% ownership ownership of Tatasons Limited is not
> reflected on Ratan Tata's personal Financial
> Statement but on the various charitable organizations. And
> this is the reason why Ratan Tata is not in the list
> of Billionaire club.
>
>
> If we put this 65% ownership of Tata Sons in Ratan
> TATA's own personal financial statement then Ratan
> Tata's Net worth can become more than $70 billion.
>
> And that's much more than the Warren Buffet's
> Current Net Worth of $62 billion, the world's richest
> person according to Forbes magazine 2008.
>
>
> However, it doesn't mean that Ratan Tata is poor.
>
> In one interviews he had told the reporter that, "I
> have my own Capital".
>
> He is the chairman of Tata Group so obviously he earns lots
> of money every year as a bonus, remuneration and salary.
>
>
> However, Ratan Tata's Net worth is not $1 Billion.
>
> He is not a billionaire on paper. but in reality he is the
> richest person of the world.
>
> His net worth in reality is more than Bill Gates and
> Warren Buffet.
>
>
> SO the good thing about Tata Group is that, They do Charity
> out of their Money ...
>
> And that is the reason TATA Group has generated so much of
> Goodwill over last 5 generations.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thought provoking speech by Azim Premji At the 37th Annual Convocation 2002, IIM, Ahmedabad
Thought provoking speech by Azim Premji At
the 37th Annual Convocation 2002, IIM, Ahmedabad
While change and uncertainty have always been a part of life, what has been shocking over the last year has been both the quantum and suddenness of change.
For many people who were cruising along on placid waters, the wind was knocked out of their sails. The entire logic of doing business was turned on its head. Not only business, but also every aspect of human life has been impacted by the change. What lies ahead is even more dynamic and uncertain. I would like to use this opportunity to share with you some of our own guiding principles of staying afloat in a changing world. This is based on our experience in Wipro. I hope you find them useful.
First, be alert for the first signs of change. Change descends on everyone equally; it is just that some realize it faster. Some changes are Sudden but many others are gradual. While sudden changes get attention because they are dramatic, it is the gradual changes that are ignored till it is too late. You must have all heard of story of the frog in boiling water. If the temperature of the water is suddenly increased, the frog realizes it and jumps out of the water. But if the temperature is very slowly increased, one degree at a time, the frog does not realize it till it boils to death. You must develop your own early warning system, which warns you of changes and calls your attention to it. In the case of change, being forewarned is being forearmed.
Second, anticipate change even when things are going right. Most people wait for something to go wrong before they think of change. It is like going to the doctor for a check up only when you are seriously sick or thinking of maintaining your vehicle only when it breaks down. The biggest enemy of future success is past success. When you succeed, you feel that you must be doing something right for it to happen. But when the parameters for success change, doing the same things may or may not continue to lead to success. Guard against complacency all the time. Complacency makes you blind to the early signals from the environment that something is going wrong.
Third, always look at the opportunities that change represents. Managing change has a lot to go with our own attitude towards it. It is Proverbial half-full or half empty glass approach. For every problem that change represents, there is an opportunity lurking in disguise somewhere. It is up to you to spot it before someone else does
Fourth, do no allow routines to become chains. For many of us the routine we have got accustomed to obstructs change. Routines represent our own zones of comfort. There is a sense of predictability about them. They have structured our time and even our thought in a certain way. While routines are useful, do not let them enslave you. Deliberately break out of them from time to time
Fifth, realize that fear of the unknown is natural. With change comes a feeling of insecurity. Many people believe that brave people are not afflicted by this malady. The truth is different. Every one feels the fear of unknown. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to manage fear without getting paralyzed. Feel the fear, but move on regardless.
Sixth, keep renewing yourself. This prepares you to anticipate change and be ready for it when it comes. Constantly ask yourself what new skills and competencies will be needed. Begin working on them before it becomes necessary and you will have a natural advantage. The greatest benefit of your education lies not only in what you have learnt, but in working how to learn. Formal education is the beginning of the journey of learning. Yet I do meet youngsters who feel that they have already learnt all there is to learn. You have to constantly learn about people and how to interact effectively with them. In the world of tomorrow, only those individuals and organizations will succeed who have mastered the art of rapid and on-going learning.
Seventh, surround yourself with people who are open to change. If you are always in the company of cynics, you will soon find yourself becoming like them. A cynic knows all the reasons why something cannot be done. Instead, spend time with people who have a "can-do" approach. Choose your advisors and mentors correctly. Pessimism is contagious, but then so is enthusiasm. In fact, reasonable optimism can be an amazing force multiplier.
Eighth, play to win. I have said this many times in the past. Playing to win is not the same as cutting corners. When you play to win, you Stretch yourself to your maximum and use all your potential. It also helps you to concentrate your energy on what you can influence instead of getting bogged down with the worry of what you cannot change. Do your best and leave the rest.
Ninth, respect yourself. The world will reward you on your successes. Success requires no explanation and failure permits none. But you need to respect yourself enough so that your self-confidence remains intact whether you succeed or fail. If you succeed 90 per cent of the time, you are doing fine. If you are succeeding all the time, you should ask yourself if you are taking enough risks. If you do not take enough risks, you may also be losing out on many opportunities. Think through but take the plunge. If some things do go wrong, learn from them. I came across this interesting story some time ago:
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and begin to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at! what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that fell on his back, the donkey was doing some thing amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and totted off! Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick is too not to get bogged down by it. We can get out of the deepest wells by not stopping. And by never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
Tenth, in spite of all the change around you, decide upon what you will never change: your core values. Take you time to decide what they are but once you do, do not compromise on them for any reason. Integrity is one such value. These have contributed to our success, including our parents and others from our society. All of us have a responsibility to utilize our potential for making our nation a better place for others, who may not be as well endowed as us, or as fortunate in having the opportunities that we have got. Let us do our bit, because doing one good deed can have multiple benefits not only for us but also for many others. Let me end my talk with a small story I came across some time back, which illustrates this very well.
This is a story of a poor Scottish farmer whose name was Fleming. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the boy from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you, "said the nobleman. " Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me take your son and give him a good education. If he's anything like his father, he'll grow to be a man you can be proud of." And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. This is not the end. The nobleman's son also made a great contribution to society. For the nobleman was none other than Lord Randolph Churchill, and his son's name was Winston Churchill. Let us use all our talent, competence and energy for creating peace and happiness for the nation."
the 37th Annual Convocation 2002, IIM, Ahmedabad
While change and uncertainty have always been a part of life, what has been shocking over the last year has been both the quantum and suddenness of change.
For many people who were cruising along on placid waters, the wind was knocked out of their sails. The entire logic of doing business was turned on its head. Not only business, but also every aspect of human life has been impacted by the change. What lies ahead is even more dynamic and uncertain. I would like to use this opportunity to share with you some of our own guiding principles of staying afloat in a changing world. This is based on our experience in Wipro. I hope you find them useful.
First, be alert for the first signs of change. Change descends on everyone equally; it is just that some realize it faster. Some changes are Sudden but many others are gradual. While sudden changes get attention because they are dramatic, it is the gradual changes that are ignored till it is too late. You must have all heard of story of the frog in boiling water. If the temperature of the water is suddenly increased, the frog realizes it and jumps out of the water. But if the temperature is very slowly increased, one degree at a time, the frog does not realize it till it boils to death. You must develop your own early warning system, which warns you of changes and calls your attention to it. In the case of change, being forewarned is being forearmed.
Second, anticipate change even when things are going right. Most people wait for something to go wrong before they think of change. It is like going to the doctor for a check up only when you are seriously sick or thinking of maintaining your vehicle only when it breaks down. The biggest enemy of future success is past success. When you succeed, you feel that you must be doing something right for it to happen. But when the parameters for success change, doing the same things may or may not continue to lead to success. Guard against complacency all the time. Complacency makes you blind to the early signals from the environment that something is going wrong.
Third, always look at the opportunities that change represents. Managing change has a lot to go with our own attitude towards it. It is Proverbial half-full or half empty glass approach. For every problem that change represents, there is an opportunity lurking in disguise somewhere. It is up to you to spot it before someone else does
Fourth, do no allow routines to become chains. For many of us the routine we have got accustomed to obstructs change. Routines represent our own zones of comfort. There is a sense of predictability about them. They have structured our time and even our thought in a certain way. While routines are useful, do not let them enslave you. Deliberately break out of them from time to time
Fifth, realize that fear of the unknown is natural. With change comes a feeling of insecurity. Many people believe that brave people are not afflicted by this malady. The truth is different. Every one feels the fear of unknown. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to manage fear without getting paralyzed. Feel the fear, but move on regardless.
Sixth, keep renewing yourself. This prepares you to anticipate change and be ready for it when it comes. Constantly ask yourself what new skills and competencies will be needed. Begin working on them before it becomes necessary and you will have a natural advantage. The greatest benefit of your education lies not only in what you have learnt, but in working how to learn. Formal education is the beginning of the journey of learning. Yet I do meet youngsters who feel that they have already learnt all there is to learn. You have to constantly learn about people and how to interact effectively with them. In the world of tomorrow, only those individuals and organizations will succeed who have mastered the art of rapid and on-going learning.
Seventh, surround yourself with people who are open to change. If you are always in the company of cynics, you will soon find yourself becoming like them. A cynic knows all the reasons why something cannot be done. Instead, spend time with people who have a "can-do" approach. Choose your advisors and mentors correctly. Pessimism is contagious, but then so is enthusiasm. In fact, reasonable optimism can be an amazing force multiplier.
Eighth, play to win. I have said this many times in the past. Playing to win is not the same as cutting corners. When you play to win, you Stretch yourself to your maximum and use all your potential. It also helps you to concentrate your energy on what you can influence instead of getting bogged down with the worry of what you cannot change. Do your best and leave the rest.
Ninth, respect yourself. The world will reward you on your successes. Success requires no explanation and failure permits none. But you need to respect yourself enough so that your self-confidence remains intact whether you succeed or fail. If you succeed 90 per cent of the time, you are doing fine. If you are succeeding all the time, you should ask yourself if you are taking enough risks. If you do not take enough risks, you may also be losing out on many opportunities. Think through but take the plunge. If some things do go wrong, learn from them. I came across this interesting story some time ago:
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and begin to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at! what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that fell on his back, the donkey was doing some thing amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and totted off! Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick is too not to get bogged down by it. We can get out of the deepest wells by not stopping. And by never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
Tenth, in spite of all the change around you, decide upon what you will never change: your core values. Take you time to decide what they are but once you do, do not compromise on them for any reason. Integrity is one such value. These have contributed to our success, including our parents and others from our society. All of us have a responsibility to utilize our potential for making our nation a better place for others, who may not be as well endowed as us, or as fortunate in having the opportunities that we have got. Let us do our bit, because doing one good deed can have multiple benefits not only for us but also for many others. Let me end my talk with a small story I came across some time back, which illustrates this very well.
This is a story of a poor Scottish farmer whose name was Fleming. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the boy from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you, "said the nobleman. " Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me take your son and give him a good education. If he's anything like his father, he'll grow to be a man you can be proud of." And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. This is not the end. The nobleman's son also made a great contribution to society. For the nobleman was none other than Lord Randolph Churchill, and his son's name was Winston Churchill. Let us use all our talent, competence and energy for creating peace and happiness for the nation."
Making of INFOSYS - Courage, Blessing and Gratitude
Making of INFOSYS - Courage, Blessing and Gratitude
Sudha Murty* was livid when a job advertisement posted by a Tata company at the institution where she was completing her post graduation stated that 'lady candidates need not apply'. She dashed off a 'postcard' to JRD, protesting against the discrimination. It was the beginning of an association that would change her life in more ways that one
There are two photographs that hang on my office wall. Every day when I enter my office I look at them before starting my day. They are pictures of two old people. One is of a gentleman in a blue suit and the other is a black-and-white image of a man with dreamy eyes and a white beard.
People have asked me if the people in the photographs are related to me. Some have even asked me, "Is this black-and-white photo that of a Sufi saint or a religious guru?" I smile and reply "No, nor are they related to me. These people made an impact on my life. I am grateful to them." "Who are they?" "The man in the blue suit is Bharat Ratna JRD Tata and the black-and-white photo is of Jamsetji Tata." "But why do you have them in your office?" "You can call it gratitude."
Then, invariably, I have to tell the person the following story.
It was a long time ago. I was young and bright, bold and idealistic. I was in the final year of my master's course in computer science at the Indian Institute of Science [IISc] in
It was probably the April of 1974.
One day, while on the way to my hostel from our lecture-hall complex, I saw an advertisement on the notice board. It was a standard job-requirement notice from the famous automobile company Telco [now Tata Motors]. It stated that the company required young, bright engineers, hardworking and with an excellent academic background, etc.
At the bottom was a small line: "Lady candidates need not apply." I read it and was very upset. For the first time in my life I was up against gender discrimination.
Though I was not keen on taking up a job, I saw this as a challenge. I had done extremely well in academics, better than most of my male peers. Little did I know then that in real life academic excellence is not enough to be successful.
After reading the notice I went fuming to my room. I decided to inform the topmost person in Telco's management about the injustice the company was perpetrating. I got a postcard and started to write, but there was a problem: I did not know who headed Telco. I thought it must be one of the Tatas. I knew JRD Tata was the head of the Tata Group; I had seen his pictures in newspapers (actually, Sumant Moolgaokar was the company's chairman then).
I took the card, addressed it to JRD and started writing. To this day I remember clearly what I wrote. "The great Tatas have always been pioneers. They are the people who started the basic infrastructure industries in
I posted the letter and forgot about it. Less than 10 days later, I received a telegram stating that I had to appear for an interview at Telco's Pune facility at the company's expense.
I was taken aback by the telegram. My hostel mates told me I should use the opportunity to go to Pune free of cost — and buy them the famous Pune saris for cheap! I collected Rs 30 each from everyone who wanted a sari. When I look back, I feel like laughing at the reasons for my going, but back then they seemed good enough to make the trip.
It was my first visit to Pune and I immediately fell in love with the city. To this day it remains dear to me. I feel as much at home in Pune as I do in Hubli, my hometown. The place changed my life in so many ways.
As directed, I went to Telco's Pimpri office for the interview. There were six people on the panel and I realised then that this was serious business. "This is the girl who wrote to JRD," I heard somebody whisper as soon as I entered the room. By then I knew for sure that I would not get the job. That realisation abolished all fears from my mind, so I was rather cool while the interview was being conducted.
Even before the interview started, I reckoned the panel was biased, so I told them, rather impolitely, "I hope this is only a technical interview." They were taken aback by my rudeness, and even today I am ashamed about my attitude.
The panel asked me technical questions and I answered all of them. Then an elderly gentleman with an affectionate voice told me, "Do you know why we said lady candidates need not apply? The reason is that we have never employed any ladies on the shop floor. This is not a co-ed college; this is a factory. When it comes to academics, you are a first ranker throughout. We appreciate that, but people like you should work in research laboratories."
I was a young girl from small-town Hubli. My world had been a limited place. I did not know the ways of large corporate houses and their difficulties, so I answered, "But you must start somewhere, otherwise no woman will ever be able to work in your factories."
Finally, after a long interview, I was told I had been successful. So this was what the future had in store for me. Never had I thought I would take up a job in Pune. That city changed my life in many ways. I met a shy young man from Karnataka there, we became good friends and we got married.
It was only after joining Telco that I realised who JRD was: the uncrowned king of Indian industry. Now I was scared, but I did not get to meet him till I was transferred to
I was feeling very nervous, remembering my postcard episode. SM introduced me nicely, "Jeh (that's what his close associates called him), this young woman is an engineer and that too a postgraduate. She is the first woman to work on the Telco shop floor." JRD looked at me. I was praying he would not ask me any questions about my interview (or the postcard that preceded it). Thankfully, he didn't. Instead he remarked. "It is nice that girls are getting into engineering in our country. By the way, what is your name?" "When I joined Telco I was Sudha Kulkarni, Sir," I replied. "Now I am Sudha Murty." He smiled that kindly smile and started a discussion with SM. As for me, I almost ran out of the room.
After that I used to see JRD on and off. He was the Tata Group chairman and I was merely an engineer. There was nothing that we had in common. I was in awe of him.
One day I was waiting for Murthy, my husband, to pick me up after office hours. To my surprise I saw JRD standing next to me. I did not know how to react. Yet again I started worrying about that postcard. Looking back, I realise JRD had forgotten about it. It must have been a small incident for him, but not so for me.
"Young lady, why are you here?" he asked. "Office time is over." I said, "Sir, I'm waiting for my husband to come and pick me up." JRD said, "It is getting dark and there's no one in the corridor. I'll wait with you till your husband comes." I was quite used to waiting for Murthy, but having JRD waiting alongside made me extremely uncomfortable.
I was nervous. Out of the corner of my eye I looked at him. He wore a simple white pant and shirt. He was old, yet his face was glowing. There wasn't any air of superiority about him. I was thinking, "Look at this person. He is a chairman, a well-respected man in our country and he is waiting for the sake of an ordinary employee."
Then I saw Murthy and I rushed out. JRD called and said, "Young lady, tell your husband never to make his wife wait again."
In 1982 I had to resign from my job at Telco. I was reluctant to go, but I really did not have a choice. I was coming down the steps of Bombay House after wrapping up my final settlement when I saw JRD coming up. He was absorbed in thought. I wanted to say goodbye to him so I stopped. He saw me and paused.
Gently, he said, "So what are you doing, Mrs Kulkarni? (That was the way he always addressed me.) "Sir, I am leaving Telco." "Where are you going?" he asked. "Pune, sir. My husband is starting a company called Infosys and I'm shifting to Pune." "Oh! And what you will do when you are successful?" "Sir, I don't know whether we will be successful." "Never start with diffidence," he advised me. "Always start with confidence. When you are successful you must give back to society. Society gives us so much; we must reciprocate. I wish you all the best."
Then JRD continued walking up the stairs. I stood there for what seemed like a millennium. That was the last time I saw him alive.
Many years later I met Ratan Tata in the same
I consider JRD a great man because, despite being an extremely busy person, he valued one postcard written by a young girl seeking justice. He must have received thousands of letters every day. He could have thrown mine away, but he didn't do that. He respected the intentions of that unknown girl, who had neither influence nor money, and gave her an opportunity in his company. He did not merely give her a job; he changed her life and mindset forever.
Close to 50 per cent of the students in today's engineering colleges are girls. And there are women on the shop floor in many industry segments. I see these changes and I think of JRD. If at all time stops and asks me what I want from life, I would say I wish JRD were alive today to see how the company we started has grown. He would have enjoyed it wholeheartedly.
My love and respect for the House of Tatas remains undiminished by the passage of time. I always looked up to JRD. I saw him as a role model - for his simplicity, his generosity, his kindness and the care he took of his employees. Those blue eyes always reminded me of the sky; they had the same vastness and munificence.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Bill Gates - The 11 Rules in Life
Bill Gates - The 11 Rules in Life
In Bill Gates' new book (Business @ The Speed of Thought), he lays out 11 rules that students do not learn in high school or college, but should.
He argues that our feel-good, politically-correct teachings have created a generation of kids with no concept of reality who are set up for failure in the real world.
• RULE 1 - Life is not fair; get used to it.
• RULE 2 - The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
• RULE 3 - You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both.
• RULE 4 - If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.
• RULE 5 - Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping, they called it opportunity.
• RULE 6 - If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, So don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
• RULE 7 - Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try "delousing" the clothes in your own room.
• RULE 8 - Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades; they will ask as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
• RULE 9 - Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.
• RULE 10 -Television is NOT real life! In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
• RULE 11 - Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
Steve Jobs --lessons
“I think we’re having fun. I think our customers really like our products. And we’re always
trying to do better.” - Steve Jobs
His accomplishments and character helped define a generation and change the
world. He is co-founder of the fairytale company we now know as Apple
Computers. And he is the visionary of the personal computers world that led the
entire computer hardware and software industry to restructure itself.
This man with boundless energy and charisma is also a master of hype, hyperbole
and the catchy phrase. And even when he’s trying to talk normally, brilliant
verbiage comes tumbling out.
Here’s a selection of some of the most insanely great things he said, golden
lessons to help you succeed in life, Jobs-style:
1. Steve Jobs said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a
follower.”
Innovation has no limits. The only limit is your imagination. It’s time for
you to begin thinking out of the box. If you are involved in a growing
industry, think of ways to become more efficient; more customer friendly;
and easier to do business with. If you are involved in a shrinking industry – get out of it
quick and change before you become obsolete; out of work; or out of business. And
remember that procrastination is not an option here. Start innovating now!
2. Steve Jobs said: “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment
where excellence is expected.”
There is no shortcut to excellence. You will have to make the commitment to make
excellence your priority. Use your talents, abilities, and skills in the best way possible and
get ahead of others by giving that little extra. Live by a higher standard and pay attention to
the details that really do make the difference. Excellence is not difficult - simply decide
right now to give it your best shot - and you will be amazed with what life gives you back.
3. Steve Jobs said: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t
found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when
you find it.”
I’ve got it down to four words: “Do what you love.” Seek out an occupation that gives you
a sense of meaning, direction and satisfaction in life. Having a sense of purpose and
striving towards goals gives life meaning, direction and satisfaction. It not only contributes
to health and longevity, but also makes you feel better in difficult times. Do you jump out
of bed on Monday mornings and look forward to the work week? If the answer is ‘no’ keep
looking, you’ll know when you find it.
4. Steve Jobs said: “You know, we don’t grow most of the food we eat. We wear clothes
other people make. We speak a language that other people developed. We use a
mathematics that other people evolved… I mean, we’re constantly taking things. It’s a
wonderful, ecstatic feeling to create something that puts it back in the pool of human
experience and knowledge.”
Live in a way that is ethically responsible. Try to make a difference in this world and
contribute to the higher good. You’ll find it gives more meaning to your life and it’s a great
antidote to boredom. There is always so much to be done. And talk to others about what
you are doing. Don’t preach or be self-righteous, or fanatical about it, that just puts people
off, but at the same time, don’t be shy about setting an example, and use opportunities that
arise to let others know what you are doing.
5. Steve Jobs said: “There’s a phrase in Buddhism, ‘Beginner’s mind.’ It’s wonderful to
have a beginner’s mind.”
It is the kind of mind that can see things as they are, which step by step and in a flash can
realize the original nature of everything. Beginner’s mind is Zen practice in action. It is the
mind that is innocent of preconceptions and expectations, judgements and prejudices. Think
of beginner’s mind as the mind that faces life like a small child, full of curiosity and
wonder and amazement.
6. Steve Jobs said: “We think basically you watch television to turn your brain off, and
you work on your computer when you want to turn your brain on.”
Reams of academic studies over the decades have amply confirmed television’s pernicious
mental and moral influences. And most TV watchers know that their habit is mind-numbing
and wasteful, but still spend most of their time in front of that box. So turn your TV off and
save some brain cells. But be cautious, you can turn your brain off by using a computer
also. Try and have an intelligent conversation with someone who plays first person shooters
for 8 hours a day. Or auto race games, or role-playing games.
7. Steve Jobs said: “I’m the only person I know that’s lost a quarter of a billion dollars in
one year…. It’s very character-building.”
Don’t equate making mistakes with being a mistake. There is no such thing as a successful
person who has not failed or made mistakes, there are successful people who made
mistakes and changed their lives or performance in response to them, and so got it right the
next time. They viewed mistakes as warnings rather than signs of hopeless inadequacy.
Never making a mistake means never living life to the full.
8. Steve Jobs said: “I would trade all of my technology for an afternoon with Socrates.”
Over the last decade, numerous books featuring lessons from historical figures have
appeared on the shelves of bookstores around the world. And Socrates stands with
Leonardo da Vinci, Nicholas Copernicus, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein as a beacon
of inspiration for independent thinkers. But he came first. Cicero said of Socrates that, “He
called philosophy down from the skies and into the lives of men.” So use Socrates’
principles in your life, your work, your learning, and your relationships. It’s not about
Socrates, it’s really about you, and how you can bring more truth, beauty and goodness into
your life everyday.
9. Steve Jobs said: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be
here?”
Did you know that you have big things to accomplish in life? And did you know that those
big things are getting rather dusty while you pour yourself another cup of coffee, and
decide to mull things over rather than do them? We were all born with a gift to give in life,
one which informs all of our desires, interests, passions and curiosities. This gift is, in fact,
our purpose. And you don’t need permission to decide your own purpose. No boss, teacher,
parent, priest or other authority can decide this for you. Just find that unique purpose.
10. Steve Jobs said: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important,
have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you
truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Are you tired of living someone else’s dream? No doubt, its your life and you have every
right to spend it in your own individual way without any hurdles or barriers from others.
Give yourself a chance to nurture your creative qualities in a fear-free and pressure-free
climate. Live a life that YOU choose and be your own boss.
=-=-=
trying to do better.” - Steve Jobs
His accomplishments and character helped define a generation and change the
world. He is co-founder of the fairytale company we now know as Apple
Computers. And he is the visionary of the personal computers world that led the
entire computer hardware and software industry to restructure itself.
This man with boundless energy and charisma is also a master of hype, hyperbole
and the catchy phrase. And even when he’s trying to talk normally, brilliant
verbiage comes tumbling out.
Here’s a selection of some of the most insanely great things he said, golden
lessons to help you succeed in life, Jobs-style:
1. Steve Jobs said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a
follower.”
Innovation has no limits. The only limit is your imagination. It’s time for
you to begin thinking out of the box. If you are involved in a growing
industry, think of ways to become more efficient; more customer friendly;
and easier to do business with. If you are involved in a shrinking industry – get out of it
quick and change before you become obsolete; out of work; or out of business. And
remember that procrastination is not an option here. Start innovating now!
2. Steve Jobs said: “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment
where excellence is expected.”
There is no shortcut to excellence. You will have to make the commitment to make
excellence your priority. Use your talents, abilities, and skills in the best way possible and
get ahead of others by giving that little extra. Live by a higher standard and pay attention to
the details that really do make the difference. Excellence is not difficult - simply decide
right now to give it your best shot - and you will be amazed with what life gives you back.
3. Steve Jobs said: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t
found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when
you find it.”
I’ve got it down to four words: “Do what you love.” Seek out an occupation that gives you
a sense of meaning, direction and satisfaction in life. Having a sense of purpose and
striving towards goals gives life meaning, direction and satisfaction. It not only contributes
to health and longevity, but also makes you feel better in difficult times. Do you jump out
of bed on Monday mornings and look forward to the work week? If the answer is ‘no’ keep
looking, you’ll know when you find it.
4. Steve Jobs said: “You know, we don’t grow most of the food we eat. We wear clothes
other people make. We speak a language that other people developed. We use a
mathematics that other people evolved… I mean, we’re constantly taking things. It’s a
wonderful, ecstatic feeling to create something that puts it back in the pool of human
experience and knowledge.”
Live in a way that is ethically responsible. Try to make a difference in this world and
contribute to the higher good. You’ll find it gives more meaning to your life and it’s a great
antidote to boredom. There is always so much to be done. And talk to others about what
you are doing. Don’t preach or be self-righteous, or fanatical about it, that just puts people
off, but at the same time, don’t be shy about setting an example, and use opportunities that
arise to let others know what you are doing.
5. Steve Jobs said: “There’s a phrase in Buddhism, ‘Beginner’s mind.’ It’s wonderful to
have a beginner’s mind.”
It is the kind of mind that can see things as they are, which step by step and in a flash can
realize the original nature of everything. Beginner’s mind is Zen practice in action. It is the
mind that is innocent of preconceptions and expectations, judgements and prejudices. Think
of beginner’s mind as the mind that faces life like a small child, full of curiosity and
wonder and amazement.
6. Steve Jobs said: “We think basically you watch television to turn your brain off, and
you work on your computer when you want to turn your brain on.”
Reams of academic studies over the decades have amply confirmed television’s pernicious
mental and moral influences. And most TV watchers know that their habit is mind-numbing
and wasteful, but still spend most of their time in front of that box. So turn your TV off and
save some brain cells. But be cautious, you can turn your brain off by using a computer
also. Try and have an intelligent conversation with someone who plays first person shooters
for 8 hours a day. Or auto race games, or role-playing games.
7. Steve Jobs said: “I’m the only person I know that’s lost a quarter of a billion dollars in
one year…. It’s very character-building.”
Don’t equate making mistakes with being a mistake. There is no such thing as a successful
person who has not failed or made mistakes, there are successful people who made
mistakes and changed their lives or performance in response to them, and so got it right the
next time. They viewed mistakes as warnings rather than signs of hopeless inadequacy.
Never making a mistake means never living life to the full.
8. Steve Jobs said: “I would trade all of my technology for an afternoon with Socrates.”
Over the last decade, numerous books featuring lessons from historical figures have
appeared on the shelves of bookstores around the world. And Socrates stands with
Leonardo da Vinci, Nicholas Copernicus, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein as a beacon
of inspiration for independent thinkers. But he came first. Cicero said of Socrates that, “He
called philosophy down from the skies and into the lives of men.” So use Socrates’
principles in your life, your work, your learning, and your relationships. It’s not about
Socrates, it’s really about you, and how you can bring more truth, beauty and goodness into
your life everyday.
9. Steve Jobs said: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be
here?”
Did you know that you have big things to accomplish in life? And did you know that those
big things are getting rather dusty while you pour yourself another cup of coffee, and
decide to mull things over rather than do them? We were all born with a gift to give in life,
one which informs all of our desires, interests, passions and curiosities. This gift is, in fact,
our purpose. And you don’t need permission to decide your own purpose. No boss, teacher,
parent, priest or other authority can decide this for you. Just find that unique purpose.
10. Steve Jobs said: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important,
have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you
truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Are you tired of living someone else’s dream? No doubt, its your life and you have every
right to spend it in your own individual way without any hurdles or barriers from others.
Give yourself a chance to nurture your creative qualities in a fear-free and pressure-free
climate. Live a life that YOU choose and be your own boss.
=-=-=
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