Articles

June 9, 2008

THE THREE UNCERTAINTIES OF LEADERSHIP

9th June 2008, ECONOMIC TIMES

In 1927, Werner Heisenberg stated a principle of uncertainty in physics and that won him the Nobel in 1932 i.e. that you cannot simultaneously assess the precise position as well as momentum of an atomic particle; to assess its position, you have to aim another atomic particle at it and that changes its position and momentum. Likewise, in leadership, you cannot simultaneously judge a person’s attributes as well as future behavior because the mere act of assessing impacts the other.

May 13, 2008

MAKING MANAGEMENT TEACHING REAL: Weaving practice into precept

13th May 2008, ECONOMIC TIMES

On a cold January morning in Boston, I discussed conflict and transformation management with a leading professor. As he made room for me in his car, he apologized for the mess by saying, “I am going through a divorce and it was my turn to drop my daughter at school.” It was unfortunate for the person and odd as a circumstance.

March 24, 2008

THE PASSING OF ICI: A story about three companies

24th March 2008, ECONOMIC TIMES

As the Dutch firm Akzo Nobel assimilates its latest acquisition, the famous ‘ICI’ brand will fade into history. Along with HLL and ITC, ICI pioneered the management profession in India for eight decades. Despite some initial similarity, the divergent destinies of these British subsidiaries exemplify lessons in corporate strategy, which is about the choices made over time.

January 1, 2007

PERSPECTIVES

2006-07, ECONOMIC TIMES

It has been one of the most exhilarating years for Indian business because the mindset has shown definite signs of permanent change.

December 18, 2006

Success, be not proud

18th December 2006, ECONOMIC TIMES

The vagaries of a successful business career are as mysterious as life itself. To cope with success, you have to relax and not take yourself too seriously. Apart from great qualities of head and heart, it takes good fortune to get success. With that fortune and success, you have to do something for others. Obligation is born in success.

December 11, 2006

Experience is what you do with what happens to you

11th December 2006, ECONOMIC TIMES

While reflecting about the column on careers and business life, I asked myself what purpose could be served by such an effort. A simple idea, supported by a simple story, could be a positive format for learning and reflection and practising managers could find that useful.

December 4, 2006

Good advice often comes like gentle drops of fine rain

4th December 2006, ECONOMIC TIMES

All endings are also beginnings. It is just that we don’t know it at that time. In a delightful book, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Mitch Albom narrates the story of an 83 year old war veteran, who discovers people who affected his life without anyone knowing about it.

November 27, 2006

Take care of the only car you will ever have

27th November 2006, ECONOMIC TIMES

It is in the first ten years after the working career begins that the greatest neglect of youthful health begins. Sportsmen stop playing sports, teetotalers drink alcohol, non-smokers smoke, active youngsters sit on desk jobs, and starving hostel inmates eat rich foods. These early years are the ones to watch.

November 20, 2006

Listen to the song behind the words during appraisal

20th November 2006, ECONOMIC TIMES

The most common complaint heard in company corridors pertains to the company’s appraisal system and the quality of feedback to the manager from his superior. Whatever is done, it never seems to be good enough. Improving on this aspect is a constant effort everywhere, all the time.