Crossposted from Anitha's Blog
Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam : 'A Leader Should Know How toManage Failure'
IndiaKnowledge@Wharton : Could you give an example, from your ownexperience, of how leaders should manage failure?
Kalam: Let me tell you about my experience. In 1973 I became the project director of India's satellite launch vehicle program, commonly called theSLV-3. Our goal was to put India's "Rohini" satellite into orbit by 1980.I was given funds and human resources -- but was told clearly that by 1980 we had to launch the satellite into space. Thousands of people worked together in scientific and technical teams towards that goal.By 1979 -- I think the month was August -- we thought we were ready. As the project director, I went to the control center for the launch. At 4 minutes before the satellite launch, the computer began to go through the checklist of items that needed to be checked. One minute later, the computer program put the launch on hold; the display showed that some control components were not in order. My experts -- I had four or five of them with me -- told me not to worry; they had done their calculations and there was enough reserve fuel. So I bypassed the computer, switched to manual mode, and launched the rocket. In the first stage, everything worked fine. In the second stage, a problem developed. Instead of the satellite going into orbit, the whole rocket system plunged into the Bayof Bengal. It was a big failure.
That day, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Prof.Satish Dhawan, had called a press conference. The launch was at 7:00 am,and the press conference -- where journalists from around the world were present -- was at 7:45 am at ISRO's satellite launch range in Sriharikota[in Andhra Pradesh in southern India]. Prof. Dhawan, the leader of the organization, conducted the press conference himself. He took responsibility for the failure -- he said that the team had worked very hard, but that it needed more technological support. He assured the media that in another year, the team would definitely succeed. Now, I was the project director, and it was my failure, but instead, he took responsibility for the failure as chairman of the organization.
The next year, in July 1980, we tried again to launch the satellite -- and this time we succeeded. The whole nation was jubilant. Again, there was a press conference. Prof. Dhawan called me aside and told me, "You conduct the press conference today."
I learned a very important lesson that day.
When failure occurred, the leader of the organization owned that failure.
When success came, he gave it to his team.
The best management lesson I have learned did not come to me from reading a book; it came from that experience.
What a wonderful leader!
Friday, August 15, 2008
It's about L.O.V.E...
Crossposted from here
L.O.V.E...
I always believe that love shouldn't have a reason . Love has to grow with in us for some time and you would never know what's happening until it reaches your nerves one fine day and you find that the one your in love with ,is the person whom you have been with for quite some time. It should takes it's own time to grow and let it grow more and more deeper.
Some time back , I always wondered how arranged marriages work . May be some ten years back things are bit ok , but i don't think that an arranged marriage where in a boy / gal who knew very little before hand get to start a new lease of life . And i also get to see a lot of love marriages fail. It's not marriages that fail people , but its about people who fail marriages.
Happened to read the book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. It's true that man and woman belong to two different planets in their way of thoughts , belief and way of living.So it becomes highly imperative that you understand each other well and have mutual respect for the other persons feelings, thoughts and freedom .
The moment the other person starts giving a different perspective to what the first person said , its assumed as the dawn of an argument. It gets personal there instantly.
The problem with most of us is, whenever some one is telling us some thing , instead of listening to what is said , we start preparing to give answers on what we feel about the same there by missing the whole point , on what is said.
It's easy for some one to tell that they are in love but to prove and stand by what they really meant needs a life time.
A guy expects his gal to be like his mom and a gal expects her hubby to be like her dad and when this expectation blew out of proposition , the problem starts.
The best possible thing that can be done is to accept the people for the way they are .Though it is good to speak what ever you feel very openly , please do be reminded of the fact that it can hurt people a lot . It may not be ok when you ask a sorry .Words can be too personal and it can affect a relationship to a great extent.It's better to keep one's mouth shut whenever some weird thoughts creeps across mind . They may be just passing cloud.
It's easy to get into into a relationship,
It's easy to break from a relationship ,
But it's really tough to be in a relationship for life and live happy.
It really needs a greater level of understanding,trust,care and maturity to face every day problem and move on gracefully in life.
Happened to stumble a small anecdote of swami vivekanandha here .
Loved these lines
* Give and don't expect
* Advise, but don't order.
* Ask, but never demand.
To love and be loved the unconditional way , We need to be blessed :)
L.O.V.E...
I always believe that love shouldn't have a reason . Love has to grow with in us for some time and you would never know what's happening until it reaches your nerves one fine day and you find that the one your in love with ,is the person whom you have been with for quite some time. It should takes it's own time to grow and let it grow more and more deeper.
Some time back , I always wondered how arranged marriages work . May be some ten years back things are bit ok , but i don't think that an arranged marriage where in a boy / gal who knew very little before hand get to start a new lease of life . And i also get to see a lot of love marriages fail. It's not marriages that fail people , but its about people who fail marriages.
Happened to read the book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. It's true that man and woman belong to two different planets in their way of thoughts , belief and way of living.So it becomes highly imperative that you understand each other well and have mutual respect for the other persons feelings, thoughts and freedom .
The moment the other person starts giving a different perspective to what the first person said , its assumed as the dawn of an argument. It gets personal there instantly.
The problem with most of us is, whenever some one is telling us some thing , instead of listening to what is said , we start preparing to give answers on what we feel about the same there by missing the whole point , on what is said.
It's easy for some one to tell that they are in love but to prove and stand by what they really meant needs a life time.
A guy expects his gal to be like his mom and a gal expects her hubby to be like her dad and when this expectation blew out of proposition , the problem starts.
The best possible thing that can be done is to accept the people for the way they are .Though it is good to speak what ever you feel very openly , please do be reminded of the fact that it can hurt people a lot . It may not be ok when you ask a sorry .Words can be too personal and it can affect a relationship to a great extent.It's better to keep one's mouth shut whenever some weird thoughts creeps across mind . They may be just passing cloud.
It's easy to get into into a relationship,
It's easy to break from a relationship ,
But it's really tough to be in a relationship for life and live happy.
It really needs a greater level of understanding,trust,care and maturity to face every day problem and move on gracefully in life.
Happened to stumble a small anecdote of swami vivekanandha here .
Loved these lines
* Give and don't expect
* Advise, but don't order.
* Ask, but never demand.
It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice.It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring.
Passing thought... Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
To love and be loved the unconditional way , We need to be blessed :)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Have a long & nice weekend
Crossposted from Anitha's blog
"That which we persist in doing becomes easier - not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased." ---------Ralph Waldo Emerson
"That which we persist in doing becomes easier - not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased." ---------Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Have a nice Day
Crossposted from Anitha's Blog
All men out there can have a laugh and all women can have a bigger laugh
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down
Finally, the guys' side of the story.(I must admit, it's pretty good.)We always hear "the rules"From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side .These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1.Men are NOT mind readers.
1.Learn to work the toilet seat.You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.We need it up, you need it down.You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moonor the changing of the tides.Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want.Let us be clear on this one:Subtle hints do not work!Strong hints do not work!Obvious hints do not work!Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do .Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.Not both.If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched.We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine.Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as SEX, CARS, the shotgun formation,or BASKETBALL.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
And Yes, I know, the guy who wrote this would have been thrown out of the house by now;
All men out there can have a laugh and all women can have a bigger laugh
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down
Finally, the guys' side of the story.(I must admit, it's pretty good.)We always hear "the rules"From the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side .These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!
1.Men are NOT mind readers.
1.Learn to work the toilet seat.You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.We need it up, you need it down.You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moonor the changing of the tides.Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want.Let us be clear on this one:Subtle hints do not work!Strong hints do not work!Obvious hints do not work!Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do .Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.Not both.If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched.We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine.Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as SEX, CARS, the shotgun formation,or BASKETBALL.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
And Yes, I know, the guy who wrote this would have been thrown out of the house by now;
Monday, August 11, 2008
CNBC interview with Warren Buffet
Crossposted from Anitha's Blog
There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:
He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
He still lives in the same small 3 bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.
He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.
He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any of your shareholder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.
He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch television.
Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.
His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself.
Amazing individual indeed...
There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:
He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
He still lives in the same small 3 bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.
He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.
He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any of your shareholder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.
He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch television.
Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.
His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself.
Amazing individual indeed...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The book I read recently
Crossposted from Anitha's Blog
Happened to read 'The 3 mistakes of my life' by Chetam Bhagat but did'nt like it much.I felt it was too much of drama and fiction to some extend.I am sure it is nowhere close to his previous book 'Five point someone'. What say????..I am biggg book freak,so please mention books which you people have read and enjoyed and I can make sure I dont miss reading it:):). I also have soft copies of a few good books as well,so if of you all need any,please feel free to put up the title and I can share it,if available with me.
Happened to read 'The 3 mistakes of my life' by Chetam Bhagat but did'nt like it much.I felt it was too much of drama and fiction to some extend.I am sure it is nowhere close to his previous book 'Five point someone'. What say????..I am biggg book freak,so please mention books which you people have read and enjoyed and I can make sure I dont miss reading it:):). I also have soft copies of a few good books as well,so if of you all need any,please feel free to put up the title and I can share it,if available with me.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Is is blog to be based on only SACOE related info?
Is is blog restricted to just SACOE or can we discuss other stuff as well,like books and stuff??...David u have to let us know as you are the owner of this blog
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)