Image

By design NOT by accident

I have been reading this book by Clive Chajet and Tom Shachtman. Dr. Venkata Majeti was kind enough to let me have it and I have been enjoying the book very much.

There is always a question I am asked - can we live our life by design and not by default.
I have been reading this book that shows us how we can shape corporate image by design. A company’s image is indeed a vital corporate asset and can make all the difference in a competitive marketplace. We live in a world full of business images. McDonalds, Apple, IBM, Dell, Singapore Airlines.

A Company’s image is what is perceived by its various audiences. A Company’s identity is what it chooses to shape those perceptions. One learning point from the book – corporate images must reflect reality not distort reality, if they are to positively impact its audiences.

I am sure we can shape our life but that is always going to be the reult of our actions, what we chhose to DO.

Akbar - the Rainbow Creator

I saw the Hindi film Jodha Akbar starring the Hrithik Roshan and Aiswarya Rai Bachan. Ironically it was a Bahraini friend who had asked me to see the film. It was well worth it.

Set in the sixteen century, the film is the story of the greatest Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar and the fiery young Rajput princess, Jodhaa. The epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two cultures and religions for political gains.

Little does the great Emperor know that this political journey transforms into a journey of love, one of understanding the human spirit and the common man. In the current context where it is increasingly becoming difficult to find politicians who understand what public service is, the great emperor Akbar shows what greatness is all about – respecting diversity – different cultures, religions and ethnicity.

His success despite his inability to read or write is clearly attributed to emotional intelligence. That one single competency that led him into the history books as one of the greatest Mughal emperors of Hindustan. He was a devout Muslim but still was the favourite among the largely Hindu population. The story of love with music by legendary A.R. Rahman is beautifully filmed, needless to say I learned so much from this film.

Change starts with YOU

I had the opportunity to work with a large organisation in the Middle East. The goal of the programme was to create Rainbow Creators. It was not about having everything to change but to recognise what each individual could do. Change starts with each one. Personal Accountability starts with everyone.

We had an interesting exercise - A STOP DOING LIST before working on a START DOING LIST.

Try it for yourself and reflect on both the lists.

All Roses Have Thorns....

Even a perfect life may have conflict. But don’t let conflict turn your life upside down. Instead, find a way to manage the conflict without hurting any party like arranging roses in a vase without cutting yourself.

Don't Compare

Don’t compare yourself with others. Don’t compare your beauty, success and luck with theirs, but you can take that as an inspiration to improve yourself to be the best you can be.

Challenge Yourself

You are best at what you do. Challenge yourself and try to beat the yesterday you so you can be a better you today.

Authentic Change

It is quite some time since I wrote the last blog. I was traveling extensively through to about four countries - the USA, U.K., Bahrain and South Korea.

While in the US, I heard the cry for change - "Change We Can" from the most likely next President of the United States of America Barack Obama. The general public fed up with poltics as usual are turning towards a young and charismatic leader Barack Obama.

He in many ways personifies a true Rainbow Creator who believes in authentic change.