Meeting Themes

Every year we set new goals and make new resolutions. It is that time of the year again – the beginning. What are your goals? What will you achieve? How far can you really go?

I used to be in the merchant navy, and the concept of horizon is very clear and visible there. On the open sea, all you can see... is a blue circle of water... and some passing ships or boats. However, the most interesting phenomenon is the smoke that you see which is coming from beyond the horizon. There seems no apparent source for the smoke... but in a few minutes... you see small posts appearing... and then a little later... you know that you are seeing the masts of a ship. Finally you can actually see the entire ship. The ship... was always there... but it was not visible because it was over the horizon. Had someone gone onto the mast of the ship I was on, his ‘height of eye’ would have increased, and he would have seen clearer, since he could then see beyond the horizon. This is why in the older ships where navigation was based on sight, the lookout post was at the highest point on the ship, in order to be able to see further.

This month we will focus on how to increase our stature and how we can build our positioning. The taller we look... the bigger we appear, and the better our connections and also the network. Consequently, the further we can see... the better we can plan and hence the more we can achieve.

As we come into the last month of the year, I am sure we would look back and think...
What have we achieved? How have we fared?
Did we do what we could to get us ahead? What more could we have done?

In the light of all this... let me ask you...

If you died today... would people remember you for long?

Would they just forget you in a day or a week? Will you be remembered like the great Mahatma Gandhi, or the ever-serving Mother Theresa? Or would people celebrate your birthday, like we do for Jawaharlal Nehru? Each of these great people became great because of all the things that they did in a lifetime. However, I know from observing life, that many people I knew have already left this earthly journey. Today, they are a memory, but maybe we would not remember them for too long.

Here is another question that you could answer...

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE REMEMBER YOU FOR?

If you do not have an answer to this simple question, then chances are, that you have not really worked on your LEGACY. What you need to do is to think of what skill or ability do you have that other people will benefit from? Next you need to see how many more people will require your skill and how can you help them to learn that skill from you.

If you have a clear idea about your legacy, but are not sure whether you have done enough to ensure that you are remembered, then make up your mind to start propagating your legacy today.

The good news is that YOU ARE STILL ALIVE... and so... you can do something to CREATE A LEGACY... by working on it in some way... EVERY SINGLE DAY. This is called LIVING the LEGACY. This is the only way we can ensure... that we LEAVE a LEGACY.

I wish you a long and happy life... and a living legacy... that starts TODAY!

How well are we doing? Can we estimate how fast we are growing? One of the easiest ways for us to know who we are, is to get an appraisal from a mentor or coach. Another way is to ask close friends for their opinions. If we are not aware of how well we are doing, how can we be aware of how much further we can go?

It is an integral part of our human nature to Evolve... and Be More.

When I ‘read’ people in my training programmes, participants are amazed. Some feel that I may have researched them earlier. Others feel that I could have picked up some information about them from their family members or colleagues. The fact is - we are all able to read each other, at least to some extent. I have been studying and reading people, for over 25 years, and so I am able to get a better read on others. No rocket science here. It is all about practice.

We spend a lot of time analyzing our friends and family, and each of us are probably experts in finding fault with each other. But, since we are our own best friends, should we not be experts on who WE really are?

• What are our strengths/weaknesses?
• What abilities do we have, that others would pay for?
• What hidden talents do we have?
• What talents/skills could we work on, that would add to our present talents/skills?
• Could a new skill be a lot more valuable than our present list of attributes?

Some people who attended my Communication Skills programmes just a few years ago, are good trainers today. Today’s Weakness could be tomorrow’s Strength. It surely pays to understand our strengths – known and hidden.

This month we will learn a number of ways to understand who we are, and how we can increase our VALUE to the world around us. Our TALENTS/SKILLS are truly encashable.

So... here are the challenges for the GCF members for the month of NOVEMBER:

• Since we can all read each other, lets practice, and develop this ability, into a skill.
• Lets develop our self-reading abilities, and be aware that we can be more, and do more.

Lets Explore, Develop and Exploit this value.

Since we have already focused on the many dimensions of personal and professional growth through myriad Themes for the Month, it was decided to focus the month of October on Health is Wealth. We are not speaking about health here in a clichéd way, but in a manner though which Health can become one of our Biggest Assets, and through this asset, we will gain a new form of Wealth. None of us would trade a long life without wealth, for a short life with wealth. However, successful people who made a ton of money while looking after their health have live long and successful lives. A majority of these people even lived beyond 90 years of age.

• Can we achieve health in a holistic, sustainable way?
• What are the bare minimum ACTIVITIES that we have to pursue, to remain healthy?
• What are the key components of FITNESS?
• How can we avoid STRESS?
• How can we choose to be HAPPY?

Right through the month of October we will be focused on the different dimensions of Health, including the Physical (Body) Mental (Mind) Emotional (Heart) and Spiritual (Spirit)

This is a very special month. Lets all share information on the GCF page on Facebook, and on the Yahoo Groups as well.

Tropical Storms are nature’s way of telling us that something is wrong. The storms in politics, economics and even in religion are also saying the same thing – Something is wrong! Storms cause us to experience Tough Times. But while we all know that things will go wrong from to time, how many of us actually know how to weather the storms? History has taught us that the ups and downs of life are an integral part of how things evolve. Is there anything we can do to navigate through the choppy waters of the storms we face? Is there a tried and tested formula that we can use? Are there any drills we can perform to prepare us in advance for the surprises that will occur?

In the month of September, we will think about the tough, troubled, traumatic times that will challenge us on the highway of life. We will discuss which areas will give us immediate relief, and we will learn about how and where we can exercise control. Though we cannot control what happens around us, we can surely control how we respond to these changes. It is also imperative that we have a safety net of family and friends who we sure will be there for us if we require some help. Let’s make this month efficacious and memorable. In the month where the US faced its greatest threat... through 9/11...let us spare a thought to understand that while we think about nature when we hear the word STORM.... Some of the worst storms are those that we create inside us.

After learning much about self awareness in June, Relationship awareness in July, it is now time to go to the larger playing field – SOCIAL AWARENESS.

What is Social Awareness?

This is also referred to as Social Consciousness. We, as a people, or a race, or a community are often not aware of the impact group thinking has on us. Sometimes this shows up in an aberrant way, for example through terrorism. I am not referring here to Extreme Fundamentalism, but would like to address the impact the social ethos has on our thinking.

For a culture that is focused on creating capital for themselves. Individuals compete with other to make more money, and they want to show their power through the possession of material goods and possessions. There is a need to have the latest in gadgets, or technology. People are bound here to Keep up with the Joneses. A large house. A prestigious car. The latest TV or Mobile phone... etc... Without realizing it, we become a sort of use-and-throw society.

On the other hand, people with a socialist bent of mind, will focus on doing their bit so that the state is happy with them. The state also commits to look after them. Since there is really no competition, people succumb to a sort of existential way of life. They do not have any great ambitions. They know they will have to work as long as possible, and contribute in some way to the growth of the state or the country. The are complacent as they know that the state will ensure that they have food, shelter and clothing... and that even in retirement, they will be looked after.

While the purpose of this month is not to discuss Capitalism, Socialism or Existentialism, it is our intention to make people aware of how they are influenced by the group to which they belong – be it at work, in their neighbourhood, or even in their community. We should also look at how we influence our children, and their interaction with the society at large.

Social Awareness Month will enable a better understanding of society and the way it influences us. For those who are leadership inclined... we can also explore how we can influence society. Come join us this month... as we learn how... we can be better... and make others better.

After spending a whole month on SELF AWARENESS, we are ready to move on to the next level – RELATIONSHIP Awareness.

What is the best way to be aware of how we relate to people?

The simplest way is to check how people react and respond to you. If people wave out to you from across the street... or they approach you with a friendly smile... or they go out of their way to meet and greet you, then you would have a very good positioning in their minds. If however, people ignore you, look through you, or they repeatedly don’t answer or return your calls, then you are positioned badly in their minds. Another simple test is when people connect with you via mail, or sms to share a learning, or a joke... then you are someone with friends. Else, you need to work hard to increase your social network. A large number of friends on Facebook may be an indicator of how well you are connected. But if people haven’t responded to or liked your messages or your posts, then you need to check out why.

Every relationship is based on value, and the more value we can give, the more people will be attracted or drawn to us. Relationship is normally a give and take experience. It is normally not a take and take relationship.

The more we can give to our relationships, the more rewarding our relationships will be.

As we look at achieving our potential, we often need to check the basic questions of our existence

Who am I?
Why was I born? What is my purpose on this planet?
How do I fulfil my legacy?

We will no doubt think about our identity, and whether we are projecting what we believe is our Brand... and is this the same as our Brand Identity?

Most of us are not fully aware of how or why we think in a particular way. We may know how we feel, but now why we feel that way. What are the triggers that change our moods? What are our Hot Buttons, and how do we prevent other people from pushing our buttons? Is it possible to be in complete control of our thoughts and feelings, or is this all just a myth. In this month, we will analyse ourselves and see how best to control who we are. After all, like the learned Buddha has taught us...

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

We are after all a result of what we did. We did what we thought we were capable of.

We should always be aware... that when we change our thoughts, we change ourselves.

Awareness expands options, and choices change destiny.

The entire human race is testimony of the power of competition. Right from the time we are born, till the time we die, in some way or other, we are competing. Lets take the example of a simple sperm, on its way to fertilize the single egg that he feels he has a strong chance to beat the others, and stake his own claim to fame, by being the only sperm out of about 400 million sperms that are trying to do the same thing. Only the fastest, strongest, and the best swimmer will win that race. Congratulations, on being the first to reach there... otherwise, one of your brothers or sisters would have been reading this page, in your place.

Lets not shy away from competing, but lets understand that it is apart of our psyche to compete, and to bring ourselves to higher, better levels.

I wish you all... the best of health, wealth and happiness.

While the world moves at a frenetic pace, and we learn to adapt to the rapid changes, it is essential that we are clear about what we do, and where we are headed. But first, we need to be clear about who we are and what capabilities we have.

Being focused on goals becomes easier when we are clear about them. People who can see where they are heading, are more effective in reaching their destinations. People who are not clear about this will wander through life, not knowing what they are looking for, and sometimes, they even pass their destinations since they are not able to identify these.

Here are some questions that need to be clearly and unambiguously answered if we are to succeed:

• Why are we here on planet?
• What is your mission/vision?
• What is the biggest attribute you possess? (Patience, Communication Skills, Persistence, Humility, Confidence, Problem Solving Capability… etc.)
• What legacy would you like to leave for your children and grandchildren?
• What do you love to do? Why?
• Do you accept the status quo… or do you challenge it?
These are just some of the questions we think about from time to time. Unless we are clear about where we are headed, and why… we will be floundering on a stormy sea. Knowing where we are, what we have, and in which direction we are heading, will make a huge difference to each of us.

Collaboration could be defined as working together towards a common goal. The underlying principle here is synergy... where the total is more than the sum of the parts. A group that is motivated and moving in a mutually beneficial manner will achieve a lot more, just because the universe adds the X factor that enables and benefits everyone in the group. Geese flying in V formation, lions hunting as a pride, ants foraging in the jungle, or locusts in a swarm are all aware of the power of working together. Those who have attended a cricket match would know the power that exists in the stadium, especially when India is playing Pakistan. It is as if the only thing that matters in that timeframe is that India should WIN.

Learning happens best when we pool our ideas, when we share our thoughts, when we appreciate each other... as deep down inside we know that we are operating as a team, and not as individuals. Remember, none of us, is as smart or as powerful as ALL of us.

The theme for February takes off from the theme of the previous month. After we know which direction we are heading, we need to firmly COMMIT ourselves to our actions. The Commitment month should take us further along our chosen path, and enable us to take a lead in our achievements for the year. Commitment is what we show through our work, but commitment is also what we owe to ourselves and our families.

Unless Commitment is made there are only promises and hopes but no plans. Peter F Drucker

Ultimately, where we reach in life is determined by what we do, and not what we think. This is why great thinkers may not always be great achievers. Commitment to ACTION is what converts our dreams into our destiny.

Commitment enables us to stay on track. It powers our dreams and keeps us moving ahead. People who are high achievers would not have reached the pinnacle of success without consistent performances which are built on the foundation of commitment.

The quality of a persons life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, irrespective to their chosen field of endeavour. Vince Lombardi.

The challenge is balancing out our commitments to self and our commitments to our family, friends and society. Being a social animal, it is important that we develop the different facets of our persona, and this may mean that we have to compromise our time here and there to be able to do things that may not always align with our ideals. However, we should do these when we have completed our commitments to ourselves for the day.

Stay Committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. Tony Robbins.

The theme for this month is borrowed from the 3rd Habit of Stephen Covey which is... PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST.

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work. H. L. Hunt

For the first month of the year, while we focus on the New Year Resolutions, it is important that we work this resolutions around what we deem is important – our values, our beliefs and our needs. The resolutions we make will then resonate well with us, and be more easily achieved. For example, if we are social service oriented, we may not resonate well if we focus on money (although this is what we need). So, we should focus our plans on projects/activities that fulfils our inner need for gratification through doing things for others. However, we should do things that will also help us earn money. More specifically, a social service oriented person can choose a career like a doctor or nurse, or counselling, or physiotherapy... or get into an NGO which will pay well...

Good things happen when you get your priorities straight. Scott Caan

Prioritizing our work day... and aligning the important things so that they are completed first, will help us achieve our goals. We should cut out the time-wasting activities from our lives... like speaking endlessly to friends on the phone, or meeting casual acquaintances and spending time doing things which are not aligned with our PURPOSE. If we want to achieve more... we must know which direction we are heading... and we should know how to manage time. In short... we should put First things first. While we need to rest, and chill from time to time, rest and recreation should be earned, and should never be our first priority.

We do what we think, and we become what we do. ~ Ian Faria.

Commitment is the fuel that will power your purpose and get you closer to your goals. ~ Ian Faria.

May your commitments take you where - you desire to be.

Taking off from the theme of the last month - Analyzing Relationships, the theme of this month is a development that give us tangible results. Relationships are what we thrive on, and since this is such a big part of our lives, it makes ample sense to invest in them.

The first thing is to keep the relationship ALIVE. We can do this through mail, SMS, greeting cards. or e-greetings. or the latest buzz.. through Social Networking Sites like Facebook or Twitter or Orkut. Even Yahoo and MSN offer chat and networking options. So there really is no excuse whatsoever to stay in touch.

This month we will focus on:

• What makes and breaks Relationships
• What we can do to protect our essential relationships
• What we can do to promote and build new relationships
• How groups can keep relationships alive
• How to maintain Professional Relationships

One of the most interesting, and yet the most difficult things to do is to be able to read the person you are dealing with. If only we could read people like we read a book... wouldn't life be more simple? Correspondingly, life will also be a lot less interesting.

However, it would be great if we could understand people at least a little better.

What are the ways in which we can read beyond the mask? What are the tell tale signs that show us that someone is hiding something... or even lying about something?

Are the available tools like the MBTI (Meyers and Briggs Type Indicator) practical... ?

Throughout this month, we explore how we can read people better, and hence be able to deal with them in a more effective manner.