Saturday 17 December 2016

Free Chapter ― Professor M.S.Rao’s Upcoming Book “Soft Leadership for Millennials: Leading Generational Differences in the Workplace Successfully”





Dear friends,

Here is the free chapter of my upcoming book tentatively titled, “Soft Leadership for Millennials: Leading Generational Differences in the Workplace Successfully.” You may share your thoughts about this book on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.

Introduction

“I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: 'Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our grandparents'.” ― Jose Rizal

There are several generational cohorts globally based on duration of their birth. Currently there are four generations active in the workplace. They are the Silent Generation (born mid-1920s to early 1940s); Baby Boomers (born early 1940s to early 1960s); Generation X (born early 1960s to early 1980s); Millennials who are also referred with different names including Generation Y (born early 1980s to early 2000s).

Globally the population of the millennials is growing rapidly. A study shows that by 2020, millennials will be approximately 50 percent of the U.S. workforce, and by 2030, 75 percent of the global workforce. It throws several challenges and opportunities for global organizations. The opportunities outnumber the challenges because millennials are responsible and committed to advance their professional careers and add value to society through nonprofits.  


Who are Millennials?

When you look at eminent people including Mark Zuckerberg, Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger, Malala Yousafzai, Taylor Carol, Nadir Vissanjy, Britney Spears, Amy Schumer, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, and Usain Bolt; they are all millennials.

Millennials are also known as Generation Me, Nexters, Baby Boom Echo Generation, Echo Boomers, Digital Natives and Generation Next. They are the demographic cohort following Generation X. They are ambitious, smart, brilliant and technologically savvy. They belong to a different school of thought unlike older generations. Their mindset is unique, tool set is rapid, and skill set is advanced. Precisely, they are a different, not indifferent to older generations. They bring unique ideas and insights to the table irrespective of the industry and area they work. They are often criticized as impatient and overambitious to make money. They are also criticized for being indifferent with the older generations in the workplace.  There are several factors influencing millennials globally including parenting, technology, impatience, and environment.


The Millennial Mindset

Millennials don’t have preconceived notions and perceptions because they view the world independently. They are better educated. They respect others’ cultures, and appreciate diversity.  They are better volunteers than older generations. They believe in quality, not quantity. They cannot be carried away by others blindly. They cannot be instigated by others easily. They want to be convinced first before arriving at solutions and conclusions.

Millennials are collaborative learners. They prefer soft copies to hard copies. They prefer smartphones to PCs. They don’t appreciate micromanagement. They want to experiment to learn lessons. 

They are constantly bombarded with technology and information. They find it difficult to cope up with it. Yet they enjoy volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. They get bored easily with their regular assignments and routine tasks. Hence, they take frequent career breaks to recharge themselves.  

Millennials are Mr. Cools. They don’t care when heavens fall. They think of crossing the bridge when it comes. They don’t put the cart before the horse. They want the horse come to the cart. They don’t compromise with less. They want more. Loyalty is skin-deep.  


Advantages for Millennials

Millennials don’t have pre-conceived mindset as they have not tasted failures.  They are virgin in their views and thoughts.  They are fresh in their approaches and attitudes.  Additionally, age excites them to dream, think and achieve big.  They are blessed with novel thoughts.  Even if they fail and fall age supports them as they are young, and can bounce back with energy and enthusiasm. They were born at the right time of history where the technology is growing rapidly throwing several opportunities open. For any success, timing is also equally important.  Hence, the Generation Y is also called Generation Why for their questioning, and is blessed with several strategic, technological and educational advantages to take on the challenges for leaving a mark behind for others to follow.

Millennials are blessed with intellectual curiosity and energy and enthusiasm.  Wisdom is not the prerogative of the experienced people.  Anyone can possess. Several Information Technology companies encourage young people for innovative ideas for several solutions.  With the changing times and technologies millennials are going to take on the world much faster and smarter way as the older generations are busy with their problems and pre-conceived mindsets.  The millennials are energetic, and dare to be different.  They want to be unique and go by the road less traveled.  They can see the invisible and they can see possible in impossible and, finally, they make things happen.


Mark Zuckerberg ― An International Millennial Icon

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook is an inspiration to millennials globally. He is many things to many people, and is the young century’s first millennial CEO.  Most millennials draw inspiration from this entrepreneurial icon to excel as entrepreneurs. Studies show that 40% of millennials and budding entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 state that Mark Zuckerberg is their business role model.

Mark Zuckerberg surprised the world with his innovative and creative internet technology and raised the hopes of billions of youth by dreaming and achieving big.  He busted traditional leadership myth that leadership is exclusively for experienced and elderly.  

What counts at the end of the day is passion.  It is the first and foremost thing that determines your success. Mark Zuckerberg was passionate about programming since childhood.  He was, in fact, a programming prodigy.  He was constantly working in internet and computer related activities since childhood.  His father arranged tuitions to enable the Mark to grow in his passionate domain of programming.

Mark Zuckerberg has become a symbol of hope, role model and inspiration for youth internationally.  He broke the traditional barriers and dreamt big and succeeded as the world’s youngest billionaire.  


Conclusion

Irrespective of the nations, regions, and cultures the mindset of the millennials remains more or less same. Hence, the organizations must do research to find out what touches and inspires them to connect with them to create compatibility in the workplace. When you know that you must work with all generations in the workplace, the best option is to understand, empathize and appreciate to achieve the desired outcomes.


“Be kind, don't judge, and have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better place. The point is to teach this to the next generation.” ― Jasmine Guinness


Note: Here is the link to purchase my bestselling book '21 Success Sutras for CEOs' https://lnkd.in/eqwk9uZ  



Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Sunday 11 December 2016

“Professor M.S.Rao ― Guest Speaker for HRDF Conference and Exhibition 2016, Malaysia ― Malaysia Truly Asia”








“There's good economic progress in Malaysia. People have a lot to look forward to.” ― Najib Razak


The PSMB, Malaysia organized the prestigious Human Resources annual event, the HRDF Conference and Exhibition 2016, themed “Orchestrating Success: Leading, Engaging, Reinventing” from 6th to 7th December 2016 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Dato’ CM Vignaesvaran is its CEO. RA.Thiagaraja is the President of Malaysia Training Providers Association. I was invited as a guest speaker to deliver speech on my bestselling book, '21 Success Sutras for CEOs' URL: https://lnkd.in/eqwk9uZ. Other eminent speakers include Jean-François Manzoni, President of IMD Business School, Switzerland; and Kate Sweetman. I immediately accepted the invitation as I have special bonding with Malaysia. I often visit Malaysia since I serve as an adviser and judge for Global Leadership Awards Malaysia URL: http://globalleadershipawards.com/HTML/judges.html and to keynote conferences. I also serve as a judge and adviser for Middle East Business Leaders Summits & Awards, Dubai URL: http://www.meblsa.com/judges.html. The event was organized professionally and it was a grand success. I successfully delivered my speech on my award-winning book and returned India with sweet memories from Malaysia. Here are my views on Malaysia.

I was very much excited the way Malaysians stick to their commitment and work on tight schedules. Everything rolled out as per the schedule. They manage their time effectively.


Malaysia ― Truly Asia

“Malaysia is a country unlike any other: Full of promise and fragility. Its history, cultural and religious diversity make it a rich, compelling and surprising land.”  ― Tariq Ramadan

I personally like Malaysia for its unity in diversity. It is a multiethnic and multicultural nation, and a replica of Asia. It is popularly known as mini Asia ― Truly Asia. Malaysians live together with peace and harmony despite having different races, ethnicities, religions, cultures and communities. They are emotionally one as Malaysians. People are very warm and friendly. It is a wonderful land with lots of places to visit. It is an ideal tourist destination for the people across the world. The Malaysian government takes exclusive interest to build its human capital, and takes several initiatives to develop people through learning and development programs. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak has taken several initiatives to build a strong economy. He has taken several initiatives to improve knowledge, skills and abilities of Malaysians to enhance employability and employment.


Conclusion

I observed Malaysia shining with several developmental activities. The technology is getting updated, and people are on the move with optimism and dynamism. It is a unique land everyone must explore. 


“In spite of the huge diversity in Malaysia in terms of religion, culture, race, ethnicity and so forth, we've really gone very far in developing this country.” ― Najib Razak

References



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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2016 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Thursday 3 November 2016

“Professor M.S.Rao Received 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of "Excellence in Youth Development”





“There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel


I am incredibly excited to inform you that I received 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015 for Lifetime Achievement in the field of "Excellence in Youth Development” on October 31, 2016 which coincides with my birth anniversary. I received this award from Shri Bimal Prasad Singh, the former Governor of Sikkim in New Delhi, India. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation gives away these awards annually to various achievers for their contribution. It is a great honor to receive this prestigious international award as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of the leaders I admire the most. 

This award is recognition of my services and contribution to youth development and youth empowerment. I started a nonprofit ‘Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders’ to build one millions students as global leaders and I have trained more than 30,000 students as global leaders URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html  I am passionate about developing students as global leaders and I dedicate this award to global youth who are the real power and on whose shoulders the future of the world depends.


Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Profile

Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat in India. He was a farmer by birth. He became a lawyer and freedom fighter, and is revered as the ‘Iron Man of India.’ He is affectionately called Sardar (chief or leader in English) Vallabhbhai Patel in India. He rose from humble origins. Mahatma Gandhi was his mentor. He was a man of very few words and was firm in his convictions. He played a crucial role for India’s Independence along with other leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

I admire Sardar Patel for his exemplary leadership and will power.  As India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, he contributed greatly to India’s unity and integrity. His heroic role to integrate princely states to Indian federation is commendable. He demonstrated his political brilliance by integrating Hyderabad state (Nizam) through police action. He was a charismatic leader who had the ability to inspire people to join India’s freedom struggle. He demonstrated it many times including Kheda and Bardoli agitations. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day in India. He died on 15 December 1950.  Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in 1991. Indian Government began celebrating his birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) from 2014. 


Leadership Lessons from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

“Faith is of no avail in absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

There are several leadership lessons to learn from him. Here are some them:

Be Bold: He was a bold leader who did not hesitate to make tough decisions in pre-Independent and post-Independent India.  He led from the front without any fear or favor. He was unconcerned about unhealthy criticism. He was courageous to integrate Hyderabad and Junagarh whose leaders resisted joining India. He became a role model and inspiration for other freedom fighters in India for his courageous decisions.
Be Clear, Firm and Determined: He was clear, firm and determined without any wavering mind. He was a team leader and an amazing organization builder. He was decisive and believed in straightforward leadership.
Be a Decision-Maker: He was a decision-maker. He proved critics wrong who predicted that India would disintegrate soon after acquiring independence. He successfully integrated all princely Indian states into Indian Union. He advocated Indian civil services strongly and stood firmly when there was severe criticism against it. Hence, he is also known as the "Patron saint of India's civil servants."
Be a Strategist: He was a great strategist with a strong vision to integrate India as one nation and as a strong nation. His vision and strategy laid foundation stones for a strong and vibrant India. Additionally, he was a troubleshooter who showed right direction to the nation after attaining independence. He is highly admired for accomplishing the integration of princely states of India.
Adopt Carrot and Stick Policy: He was practical leader who bridged the gap between idealism and realism. He offered carrot to princely states to integrate into Indian Union. He adopted stick policy for those who failed to fall in line. 
Be an Effective Negotiator: He was a skillful negotiator who built consensus amongst the different castes and communities through trust and transparency. He had the ability to carry all sections of people with his persuasion and negotiation skills. Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, "Sardar Patel’s name will live forever in history. He is the Architect of Modern India. He was a wise counselor in the hour of trial, a trustworthy friend and a mine of courage and inspiration."
Learn when to Hold and when to Fold: He knew when to hold and when to fold. Once he made a decision, he never looked back. He moved forward irrespective of the outcome. Most of his decisions were successful. He had the courage and conviction. That is why he is also known as the ‘Bismarck of India.’

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a unique freedom fighter who had the moral courage to oppose great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru on ideological issues. Several nations failed to address their challenges when they acquired independence because they did not have leaders like Sardar Patel.


Conclusion

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a phenomenal leader of India. His actions spoke louder than words. He was the most powerful man of his time. He is remembered for his political brilliance, sacrifices and services. He was a great patriot and nationalist. His spirit is still alive, energizing and guiding India currently. We need more Sardar Patels to inspire Indian youth. Indian youth must learn lessons from Sardar Patel to work for national unity and integrity.

In spite of having ideological differences with Pundit Nehru Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked with team spirit to ensure smooth transition from pre-independence to post-independence era. We Indians are proud to have such a great nationalist and patriot. He was one of the tallest Indian freedom fighters who will be remembered forever for his contributions. We must emulate his ideas and ideals to build a secular, strong and united India. Jai Hind!


“No distinctions of caste and creed should hamper us. All are the sons and daughters of India. We should all love our country and build our destiny on mutual love and help.” ― Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel


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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2016 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.


Saturday 1 October 2016

“Gandhi Jayanti 2016 Special ― Praying for Peace across Indo-Pak Border after India’s Surgical Strikes” ―Professor M.S.Rao





“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” ― Mahatma Gandhi


It is untimely to write an article of this kind imploring both India and Pakistan to stay united and collaborate especially when the tensions are high across the Indo-Pakistan border. At the same time, it is timely to write an article to preach and practice non-violence and truth on the eve of Gandhiji’s birth anniversary which is celebrated on October 02 every year. First let us address the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in today’s world.


Is Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy Relevant in Today’s World?

After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi many people opined that Gandhi would be forgotten soon and his ideologies would fade away quickly. However, Gandhi and Gandhism still lives in the hearts and minds of not only Indians but also the people across the world. He is not only a national leader but also an international leader who influenced many leaders including 6 Nobel laureates for Peace ― Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, Adolfo Perez Esquivel and Barack Obama.


India and Pakistan must Collaborate to Grow as a Super Power

Mahatma Gandhi was against the partition of India. He always strove for unity among all religions and communities. He wanted both Pakistanis and Indians to live like brothers. It is time for these countries to join together to make a better world. Pakistanis admire Indian film stars and Indians admire Pakistani singers. Why not to have a synergy between both of us?  Let us forget our unpleasant past. Let us start our life on a clean slate. Both India and Pakistan have brotherly relations for many years, and they cannot be separated by these politicians through geographical borders.

The leaders who divided people are always villains while the leaders who united people are always the heroes. When you look at Abraham Lincoln who was the first Republican President and the 16th President of America, he led during the turbulent times of Civil War in America and became a hero because he emphasized the unity of America and finally achieved it. 

The politicians from India and Pakistan were responsible for the division of India into two parts. It was Mahatma Gandhi who pioneered the unity of India and Pakistan. When you look at Pakistan, it could not grow rapidly due to division. If India and Pakistan remained as one country, we would have grown as a super power by now. It is unfortunate that the political leaders from India and Pakistan often indulge in rhetoric against each other to incite people to cover up their internal incapacities. These games must be checked. All efforts must be made to bring both brothers together.

Competition kills while collaboration thrills. India and Pakistan must collaborate to grow in all aspects to build a better world. Conflicts bring ill-will among the people. Hence, bringing both Pakistan and India under one platform is always good for both India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan must collaborate forgetting their unpleasant past. The Indians and the Pakistanis are alike in attitude and mindset. They are like brothers. The only difference is the religion. But there are many religions in India who live together under one roof with peace and harmony. Hence, it is very much possible for both Indians and Pakistanis to unite and live like brothers. We lived together for many years. We have been separated for only 69 years.  When Germany could unite as one nation, why not India and Pakistan unite as one nation?   Remember, everything is possible in the world. A right educational system presenting both countries in a positive perspective will pave the way for collaboration and unity between these two countries. Indians and Pakistanis must avoid antagonistic attitude against each other to unite under one platform to become a great country and a super power in the world. To summarize, India and Pakistan are like brothers who have been separated by politicians. They have similar culture, attitude and value system. They lived together for many years. They share similar culture and value system. Separation of India and Pakistan is only a geographical one, not psychological one. Both must work together to achieve peace and prosperity.


Surgical Strikes and Tensions across Indo-Pak Border

“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” ― Nelson Mandela

Currently the emotions are running high in both countries after the Uri attacks. What is essential now is reason, logic and analysis rather than being carried away by emotions.

While I appreciate the initiative taken by our beloved Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to conduct surgical air strikes, I implore him to exercise restraint as we Indians demonstrated our might by avenging for Uri attacks. War is not the solution for any country in the world. As a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, I sincerely believe that dialogue is the only solution. If war is declared it does no good for both India and Pakistan. It is beneficial for China and US. Are we here to benefit others? Are we here to progress? We must think.


Mahatma Gandhi is Mortal and his Philosophy is Immortal

I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. 26 years ago, I read Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth when I was serving in Indian Air Force. I was inspired by his ideas and ideals. I learned many things from this great soul such as walking the talk, caring for others, respecting women, emphasizing right means to achieve ends, and leading a simple life. 

Mahatma Gandhi’s impact on mankind is eternal. His ideals and ideas are immortal. In a nutshell, his principles are eternal and his leadership is everlasting. The global citizens must contribute their best without craving for any recognition, and take a pledge to inculcate his principles and philosophies to build a better world.


Conclusion

Hatred doesn’t have any place in the world. Love is the only way to connect with the world. Love breaks all barriers including political, social, cultural, religious, racial and national. We are all the branches of one tree. The root is one. The world is our root; branches are the nations; and leaves are the people. Let us appreciate the fact that we all have originated from one place and we all belong to one family. Hence, the whole world is one family. Although we are separated by regions, nations, and borders people remain the same at the core level. The children are born innocent but the environment brings them up as per their faiths, regions, religions and nations. Hence, let us focus on bringing the children with a global mindset with a universal brotherhood to achieve the ultimate objective of global peace and prosperity.


“War does not determine who is right - only who is left.” ― Bertrand Russell

Note: This article has been adapted from my upcoming book ‘Professor M.S.Rao’s Vision 2030: One Million Global Leaders’. Kiran Bedi wrote foreword. I dedicated this book to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Read free chapters http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in/2015/07/sample-chapter-professor-msraos.html

References




If you like this article, Like and share Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Professor-MSRao/451516514937414




Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015