by Hi All,
Here’s your weekly dose of “5-Bullet Tuesday”, list of things I’m enjoying or pondering.
Viral post I loved:
This is a hilarious video of how Obama shook hands with a security guard outside 10 Downing Street, while the host country’s own President grandly ignored the guard. Imagine the way 15 seconds episode influenced the people all through the world. The point is that as you go higher up in the organizational hierarchy, how you behave with any person creates a perception about you with everyone else.
Quote I’m pondering –
I still remember vividly what our Function Head of Finance, Mr Sandhan, said while everyone was dancing to the tunes of DJ at a corporate party. I also remember dancing harder after I heard him say that:
Point I’m trying to make is that as you rise the corporate ladder, you must be increasingly conscious about how you come across and what words you choose at corporate events, whether formal or informal. Imagine the impression it would leave on people if a senior person is fully drunk and behaving irresponsibly.
What I’m revisiting –
Matrix organizations structure is where you don’t have any direct reports but you still need to get your goals accomplished. Matrix org structure is explained well in the diagram below. This is where you could be a Project A Manager working with people allocated from across departments.
These organizations are more common in all industries and what is certain is that your positional power will play very little role in your success in such structures. To succeed, you’ll have to become a person of influence. A simple rule to follow is the 3 Cs – Consideration (for others), Confidence (Choose being a victor rather than a victim), Credibility (always think long term and build trust).
What I’ve learnt –
Yesterday was Gurupurab, Guru Nanak’s birthday. He was a person of influence and his teachings were so simple and yet so powerful, that it continues to touch so many lives. His three main teachings were: Earn your living truthfully, Remember the Almighty and Share your earnings with needy.
Video I loved –
If you know Punjabi, watch this video to learn more about Guru Nanak’s key teachings. This video is special because it has voiceover by my Toastmaster friend, Manvinder.
PS: If you like this broadcast, you may enjoy exploring more from me. You can connect with me at www.mohitsawhney.com.