What they don’t teach you at Harvard!

Jargon can sometimes get the better of common sense!

 

IN ACADEMIA, he was the man who could come up with an acronym for anything and everything under the sun, the moon, the stars, the galaxies and the not-so-Milky Ways. He was the ultimate matrix- master when it came to coining acronyms out of stale air. All of which earned him the directorship of the Indian Institute of Acronym Management, IIAM in short. “Gentlemen,” he told a bunch of students on their first day at IIAM, “the key to all success is BULLSHIT.” Nervous students thought they had heard it wrong, a front-bencher wondered whether he should score points for CP (class-participation) by guffawing and then decided to wait and see how it all went.
  “BULLSHIT,” the IIAM director elaborated, “is the latest in management education. The ‘B’ stands for baggage, the U for unlearning, the first L for learning, the second L for learning again, the S for strategy, the H for honing, the I and T for information technology. I and I alone have developed this matrix- model. What it means is that you first have to unlearn the baggage of the past, then learn from the present, learn from the future, then hone your strategy through information technology. That, gentlemen, is all it takes to become a SUCCESS.”
   The front-bencher beat the rest of the class in applauding this in-house IIAM directorial gem and the director mentally took note and decided to award him an A-plus for CP. “Wait, gentlemen,” he said, “Wait! SUCCESS stands for the following: S for strategy, U for unlearning, C for clarity, C for coherence, E for empathy, S for symbiosis and S for synergy. That, gentlemen, is my SUCCESS model for success in any and every sphere. I commend it to you and to posterity.” The director then took up a piece of chalk and asked the assembled class what it stood for. “Chalk,” said the front-bencher, “but I’m sure you know best, Sir.”
   The director beamed at his protege. “It’s not chalk but CHALK. The C stands for cogency, the H for honesty, the A for appropriate, the L for learning and the K for knowledge. The CHALK within you can be developed to promote your growth and the growth of whichever organisation is fortunate to employ you after I have taught you,” the director said. 

                                                   

                                            
   “Sir,” said the front-bencher, “If the rishis of yore had developed your felicity in communicating profound ideas with utmost simplicity, India would still have been a great nation and not just another Third World country.” The director smiled and said, “GREAT and not just great — G as in god-fearing, R as in rapport, E as in elucidation, A as in analysis and T as in telepathy.”
   This time, the students were too stunned to even react. Just then the bell rang and everyone got up to leave. “Where are you going,” the director asked a pretty young thing. “For a snack,” she replied. “S as in savoury, N as in nutritious, A as in appetising, C as in crunchy and K as in Canteen”

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A Tribute to Legendary singer:Mohammed Rafi

Undoubtedly one of the greatest singer for ever produced by India:

” bar bar yeh din aaye aur bar bar yeh dil gaye”. happy birthday to Rafi saheb and Naushad saheb and many many happy returns of the day.wishing all a happy Christmas and new year,2008.

Mohammed Rafi was a famous playback singer. He was born on 25 December 1924 in Punjab. Even at a young age he was more fond of music than studies.

 

 

RafiInterviewBBC

Mohd Rafi

He started learning music from the famous Hindustani singer Chotte Gulam Ali Khan. Later he became the disciple of Firoze Nizam. When Firoze was appointed as a music director in Lahore Radio Station, Rafi got an opportunity to sing in the radio. It was a turning point in his life.

He sang first for a Punjabi movie. Then in Nazeer Khan's 'Leila Majnu', Rafi began his career as a singer in the Hindi film field. But as a singer he succeeded for his songs in the film 'Gavom ke gori'. His songs in films like 'Jugnu' and 'Baiju Bavra' made him very popular. He also used to sing in various other languages. More than 26,000 songs are recorded in his name. Famous music director Naushad and Rafi had a remarkable relationship. Their team work created many hit songs.

He was very punctual and faithful to his profession. He encouraged and welcomed new comers. His famous songs are 'oh duniya ke rakwale' (Baiju Bavra), 'ghun ghuna rehe hai' (Aradhana), 'kya hua tera vaada' (Hum kise se Kum nahin), 'yaham badla vaham kya he' (Jugnu) etc. He has performed in around thirty eight musical concerts abroad.

He got Padmashree Award in 1965 from India Government and National award twice. He also got Film fare Award for the best singer several times. His last recording was on May 26, 1980. He died on July 31, 1980.

Biography

Mohammed Rafi (December 24, 1924 – July 31, 1980) was an Indian playback singer of Hindi cinema, also known as Bollywood. His voice has been referred to as "the most exquisitely pleasant voice with a divine grace and splendor."

Mohammed Rafi's songs ranged from traditional classical melodies to patriotic songs, artistic Ghazals, sad and romantic melodies, traditional qawwalis, ghazals and bhajans.

Life and career

Mohammed Rafi was born on 24 December 1925. He was born at Kotla Sultan Singh, a town near Amritsar in Punjab, to an orthodox Muslim family. His family had shifted from Lahore to Amritsar, during his early childhood. His elder brother Mohammed Hameed was aware of Mohammed Rafi's love for music and encouraged it. Mohammed Rafi started taking music lessons from Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan and he also learned Indian classical music from Ghulam Ali Khan. One day Rafi and his brother Hameed went to attend a performance by K. L. Saigal. But the legendary singer refused to sing because there was a power failure at the venue. Hamed went up to the organizer to ask whether his brother could sing to keep the audience quiet. That was Rafi's first public performance, at the age of 13. Among the audience sat noted composer Shyam Sunder, who invited Rafi to Bombay.

Rafi's first song was in Punjabi for the film Gul Baloch – it was a duet with the singer Zeenat Begum. The song was Soniye nee, Heeriye nee, composed by Shyam Sunder. Shyam Sunder was impressed with his voice and gave Rafi seven songs in another film Bazaar.

In 1944, Rafi decided to move to Bombay, where Naushad gave him a break in Pehle Aap (1944). Rafi sahab's joy was immense, when Naushad sahab gave him a chance to sing in a chorus for a song that was sung by the Legendry K. L. Saigal. The song was: "Mere sapnon ki rani" from the film "Shahjahan (1946)". Rafi made his mark with Tera Khilona Toota Balak in Anmol Ghadi (1946). Rafi sahab's song: Yahan Badla Wafa Ka from the film: Jugnu (1947), was instrumental in the creation of a new superstar of the fifties, the one and only Dilip Kumar, who became a legend in his later years. The film also had songs by Noor Jehan, composed by Feroz Nizami. After listening to his voice, the producer of Amar Raj, J B Wadia, insisted that only Rafi sahab must sing songs for his films.

Rafi has the distinction of being the first playback singer of all times to be featured in the pioneering list of the Guinness Book of World Records, for having sung the highest number of songs, which is a total of 26000 songs, in Hindi and other languages.

Rise to fame

Rafi's first song for late Naushad was Hindustan ke hum hain (We belong to Hindustan) for the film Pehle Aap in 1944. The first hit for the duo was the soundtrack of Anmol Ghadi. At the time, Naushad's favorite singer was Talat Mahmood. It is reported that once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording. Annoyed, he hired Rafi to sing for Baiju Bawra. After the Partition of India, Rafi and Naushad decided to remain in India. Whenever Naushad required a male voice in the songs composed by him, he would approach Rafi and nobody else. Naushad used Rafi's voice for almost all actors of that time including Bharat Bhushan and Dilip Kumar.

Soon, Rafi became the favorite singer of other composers too, notably O. P. Nayyar, Shankar Jaikishan and Sachin Dev Burman. Rafi became the voice of Dev Anand with soul-stirring songs composed by S. D. Burman. Rafi sang songs for Burman that ran the gamut of emotions – the romantic dil ka bhanwar, the drunk hum bekhudi mein, the free-spirited khoya khoya chaand. Rafi and S. D. Burman teamed up with Dev Anand's Navketan production house to produce hits in many movies – Kala Bazar, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Guide among others. S. D. Burman also got Rafi to sing for Rajesh Khanna in Aradhana and Amitabh Bachchan in Abhimaan. Rafi and S. D. Burman also produced soulful songs for Guru Dutt's Pyaasa, C.I.D. and Kaagaz ke Phool.

O. P. Nayyar used Rafi and Asha Bhosle for most of his songs. Together they created music in the 1950s and 1960s. O. P. Nayyar was once quoted as saying "If there had been no Rafi, there would have been no O. P. Nayyar". He and Rafi created many songs together including Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan. O P Nayyar was so impressed with Rafi that he got Rafi to sing for singer-actor Kishore Kumar – Man mora baawara for the movie Raagini. The team is also known for the songs picturized on Shammi Kapoor. The song Jawaaniyan yeh mast mast and the title song Yun to humne lakh hansee dekhe hain, tumsa nahin dekha (Although I have seen a lakh beauties, but never saw one like you) of the film Tumsa Nahin Dekha became instant hits. They were followed by hits like Taareef karoon kya uski jisne tumhe banaya (How should I praise the one who created you), He Duniya Usi ki, zamana Usi ka both from Kashmir ki Kali.

Shammi Kapoor himself credited a large part of his success to Rafi. The Shankar-Jaikishan and Rafi team will be remembered for the songs picturized on Rajendra Kumar – Baharon phool barsaao – for which Rafi won the Filmfare Award – and other innumerable hits like Dil Ke Jharokhen ke Mein (Brahmachari), Tumse Achha kaun Hain etc.

Rafi was also composer Ravi's first choice for playback singing. This team produced some award winning songs. Rafi's first Filmfare Award came for the love song Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudvin Ka Chand, 1961 ) penned by Shakil Budayuni. Ravi got Rafi to sing the famous Rock-n-Roll number from the movie China Town Baar Baar Dekho, picturized on Shammi Kapoor. Other songs by Ravi and Rafi included Choo Lene Do (Kaajal 1965), Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam and Naseeb Mein Jiske (both from the film Do Badan 1966), Aaja Tujhko Pukare and Babul Ki Duaen Leti Ja (Neel Kamal, 1968, for which Rafi won the National Award) and Mujhe Ishq Hain Tumhise (Ummeed, 1972).

Madan Mohan was another composer whose favorite singer was Rafi. They teamed up to produce many ghazals including Teri Aankhon ke Siva, the sad Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil and the romantic Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho. Madan Mohan used Rafi's voice in many films like Chirag and Laila Majnu.

The composer duo Laxmikant Pyarelal ("L-P") also used Rafi as their male voice in 1960s and 70s. When L-P were new in the industry, Rafi sang for them, although he was the numero uno singer in Bollywood at that time. They got Rafi to sing for their first hit film Paarasmani. Both Rafi and L-P won the Filmfare Awards for the song Chahoonga main tujhe shaam savere from Dosti. The tune was originally meant to be sung by a female singer, but Majrooh Sultanpuri the lyricist suggested that it would sound better in a male voice, L-P agreed and had the song sung by Rafi.

In 1965, Rafi was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Sri award.

Career revival

Rafi came back with a host of hit songs in the mid seventies. One of Madan Mohan's last film Laila Majnu was released on 1976. He used Rafi as the singer for newcomer Rishi Kapur. Tere Dar Pe Aaya Hoon and Barbad-E-Mohabbat Ki Dua were huge hits.

In 1977, Nasir Hussain released Hum Kisise Kam Nahin. R D Burman got Rafi to sing for Rishi Kapoor and others in the movie. Songs like Kya Hua Tera Wada, Chand Mera Dil, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin and Yeh ladka (with Asha) were chartbusters. The song Kya Hua Tera Wada gave Rafi his sixth Filmfare Award, putting him right back on top. He also won the National Award for the song, his second National Award.

Hits continued, like Pardah hai pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977) by LP and Pal Do Pal Ka Saath (The Burning Train) by RD. The LP-Anand Bakshi team stuck with Rafi for the song Aadmi Musafir Hain in Apnapan (1978). It was followed by the Rishi Kapur films Sargam (1979) and Karz (1980) which saw LP and Rafi.

Last years

Rafi reigned along with Kishore Kumar in the early 80s. The film Dostana was a musical hit and songs like Mere Dost Kissa and Bane Chahe Dushman (with Kishore Kumar ) became very popular. In the film Abdullah, the solo Meine Poochha Chand Se was nominated for the Filmfare Award of that year. Rafi was nominated for three songs in 1980. Rafi continued to produce hit songs like the duet "Kya Dekhte Ho" in Kalyanji Anandji's Qurbani.

On Friday, July 31, 1980 after composing a song for the movie Aas Paas, Shaam phir kyun udaas hai dost with L-P, Rafi asked "Should I leave?". L-P were surprised because Rafi had never said anything like this before. While leaving, Rafi said once again "OK. I will leave." Rafi died at 10.50 p.m. on the same day due to a massive heart attack.

Personal life

When partition occurred in 1947, Rafi chose to stay in India. Rafi married Bilquis and had four sons and three daughters. He was a religious teetotaller. Once, when a lesser-known composer, Nisar Bazmi (who migrated to Pakistan in early 1960s), did not have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of one rupee and sang for him. He also helped producers financially. As Laxmikant (of the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo – L-P ) once observed – "He always gave without thinking of the returns". It was Rafi who supported L-P during their initial days. Rafi was also famous for his various humanitarian efforts. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar had a major debate over the issue of royalties in 1960s. Rafi believed that once a recording was over and a singer has been paid, he or she should not ask for more. Lata, on the other hand said that singers should be paid royalties for their works, over and above the amount given for the singing. This led to a fall out between them. They refused to sing songs together. At the insistence of Nargis they finally made up at a stage concert and sang Dil Pukare from the film Jewel thief, composed by S D Burman.

He encouraged and helped other artists all the time by all means including finance. It was he who suggested that Kishore Kumar conduct stage shows when he was in economic difficulties. When Kishore Kumar rose to fame on the strength of the Aradhana songs, originally to have been sung by Rafi, Rafi is reported to have said that "Kishore is singing well and the time is changing".

He sung for Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. He also sang for Guru Dutt, Bharat Bhushan, comedian Johnny Walker, Rajendra Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Jeetendra and many more. Shammi Kapoor credited a large part of his success to Rafi. Rafi also gave playback to actor Raj Kapoor in the films: Barsaat (1949), Andaz (1949), Dastan (1950), Paapi (1950) and several others. He also sang for singer-actor Kishore Kumar in a several movies such as Raagini, Baaghi Shehzaada, and Shararat. Rafi also sung for Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. He also sang well known duets with Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle.

Awards

Filmfare Nominations and Awards

·         1960 Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Film: Chaudhvin Ka Chand) – WON

·         1961 Husnwale Tera Jawaab Nahin (Film: Gharana)

·         1961 Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko (Film: Sasural) – WON

·         1962 Aye Gulbadan Aye Gulbadan (Film: Professor)

·         1963 Mere Mehboob Tujhe (Film: Mere Mehboob)

·         1964 Chahunga Mein Tujhe (Film: Dosti) – WON

·         1965 Choo Lene Do Nazuk Hothon Ko (Film: Kaajal)

·         1966 Baharon Phool Barasao (Film: Suraj) – WON

·         1968 Mein Gaaon Tum Sojaao (Film: Brahmachari)

·         1968 Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal)

·         1968 Dil Ke Jharoke Mein (Film: Brahmachari) – WON

·         1969 Badi Mastani Hai (Film: Jeene Ki Raah)

·         1970 Khilona Jaan Kar (Film: Khilona)

·         1973 Hum Ko To Jaan Se Pyaari (Film: Naina)

·         1974 Achha Hi Huva Dil Toot Gaya (Film: Maa Behen Aur Biwi)

·         1977 Parda Hai Parda (Film: Amar Akbar Anthony)

·         1977 Kya Hua Tera Vaada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) – WON

·         1978 Aadmi Musaafir Hai (Film: Apnapan)

·         1979 Chalo Re Doli Uthao Kahaar (Film: Jani Dushman)

·         1979 Mere Dost Kissa Yeh (Film: Dostana)

·         1980Dard-e-dil Dard-e-jigar (Film: Karz)

·         1980 Maine Poocha Chand Se (Film: Abdullah)

Government of India National Awards

·         1968 Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal) – The song was written by Sahir Ludhianvi and music by Ravi.

·         1977 Kya Hua Tera Waada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) – Mohd. Rafi's huge nation-wide hit with the team of RD Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri saab.

Popular songs

Hindi

·         O Duniya Ke Rakhwale ("Baiju Bawra"-[1952])

·         Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (C.I.D., 1957), comedy

·         Sar Jo Tera Chakraye (Pyasa), comedy

·         Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe (Junglee, 1961)

·         Main Jat Yamla Pagla

·         Chadhti Jawani Meri

·         Hum kaale hain to kya hua (Gumnaam, 1966), comedy

·         Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, 1977), qawwali

·         Raaz Ki Baat Kah Doon, qawwali

·         Yeh Hai Ishq Ishq, qawwali

·         Pardah Hai Pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977), qawwali

·         O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (Baiju Bawra, 1952), devotional

·         Hum Laye Hain Toofan (Jagriti, 1954), patriotic song

·         Ab Tumhare Hawale (Haqiqat, 1954), patriotic song

·         Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon ka (Naya Daur), patriotic song

·         Apni Azadi Ko Hum, patriotic song

·         Nanhe Munne Bacche, Children's song

·         Re Mama Re Mama Re, Children's song

·         Chakke Mein Chakka, Children's song

·         Man Tarpath Hari darshan Ko (Baiju Bawra,1952), Classical

·         Sawan Aaye Ya Na Aaye (Dil Diya Dard Liya, 1966), Classical

·         Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re (Kohinoor, 1960), Classical

·         Man Re Tu Kaahe (Chitralekha, 1964), Classical

·         Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja, Wedding song

·         Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Wedding song

Other languages
Marathi

·         Shodisi Maanava (Non-filmi)

·         He mana aaj koni (Non-filmi)

·         Ha chhand jivala lavi pise (Non-filmi)

·         Virale geet kase (Non-filmi)

·         Ga pori sambhal – Daryageet (Non-filmi; with Pushpa Pagdhare)

·         Prabhu tu dayalu (Non-filmi)

·         Hasa mulanno hasa (Non-filmi)

·         Ha rusawa sod sakhe (Non-filmi)

·         Nako bhavya waada (Non-filmi)

·         Majhya viraan hridayee (Non-filmi)

·         Khel tujha nyaara (Non-filmi)

·         Nako aarati ki nako pushpmaala (Non-filmi)

Songs in Telugu

·         Yentha Varu Kani Vedantulaina Kani (film: Bhale Thammudu)

·         Na Madi Ninnu Pilichindi Ganamai (film: Aradhana)

·         Taralentaga Vecheno Chanduruni Kosam (film: Akbar Salim Anarkali)

·         Sipaaee o Sipaaee (Duet with P. Susheela)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A Dozen Christmas Roses…!

 

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any. The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already. And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought, "This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend," Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far. What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older and one younger sister, who ran the house hold in their mother's absence. All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother.                 Somehow it just wasn't fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing. Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn't easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach. It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment.     As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw. His excitement quickly turned cold when the salesperson told him that he couldn't buy anything with only a dime. He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift               The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him, "You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you." As Bobby waited he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers. The sound of the door closing as the last customer left jolted Bobby back to reality. All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby's eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all tied together with a big silver bow. Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box.               "That will be ten cents young man," the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime. Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?"     This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son," As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out. "Who were you talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?"               Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, "A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway. Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime. "When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago. I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars.     "When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses." The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all. May this story instill the spirit of Christmas in you enough to pass this story along. Have a Joyous and Peace-filled season. ~naresh~

 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

The Power Of Love – Celine Deon

The power of love – CelineDion

Read and post comments

10 Rules for Bouncing Back

The important role of motivational books was cited by nearly all the comeback small business owners interviewed for "The Great Comeback." (At least one, Dave Ramsey, is a best-selling author himself.) To see what magic they unlock, My Business columnist Harvey King spent a weekend sampling some of the genre's best-known titles. Here is some of what he discovered:

If you think misery loves company, forget it. Misery loves the company of someone who's left misery far behind. At least that appears to be the secret of successful success books.

Together these books contain dozens of lists of steps, habits, guidelines and principles for reaching business and personal goals. Synthesized, their collective philosophy of fulfillment boils down to this Top 10 list of truths:

1. Despite your defeats, you are not defeated until you believe you are.

2. You are not lazy, you are uninspired.

3. Whether you think you are going to succeed or fail, you will.

4. Too many people with far greater limitations than you have proven wrong the reasons you accept for why you can't succeed.

5. Be honest and admit you know what you really want, then put that specific goal down in writing and develop a plan to achieve it.

6. Never forget your written goal. Each day, remind yourself of it and renew your commitment to it.

7. Anything worth having (or being or doing) will come only as the result of hard work, persistence, continuous learning and, likely, specialization.

8. Follow the Golden Rule (the real one, not: "He who has the gold, rules.")

9. Passion is the key to fulfillment. Other required traits are flexibility, confidence, optimism, commitment and persistence.

10. Start right now.

Despite their similarities, each book has a unique twist–a secret sauce that helps differentiate it from the sea of other books in the genre. Except for Who Moved My Cheese, the books are neatly divided into a series of lessons or essays easily read in daily chunks. (Cheese is so short, it's already a one-chunk–or slice–read.) Each book depends upon a unique metaphor demonstrating that success, achievement and fulfillment do not result from passivity, but require active journeys up steps, down highways or through mazes.

Each, in its own way, brings hope and inspires action. Each, in a strange and inexplicable way, seems based on the movie Rudy.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Steven Covey
Simon & Schuster
(June, 1989), $25.00*

Who Moved My Cheese?
Johnson and Blanchard
Putnam Publishing Group
(September, 1998), $19.95*

See You at the Top
Zig Ziglar
Pelican Publishing Co
(June, 1982), $22.00*

Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill
Renaissance Books
(October, 2001), $28.95*

What Should I Do With My Life?
Po Bronson
Random House
(December 24, 2002), $24.95*

*price of hardback edition

---

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2003 issue of My Business magazine.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Delegate, don’t abdicate:

No manager is an island. Even though others may have a different approach or standards, you’re setting yourself up to fail if you think you have to do everything yourself. Accept that in today’s interdependent world, there is a shared responsibility for getting things done. It’s not all down to you! Delegation is a very helpful aid for succession planning, personal development – and seeking and encouraging promotion. Here are some steps of successful delegation

Remember if things go wrong, it’s ultimately your fault! Assess the risk of failure before you decide to delegate a task, and manage any risk appropriately. The only person you can blame is you, for not effectively delegating the task at the beginning. And you never know, they might even do it better than you!
   
Crystal clear tasks:

If you can’t define the task to be delegated, it isn’t ready for delegation. Good tasks to delegate are; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound…. or in other words “SMART”.
   
Select the individual or team:

What are your reasons for delegating to this person or team? What are they going to get out of it? What are you going to get out of it?
   
Assess ability and training needs:

Is the other person or team of people capable of doing the task? Do they understand what needs to be done. If not, you can’t delegate.
   
Explain the reasons:

You must explain why the job or responsibility is being delegated. And why to that person or people? What is its importance and relevance? Where does it fit in the overall scheme of things?
   
State required results:

What must be achieved? Clarify understanding by getting feedback from the other person. How will the task be measured? Make sure they know how you intend to decide that the job is being successfully done.
   
Consider resources required:

Discuss and agree what is required to get the job done. Consider people, location, premises, equipment, money, materials, other related activities and services.
   
Agree deadlines:

When must the job be finished? Or if an ongoing duty, when are the review dates? When are the reports due? And if the task is complex and has parts or stages, what are the priorities?
   
Support & communicate:

Think about who else needs to know what’s going on, and inform them. Involve the other person in considering this so they can see beyond the issue at hand. Do not leave the person to inform your own peers of their new responsibility.
   
Feedback on results:

It is essential to let the person know how they are doing, and whether they have achieved their aims. If not, you must review with them why things did not go to plan, and deal with the problems. You must absorb the consequences of failure, and pass on the credit for success.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

WHEN THE LION ROARS…

WHEN THE LION ROARS , what the Poor CAT can do…! it has to surrender 🙂 nothing more than it could do…:)

well…finally, i'm slowly getting on to the Track…with preparation. Thanks to the my job work…which actually inspiring me to prepare as hard as i can, beacuse i just don't wanna stick to the chair and get glue over the Flat monitor…! daily…for hours i won't.  this single reason will be enough for me to get chargedup for the big see~V~saw battle between  the 'Tiger' and 'CAT'….J

 

Let's Wait and Watch….!               

 

 

                                

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Citi CEO will be Pandit now!

I'm really proud to share the great news as Mr.Vikram Pandit will be the new CEO of World's Largest Bank 'Citi Group', being an indian i understand the value of ruling the American bank….indeed great!.

I'm inspired verymuch, because even he too an engineer, turned as  Managment Grad…that too my favorite Finance area…:) i just love to be like him…Congratualtion of Vikram..I wish you all the success. thanks for inspiring me…:)

 

Vikram Pandit is a Nagpur-born NRI and a Citigroup neophyte. Pandit, whose elevation had been in the air for several days, replaces the charismatic Charles O. "Chuck" Prince III. Pandit, who is 50, is the first person of Indian origin to scale such stratospheric heights in the financial world, which has many well-regarded Indian executives. Citigroup has operations in more than 100 countries, with 300,000 employees and two trillion dollars in assets.

Early Life and Education

Vikram Pandit was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India to a moderately affluent Marathi Deshastha Brahmin family. At the age of 16, he moved to the United States to attend college at Columbia University. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering in 1976 and 1977 respectively, and later earned a Ph.D. in Finance in 1986.

50-year-old Pandit is the second Indian to become CEO of a major American financial institution (after Ramani Ayer, CEO of Hartford Financial Services Group). He is a trustee at Columbia University. He was a junior finance professor at Indiana University in the mid-1980s before joining Morgan Stanley. As head of Morgan Stanley's institutional-securities division from 1994 to 2000, he pushed the company into more electronic trading and helped build the firm's prime brokerage services that cater to hedge funds. He led the institutional-securities business from 2000 until March 2005.

 

Vikram has to put in lot of efforts, says dad…

this whole interview is share from here

 

Shankar Pandit (84), father of the newly appointed CEO of Citigroup, Vikram Pandit has had a very busy on Wednesday. Himself a retired director of a pharma company, he tells Timesofindia.com that his son has made him proud. Pandit senior is aware that his son has to put in great efforts in his new job, but he does not doubt his capabilities.

While the world is talking about Vikram the CEO, his father gives a rare peak into Vikram, the humble middle class Nagpur born lad who has touched dizzying heights in his career. Excerpts:

Congratulations! Your son Vikram has been appointed as CEO of the Citigroup. How do you feel? When did you hear about this news?

Thank you. I am elated. I received a call from Vikram's wife Swati at 1:15 am (IST) this morning, giving me the good news. Vikram was still at the meeting. After his appointment was confirmed, Vikram gave her the news and she conveyed it to all of us.

Did you get to speak with your son, today?

Oh yes. Vikram called me up as soon as he returned home. I received a call from him in the morning around 8:30 am (IST).

What did he say?

At home we speak in Marathi. He told me in a calm but happy voice that everything had gone well. We do not use words like "thank you" and "sorry" in our conversations. But, my son was definitely very excited. In fact my grandson Rahul could not contain his excitement and he sounded so proud of his father, telling me how thousands of people were listening to his dad speak.

Did you foresee that your son will become world famous, someday?

He was a brilliant boy. In school, he always stood first in his class. He is very astute and focused. I saw him rise. Vikram has stood to my expectations. I am so happy that everyone is sharing my happiness, today. As a family, we are very optimistic by nature.

The media had shown Vikram Pandit in race with the former Pakistani Premier Shaukat Aziz (also an ex Citibank executive), for the top slot. Did you have any doubts that your son would not be able to stand against him?

Shaukat Aziz is a capable man. But, I feel, he was not meant for this particular job. Apparently, the Board of Directors who finally appointed Vikram also thought so.

Were you sure about his appointment for the top job?

In my heart, I had a great hope. And, Vikram too felt the same way. But, he is a very humble man. After his name came up for the post, we never seriously discussed it between us. If at all, it was just a very casual discussion. In fact, I would advise him not to feel disheartened, if not selected for the top job. I told him he was only 50 years old and had enough time ahead of him to prove his worth.

Will you be travelling to meet your son and his family any time soon?

Vikram may be coming to India with his family on December 23 and return to US in the first week of January. The last time he came to India was in February this year. I spend nine months of the year in US. After Vikram's mother's demise in the US, over a year ago, they do not want me to live all by myself in Mumbai. But I like it here. In fact, my son and his family too love being in India. They enjoy the atmosphere here.

Please tell us about Vikram Pandit as a person.

As I told you, he is a very simple person at heart. He likes reading and reads on all sorts of topics; he even reads up a cookery book! He is a very good photographer and enjoys being with family. He derives pleasures from simple things in life, not playing golf etc.

We are from Nagpur and my extended family still lives there. I keep travelling between Mumbai and US. Besides Vikram, I have a daughter who also lives in the US. Vikram lives in the US with his wife son Rahul (15) and daughter Maya (13). My three brothers also live near my house in (Vashi) new Mumbai so I always have company.

Vikram didn't start out as a Banker. He is a qualified professional engineer. When and why did he switch to Finance?

My work took me to many places in India and the World. I went to USA, too. Vikram went to the US as a student and joined the Columbia University. He obtained a Masters in electrical engineering. In those days young students preferred to either study medical or engineering. Vikram wanted to do his Phd and that was the time his guide advised him to take up finance, as it was a good field. He followed the advice. That's how his switch to finance happened. And then, he worked for Morgan Stanley after which he started his own firm named 'Old Lane'. This firm was later purchased by the Citigroup and Vikram was offered a job by the Bank.

Citigroup has suffered incredible losses, lately. When you think of Vikram's appointment do you feel apprehensive whether he would be able to pull out the bank from the mess?

I am not apprehensive about his abilities. I am confident he will do a very good job. However, it calls for plenty of efforts on his part.

Do you discuss professional matters at home?

I belong to a different line. He doesn't consult me on major issues. The only time we spoke about something connected with his work was when Citigroup wanted to buy his firm.

 

Read and post comments

You are the Owner of Your Destiny!

You the owner of your own Destiny!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

I’m done with my ‘PLAN’

Well…at last, I’m done with my PlanJ  for my Mission’08.

I was decided on Friday evening in the office, about preparation for PLAN…which has to be done on weekend .yes, I finally prepared it for my preparation.

After all, Failing to Prepare Plan is, Preparing to Fail…isn’t it? That’s the only thing I don’t want…’Fail’.

 

Bythway my preparation is goin – on, sometimes…little delay because of my deliverables in the Office…L but it’s ok…I’ll manageJ

 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend