Positive Mantra

Professionalism is the art of performing a task in a methodical fashion, with conviction, dedication and passion to achieve better results each time. Its tough, it calls for a lot of commitment, but its certainly not impossible. Infact each one of us can be professional in our approach to work.

Intelligence + Talent + Ability + Professionalism = Achievements
Mere intelligence, talent or ability isn’t enough to achieve something. The dash of professionalism needs to be present too and practiced.

Plan for each day
Do you know what you’ll be doing each hour of the day today? If yes, then you’ve planned for the day. Before Tenzing and Hillary set foot on Mount Everest, they had to find out everything about the snowcapped mountains, terrain, weather, approximate time needed to reach, the distance to be covered and the right time for assault. If they didn’t plan things they’d have surely returned to base unsuccessfully. You need to prepare for any eventuality and not be caught by surprise.

Organizing
A well organized person is one who does his work rather efficiently, using all the resources at hand. He knows his limitations and his strengths like the back of his hand. He hates wasting time and giving excuses. In short, he believes in controlling his destiny by smart managing of his activities towards the desired objective. Can we do the same at work and home?

Delegating
A professional doesn’t try to do all the work by himself. When routine work can be delegated, or there are experts for a task at hand, make use of them. Only when your core knowledge or skill needs to be applied, get into action. Ordinary works like typing, filing, circulating a memo or withdrawing money from the bank can be delegated to other staff.

Responsibilities
As a professional, you must voluntarily take additional responsibilities but give accountability too. The extra drive and initiative to do a job without being told is important. Be a leader, learning to synergize with fellow workers, keeping your team mates together and motivating all of them to greater achievements.

Learn to solve problems
Well, success in anything comes from learning to solve problems (mostly someone else’s). If you can solve your boss’ problems, then you’re an efficient leader. Analyze, understand, debate the consequences, think of the alternatives and then spell out a course of action. When a problem defies solution, seek help, evaluate and then execute your plan. If you can fix problems, you’ll be the most sought after professional at school. Not all problems have quick fix solutions, but none can defy proper application of mind.

As a professional
1. Have a clear conscience.
Be kind hearted and just in whatever you say or do. Do not be ruthless.
2. Channelize you team mates energies.
Young employees have a lot of enthusiasm that may be misdirected sometimes, as a professional you must learn to harness that burst of energy.
3. Have a vision
All of us work to make us ends meet. But is that all? Isn’t there a purpose, a goal to be achieved as a professional? Don’t you want to have the satisfaction of having shaped the next generation? Money should be the end of the road, although its importance can’t be debated.
4. Manage your activities well
You have 24 hours in a day, you can’t change that. But you can manage your activities better, in a more organized and efficient way.

Posted by JayRaj at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is actually a misnomer. You don’t manage time, you only manage your activities. Time is fixed. There are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute. You can’t change that, can you? One has to organize one’s activities, schedule the priorities and execute t hem. This way one can be effective, to say the least.

Time management theory has evolved over hundreds of years. The earliest beings went by the sun and the shadows. It looks thousands of years to arrive at a scientific concept of time. The first generation of time management led to notes and checklists. Whatever was needed to be done, or avoided, was written down on bits of paper. This led to a bit of control over our time. Each time someone finished a task, it would be struck off from the list. And of course there was a little thrill of accomplishment in that. But this was on a very short term basis.

The second generation theory led to diaries, appointment books, to do lists and calculators. This helped plan for the next day. The immediate future was brought within control. The subsequent generation resulted in a lot of thoughtful planning, scheduling, prioritizing, comparing relative values of two tasks, goal-setting and short and long-term achievements. While this lead to greater effectiveness, it has its disadvantages. This leaves nothing to spontaneity. It didn’t account for the unexpected, the momentary and the unscheduled. It talked about immediate crisis, need of the hour and priorities.
Instead of being conditioned by time, fourth generation ideas focused greatly on long term goals building relationships of lasting values, planning for the future, recognizing opportunities recreation and the like.

This module allows us to transform our personality, spend time, planning, organizing and prioritizing. If you don’t take time to plan, you’re planning to fail. It also pushed us to set and achieve goals in a reasonable time frame you learn to do the right thing, instead of focusing on doing things right. Further, it allows time for distractions, interruptions and helps use the best time for your priorities. 80% of the reward comes from 20% of the work (Pareto Principle) so we learn to prioritize and do that 20% work which will fetch us 80% reward.
Let us take your total active time per day and fit it in a time management matrix to identify where we need to concentrate to succeed.

1. Prayer Assembly
2. Teaching
3. Break
4. Getting child ready to school
5. Breakfast
6. Traffic Enroute
7. Counselling
8. Reading good books
9. Gossip
10. Dinner/TV
11. Relaxing
12. Guests
13. Time with husband/wife
14. Attending telephone walls

URGENT NOT URGENT

2

4 6 I

5
1 7

3 8 II

11 11
12

13 III

14
9 1V

The first quadrant activities are all important and urgent. It can’t be postponed. Teaching, getting child ready to school and encountering traffic whether by bus or two wheeler – well, they have to be done immediately.

The third quadrant deals with the unimportant but urgent tasks. Attending to guests, husband and telephone calls. Attending to guests, husband and telephone calls. Can’t say ‘no’ to them. The last quadrant is neither important nor urgent.

The II quadrant is actually the most important if we have to be effective, be successful and happy in life. Unfortunately, quadrant activities are the lowest on our priority. Building relationship of lasting value, strengthening our character, helping others and entertaining ourselves and the family all leave lasting impact on our physical and emotional lives. But, we seldom care.
If only we schedule priorities better, do more quadrant IV activities, we will be a different person tomorrow.

Posted by JayRaj at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Very often we are confused about how to handle our talented child. Do we answer all his curiosities. Tell the child to shut up and do his studies. Here are expert from someone who has dealt with exceptional children and counseled parents.

Years ago a middle-aged man and his nephew were playing chess out in the verandah in Phillipines. Having arrived at a complicated middle game, there was a lot of thinking to do. A little boy of seven who was playing in the garden breezed in, moved a piece and darted into the house. The move led to a checkmate very soon. Spotting this prodigious talent, his parents put him in a chess club and lo! he went on to become Viswanathan Anand, the World Chess Champion.

But, not all such gifted children are lucky. Two decades ago when I was in the 7th standard, a classmate exhibited rare knowledge in physics. He talked about liquid fuel in rockets, life on Mars and nuclear reaction; we were all in awe of him. Initially, the Physics teacher tried to answer his questions, but soon he ran of patience, or rather answers. “Don’t act funny. Questions outside the portions will be dealt with separately. Come see me in the staff room,” screamed the teacher. The last I heard of him was he worked as a marketing executive. If only he had a more understanding teacher and parents, I’m sure he would have advanced much further.

Dealing with a gifted child is downright difficult to keep pace with him and soon he’ll get bored with the class. Once you’ve spotted him, its best to handle him with care and a little more attention. The talent needs to be nurtured. Get in touch with an educational psychologist to assess his abilities. Give him assignments that are a little more challenging. Provide a stimulating ambience to open the floodgates of talent.

Excellence could be in academics, sports or arts. And most talents have to be spotted. And unearthed. Like what coaches do to sports persons. One in a 1000 children could be gifted. And most of them are like uncut diamonds. It needs a smart parent, a caring teacher or a vigilant coach to see that trace of genius and uncover it to the world.
Let’s not forget that these children need to be loved and treated like normal children. They need to be with children of the same age, unless absolutely necessary. Though a child may display exceptional talent in arts or sports, normal educational is a must. Only that the school authorities have to spend more time coaching his special abilities.
Interact with parents and help them cope up with the gifted child. Ensure that they provide an emotionally stable atmosphere for the child to grow, get him enrolled in clubs or associations, which might benefit him. Praise him where necessary but don’t let him turn arrogant or overbearing with other kids because of the special talent or treatment.

Look for sponsors and scholarships to enhance his progress. Let him learn to take disappointments with ease. Make him a winner. He is after all your student

Dealing with the talented child
Points to ponder
1. Spot the talents and nurture it.
2. Give individual attention.
3. Make him feel special, but don’t overdo it
4. Interact with his parents.
5. Get professional help.

Caution
1. Don’t fuss over him
2. Don’t disturb the equilibrium in the class
3. Talent is no excuse for not doing homework or bunking classes
4. Treat him like any other boy while at class
5. Don’t forget to stress on studies despite talent in sports

Posted by JayRaj at 09:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Holidaying and kids are a contradiction. Any exasperated parent would vouch for this. You must plan your travel carefully, if you have kids under three, or you’ll end up wondering if home wasn’t better.

No doubt babies love to travel since the constant motion soothes them to sleep. But travels don’t mean mobility all the time, it also means noisy railway stations, overcrowded buses and boring airplanes.

When you pack your bags, put nappies, clothes to change, towels, shoes and socks, a small bed, comforting toys and a dummy, if your child is used to one.

Medicines are a must, for loose motion, cold and fever. Rattles. Pluck and fix toys, cards, colour pencils, magic slates and building blocks do away the boredom.

Soaps, creams, mugs and water bottles will take care of the little one’s hygiene.

Biscuits, snacks and a chocolate or two to nibble. Since food is a good way of putting a child to sleep, sometimes.

Travel by Road

Travelling by road is uncomfortable for children, since their movement is restricted, they are bound to get bored soon and will begin to let a scream now and then, fling toys on the old lady in front or put one under your car seat.

Boredom can be handled by telling him stories, playing games or showing him some picture books.

Food is a nice way to keep him occupied and finally put him to sleep. Beware not to overdo it.

Counting animals, cars or trees you sight from the window is an interesting way of keeping children engaged.

When you break your journey even for half an hour, get down from your vehicle and let the children run up end down. Freedom to move about after a journey is crucial to keep a child excited about traveling. Else by the time your vehicle has started your child will enquire “if we have arrived.”

Travel by Rail

Train journeys are always fascinating for kids and adults alike. The hills, rivers, animals, sunsets and workers in farms…………… well there’s so much to see. And the freedom to stir out of your seats. The easily accessible loos.

A bored up kid could be taken to the pantry and back. And he’ll have enough uncles and aunts to play with. Picture books and magnetic toys keep one engaged on trains. Rhymes and naming games are permitted too.

Pack plenty of clothes to change since he’ll insist on squatting on the floor or tiny ones may wet often. While train journeys may not be tiresome, children will definitely feel thirsty. So you’ll need a bottle or two of water, besides fruit juices.

Holiday by Air

Children find the noise during take off and landing unbearable. And there’s hardly anything to see, even if you get a window seat. Good cabin crew may help sometimes. But getting strapped onto your seat may be the worst thing for a child. If you’re lucky to find an empty seat then you can keep him occupied with toys, books and food. Collapsible cots will prove handy, if only the airline allows you to use it.

Booking Hotels

Book with the best travel guys and hotels, but always carry the child’s bedding and warm clothes. As for food, keep out fat and oily stuff. Steamed food is the best, with plenty of fruits.

Don’t forget a sling, which can be comfortably strapped to your shoulders with the child looking over your shoulders or facing the road behind.

And the next time you travel with a child, we’re sure you’re quite prepared

Travelling with kids

Points to ponder

1. Travelling is educative

2. Help children admire the culture and heritage of this country.

3. Encourage them to explore the world.

4. Arm yourself with guides, maps and travel literature.

5. Explain the beauty of each city and its people.

Don’t

1. Get out without reserving your rooms.

2. Forget to enough knowledge of the weather, what to see and what to do.

3. Miss your daily medicine, if any.

4. Go out if you don’t have enough money.

5. Let children get out of your sight.

Posted by JayRaj at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)