We must be the change that we want to see in the world.
Alan Axelrod’s book “Gandhi CEO” brought back school memories and the time spent on understanding Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s contribution to India’s Independence as I was born in a free country and didn’t know it otherwise, so it was always easy to take liberty for granted, when it had never been taken from me. From the onset my parents encouraged me to take my own decisions which came of course with assuming responsibility for my own actions and going back to Gandhi “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles were simple, clear, uncompromising and extremely inspirational and were able to steer an entire nation towards his vision and philosophy and Alleluia! at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, India was finally free after nearly two centuries! His philosophy of “Think Utopian” helped India achieve what it had craved for so long, hence proving the fact that, provided you dream ambitiously enough and deploy the right approach, you can do it!
The Idea Virus
“The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size”
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
When all think alike, then no one is really thinking. In his entire journey to gain independence for India, Gandhi never once claimed originality of ideas; instead he absorbed what was required within his principle framework at a particular time and discarded the rest.
Dreamers Doers…
” What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives we need to stretch our minds” ~ Wayne Dyer.
Gandhi’s opinion was, that like all other things pessimism was self fulfilling. Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right. Never stand still as change is the only constant and hence a strategy needs to be formulated for breaking out of the all- too- limiting box of conventional thought, worn out tradition and received wisdom. In execution never swap real values for apparent gains, define the present reality and the change you want, transform a distant goal into present objectives.
Timing of implementing the idea is of equal essence. “You do things when the opportunities come along. I’ve had periods in my life when I’ve had a bundle of ideas come along, and I’ve had long dry spells. If I get an idea next week, I’ll do something. If not, I won’t do a damn thing” ~ Warren Buffet
Reality check!
Of Course even an idealist has to choose pragmatism over utopian. Formulate a hierarchy of options and never let best stand in the way of good to start with, go for reality as per the times. Improvement, a high value management goal is a function of effort over a period of time. Rejecting improvement because it moves from good to better instead of making the giant leap to best is likely to produce total paralysis.
True or False?
Fostering genuine relationships in business is critical for a lasting effect and strategic growth. The truth of a relationship is not based on the label one attaches to another but in mutual acceptance of the label by both parties in the relationship. Means are more important than the end, for example, the failure of one product line to turn a profit one quarter is not likely to make a business forever unprofitable, but treating a stakeholder unjustly will have a lasting effect on one’s reputation.
“But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep” ~ Robert Frost
Remember to keep your promises however small or big they may be. At the same time never settle for a bad bargain, however opt out of arguments as they usually don’t lead anywhere. Retaliate? No educate. Education works alike on all. If you find it impossible to present a compelling case based solely on facts, then it is time to reassess facts and reevaluate the wisdom of whatever course of action you contemplate.
Pick your fights and pick them wisely as all battles cost you money whether you win or lose, before embarking on any dispute, consider that it will incur you costs so make sure it is merchandise you really want else it’s not worth it.
Small Wonders: From Good to Great!
“It’s easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out of date.” ~ Roger von Oech
Change is always difficult so it will be challenging to coax people regardless of how uncomfortable and cramped they may be in the existing situation if the old shell has been the only home the organization has known. Reject the assumption that creating change necessarily requires destroying what already is and starting from scratch, but build on what already exists.
To bring the enterprise out of its shell cultivate the courage of conviction while defining the no compromise zones. The do or die talks about staying dissatisfied, not waiting but trying to achieve what one wants by having a strategy and expecting success echo similar thoughts as that of Steve Jobs : “Stay hungry, stay foolish!”
To see inside, step outside. Boldest efforts at bringing about change were by questioning the absolute nature of certain realities and asking what if those realities were treated somewhat different. Innovation begins by deliberately changing one’s perspective.
“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore” ~ Christopher Columbus
Does one have what it takes?
During one of his interviews Gandhi said “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people”.
Applying it in modern day context, creating a voluntary organization is necessary as costs of employee turnover are high. By compromising organizational rigidity, one tends to avoid unnecessary expenses as well as undesirable compromises in a host of other areas making it a more competitive company. Aim for the heart as nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm. Emotion and passion play an equally important role, joined to intelligence it can drive the highest excellence.
To lead talent in today’s challenging times is not easy however encouraging a rising tide is wise, as it tends to float all boats. Giving everyone a stake by respecting everyone always helps to achieve incredible outcomes. “Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
History indicates that most reforms began with one quiet example of a person who earned his/her stripes through performance. The best men are elected by the people and the leader earns this by constantly demonstrating his/her own worth and leading by example, taking sole responsibility for his/her values and action and offering them as model for emulation.
Cooperation must be earned and voluntary as obedience cannot be coerced. Coerce another and defeat yourself. Gandhi felt that obedience was not in itself an ethical act, choosing to obey just laws and rejecting those that are unjust was the essence of ethical behavior. Applying this to the business context business leaders only meant for allowing flexible methods based on core principles to achieve inflexible goals and abandoning foolish consistencies which would result in actually enhancing productivity.
Be power’s steward and not its slave as power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, you can win through surrender.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” ~ Abraham Lincoln
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