The Joy of Mentoring

A long time friend/ex-reportee/mentee/ called me a while ago to share the news of his promotion into a very high post. Apparently I was the second person he called after sharing the news with his wife. He had thanked me for playing a role in his growth. Moments like this are to be cherished for life. It gives great satisfaction that someone you helped (definitely along with many other folks), has reached their potential. Many people ask me why I'm happy to spend/invest/waste (depending on who you talk) my time with mentees and the answer is just simple "there is a great joy in helping someone reach their potential". I'm sure most mentors would agree with this. Infact one of my mentor keeps an eye on how I'm mentoring my mentees and pushes me to expand my circle of influence. Other advantage of being in a mentor-mentee relationship is that you can build a great number of trusted relationships for life.

I'm particularly blessed with having a great set of mentors and mentees. I get to learn from both. I also notice that not many people seem to have mentors and I can tell that they are missing a lot.

Do you have mentors? Do you mentor someone? If not, why not?

RamP!

Reading list for Feb-2012

I wanted to read these books for long, but the copies for not available India, not was there a Kindle version. These are the three books I plan to read this month:

Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior
Ensuring team work amongst fiercely competitive individual contributors is how earn my living. Why not learn these principles from legendary coach Phil Jackson who had Michael Jordan on his team? Considered a maverick for his unorthodox coaching methods, Jackson demonstrates how he adapts the precepts of Zen Buddhism, the ways of the Lakota Sioux, and other alternative styles to the task of coaching the NBA 's Chicago Bulls. They range from group meditation sessions, to hanging Lakota warrior items on the locker room shelf, to splicing segments of the movie Wizard of Oz into game films to make a point.



Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being
I'm a big fan of Martin Seligman (author of Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism). Flourish builds on Dr. Seligman’s game-changing work on optimism, motivation, and character to show how to get the most out of life, unveiling an electrifying new theory of what makes a good life—for individuals, for communities, and for nations. In a fascinating evolution of thought and practice, Flourish refines what Positive Psychology is all about. While certainly a part of well-being, happiness alone doesn’t give life meaning. Seligman now asks, What is it that enables you to cultivate your talents, to build deep, lasting relationships with others, to feel pleasure, and to contribute meaningfully to the world? In a word, what is it that allows you to flourish?

Bring Out the Magic in Mind
This is an out-of-print, hard to find book written by Al Koran guess in early 1900s. The philosophy seems to be the same as the one taught in "The Secret" and other similar books - use the power of sub conscious mind to manifest things.

The Joy of Running

The Joy of Running

"Go as far as you can see. When you get there you'd be able to see farther"
                                                                        - Thomas Carlyle

I've been an ON-OFF-ON-OFF runner for about 4-5yrs now, with the longest stretch of running lasting for about 4-5weeks before hibernating for 4-5months. However, since Aug'11 I started running regularly taking my instructions from this lovely article in Zen Habits blog. I then discovered that I have a colleague who is a marathon runner and a coach himself. November this year, he enrolled me to Runners High - an organization dedicated for running. The lovely coaches over there have put us through a very systematic training routine and come 14-Jan, I'd be running my first 10K (A great coincidence that its happening on my birthday), in preparation for my first race scheduled on 12-Feb in Auroville, Pondicherry.

The training and the encouragement received in the last 8-9 weeks has been tremendous, thanks to passionate coaches, seniors who have achieved so much and who take special care to motivate us, novices and fellow trainees who help one another to achieve the best. The idea of this blog though is to share some very very interesting things that goes on in the mind and some very fascinating life lessons I seem to be learning every time I run. Here are some, not necessarily in the order of any importance:

1. The race is always with you and only with you: When running all that matters is how YOU are doing, thats all. Friends can cheer, coaches can push, mentors can cajole - but no one can run the race for you. Isn't this same in life? Why then we constantly keep comparing? Why can't we just focus on becoming a better person in comparison to ourselves.

2. Journey is the reward, not the destination: Yes, there are some races going around and you might win a prize or two. But nothing gives pure joy running in trails away from the city. During the misty days of December running into thick fog is almost a magical or even I'd say a divine experience. In life though, we often forget the journey chasing something or the other all the time. When was the last time you saw a sunrise, a full moon, smelt a rose or got drenched in the rain?

3. Its about overcoming self imposed limitations: Perhaps the biggest lesson. On my first day of training, I asked my coach whether its possible for first timers like me to be able to run 10K in about 12weeks. He said the first training is only to remove the cobwebs in the mind which seem to say "you can't do, you can't do". I ran 8.5K last Sat and now looking forward for my first 10K this Sat. Unless you actually do, you'd never know what you are capable of.


4. Its about "keeping it simple": Before my formal training started, I was paralyzed by the fear of never being able to run more than 2-3kms. The training has taught me not to worry about the end point, but to focus on running the 1st km, then 2nd, then 3rd etc., For beginners there always is an option of abandoning the race midway. But all of us have always completed the race. Why then, in life we complicate things and not achieve our potential.

5. Being "smart" is more important that being fast: I've learnt that running is all about managing your energy. The tale of tortoise and hare is drilled in. Any impulsive action is doomed. I now understand the true meaning of "in the long run". I've learnt to intelligently manage uphill (we tend to walk in these sections to conserve energy) and make it up in the downhill runs. I now better understand the meaning of "uphill" and "downhill". In life we seem to take many decision that appears to make sense in the short-term, we can always step back and see whether or not we are smart "in the long run". The learning is also to manage or survive the "uphill" moments and thrive during the "downhill" moments. And remember, you are bound to get a "downhill" after an uphill.

6. What matters most is not what you are getting, but who you are becoming: With due apologies to James Allen, I'd like to say "as you run, so shall you become". You won't get much prizes, nor big monies by running. Yet to hear a running version of a Sachin Tendulkar. There are additional benefits of being fit, strong, improve endurance etc., But running is more about stretching one's potential, breaking self imposed limitations and about becoming better and better everyday. We ought to be asking all the time "what am I becoming".

7. Self-Discipline: Self-discipline is the process that ties together all your efforts of controlling your mind, your personal initiative, positive mental attitude and controlling your enthusiasm. Many experts believe that self-discipline is the biggest differentiator between successful people and also rans (pun unintended). Want to learn some self-discipline, start running today.

8. Its the preparation, stupid: The training we are receiving every week is systematically pushing us towards success. Preparation is just not about running alone, its about training the right muscles, drills both at the beginning and at the end, and also about the gears. I can't believe that I was struglling to run 2-3kms just a few weeks ago. Seniors keep reminding us that we may not be interested in "just 10K runs" very soon. I'm fairly confident of doing a 21K run sometime towards the end of 2012. I wonder why we don't give such importance to prepare for everything that life throws up - be on the professional side or on the personal front. We seem to believe that just by simply turning up things will somehow pan out in the way we want, if not, we seem to be fine with that. How nice the life would be if we can prepare for every test that comes our way.

9. Solitude: A few minutes after the run begins the distance between you and co-runners would invariably widen. You suddenly start seeing things which you were never able to see. Solitude brings that kind of a power. I had not got the kind of solitude I get while running even during intense meditations. You start seeing lot of possibilities that were hidden. Solitude rejuvenates mind and body. At the end of the run one sees everyone smiling, though they are tired. Never underestimate the importance of solitude and being in the moment. When was the last time you took a solitude break?

10. Its a marathon and not a sprint: No need to elaborate on this. Just remember that life too is a marathon.


If you are running, would love to hear from you some lessons you'd have surely learnt while running.

Thank you very much,


RamP!
ramp.ramp@gmail.com

Reflections of 2011

After a tough 2010, 2011 was more than satisfying. While there is always scope to improve, I was able to achieve most of my goals - both on personal and professional fronts. As I completed my goals and the accompanying score card for 2012 today, I just thought of remembering a few things that gave immense satisfaction in 2011:

• BridgeCo, the India development center that I started and which I subsequently helped turn into the only engineering center got acquired. Some of the people that I have groomed and mentored continue to work there and I hear they are doing very well. For a teacher, parent, guru, mentor, nothing gives more satisfaction than the fact that the folks they helped are standing on their own. It is also a biggest gift for any leader. Well done folks!
• My reading is back on track, almost about a book per week on varied subjects. #books that I read is an indication of how am I doing in several other fronts.
• Started trekking! Formed a club of sorts with a set of all weather friends and we trekked in 3 different seasons and 3 different terrains. The best one was the one we did in Monsoon.
• Had fun with the family and we took three vacations in 2011, including a week long road trip covering distant places like Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram. More adventurous trips planned in 2012.
• Even my younger son started playing cricket and has been selected to represent the school, along with his elder brother. Made time to watch some of the matches they played and it was a different experience!
• I assumed responsibility as a Director on the board of SoL South Foundation (a not-for-profit society) and took additional responsibility as its Treasurer. Its an unique experience leading a bunch of volunteers. It also gives governance experience which is unmatched.
• Jumped to twitter bandwagon in April and have shared about 500 tweets mostly on technology. It has helped me to stay on top of things that are going on in the tech world and to expand the network.
• Was invited by IBM as a mentor for their Bangalore leg of Smartcamp and since then have been associated with the Smartcamps held around the world. Its a great experience to interact and share knowledge with young entrepreneurs and at the same time learn from industry veterans and VCs.
• At work, started with connectivity toolkits (WLAN, GPS, BT, Zigbee, etc.,) and later in the year was asked to lead all the toolkit development which includes cellular toolkits also (LTE, WCDMA, CDMA2k/EVDO etc.,). Learnt quite a lot on the job. It has been a special year for us as we are poised to cross $1B in revenues for the first time in our history. We are also named as Top-25 global companies to work for.

A thoroughly satisfying year. With recession looming large, I expect another year full of challenges and excitement.

So many people help you along the way. I want to thank the almighty and each one of my loved ones, friends,  and my mentors who continue to love me and help me grow - life would have been meaningless without you all.

Reading list for Jan-2012

The Myth of the Garage: And Other Minor Surprises

This a collection of the best columns written by celebrated authors - the Heath brothers for the Fast Company magazine. In Myth, the Heath brothers tackle some of the most (and least) important issues in the modern business world:
• Why you should never buy another mutual fund (“The Horror of Mutual Funds”)
• Why your gut may be more ethical than your brain (“In Defense of Feelings”)
• How to communicate with numbers in a way that changes decisions (“The Gripping Statistic”)
• Why the “Next Big Thing” often isn’t (“The Future Fails Again”)
• Why you may someday pay $300 for a pair of socks (“The Inevitability of $300 Socks”)

... and some more. Promises to be a very entertaining and insightful read. You can get your free copy (iTunes/Kindle/Nook/PDF) here.


Tom Peters Business School in a Box
The Tom Peters Business School in a Box helps you develop management expertise and try out business strategies without the risks of real-world failure. In this innovative simulation, you and a group of friends/colleagues gather at home or at work. You each play the role of a key executive and together face a major business challenge. You think... argue... negotiate... make critical decisions, then analyze the results and evaluate your performance. Executives, managers, front-line workers, entrepreneurs and students who have used this simulation all agree: they learn--about business and about themselves--as they never have before


Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living your Dreams
I have become a big fan of Mike Dooley after reading his Notes from the Universe. Mike Dooley argues manifesting the magnificence of our dreams isn’t about hard work, but rather about belief and expectation. These principles transcend belief, realizing the truth about our human nature.




Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life
Now considered a classic, Creative Visualization teaches readers how to use their imaginations to manifest their deepest desires. In a straight-talking narrative, Shakti Gawain uses the first part to cover the basics, with chapters such as "How to Visualize," "Affirmations," and "Creative Visualization Only Works for the Good." Once she shows readers how visualization actually works, Gawain moves on to loftier discussions, such as "Contacting Your Higher Self," "Meeting Your Guide," "Setting Goals," and "Treasure Maps."

Reading list for Dec-2011

Two weeks ago I just counted #books in my personal library. I have a proud collection of 630 real/physical books and about 170 kindle books. I also noted that I haven't read about 70 of physical books and over 100 kindle books. Thats about 3 years of stuff, even if I read one book per month. That didn't ofcourse stop me from buying 7 books in the annual Strand book festival. Reading book has become an addiction, well almost. Many people ask me why do you read so many books? My answer is simple - its better than watching TV and killing time. Some of these also seem to be thinking that this guy has not grown much, though he seem to be reading so many books, but are afraid to tell so directly. Anyways, I ignore them as their opinion is immaterial.

Tough month at work. Have only two books planned this month:


Confession of a Venture Capitalist: Inside the high-stakes world of start-up financing
I'm a start-up guy at heart. Having seen the VC industry closely as a part of my job, I'm always intrigued by the mystery and charm of this industry. I'd be reading many books about VC funding and chose this one as the first.

The author, a VC herself, reveals an insider view of the VC industry. The chapters are short and looks like an easy read (though the review comments are bad).

Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success
I'm a big fan of Napoleon Hill and reckon his Think and Grow Rich is one of the must read for anyone who can read. I was surprised to know that this particular book of his was unpublished as Hill wanted it to be done only after his death. So, I jumped and grabbed a copy when the book was released in India.

Using his legendary ability to get to the root of human potential, Napoleon Hill digs deep to identify the greatest obstacles we face in reaching personal goals: fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy, as tools of the Devil. These hidden methods of control can lead us to ruin, and Hill reveals the seven principles of good that will allow us to triumph over them and succeed.

When LinkedIn Has A Problem With Your Name

My name is RamPrasad Moudgalya. Readers of this blog and people in my professional circle know me mostly as RamP!. No one had any problem with my name or nickname if you will. Or so I thought. But LinkedIn has a problem. They have problem with my putting professional nickname also in my LinkedIn page. They said it is not professional - "(RamP!) undermines the professional nature of our site and services" . They have threatened to delete my LinkedIn account if I don't comply.

I've two problems with this.

First, the interaction from their customer care center was one that of an intimidation. I had (free) premium account with them and wanted them to "downgrade" me back to the basic account (I was not willing to $20 just to see a bigger list of people "who saw my profile"). I requested them to do this change and in response they said "Once these changes have been made, please reply so I can assist you with canceling your subscription". Afraid that it was one of their tricks to make me pay for the premium account, by delaying the downgrading,  I tried removing my credit card details and realized you cannot do that.

I wrote a lengthy mail saying:
- That my name has got nothing to do with canceling premium services
- That their mail amounts almost to blackmail
- That I have name like that ever since I opened my account, 6 years ago
- That I'm indeed known as "RamP"  (people recommending me on LinkedIn have called me RamP, my twitter ID is @ramp, my gmail is ramp.ramp@gmail.com etc.,)
- That I'm trying to build my personal brand around this word.
- That I should be allowed to talk to someone higher up and get a waiver

I got a response that they had a discussion about my name and they can allow RamP, but not RamP!. Currently my name in LinkedIn appears as RamPrasad "RamP!" Moudgalya and they want it to be changed to RamPrasad (RamP) Moudgalya. Thank god they seem to be OK with the name my parents choose and my surname. Surely, Reid Hoffman has some brilliant set of people in his staff (I wonder how he'd react to someone in his team strictly going by the rulebook and not using an iota of discretion and being a little polite in their communication).

I do see a bigger problem. I just realized that in the absence of another similar network, we have given complete control to LinkedIn. LinkedIn is so vital in getting connected to world professionals, remain competitive and be up-to-date. I've no option but to comply with their dictat, unless someone helps me connect with Hoffman.

BTW, I added the humble exclamation mark infront of my name after being inspired by managment uber guru Tom Peters. The red exclamation mark stands for the "Spirit of WOW" - for the people who understand what "WoW" is and can be and NOT for the "spirit of bureaucracy" - sorry LinkedIn you disappoint.

Thank you very much,


RamP!
ramp.ramp@gmail.com