Can we design organizations for beauty?Joyce Hostyn
The future is ours to imagine, design and create. And if we’re dreaming the future into being, why not dream of a future where business is beautiful. Where business delivers the promise of happiness. Where business is an incredible force for positive change in the world.
Presented at http://www.careerconnectors.org/
Presenter Roy Bell, Business Catalyst, StrategyHub http://strategyhb.com
Cultivate Your Message
Twitter.com/strategyhb
Employee Communities: Community Centric ChangeJoyce Hostyn
Customer Experience starts with the employee experience, but changing the employee experience can be very difficult. Most change methods are still based on an outdated top-down rational view of organizational change. How can we rewire organizational DNA to create great customer experiences? How can we shift the hearts, minds and behaviors of every employee? These are the questions we're wresting with as we rethink our approach to employee experience. Our new strategy is centered on an employee community of peers that we are promoting through internal content marketing. It might be working. Presented at CXPA Members Insight Exchange.
Predictable Irrationality If You Build What They Ask For, They Will Not ComeJoyce Hostyn
Traditional approaches to defining and deploying enterprise software fail to account for that fact that people are influenced by their environment, emotions, shortsightedness, and other forms of irrationality. How do we get past the predictable irrationality of people to redefine the problem and create experiences that people will embrace?
From a workshop I facilitated at Vizthink 2009 on why stories are more effective than fact based methods at communicating complex ideas and inspiring people to want to change.
Communicate POWERFULLY Onstage - Michelle Villalobos Presentation to The Miam...Michelle Villalobos
Communicate powerfully onstage! Presentation skills and tips for people who get nervous, anxious or just plan SCARED onstage. Learn how to structure and prepare your presentation content, how to deliver it effectively, and how to get mentally prepared.
Design for dreams not needs: who do you want your customers to become?Joyce Hostyn
Who do you want your customer to become? Who do you want your coworkers, your organization, your employees, your children, your community, your country, the world to become? What gifts do you have? What gifts do they (those you are designing for) have? To answer these questions well is to discover your own dream. To answer these questions well is to uncover the dreams of those you are designing for.
Who do I want you to become? Someone who dreams beautiful dreams. Someone who helps others dream beautiful dreams. Someone who designs for dreams.
For it is through beautiful dreams that we will create more beautiful organizations, communities, and the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
Can we design organizations for beauty?Joyce Hostyn
The future is ours to imagine, design and create. And if we’re dreaming the future into being, why not dream of a future where business is beautiful. Where business delivers the promise of happiness. Where business is an incredible force for positive change in the world.
Presented at http://www.careerconnectors.org/
Presenter Roy Bell, Business Catalyst, StrategyHub http://strategyhb.com
Cultivate Your Message
Twitter.com/strategyhb
Employee Communities: Community Centric ChangeJoyce Hostyn
Customer Experience starts with the employee experience, but changing the employee experience can be very difficult. Most change methods are still based on an outdated top-down rational view of organizational change. How can we rewire organizational DNA to create great customer experiences? How can we shift the hearts, minds and behaviors of every employee? These are the questions we're wresting with as we rethink our approach to employee experience. Our new strategy is centered on an employee community of peers that we are promoting through internal content marketing. It might be working. Presented at CXPA Members Insight Exchange.
Predictable Irrationality If You Build What They Ask For, They Will Not ComeJoyce Hostyn
Traditional approaches to defining and deploying enterprise software fail to account for that fact that people are influenced by their environment, emotions, shortsightedness, and other forms of irrationality. How do we get past the predictable irrationality of people to redefine the problem and create experiences that people will embrace?
From a workshop I facilitated at Vizthink 2009 on why stories are more effective than fact based methods at communicating complex ideas and inspiring people to want to change.
Communicate POWERFULLY Onstage - Michelle Villalobos Presentation to The Miam...Michelle Villalobos
Communicate powerfully onstage! Presentation skills and tips for people who get nervous, anxious or just plan SCARED onstage. Learn how to structure and prepare your presentation content, how to deliver it effectively, and how to get mentally prepared.
Design for dreams not needs: who do you want your customers to become?Joyce Hostyn
Who do you want your customer to become? Who do you want your coworkers, your organization, your employees, your children, your community, your country, the world to become? What gifts do you have? What gifts do they (those you are designing for) have? To answer these questions well is to discover your own dream. To answer these questions well is to uncover the dreams of those you are designing for.
Who do I want you to become? Someone who dreams beautiful dreams. Someone who helps others dream beautiful dreams. Someone who designs for dreams.
For it is through beautiful dreams that we will create more beautiful organizations, communities, and the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
the art of creativity: asking provocative questionsJoyce Hostyn
Since we live in the world our questions create, "the most interesting thing you can do in life... is to call into question the rules of the game.” Questions make the impossible possible, help the unknown become known, and transform paradigms. To transform yourself, transform your organization, or transform the world learn the art of asking provocative questions.
Creating a Healthy Digital Culture by Kevan Gilbert (Now What? Conference 2015)Blend Interactive
Now that your new site is up, it’s the time to think for long-term. Next year, will you still be the only champion for change? Or will everyone from leadership to front-line workers embrace the power of digital? Was this web project just short-term relief work to solve itchy problems, or is it part of a pattern of thoughtful, iterative growth? Discover tools, approaches and facilitation tactics to help transform your organization into a culture of digital excellence.
Talk given in March 2013 at Dublin City Public Libraries as part of their public lecture series on career development. Prepared and delivered by John Deely BA MSc, Occupational Psychologist with Pinpoint (www.pinpoint.ie)
In today’s connected, Googled, social world, there is a reality; more content will be created today than existed in entirety before 2003. The simple fact is we have limited time and attention spans. You need to create killer content that will get your target market to engage. While the attention economy is an important consideration when creating content you should not just be attempting to get attention but be turning your content into the talking point in your industry. It should make connections, drive interest, get shared and create advocates.
Session will look at:
Understanding the the good, the bad and the other crap - how to create content that gets cut through.
Techniques to find insights that will delight
Build a strategy and tactics for your content
What it takes to become a content king
Using the right content to nudge the buyer down the funnel
In today’s connected, Googled, social world, there is a reality; more content will be created today than existed in entirety before 2003. The simple fact is we have limited time and attention spans. You need to create killer content that will get your target market to engage. While the attention economy is an important consideration when creating content you should not just be attempting to get attention but be turning your content into the talking point in your industry. It should make connections, drive interest, get shared and create advocates.
Session will look at:
Understanding the the good, the bad and the other crap - how to create content that gets cut through.
Techniques to find insights that will delight
Build a strategy and tactics for your content
What it takes to become a content king
Using the right content to nudge the buyer down the
This is an excellent motivational presentation profiling the Indians who have achieved great heights in their careers as CEOs and other positions, thus made difference to the Society where they live.
Global Forest Decimal Classification RevitalizationJarmo Saarikko
A report from IUFRO unit 6.03.03 to IUFRO 2005 Brisbane
Authors: Jarmo Saarikko, Helsinki, Finland and Barbara Holder, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date: 9-Aug-2005
Event: IUFRO World Congress 2005, Brisbane, Australia
Global Forest Decimal Classification (GFDC) and Global Forest Information Service (GFIS)
suggestions and implementation possibilities
Oxford, UK, 2-DEC-2005
the art of creativity: asking provocative questionsJoyce Hostyn
Since we live in the world our questions create, "the most interesting thing you can do in life... is to call into question the rules of the game.” Questions make the impossible possible, help the unknown become known, and transform paradigms. To transform yourself, transform your organization, or transform the world learn the art of asking provocative questions.
Creating a Healthy Digital Culture by Kevan Gilbert (Now What? Conference 2015)Blend Interactive
Now that your new site is up, it’s the time to think for long-term. Next year, will you still be the only champion for change? Or will everyone from leadership to front-line workers embrace the power of digital? Was this web project just short-term relief work to solve itchy problems, or is it part of a pattern of thoughtful, iterative growth? Discover tools, approaches and facilitation tactics to help transform your organization into a culture of digital excellence.
Talk given in March 2013 at Dublin City Public Libraries as part of their public lecture series on career development. Prepared and delivered by John Deely BA MSc, Occupational Psychologist with Pinpoint (www.pinpoint.ie)
In today’s connected, Googled, social world, there is a reality; more content will be created today than existed in entirety before 2003. The simple fact is we have limited time and attention spans. You need to create killer content that will get your target market to engage. While the attention economy is an important consideration when creating content you should not just be attempting to get attention but be turning your content into the talking point in your industry. It should make connections, drive interest, get shared and create advocates.
Session will look at:
Understanding the the good, the bad and the other crap - how to create content that gets cut through.
Techniques to find insights that will delight
Build a strategy and tactics for your content
What it takes to become a content king
Using the right content to nudge the buyer down the funnel
In today’s connected, Googled, social world, there is a reality; more content will be created today than existed in entirety before 2003. The simple fact is we have limited time and attention spans. You need to create killer content that will get your target market to engage. While the attention economy is an important consideration when creating content you should not just be attempting to get attention but be turning your content into the talking point in your industry. It should make connections, drive interest, get shared and create advocates.
Session will look at:
Understanding the the good, the bad and the other crap - how to create content that gets cut through.
Techniques to find insights that will delight
Build a strategy and tactics for your content
What it takes to become a content king
Using the right content to nudge the buyer down the
This is an excellent motivational presentation profiling the Indians who have achieved great heights in their careers as CEOs and other positions, thus made difference to the Society where they live.
Global Forest Decimal Classification RevitalizationJarmo Saarikko
A report from IUFRO unit 6.03.03 to IUFRO 2005 Brisbane
Authors: Jarmo Saarikko, Helsinki, Finland and Barbara Holder, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date: 9-Aug-2005
Event: IUFRO World Congress 2005, Brisbane, Australia
Global Forest Decimal Classification (GFDC) and Global Forest Information Service (GFIS)
suggestions and implementation possibilities
Oxford, UK, 2-DEC-2005
Green Teams: Evolutionary Learning CommunitiesSyntonyQuest
A Sustainable Silicon Valley Educational Forum
Wednesday 30 April 2008 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
More info at http://www.sustainablesiliconvalley.org/event_04-30-08.htm
ripplemark Egypt's 'Be A Good Person' Culture Code Omar El Sabh
We're ripplemark Egypt, a 'Self-Learning Digital Organization'.
As an agency, we truly believe that an organization with a strong culture is an organization that can thrive. Culture aligns everyone on norms, values and motivations that become the driving force of a group. Culture is how everyone should act with no supervision.
XPERT, is the first social learning app which provides to learn from the experts of all fields, by providing there experiences, life lessons and challenges.
I prepared this in the training i gave to BMs to activate their role. good material and i would suggest giving some debate skills to measure communication levels.
Creating a Healthy Digital Culture: How empathy can change our organizationsDomain7
We often think of empathy as an abstract, emotional concept, maybe even see it as a weakness in an organizational context. This presentations suggests that empathy might be our greatest secret weapon to changing our organizations to become higher-performing, more innovative, better places to work, serving happier customers.
From #NowWhat15, http://nowwhatconference.com/
A hard look at the softer side of business analysisJoe Newbert
Step forward the Business Analyst star. Taking a hard look at the soft skills as a catalyst for Business Analysis success, in the December 2008 IIBA Newsletter.
The “Course Topics” series from Manage Train Learn and Slide Topics is a collection of over 4000 slides that will help you master a wide range of management and personal development skills. The 202 PowerPoints in this series offer you a complete and in-depth study of each topic. This presentation is on "The Nature of Potential".
This presentation is about the Achievers who excelled in their field in foreign lands and could not make it big in India due to political constraints. Motivating and thought provoking!
This is a presentation which describes elaborately about how to handle failure effectively to enhance your performance in the workplace as well as to attract and sustain success!
The content is extracted from the popular book \'Dhirubhaism\' by Shri A.G.Krishna Murthy, which would help understand Dhirubhai\'s Management style, the foundation of Reliance.
Its all about 'Possibility thinking', which is the secret of success and you can achieve anything under the Sun, with the power of possibility thinking.
good luck.
Challa S.S.J.Ram Phani
CTF (CAMI, USA)
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
1. Serving Society through Soft Skills
Vol.No.1 July, 2008 Issue No.1_______
What development? Wallet development!
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those
who look on and do nothing.
- Albert Einstein
I welcome you all to browse through this Last week I got a call from a gentleman
who happened to see my ambitious and
e-zine initiated by aimkaam with a lofty
enthusiastic postings online. He shared
ideal to ‘Serve Society through Soft
his observations with me that ‘Nobody
Skills’. It has become a national attitude
wants to come up in life. People don’t
that we read news and brush it aside as
want to grow intellectually and gain
‘just news’ and we do not contemplate,
respect with self-dignity. You are doing
think of the repercussions and its impact
great job. How can you train the people
on our life. Take for example, the ever
who never turn up to your training
growing prices of fuel and its impact on
classes?’ He wished me good luck and
our life? How many of us resolved to
we ended our conversation saying ‘good
use ‘public transport’ after government
night’ to each other. Not in the same
failed miserably to control the menace of
manner, but the gist and underlying
growing prices.
meaning of the conversation is the same.
In the same way, we are used to hear the
We are a Country of Preachers and
news of youth failing many times in
Teachers. We are not a result-oriented
interviews, job melas and campus
and action-oriented nation. As a nation
interviews. If you are a trainer, a HR
we are excellent in writing skills, which
Manager, Recruiter or at least an
is why we are surviving writing some
individual with the knowledge of the
software programs for the Global Inc.
skills required to make the youth
successful in their pursuit of grabbing a
Preachers are required to give content to
placement, have we ever tried to help
our ever growing TV channels. But it is
them out? Did we ever try to share our
high time that people irrespective of
knowledge with the people who are
their field of functioning have to pull
craving and struggling hard to succeed in
their socks and gear up to educate the
their lives?
needy around them.
1
2. If you are a teacher, help students in and become action-oriented to demand
finding solutions for their mathematics results and not fall prey to Lord
problems. If you are an English teacher, Krishna’s philosophical preaching that
break the myth of ‘Spoken English’ and ‘Do your karma and leave the results to
help create an environment where Almighty’. We have to work hard and
students can speak English freely and achieve results for the benefit of the
confidently. Society around us and cannot leave
results to invisible divine forces.
I was very much fond of asking my
students every time, whether they have How an illiterate Society with
completed their B.Tech or MBA in their inadequate knowledge create
local language or in English. They ‘Knowledge Society’? Future
reply naturally ‘Nooo Saaaar! I have generations will not forgive us if we
completed it in English’! You can write create ‘fake developed nation’ for them.
in English and got good marks to grab a Development is not in polio-stricken
job, but you may lose the same job due sensex graph. Development is not in IT
to lack of ‘Speaking skills’! As we all industry alone which is inspiring the
know, this happens due to lack of growth in other industries and creating a
confidence and environment. The point feeling of ‘developed nation’ among the
which I wish to drive home is that ‘Let youth.
us give courage and encourage youth
with our knowledge to explore the ever Human being is the center of every
growing opportunities around them.’ development in the Society where we are
living. Self-discipline, Self-respect,
Let us start with our apartments where Self-confidence and Self-Management
we are living. Let everybody know that are the qualities which help develop a
you are a technical trainer, you are a soft Nation in abundance.
skills trainer and you are a marketing
manager who can teach people how to Action is the only path to Moksha.
market combs to the bald.
Perform or Perish.
Let us not live in the fake world of
‘Wallet development’! Let us contribute
_______________________________________________________________ __
Dear friends, us. We publish and take your thoughts to
more than 10000 Netizens on our
These are my random thoughts, naturally network every month. Kindly do not
with a fire in the belly, which reflected hesitate to share your feelings with the
in this piece of agony and anguish. Do world around. Let us create a better
you have this kind of thoughts? Are you Society with the power of our motto
willing to share your innermost thoughts ‘Share well. Care well. Fare well.’
with our elite readers? Please share with
________________________________________________________________________
We must not allow ourselves to become like the system we oppose.
- Bishop Desmond Tutu
2
3. ASKING THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION,
LISTENING TO THE CHALLENGING ANSWERS
questioner’s capacity to hear answers
implicitly challenging their paradigm. In
the case of the senior executive, his or
her strategy or very vision may come
into question. It requires a confident and
balanced leader to allow questioning that
probes to this depth.
Ira Chaleff Instinctively, the leader may react to
defend the foundation of the strategy or
One of the most important skills of the vision. Whether these should or
effective executive is the ability to ask shouldn’t be defended, the effect of the
powerful questions. Powerful questions leader’s defensive response can shut off
are those that cause people to examine further powerful exploration of the most
their assumptions and opinions, their important issues the organization faces.
methods of arriving at conclusions and Therefore, the senior executive must
their unexamined predispositions that occasionally use the most powerful
limit their awareness of options. One question in his or her arsenal:
powerful question can lead to
reinventing an entire business or, for that “Is there anything I do
matter, a life. More mundanely, it can that discourages giving
create the conditions for project success, me your fully candid
client satisfaction, or a problem’s views on the most
solution. important issues facing
us?”
But it is not just the executive who
should be free to ask powerful questions. Over time, that question must be varied
If those around the executive are also to retain its power. The following may
encouraged to develop this faculty, an not sound like the same question but
executive team becomes both a source of they serve the same purpose of
continuous breakthroughs and a self- discovering blockages to critical
correcting organism. dialogue.
“What, in your view, are
Regardless of who asks the powerful my strengths? Do they
question, those involved in the ever get in the way of
conversation must be willing to hear examining deeply enough
powerful answers. Powerful answers what we are doing?”
often challenge the assumptions of the Is there anything you
question itself and, by extension, the have tried telling me
assumptions of the questioner. Their recently that I don’t seem
value, therefore, is only as great as the willing to hear or don’t
fully get?
3
4. Is there anything Our sincere thanks to the author of this article
everyone is convinced I Ira Chaleff for sending exclusively for the
will never change my benefit of the readers of aimkaam e-zine.
mind about?
How can I help create the The author is the President Executive Coaching
conditions for more & Consulting Associates
healthy robust
disagreement in our
dialogue?
Is there anything I would
probably consider heresy
that we should talk about
anyway?
It’s a truism that we usually can’t see
past our current paradigm, or way of
viewing the world. There is a natural
tendency to dismiss, discount or
Author:
disapprove of questions or ideas that
seem ignorant or flaunting of our The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For
Our Leaders, 2nd edition, Berrett-Koehler, 2003
paradigm, of how we think the world
works. Yet these may be the most
important questions or ideas for us to
hear.
Quotes from ‘The Courageous Follower’
Our instinctive defense of our paradigm,
combined with the power of our
Leaders rarely use their power
position, dissuades others from
wisely or effectively over long
questioning too hard or answering too
periods unless they are supported
forthrightly. And thus we are left with
by followers who have the
blind spots that are larger and more
stature to help them do so.
dangerous than they need be.
In the face of leadership flaws,
Occasionally turning the searchlight of
too many people assume cynical
powerful questions onto ourselves can
perspectives, rather than do the
illuminate that which is unseen and on
hard work of building
which dialogue, innovation and self
relationships in which they can
correction all stumble. Ask a few of
have more positive influence.
these questions and be very disciplined
about listening to the answers. See what
you learn. Then ask new powerful
questions.
Never mistake motion for action.
- Ernest Hemingway
4
5. News from Management Associations and Institutions
aimkaam congratulates the newly elected
Committee of ISTD,
Delhi Chapter.
News from Dr. Srimant Basu, Chairman ISTD Delhi Chapter
The following members elected to form the new managing committee of ISTD, Delhi
Chapter
The new Managing Committee is as follows:
1. Dr. Srimant Basu, Chairman
2. Mr. Y N Kaushal, Vice Chairman
3. Dr. D Dinesh, Honorary Secretary
4. Dr. Anjali Nigam, Hon. Treasurer
Members of the Managing Committee
1. Shri Hari Nair,
2. Shri Tarun Pant,
3. Wg Cdr B N Renjen,
4. Shri Jagabandhu Banerjee
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
- Edward Everett Hale
1822-1909
5
6. Understanding Influence for Leaders at all Levels
The Power of Networking (extract)
By Robyn Henderson
Soft Cover; AUD $34.95 | Purchase online
www.managementbooks.com.au
Executive summary
Master networkers are individuals who realise that networking is a life skill, not just something
you do when you want something. Their networking includes connecting with different cultures,
ages, special interests groups and networks. They are constantly making strong connections,
following up, keeping in touch, identifying and making contact with spheres of influence, and
forming win–win strategic alliances and mastermind groups.
Master networkers have much to teach leaders at any level about building influence. In fact, if
you are not a master networker, it is highly unlikely that you will be an effective leader or have
any substantial influence in your networks, communities or workplace.
However, influence gained through forming strong networks, and by becoming a sphere of
influence, can be a two-edged sword. Master networkers understand that their ongoing success
depends on treating their networks and the people within them with respect and integrity. This is
one of the reasons why building networks takes time, effort and, most of all, sincerity.
The networking world is open to everyone, without exception, as long as your networking values
are strong, ethical and transparent.
The Power of Networking (extract)
Great networkers make great leaders because they have unlocked the potential of networking in
their busy lives. They have created simple systems that enable them to connect with others, stay
connected and create valuable lifetime connections with key players, spheres of influence and
other master networkers.
Great networkers are not born, they are created. And it need not be a complex process. The great
news is that anyone can improve their networking and influencing skills. The networking world is
open to everyone, without exception, as long as your networking values are strong, ethical and
6
7. transparent. This chapter will show you how to create and maintain strategic alliances and
mastermind groups and become a master networker who positively influences many connections
within valuable networks.
Many people think that networking is something that you do, rather than a way that you live.
Networking is a life skill, rather than something you do only when you want something.
The basic principles of networking discussed here are based on the following three universal
laws:
1. The law of abundance. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone – plenty of ideas,
clients, customers, jobs and so on. Just because your diary is empty does not mean that
there are no opportunities around. Great networkers believe in an abundance of
opportunities.
2. The law of reciprocity. What you give out comes back tenfold. If you give out help, you
get back help; give out love, you get back love; give out information, you get back
information. The challenge, of course, is that although for you the giving is instant and in
the short term, the receiving may not happen for some time. Also, what is returned may
not come from the person to whom it was given. However, great networkers believe
firmly that what you give out comes back tenfold.
3. The law of giving without expectation. This occurs when you give without an expectation
of receiving something. You do something for someone not to get something back, but
because you want to help them achieve their goal.
Great networkers also make heart-to-heart connections with people when they talk to them. They
listen with their hearts as well as their ears – they are totally focused on the person in front them,
regardless of whether they think that person could be a prospect, client, new friend or just
someone to add to their network. They realise that every person they connect with forms part of
their networking jigsaw, and every stranger has the potential to become an important connection
within that network.
Great networkers network ethically, professionally and courteously – aware that every best friend
was once a perfect stranger, and that you never know who that stranger in front of you actually
has in their network. The basic philosophy of great networkers is to treat everyone the way they
would like to be treated.
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8. The Power of Networking
The more people you know, the more people you can influence, either positively or negatively.
People who work at developing strong clusters of networks across a broad cross-section of
interests, age groups, demographics and cultures can often wield enormous positive or negative
influence. These people are often referred to as master networkers and spheres of influence.
One of the challenges in our time-poor society is that many of us can’t be bothered investing the
time required to work at and create new networks. It is so much easier and a great time saver to
stick to the networks that we know and feel comfortable with. Our comfort zone becomes very
safe and non-threatening. However, it is also very limiting and the potential for influencing large
numbers is almost nonexistent – unless our smaller networkers are themselves filled with key
spheres of influence who can network on our behalf.
One definition of people who are spheres of influence is ‘someone who knows a little bit about a
lot of things and a lot about one or two areas’. They often specialise in one area, while having a
good general knowledge of many areas. They are very good at keeping in touch with their
networks, they remember what is ‘special’ and unique about individuals, and they are generally
extremely good communicators.
Smart networkers work at creating relationships with spheres of influence; they know that a
positive word about them from one of these key players carries a lot of weight and influence. Bill
Gates has spoken of a trilogy of trust – the trust that one person has in another, that is then passed
on to the third party.1 For example, Bob knows, likes and trusts Sue, who knows likes and trusts
John. Based on this two-way trust, Bob will be open to discussions or possible connections with
John, even though John has never previously had contact with Bob.
Networking with Integrity
The power to influence others is highly regarded and rarely abused by ethical networkers. This is
one of the main reasons why building networks takes time, effort and, most of all, sincerity.
Master networkers can smell insincerity from a mile away; they quickly identify people who want
to use them, use their good name and benefit from associating with them.
It goes without saying that networking and influence are more effective when coupled with ethics
and morals. Often when I am faced with a ‘will I, won’t I?’ dilemma (for example, ‘Is this a good
career or business move or might it come back to bite me?’), I take what I call the Sydney
Morning Herald test (substitute the name of your favourite daily newspaper): If this incident or
situation appeared on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald, would I be embarrassed in
any way, and would I need to do some serious explaining to my family and friends?
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9. If the answer is yes, I don’t do it. Why? It takes years and years to build your reputation and good
name, whether you are an employee or an employer – why risk your good name on anything that
might, even remotely, be or be perceived to be unethical, illegal or lacking integrity. (Though, as
an observation, our newspapers and magazines would have nothing to write about if everyone
asked themselves the Sydney Morning Herald question before taking action!).
Networks aren’t for sale!
One of the quickest ways to damage your reputation is to treat your connections, or those of
others, as a short-term, saleable item.
Many people try to take short cuts by buying their way into, or paying for access to an established
network, usually for sales purposes. ‘Buying a network’ is rarely successful, and can result in the
people within the network resenting both the seller and the person who ‘sold’ the network. I am
sure that you, like me, have accepted an invitation from someone you know through your network
to attend a social event or supposed business meeting, only to find that you are there to be ‘sold
to’ – usually by an unknown third party. You may well be interested in the third party’s product
or service. The point is that you are there under false pretences.
Please note that I am not saying you should never try to gain access to an existing network,
whether for direct sales purposes or to create and build relationships with a target group. What is
important is how you do so. The following are some guidelines to help you do so without
jeopardising your reputation with potential clients.
Tips for ethically accessing a target network
Spend time researching where your buyers go to network and to build their businesses
o
and careers.
Attend at least two of these events prior to sponsoring an event yourself or forming an
o
alliance with this network.
Be prepared to invest time, energy and effort to create a presence in this marketplace.
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Rather than your sole focus being ‘who can I sell to’, expand your thinking to include
o
‘who can I connect the people I have just met with’.
Always be transparent in all your communications.
o
Finally, always remember that if you don’t value your networks you won’t have them for long.
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10. Lessons in Influence from Master Networks
If you are seeking to be more influential, there is much you can learn from the six strategies of
master networkers:
1. communicating and connecting
2. giving recognition
3. empowering others
4. role modelling
5. strategic alliances
6. mastermind groups.
Communicating and connecting
One of the greatest opportunities for influence can arise when you build a strong connection with
someone who trusts you.
If you build a connection and trust with another person, it is natural for them to speak highly of
you within their own networks, thereby potentially allowing you to influence total strangers,
based purely on the connection you built with the original person. Picture a house being built
brick by brick. Imagine trust being built in the same way – conversation by conversation, contact
by contact. The more contact we make, the stronger our connection becomes.
Here are some lessons to be learned from master networkers about communication.
Constantly work on improving your listening skills. Strong networkers look beyond the
o
words and observe the tone, inference and body language of everyone in the group.
Communication doesn’t start and stop at the employment doorstep. Good networkers
o
weave networking and strong communication throughout their lives, embracing these
skills 24/7.
Remember to use people’s names. ‘Name calling’ (using a person’s first or full name) in
o
conversations is a very powerful tool (more about this later).
The better you listen, the better you will remember. An added bonus for having strong
o
listening skills is that you will remember more about previous conversations you may
have had with someone.
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11. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify details. Master networkers are always ready to
o
admit that they may not understand something.
There is always more to know. No matter how much you know, there is always more to
o
learn and other people have the information that you need.
Remember that nobody is a nobody. Master networkers know that everyone is connected
o
to other people, and that everyone is a somebody, somewhere.
Not everyone will like you … and that’s OK. Despite your best intentions and efforts,
o
some people may not like you. Master networkers acknowledge this and accept it.
As already mentioned, master networkers understand the power of using a person’s name to make
and strengthen a connection. The easier you make it for people to remember and contact you, the
more positive your impact and influence can be with that person. An inexpensive strategy to
increase connection between your staff and clients (and if you have a large organisation, between
staff) is to issue staff nametags.
Staff often feel more accountable when they wear name badges and this can increase their work
output and the quality of their customer service.
Giving recognition
Everyone likes to be valued, appreciated and recognised. This may take the form of using a
person’s name, acknowledging them with a ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ when asking for something, or
even being given a name badge or business card in the workplace.
Master networkers realise that people are not their jobs – they are people who are currently
working in a specific area (but may have a huge variety of skills, experiences and talents that may
not be obvious). Master networkers usually have conversations about the whole person, not just
the job they do.
Far too many people don’t receive any form of recognition in the workplace. They work for
organisations that take their staff for granted, treat them poorly, have no systems in place to
recognise achievement or progress and are complacent – about both staff and customers. Often
these are also the organisations with high staff turnover, low morale, erratic profits and a poor
name in the marketplace.
So how can you use this strategy within your organisation to increase your influence? Here are
some practical suggestions. First, it is important to understand that:
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12. Employee recognition is necessary in organisations of all sizes, from micro businesses
o
(less than five employees) to large multinationals with 20 000-plus staff.
The employee recognition process needs to be ongoing. Whatever recognition system is
o
introduced must be continued for the life of the project or for a pre-agreed period.
Acknowledgment must be given to the entire team – not just the obvious income
o
generators.
Acknowledging the effort and contribution of your staff can happen on a daily, weekly or
o
monthly basis, depending on the logistics of your company.
A very powerful way to show staff that you recognise the importance of their roles is to provide
all of them (whether or not they have regular, personal contact with current customers) with
business cards.
Empowering others
There is a great sense of satisfaction when you have the ability to influence someone by
empowering them. A discussion of the means and mechanism of empowerment is beyond the
scope of this chapter, but one of the easiest ways to empower someone else is to give them
information. Information can equate to power – and the more information you have about a
subject, the more powerful or influential you become.
Information is one of the major currencies of networking, and master networkers have much
‘information power’. As a rule, they are extremely well informed. They work at gaining and
constantly updating their information through sources such as newspapers, books and the Internet,
but also through the information that circulates through their networks.
Master networkers also know that the greatest gift you can give someone is your sole focus.
Whether it is for 10 seconds or 10 minutes, if your sole focus is on that person, you will have had
a quality conversation with them. Simply giving sole focus to someone is sufficient to influence
and empower them, as this action is so rarely experienced in our busy society.
Role modeling
Master networkers watch what other successful networkers do, and then do the same. That is how
they become masters at what they do. Trades people, engineers, professionals, teachers and
designers do much the same thing. They look to people they admire and want to be like – that is,
role models – and then copy what they do, but without becoming their clones or stealing their
ideas and concepts.
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13. As a leader, you will know you have true influence when you become a role model for many
others. It is such a compliment to a strong leader when their team follows their habits and copies
their positive behaviour.
How do you become a role model for others? I don’t think it is something you can force; it is
something that happens as a result of what you do.
As role models come in many forms, I will share the traits of my current role models.
They are passionate about the work they do.
o
They believe in themselves, even when others don’t.
o
Their mottos is: The buck stops here … let’s fix it rather than find a scapegoat.
o
They always stand by their staff, as long as they have the total truth told to them.
o
They look for the good in others, even when it’s hard to find.
o
They make heart-to-heart connections when they speak to you.
o
They are fun to be around.
o
They laugh often.
o
They don’t overindulge.
o
They don’t hold grudges.
o
Strategic alliances
A leader can progress from zero to hero with the formation of a number of strategic alliances,
both internal and external. In fact, it is very difficult to achieve hero status and major influence in
an organisation without the support of a number of strategic alliances and collaborations.
The main reason why people form strategic alliances is to make it easier to achieve their desired
results. Strategic alliances can be described as a coming together of two or more parties who
agree to certain behaviours or procedures for the purpose of ultimately creating mutually
beneficial results.
Leaders cannot perform effectively without a number of strategic alliances within divisions,
organisations, teams and clusters in their workforce. Strong leaders also know that strong
alliances will assist them to reach many individuals that they may not physically be able to spend
time with. The key, of course, is making sure that the selected allies have the respect and support
of the leader’s peers. Otherwise the alliance can do more harm than good.
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14. The following points will assist you if you are contemplating forming a strategic alliance.
1. Select your partners carefully.
2. Decide how much you are prepared to lose or invest in terms of time and money.
3. Make sure you have equal commitment from all parties.
4. Be prepared to defer your project.
5. Be clear about your desired outcomes.
6. Never assume anything.
7. Set specific timelines as well as short timeframes.
8. Document key points ASAP.
9. Be prepared to start small.
10. Brainstorm possible best and worst case scenarios.
Strategic alliances are hard work. They are like many of the important relationships in your life;
they take time to yield results. However, they are a very interesting way to spread your influence
to a much wider network. As Harvey Mackey says, it is not what you know, but who knows what
you know.2
Mastermind groups
Another strategy master networkers use is to develop and participate in ‘mastermind’ groups.
Mastermind groups are informal or formal meetings where selected, highly regarded (by the
group) people come together with a set agenda of sharing wisdom, creative ideas, solutions,
possible outcomes and constructive feedback for
each individual’s problems, challenges or ideas. The information shared within mastermind
groups is usually regarded as confidential, unless agreed otherwise. This enables individuals to
speak freely about their challenges in an environment of mutual trust.
Here is a checklist you may find useful if you are thinking of starting your own mastermind
group.
1. Every mastermind group needs a driver – an organiser who keeps everyone on track,
reminds people of meetings, outcomes expected and so on.
2. Always have an agenda and stick to it.
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15. 3. Be flexible with dates, depending on people’s circumstances.
4. Work out your personal ROI and detail exactly what you want to achieve with the group.
5. Always create an individual action plan at the end of each meeting.
6. Be prepared to reveal weaknesses as well as strengths – the mastermind members become
mates as well.
7. Decide to go beyond ‘talk fests’ (all talk, no action).
8. Aim to arrive early and leave late – be committed.
9. Allow for exit clauses – if a member’s circumstances or priorities change, that’s fine, let
them go.
10. Consider selecting members from outside your profession as well as within – variety
brings lots of fresh ideas.
11. Make a list of potential mastermind group members today.
In Conclusion
As technology drives our communication world further and further ahead, creating a time-poor
society – emails, mobile phone calls and information overload – networking has become more
important than ever.
Wise networkers realise that their potential influence is directly related to the size of their
network and base of connections. A network is a varying collection of people from all walks of
life – some are CEOs and others are cleaners; some initially met by chance, through work or
otherwise. In the jigsaw of life, you never know where that person might show up again or how
much influence their opinion of you may carry … or the impact (for better or worse) of the
influence you have had on them.
Master networkers influence others, both formally and informally, in matters small and large. So
a smart manager or aspiring leader learns from them and works at developing strong, ethical
networking skills. And remember, networking skills are a prerequisite for forming strategic
alliances, which can enable you to move your organisation and your career to the next level.
If you are prepared to constantly hone your networking skills, value your current and expanding
networks, consider forming strategic alliances and value the worth of such activities as
mastermind groups, it is inevitable that you will have as much influence as you want to have.
Happy networking!
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16. Ten habits for becoming a networker of influence
Understand that networking is a life skill, not something you do only when you want
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something from someone else.
Value your networks. Realise that every member forms part of the jigsaw of life and you
o
never know where people will turn up later. The opinion they gain of you now can affect
their future opinion of you (and the opinions of others).
Practise making heart-to-heart connections with people when you communicate with
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them. Aim to be totally present and ‘in the moment’ at all times.
Arm yourself with business cards and a nametag when you attend a networking event.
o
Befriend the gatekeepers – the people who assist or sometimes protect the people you are
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wanting to network with (secretaries, personal assistants and so on).
Walk your talk. Directly and indirectly you will become a role model to others.
o
Form strategic alliances based on quality not quantity. Make sure all parties are
o
committed before you start taking your action steps.
Consider forming a small mastermind group, preferably with people not directly within
o
your organisation, and open yourself to new ideas and constructive feedback.
The most powerful people are those who share information and don’t hide it from others.
o
Always be generous with information. Being able to give a person the specific piece of
information they need (no matter how trivial it may seem to you) increases your influence
enormously.
If you set out to build a strong network of people whom you admire, respect and value,
o
the by-product will be that you will have great influence within this group. Yet if you set
out to have influence without the firm foundation of a strong network of supporters you
will fail and have no influence and a poor reputation.
Your feedback and contributions
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16
17. aimkaam akademi of Soft Skills
Training the world to succeed
aimkaam is one of the fast growing training organizations in Hyderabad, established with
lofty ideas and ideals to help the job seekers by imparting Employability Skills and Functional
language skills to grab a job of their choice. Our vision is that ‘No individual should be
deprived of ocean of opportunities available due to lack of Knowledge, Skills, Attitude and
Abilities’. We help build individuals to learn these skills to make them excellent
professionals.
Our students will have the privilege of having the facility of placement assistance based on
their ability to deliver and excel in their chosen field of profession.
Sunday for Soft Skills
We encourage and propagate to spend some time to share and learn soft skills and life skills
among the people from all walks of life, with a focus on future managers and professionals.
‘Sunday for Soft Skills’ is such a free LECDEM (Lecture demonstration) session organized
every Sunday as per the following schedule:
Every Sunday from 11.00 AM to 12.30 PM.
aimkaam Training Hall, Lane opp.to ECIL ‘X’ Roads Main Bus Stop, Narayana
Venue:
College Road, Near to New Vasundhara College, Kamala Nagar,
HYDERABAD – 500 062.
THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY 20th July, 2008
PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS
SHARE WELL. CARE WELL. FARE WELL.
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